Monday, March 17, 2008

Kurtis James Blake passed away early this morning 3/17/08

Isaiah 55:8-9 "for my thoughts are not your thoughts nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.

As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts."

Miracles have happened, but not life for Kurt tonight. Well, he is now living his eternal life with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He died. But he is already living. I'll bet his mansion is next to Grandma Blake's. She truly needed him there. We will cry and miss him. but we will never stop loving him.

And we will see him again. Our God is still our AWESOME GOD.

Anna and Jerry, Daniel and Kaisa

112 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is probably cliche, but he's in a better place.

I'll still keep praying for him and everyone else!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. we never knew Kurtis, but got to know him via the web. We felt the love his family has for him, and know he will be deeply missed. we have had him in our thoughts over the last few days. I know the prayes were heard, even if the outcome was not the one everyone hoped for. May God be with you. Angie

Anonymous said...

Dear Blake Family
My heart is with you all. I am sincerely sorry for your tremendous loss.


God Bless You All.

Melody (lacyquilter) said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Although you may not understand, God's plans and timing are perfect. May God heal your hearts in this difficult time.
Melody

Anonymous said...

Dear Blake family,

I, and everyone I know will deeply miss kurt in our lives. He was an awesome person to be around. It is going to be hard to live life without him and seems almost impossible right now. I will still pray for all of his family during this hard time.
God Bless You

Sharon in NE said...

I am praying for peace and comfort during this horrible time in your lives. I cannot fathom the pain that must be felt, but I know our Lord can provide an overwhelming peace and grace that will get you through it now and on the rough road ahead.

Bill said...

Our hearts go out to you and family. Kurt will be so dearly missed, and despite our faith, those longings will not go away easily.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding ..." I've always felt that what happens to us in this world is not really very important in the eternal scheme of things. What matters is how we react to what happens, how we face the inevitable adversities of this life.

Kurt did well in his time on Earth. He was a tremendous young man. And now the Savior is circling him with his loving arms. We pray the same blessings upon all of us, as we seek comfort in his loss.

Our love,
Bill, Rebecca and Family

Lorri said...

Found your blog through a stamper (Sharon Johnson). Oh I am so sorry to hear of Blake. It appears you are believers and that makes all the difference. It still hurts the heart. I think the hardest thing in the world would be to lose a child. God bless you especially in the next few days with a lot going on. I will add you to my prayers, God can use this for his glory. God bless you, and thank you for sharing your story.
~Lorri

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. Kurt will be missed.

Anonymous said...

i love you guys so much...prayers will continue!

*Phillippians 1:3-4*

Erin

Anonymous said...

"Absent from the body, present with the Lord." I'm jealous of Kurt and interceding on your behalf. Love you guys!
Merv Wyse

Anonymous said...

Our heart is heavy, so heavy, for all of you. The loss is overwhelming and yet God's grace sustains.
We love you all
Brian, Jennifer, London and Carley

Shannon, Matt, Ryan said...

We are so sorry for your loss,Kurt will be missed by all.Our hearts are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

2nd Corinthians 1 3-4, says, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

God answers all prayer. Sometimes the answer is ‘yes’, sometimes it is ‘no’and at other times it is ‘not yet’. Jesus gave us an example of how we are to pray beginning in Mt 6:10 Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven... Today,
the miracle that we prayed for was not God’s will, his answer was “No, I have
other plans for Kurt.” In the natural, we see this as an ending, but for Kurt it is a beginning. We will miss him.

Anna’s post bears repeating, “If you don't know my Jesus, I'd like to introduce you: just admit to Him that you've sinned, ask Him to forgive you,
and ask Him to come into your heart to be your Savior and your Lord. Then
pray.”

We love you and share in your sorrow.

Mike and Vicki White

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are with you all...The Lord does deliver when we call out in troubled times-- just not the way we would always desire...he has deliverd Kurt this morning.

Saaranens

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry for your loss. I can't even begin imagine..
I will continue to pray for you all.

dasimonds said...

To the Blake family and friends..
"My deepest Sympathy"
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless...

pakosta said...

I am so so sorry for your loss. I don't know what to say. I know one day you will be with Kurt again and that you will find peace in that alone. May God be with you and hold you in this time of great need. God bless yOU! and your faith is an inspiration to so so many!
Tara Pakosta

Anonymous said...

