Kurt Henri Van Horssen's Obituary
Kurt Henri Van Horssen, age 67, passed away Friday at Medi Lodge at the Shore of natural causes. He was born on July 21, 1952, in Grand Haven, to Robert and Virginia (Raskiewicz) Van Horssen and graduated from Grand Haven High School. As a young man Kurt worked as a tile and carpet installer and served his country in the Army National Guard. Kurt’s life took a twist in September of 1990 when he experienced respiratory and cardiac arrest while recovering from surgery. At that time, doctors informed family that he would probably remain comatose for the remainder of his life. However, Kurt had other plans. As a result of this incident Kurt became a quadriplegic but with determination and help from many experts, family, and friends, Kurt went on to lead a full life. He was able to travel to Hawaii, parasail, go on a cruise, do horseback riding, go swimming, shoot off Roman candles with his brother Chad, and go to Sunday morning bowling with siblings using a ramp designed by cousin Tommy Streng! He was also surrounded and encouraged by his extended family who made sure that he was included and welcomed at all family events. Through Kurt we all learned even more about all the good people of the world. To all the health care people who touched his life we thank you. To all those who advocate for the rights of those with disabilities we say thank you. To all our friends and families who reached out to him we thank you. We would be remiss if we did not mention Greg Fodrocy who, for the past twenty-nine years, has taken such good care of him. When you remember Kurt please remember that he always maintained his sense of humor and smile. He never once complained about his physical problem. If you asked him if he felt “cheated” in life he would simply say “better me than one of my children.“ Kurt, you are now whole and by now have met up with Joshua, Mom and Dad, and your brothers Bobby, Eric, and Chad. Soar like an eagle and try to behave. You will be missed. We all love you.
Kurt is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Lindsey (Al) Broene, two sons, Eran (Stevie) Van Horssen and Jesse Van Horssen; five grandchildren: Dominick, Kennedy, Aiden, Madisyn Van Horssen, CoraLinda Broene; two sisters, Susan (Greg) Fodrocy and Melissa Marcinkus; four brothers: Leif (Barb) Van Horssen, Gunther (Alice) Van Horssen, Matthew Van Horssen, Hans (Jen) Van Horssen; sister-in -law, Kathe Van Horssen; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Joshua in 1979, his parents and three brothers, Robert Jr., Eric Sr., and Chad Van Horssen.
A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, June 12, 2020, at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Charles Schwartz as celebrant. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the mass at church. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Lori’s Voice are appreciated. Due to the safety concerns from Covid-19 virus, a celebration of life for Kurt will be held on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend in May of 2021.
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