Mr. Daniel J. "Kurly" Kurlenda

Mr. Daniel J. “Kurly” Kurlenda age 77 of Grand Rapids went to be with the Lord on Saturday December 16, 2017. He was preceded in death by his son Timothy; parents John and Rose; siblings Helen (Herman) Funk, Joseph Wos, Stanley (Lucille) Wos, Mary (Eugene) Andrysiak, Ed (Rose) Kurlenda, Casimer (Elaine) Kurlenda, Leo Kurlenda and Sally Rose (Casimir) Sak; his mother and father in law Betty and Jack Bronkema; sister in law Bonnie Stowell, brothers-in-law, Chester Karpowicz and Ronald Kaminski and several nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his high school sweetheart, and wife of 53 years Carol L. Kurlenda (Bronkema); also known as “his bride” as he affectionately called her, his son Christopher; his grandchildren Savannah (Andy) Mains, Raegan, Karlie and Brady Kurlenda; great grandchildren Adeline, Emmitt and Charlotte Mains and one more on the way; sisters Stephany Karpowicz and Lucy Kaminski; sister in law Rosemarie Wos; brothers in law Richard (Diane) Bronkema and Earl Stowell; many loving nieces and nephews. Dan received his Master’s Degree in Education from Michigan State University graduating with honors. He taught for 23 years in the Grand Rapids Public School System at Stocking Elementary and Westwood Middle, Iroquois Middle and South East Academic Center, CA Frost, East Leonard and the Shared Time Program. After his teaching career he acquired Duck’s Restaurant and later transitioned it to Kurly’s Korner. Dan had a passion for classic cars, owning several and proudly displaying them at car shows through the years, owning his 1953 Ford since high school. He enjoyed playing golf for many years at the Highlands and traveling with friends to play golf up north. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church where he will repose one hour prior to the Mass. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW where the Rosary will be prayed Wednesday at 8:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, American Heart Association or Kid’s Food Basket.

Tributes

Mr. Daniel J. "Kurly" Kurlenda

April 8, 1940 - December 16, 2017