Kirk Lloyd Curtis passed away peacefully on September 17, 2021 at the age of 78 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in Lansing, MI, the son of Helen and Lloyd Curtis on December 3, 1942. He was raised on a dairy farm in Stockbridge.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary (Ward) Curtis; six children: Rebecca (William) Mayer, Charles (Juli), Shannon (Jennifer), Nathan, Johnathon (Megan), and Benjamin (Sara) Curtis; sixteen grandchildren: Chelsea Ozuch, William Mayer, Caroline (Scott) Johnson, Allison (Clint) Clark, Collin Curtis, Tori Curtis, Camryn Ozuch, Schuyler Curtis, Alexander Mayer, Olivia Curtis, Xavier Curtis, Jack Curtis, Isla Curtis, Owen Curtis, Leo Curtis and Samuel Curtis; two great-grandchildren: Mason and Saylor Johnson; one brother, Colin (Melody) Curtis; in-laws: Monte Shuck, Joan Bumpus, and Terry and Phyllis Ward. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Helen and Lloyd, sister, Carol Shuck, and infant daughter, Mary Beth.
Kirk graduated Salutatorian from Dansville High School in 1961. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Michigan State University in 1964. He later earned his Masters Degree in 1966 from Eastern Michigan University. He began his professional career at Hunt Jr. High School in Jackson, Michigan where he taught Civics and Social Studies. He then transitioned into his career in labor relations with the Michigan Education Association, retiring as Associate Executive Director for Uniserv after 38 years.
He was very active in local, state, and national politics, including a run for State Senate. Kirk was passionate about athletics and youth sports. He served as a certified sports official with the MHSAA in basketball for over 30 years, and as a volunteer youth coach. He was active in his local community and involved with the Stockbridge High School Athletic Boosters and instrumental in establishing the SHS soccer program.
Kirk was also an ardent Michigan State Spartan fanatic and has held season basketball tickets for the last 59 years; and he dearly loved to watch his Spartans play. GO GREEN!
You could find Kirk regularly tending to his vegetable and flower gardens, in addition to looking for deals at estate auctions and garage sales. He believed in youth development, being a dedicated 4-H member and leader, and at one point served as Ingham County Fair Board President.
Visitation will be at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI on Friday, September 24, 2021 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney, MI on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Athletic Boosters, St. Mary Catholic Church, Pinckney, White Oak 4-H Club, or a charity of your choice.
