Michael F. Kuhrt

Sand Lake - Michael Kuhrt was born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, in 1946 to Stanley and Lillian (Heitz) Kuhrt. He grew up an only child with his parents and his grandmother, Sena (Johnson) Kuhrt. He excelled in school and earned a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he eventually earned a doctorate in the then-emerging field of microbiology. In 1969 he married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn Knoflicek, who would remain at his side from then on. 

After his post-doctorate studies at the University of Virginia, his career began in the pharmaceuticals industry at Sterling Drug in Rensselaer, New York. As computerized data processing matured, he found an opportunity to make a lateral move into another rapidly developing field. When Sterling moved out of state, he remained in the area and began teaching as a computer information systems professor at the College of Saint Rose, where he worked until his retirement in 2013. 

Reading about his life in chronological order sells short the depth and breadth of his experience and his influence on those around him. Throughout his life and career, he was a scientist, educator and humanist. He wrote eloquently and read voraciously across genres and media types, from national newspapers and magazines to local ad-driven rags, and from literary novels to beach reads. He did crossword puzzles in a systematic rotation. He naturally passed these traits to his two boys, Matt and Dave, with whom he read the comics, solved Sunday crossword puzzles and, later, held wide-ranging discussions on a huge variety of topics scientific, literary, political, philosophical and sporting. 

He was endlessly curious about the natural world and an avid birder, whether out on a Century Run with the Hudson-Mohawk bird club or casually discerning among thrush species calling in the woods as he climbed in the Adirondacks with his sons. Though a heart murmur kept him out of high school sports, he enthusiastically supported his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic careers, coaching youth soccer and attending countless soccer games, swim meets, track meets and even ultimate frisbee tournaments. He also was active himself, taking up hiking, roller blading, cross-country skiing and disc golf, largely to keep up with one or the other of his boys. He became 46r number 3003 in September 1994, having given way at the summit of Sawteeth for Matt to become number 3002. When snow conditions hurt his opportunities to ski cross-country as he neared retirement, he took up downhill skiing at nearby Jiminy Peak, quickly progressing from a beginner to a certified instructor. He eventually taught all four of his grandchildren how to ski.

He was also musically talented. He played the clarinet and saxophone in high school and in the University of Wisconsin Marching Band. He sang in the church choir. He played recorder in several groups over the years and was serving as president of the Hudson Mohawk Recorder Society when he passed.

He welcomed his daughters-in-law into his life with open arms. At the age of 55, he took the first of several overseas trips, eventually accompanying family to Norway, Estonia, Scotland, Italy and the Czech Republic. He was ready and willing to become fast friends with every new extended family member he met, and thereafter was always ready with story he wanted to tell or a memory he wanted to share. If you met him, chances were good you had some common interest to discuss, often at great length.

Even as he wound down physically in later years, he remained active. He took up woodworking and amassed a huge collection of specialized equipment as he experimented with different joinery techniques and fulfilled requests for handmade wooden kayak paddles, furniture and bowls.

He was endlessly proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He regularly traveled long distances to see them perform or listened intently to recordings of their concerts, juggling shows and athletic events. 

He passed away suddenly, but peacefully, over a December weekend in 2024. All of his many pursuits stopped in medias res. Bowls in some stage of finish on the lathe. His shoes and jackets ready by the door. His music on the stand, his crossword partially solved by his chair. There are reminders of him everywhere. We have chosen to think of these memories as gifts that he left everywhere, with more to be found as we continue to hear stories from those he touched with his open and exuberant kindness. 

In lieu of flowers, we would ask that you consider a donation to either the American Bird Conservancy or Donate Life America. He was also a prodigious giver and receiver of hugs. If you would hug those you love and think of how many such gifts we can contribute to this world through his spirit of kindness and generosity, you can rest assured you have made him, and those of us who miss him dearly, that much happier.  Arrangements by DeGraaf-Bryce Funeral Home Inc. West Sand Lake.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Michael F. Kuhrt, please visit our Tree Store.