KURT K. HAAXMA

This kind and loving man, Kurt K. Haaxma, went home to be with His Lord and Savior for Christmas fulfilling the desire of his heart being “rapture ready” surrounded by prayer, singing and the love of his family and pastor on Dec. 24, 2023. Kurt was the son of William and Dorothy (Libbee) Haaxma born in Ann Arbor on April 23, 1942. He married Marjorie (Werth) Bluck on June 10, 1983, where they began their journey. Margie, who he lovingly referred to as “his bride”, and Kurt were married for 40 years this past June. They enjoyed daily prayers together for family, friends, and nation. Their honeymoon was spent in Israel, tracing the footsteps of Jesus. Their 25th wedding anniversary was spent in Greece tracing Paul’s missionary journey. They both loved to fish from their boat called “Banner High” on Lake Huron. He loved the Lord and was also a fisher of men.

He grew up in Ann Arbor and earned a bachelor’s degree from Cleary College in Industrial Management. He loved and served his country in active duty in the Vietnam War. He was a true American in his political beliefs of respect for God and Country.

He had a natural gift for teaching and helping others. He worked for Kepner Tregoe Co., a management teaching organization providing teaching seminars for employees of large companies like GM and other business corporations on Problem Solving and Time Management, for several years. Those skills transferred nicely to the real estate industry where he helped and owned Banner Realty of N.E. Michigan. Kurt achieved the highest level of the Presidential Circle Award at Banner Realty the Platinum Award; earned through three national Real Estate Certifications, broker license, and multi-million dollars in gross closed sales. He trained and assisted new agents in sales and was a great resource in opening, running, and managing the Banner Realty’s Mall Office for years.

His love of teaching and helping others led him to train beginning student drivers to become skillful and safe drivers at the Alpena Driving School for 12 years. While hospitalized at MyMichigan Hospital during his last days, Kurt was often greeted with “Hi, Mr. Haaxma” by many of the staff members they shared the meaningful times and stories while they were learning to drive with Kurt as their instructor. He was very committed and passionate about the best training for the students, it was like another ministry for him.

In his earlier days, he spent time through the Lion’s Club raising and training seeing eye dogs for the School of the Blind Program in Rochester, Mich.

He was an Alpena Gideon and loved to share testimonies and God’s Word at the jail ministry and distributed Bibles wherever possible. He was an adapt teacher of the Berean Adult Sunday School Class, Wednesday mornings men’s group and was an Usher at Word of Life Baptist Church for many years. He wanted every church service to have an invite to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

In 1984 Kurt introduced his family to a new Christmas tradition of writing “Dear Jesus Letters.” The letters were read along with the Christmas account in Luke 2 before any gifts were opened. The benefits of sharing this with each other are life-enhancing, priceless and closeness of family.

Kurt and Margie had weekly in-house couple bible studies for 17 years. He started a Toasts Masters Club in Alpena with his friend Russ Courtney. As Russ put it “His life has had a meaningful and tremendous impact as will his next.” Kurt had a gifted intellect and heart to share. Kurt finished his race and will now receive his prize of eternal life living with Jesus.

Kurt is proceeded in death by his parents William and Dorothy (Libbee) Haaxma, and brother David Haaxma. Kurt is survived by wife Margie Haaxma, daughter Heidi (Dave Golson) Haaxma of Alpena. Sister Beverly (Bernie) Parker of Fairview, Texas. Stepchildren Kimberly (Jeff) Kowalski, James (April) Bluck. Grandchildren Jami (Kenny) Cooke, Dr. Christpoher (Erin) Kowalski, Mikaela (Garth) Bogart, Emily Bluck all of Traverse City, and Seth Golson of Alpena. Great-grandchildren; Charlotte, Audrey, and Henry Cooke, and many beloved nieces and nephews, including Connie Frary Johnsen, and Blair Schuyler.

McWilliams Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. Visitation at the funeral home will be Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Pastor Scott Joy will be overseeing the service at Word Of Life Baptist Church on Saturday. Visitation between 10 and 11 a.m. The Celebration Of Life service begins at 11 a.m. with luncheon to follow. Memorial gifts can be made to the Alpena Salvation Army 725 N. Second Ave or Word of Life Baptist Church.

Special gratitude to Dr. Decker who was the kind, and compassionate attending physician as well as all the excellent staff at Mid-Michigan Medical Center.