Curtis Adrian Kale

Curtis Adrian Kale, born April 10, 1947 in Shelby, North Carolina, passed away July 3, 2024 after bravely battling cancer. He was the eldest son of Melvin and Ruth Kale and spent his early years on their farm in Dorr, Michigan.

Curtis graduated from Hamilton High School in 1965 and served in the Army during the Vietnam War in 1967. Curtis enlisted, which afforded him the option to do maintenance and repair of military equipment where he was stationed in Vietnam. Following his discharge, he embarked on a career at General Motors' Fisher Body plant in Wyoming, Michigan, where he dedicated over 40 years before retiring.

Curt, as he was fondly known, had a passion for golf and achieved a memorable hole-in-one while playing with the Great Lakes Seniors Golf Association. He remained an enthusiastic golfer throughout his life. Prior to golf, he was active in softball with the New Roosevelt Bar team in Grandville and occasionally played racquetball at the MAC gym in Grand Rapids. In his younger days, Curt enjoyed fishing and snowmobiling. His love for the outdoors was evident in his devotion to gardening and meticulously maintaining his yard, which he joyously shared with family, friends, and neighbors.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents Melvin Kale and Ruth Kale (Michaud). He is survived by his wife, Joan Kale; brother, Kelvin Kale (Terry); sister, Paula Dragomer; daughter, Karey Hamrick (Brian); stepson, Jason Jelinski; grandchildren Cole and Flynn Hamrick, Tyler and Rylan Johnson; nephews Marty and Jeremy Kale; and nieces Melissa Dragomer and Andrea Bekius (Mike).

Visitation will occur 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, with lunch to follow.

The family extends their gratitude to the Corewell Health Hospice team and MediLodge of Holland for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Curtis's memory may be made to the American Legion, Caledonia Memorial Post 305, 9548 Cherry Valley Ave. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316 or Corewell Health Hospice, 750 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guestbook online.