Lee Kurty

Lee Kurty

Lee “Santa” Kurty, born April 9, 1956, in Owosso, MI, passed away surrounded by loved ones on October 19, 2024. To know him, was to love him.

Raised in Niles, MI, Lee grew up wildly independent, hardworking, determined, a touch on the naughty side, and tough as nails. In his teen years, he attended Niles Community Schools and met the most beautiful woman named Carol Bays who later became his wife of 44 years. Lee and Carol were each other’s partners spending many hours together fishing, spending time with friends and family, vacationing up north, camping, watching movies, and playing cards. Carol was Lee’s soulmate! Their bond was a beautifully written love story.

 Together they raised two girls Amy and Nikki. Lee was the absolute best dad, putting his children first, always, and fully supporting both girls in all their endeavors. In 2010, his title changed to grandpa, a job he took very seriously. He lived for spending time with his four grandchildren; Cam, he shared his love of fishing and sports; Molly, the only girl he spent treating like a princess taking her shopping and doting on her; Dylan, sharing a love of all sports and later beating each other in sports video games, and last but not least, being a personal wrestling partner to the youngest Michael, whom he was often sprawled out on the carpet practicing with. Grandpa Lee was often seen supporting his grandkids at their local sporting events, plays, and concerts as their biggest fan.

Lee learned at a young age the value of a dollar and worked hard to support his family. He worked long days as an apprentice journeyman, and later became a tool and die maker. He worked for companies American Tool and Die, Capital, and eventually retired in 2022 from AAA Tool & Die Co. Using his skills he helped countless companies build top notch machinery. He told many stories of building a camaraderie with people he worked with along the way.

In 2010, Lee decided he wanted to become Santa Claus for his first-born grandchild. Realizing he was a pretty good Santa, he started picking up odd jobs to help start college funds for all his grandkids. Slowly, Lee morphed into a real Santa, bringing joy and belief to so many.

Lee is survived by his daughters Amy (Chad) Larsen, Nikki(Mike)Small, four grandchildren Cam and Dylan Larsen, Molly and Michael Small, his brother Will Kurty, sister Karla Schadler, sister in law Judy Brockway, and father in law Jacob Bays. Along with many other friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father Bill and Charlotte Kurty, his beloved wife Carol Kurty, younger sister Lisa Kurty, mother in law Barb Bays, and brother in law Donald Bays.

Lee was larger than life and his personality was one for the record books. He was an avid fisher and hunter. He also had the most ridiculously funny stories. If you were lucky enough to be a part of his inner circle you knew he loved big. After his wife Carol passed in June 2024 something changed in Lee. A sadness that was unimaginable at times. Carol was all he ever knew. We know the pull to be with her again was great and we take peace in knowing they are reunited again.

Please help us celebrate Lee on November 16th at the Niles FOP Lodge, 531 N State St, Niles, MI 40120 from 2-5pm. Lee wasn’t a fancy guy, so please come in a favorite Christmas sweater or UofM gear.

In Lieu of flowers, new toys can be brought and will be donated on Lee’s behalf to Londyn’s Legacy and the YWCA of Kalamazoo, MI. Or monetary donations can be made to JDRF, Breakthrough T1D, PO Box 5042, Hagestown, MD 21741-5042 

While visiting Lee’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080 (269-685-5881).