Kurt Grass, 89

Kurt Alan Grass, 89, of Cheney, Wash., passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 13.

Born April 26, 1937, Kurt grew up in rural Indiana with his parents and older brother, Wayne. He attended Mooresville High School, Purdue University, and Valparaiso University, earning a teaching degree from Valparaiso in Social Studies and Physical Education. He went on to earn a master’s degree in guidance counseling at Butler University. On August 25, 1962, he married his wife, Sharon (Kruse) Grass, who he met at Valparaiso.

In his youth, Kurt was active in 4-H and FFA as well as high school and college basketball. He often credited his strength to summers putting up hay the old-fashioned way for neighboring farmers. In adulthood he was a teacher and boys’ and girls’ basketball coach, a Canada fishing guide, a Lutheran Brotherhood sales representative, and a businessman. His career led him from Indiana to Silver Bay, Minn.; Norwalk, Iowa; and Whitefish, Mont.; and eventually to Washington state. The family joined the local Lutheran church in each community. 

Kurt was Larry Bird’s biggest fan, an intense competitor when playing Hearts or games of any kind, and a life-long outdoorsman who especially loved hunting and fishing. His most cherished role was being a father to his four daughters, who he taught to be hard workers and to believe in themselves. He was always there to encourage them in their various academic and sports activities and he indulged their love of horses, making it possible for them to own and show horses for most of their growing-up years in Whitefish. When his daughters got married, he welcomed his sons-in-law with open arms. Finally, some men in the family! And he thoroughly enjoyed being a grandfather - reading books, going on fishing outings, playing games, or helping them develop the perfect jump shot. He had a big personality, and he will be greatly missed by his entire family.

Kurt was preceded in death by his parents, Chauncy and Doris Grass; his brother, Wayne Grass; and his sister-in-law, Maxine Grass.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Grass; and his daughters Karla Bratrud (Michael), Lisa McCullough (Steve), Gina Weberg (Kevin), and Kira Grass. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

While dementia made the last years of Kurt’s life difficult, we know his salvation is secure and that he is resting in the arms of Our Lord, Jesus. 

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)