Faith--I didn't really know Kurt, but I met him at Gitche Gumee one year. He seemed like a really great kid and it feels so weird to know that he is gone now. I'll be praying for you. Please stay close to God through all of this. I know it has got to be difficult, but God is always with you and will always be there for you!
Becca-I didn't know Kurt at all, but I am praying for all of you and I am saddened by your loss.

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family while you go through this difficult time. may god bless you all.

Anonymous said...

Blake Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

May God grant you Peace --

Our Deepest Sympathy --

Steve, Sharon, Steve, Ben and Brian Johnson

Anonymous said...

Though Kurt may not be on this earth with us, he is still with us.
I'm sorry for your loss and may God be with you!

Anonymous said...

May God grant a peace to your family like you have never before exerienced. Our love and prayers continue for you.
Scott, Theresa, Heidi, Brandon

Cooper said...

When I get where I'm going
on the far side of the sky.
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly.

I'm gonna land beside a lion,
and run my fingers through his mane.
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I'll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Don't cry for me down here.


So much pain and so much darkness,
in this world we stumble through.
All these questions, I can't answer,
so much work to do.

But when I get where I'm going,
and I see my Maker's face.
I'll stand forever in the light,
of His Amazing Grace.

Our prayers will be with your family.

Zach, Christy, little Zach, and Etania.

FlutePrayer said...

I weep with you.

Anonymous said...

"God gives, God takes; the name of the Lord be ever blessed." Job 1:21

Jerry, Anna, Daniel and the Kaiser~ I am so sorry---I love you guys so much!!
Looking forward to an amazing reunion......

eric

Anonymous said...

You are loved and youare being bathed in prayer by so many people, myself included. Our hearts our heavy at the loss that you are going through. I don't know how you feel, but I wish, if only for a moment I could be in your shoes and share your sorrow with you. In this, there is much more thean sorrow, there will be much joy and celebration over a life that has been well lived and to know that Kurt is not suffering, and that Kurt is at peace with His Heavevly Father. I love you all so much and I am praying for God to surround you with His unfailing love and that His grace may overflow abundantly! I love you all! Stay strong in the strength of the Almighty God, Our Father! AMEN

In His Grip,
Meredith Wyse

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Kurt was a strong man. He will always be with us.My prayers are with you guys.

Audrey

Anonymous said...

Blake Family,

My heart is with all of you.
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13)
May God's grace give you all strength during this difficult time.
I will continue to pray for all of you.
God Bless. Jamie

Nate Anderson said...

Isaiah 57:1-2 The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.

Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD [is] the death of his saints.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

It is always difficult to bear someone's death, but being a Christian, you know he is gone to be with the Lord. I'm sure it must be very difficult to deal with, but you will have that much more to look forward to when God is ready to take you home. I will continue to pray for your family through this difficult time. It may not seem to make sense to us now why God chose to take Kurt home so early on in his life, but Romans 8:28 says: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

-Nathan Anderson

Anonymous said...

im so sorry to hear about kurt..im really gonna miss him i hope you guys get thru this

CJ said...

Blake Family:

Our hearts are heavy for you at this time...Your faith is strong and as you said "If the Lord takes you to it he will take you trough it". You will remain in our prayers as you have been since I heard of this terrible accident.

May God hold you in his arms.
Cheryl and Bob Lackie

Anonymous said...

I did not know Kurtis or your family but have been praying for your entire family during this time and will continue to uphold you in prayer during this time of sorrow. May the Love of our God shine through to you during this time of celebration of Kurtis' life.

His Grace is sufficient for thee. Prayers coming to you from Chicago.

Anonymous said...

Dear Jerry, Anna, Daniel & Kaisa,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. Included in this expression of sympathy are Kurt's friends, classmates, and the Ontonagon area community, because, as I know from personal experience, a town may be small in size, but growing up in one is a wonderful example of a big family. Their prayers, love and support is bigger than life. With each thought, prayer and memory, Kurt lives on through each of you forever. He is in a better place, watching over all of you.
Love and prayers,
Nora & Bill T'Niemi & Family

Anonymous said...

Dear blake family,
I am very sorry for your loss.we will continue to pray for you.
God be with you all.
Dennis

Anonymous said...

