Terrence C. "Terry" Kureth

All our days are numbered. We now know that Terry Kureth had 30,322 days to savor, enjoy, endure, and experience. He lived his days deeply and fully; he wanted all to join him. Terry did just about everything. Falling in love and marrying his college sweetheart Ann, he enlisted in the Army where he jumped out of planes, operated heavy equipment and was saved from duty in the mud and rain because he could type. He made great friends. After his term of service, he wanted to move on; the Army wanted him to stay.

He went to college and became the kind of teacher they make movies about. (Had Hollywood suggested it, he would have laughed it off, and politely suggested someone else.) Terry was loved by his students and coworkers alike. He taught more than English, he taught skiing, and chaperoned many ski trips in the state and the Rocky Mountains. He took annual fishing trips with his teaching buddies and enjoyed 20 years of camp smoke, mosquitoes and great camaraderie. Summers were spent traveling and camping with his family. After 30 years of loving teaching, mentoring, caring, and inspiring, he was ready to retire. Southfield Public Schools wanted him to stay.

Enamored with the outdoor life, Terry was especially enthusiastic about skiing, both downhill and cross-country. In retirement he got to share so much with his wife of 60 years. They traveled the country visiting friends and relatives, and making more friends. What didn’t they do? More skiing, long distance biking, hiking, kayaking, laughing, loving, reading, being silly. Working at Boyne Mountain Terry took on another teaching stint instructing people how to cross-country ski as a certified XC ski instructor.  He participated and did well in many VASA races, always striving to improve his times. Enjoying his time there, and his new friends, once again it was time to retire. The Cross Country Ski Center at Boyne Mountain wanted him to stay.

Terry was crazy about his kids, and totally enamored with his grandchildren. When any of them walked into the room, it was the best day ever, every time. When you were with Terry, you were happy and laughing and appreciated. His illness was a frustration because it prevented him from doing the activities he so loved. There were so many adventures he and Ann still wanted to take! Terry took his final journey with his family at his bedside. It was time for him to go. We really wanted him to stay.

Those who have gone before have greeted him with boundless joy. His mother, Nancy (Conlin) Kureth; Beloved grandmother, Mable Goldie (Roush) Kureth; beloved grandparents Captain Louis B. Conlin & Lucinda (Laffrey) Conlin; sister, Andrea (Kureth) Mortier and her husband Morice Mortier; niece, Kelley Mortier; and other dear relatives and friends.

If you desire to honor him with a donation, please make it to your local food bank in his name.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with his family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com