Hi you guys. This is such a hard thing to take in a swallow. From knowing you Dan so well, and knowing Kaisa, and knowing you Anna, you're such a great and loving person, and Jerry you seemed to be such a great dad just knowing you through my mom in the baseball season. I was an aide in Kurt's class last year and I always remembered him being quiet but always nice to everyone, and such a smart kid, he will always be remembered! Just know that I'm thinking and praying for you all, all the time and Kurt too is in my thoughts and prayers.
Much Love to you all!

Anonymous said...

Dear Blake Family,
I only found out about Kurt's accident because he is a friend of a friend. I began praying for him on Wednesday, when I first found out. Through this trying time know that Kurt was healed, just not in the way we hoped or expected. He is in Heaven without any of the pain or injuries he had. God answered our prayers, but in His way. I will continue praying for peace and comfort in this time.
Amanda

Kaleb Preiss said...

Dear Blake Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God and Kurt watch over you and help you get through this time of sorrow. Many people are thinking about you. God has a plan for everything and something good will prevail out of this horrific situation. Stay strong and never stop believing!!!

Kaleb Preiss

Anonymous said...

I never knew Kurt, but as soon as I heard what happened I prayed for Kurt and checked the blog regularly for updates. I'm very sorry for your loss, and I know he is in a happier place now with his grandmother. God bless you all.

Clarebear Thomson said...

I'm extremely sorry for your loss. I'll still be praying for you. Praying that God will give you peace and comfort. God bless.
~Clare~

Anonymous said...

I don't know your family, but after reading everything I feel Kurt gave his life for the baby that had the tumor. You have our deepest sympathy and we will continue to pray for your family. Remember Kurt is in good hands and living his eternal life.

Anonymous said...

Dear Blake family me and my family(Immanuel and Davis Family)are so sorry for your loss this week. But God allways has a reason for what he does even though we dont allways like it.
Me and Caleb Litzner have been praying for Kurt and your family and we would just like to say that we will miss him deeply and that camp wont be the same with out him to help carry the bear mount to my cabin to scare my mom.



Love Immanuel Caleb and Davis Family

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to all of the Blake family. To think that Kurt will be celebrating his resurrection on Easter Sunday right along with HIS resurrection, and will meet Jesus face to face....how awesome is that!! May God hold you in the palms of His ever loving hands.
Doug and Sally Karttunen,
Kingsford

Anonymous said...

Since I heard of Kurts accident I have been checking this regularly to see if there are any new updates and I have been praying a lot, too...something I haven't been doing as much as I should.

This morning as I was getting ready..before I checked this site..something told me "Hey, it's me, Kurt and I'm okay now". So I like to take that as a sign that he's happy and healed now hanging out with God.

Through all of this, as hard as it is, I think there is probably some good. From reading through some comments and the entries it looks like many families have come together to pray together which I think is great. And as for myself, it gave me a lot of incentive to get closer to God myself.

Also, as is often said after tragedies, it gives you a glimpse of how quickly life can be taken away and how important it is to try to stop taking things for granted and to enjoy life.

I am sorry for your loss and I also want to thank you, Blake Family, for being such a great inspiration and role model for the rest of us in never giving up your faith and staying strong through God.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
He's in a better place now and will be lookin down on you guys.

Anonymous said...

Jerry, Anna, Daniel and Kaisa,

We are mourning with you. I have tried over and over to leave a message on the blog, but words just don't seem to be enough.

Last night when I was praying with Coble, I let him know that Kurt would soon be in the arms of Jesus. He started to cry, then said, "who will play carpet ball with Kiefer and Keegan?"

Our family continues to bathe yours in prayer.

Love,
Beth, Mike, Kiefer, Keegan and Coble

Anonymous said...

As I type this I am reminded of how awesome God truly is. With music in the background, a song by Warren Barfield started playing. The line is.. "tears are falling from someone's eye tonight...Hearts are breaking somewhere tonight... Life is a vapor, it's here and then it's gone..but rest in this truth, this world is not our home." Even being thousands of miles away from you guys, the tears are falling with your tear.
He would always crack me up at, It would drive him nuts when I called him "Kurtie", he asked me to call him something else, and that's where "Hey big boy!" came from. We will all miss his silly smirk and goofy way of making us all smile. Praying you through this with the rest of the prayer team. Love you guys. Jordan Dane Wyse

funlovingtoots157 said...

I didn't know Kurt, but I know
Anna-Jerry-Kaisa and you are an AMAZING family of Godly character. You are a source of encouragement to me and I know God will bring you through this. Our prayers are with you in this very difficult time!
"Becky Price" and her family

Anonymous said...

Dear Jerry, Anna, Daniel and Kaisa

We are praying for peace and comfort during this terrible time in your lives. Kurt will be deeply missed. We have had you in our thoughts and prayers ever since hearing of the accident and will continue to pray for you all. We are sincerely sorry for your loss.
God bless you
Tom, Sue, Melissa and Mike Pestka

Unknown said...

Dear Blake family,
Our thoughts and prayers remain with you during this tragic time. We comfort knowing we will see Kurt in heaven one day.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. vs 16. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eteranal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal 2 Corinthians 4:7-11,16-18

We love you,
Kevin and Melissa Schulenburg

Anonymous said...

this is also cliche but it is also very true

The Good Die Young

Anonymous said...

I'll always remember those sassy looks kurtis used to give me.. His eyebrows would go down and his mouth would look mean! They would always make me giggle. Kurt was such a strong young man, God always has a plan, though we may not understand why it was kurts time, he must have needed him for something REALLY IMPORTANT... My thoughts are with you're whole family. I'll continue to pray always. God Bless.

Shannon.

Anonymous said...

We are sorry to hear about Kurt. The Blake Family is in are thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. You will always have good memories of Kurt.

Lil Ol Me said...

I am so so sorry for your loss. I have been praying for you all and although it is not the outcome you had wanted God wanted Kurt by his side. How honoured is he?
God bless you all.
Jenne in Gloucestershire, UK

Anonymous said...

DEAR BLAKE FAMILY, I HAVE BEEN CHECKING THE BLOG DAILY AND AS I CRY I SEND ALL MY SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY. I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH JERRY AND HE WAS ALSO MY GRANDSON AUSTIN'S FAVORITE TEACHER. I KNOW LOSS IS HARD TO TAKE BUT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY FFEL'S THE LOSS TOO, AND AROUND THE WORLD ALSO. I KNOW YOU ARE A VERY CLOSE FAMILY AND BELIEVE STRONGLY IN GOD SO HE WILL HELP YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY, GOD BLESS THE BLAKE FAMILY, LORI ARTHUR AND AUSTIN SULLIVAN.

Anonymous said...

Jerry, Anna, Dan and Kaisa-
Words can not heal the hurt in your hearts, but follow the Lord and he will ease your pain. I am sorry for the loss of your loving son and brother Kurt. What an amazing athlete he was, the good Lord must have needed a strong player for his team in heaven. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Anonymous said...

Dear Jerry, Anna, Dan & Kaisa,

God is Sovreign. While this all may have come as a shock to all of us, it was in Gods plan from the beginning of time. He promised to send the Holy Spirit as a Comforter to you, and I know He will. We mourn with you, yet rejoice that Kurt is enjoying Heaven with a new body with his Lord and Savior. May God richly bless you all and comfort you.

Mark & Denise Danley

p.s. Thank you Steve Haro for doing such an excellent job on behalf of your family with keeping this blog updated!

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss.

I am still praying for your family.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of your families loss. It is obvious that the world has lost someone special with Kurt's death.

I thought that it was brave and loving of you to talk to his friends about wearing helmets while skiing. Hopefully that will help prevent future tragedy of this type.

Your family is in my prayers.

Bob Burns

Anonymous said...

God needed you Kurt...You are missed..loved..and a blessing to many..I'll miss you every day until we meet again Kurt...I Love You Buddy!!..and family..I Love You all too!! im here!!LOVE YOU

-Brissa

Anonymous said...

Hi Blake Family,

As the old saying goes "I write this with a very heavy heart." And there just doesn't seem to be a thing I can come up with that will make this awfully difficult time any easier. As I write this I am listening to the Christian Radio station and with all that has happened in the last few weeks, it completely slipped my mind it is the Easter season. I lost both my grandfathers during Holy Week, which for a long time left a bad taste in my mouth. Of course, this was before I accepted Christ as my Savior. Our hearts are breaking for you all, but one thing I want you all to know, because of Kurt and the faith we all have, I find myself being drawn even more to the Lord. Through all of this, I think we all find that Kurt, without evening knowing it, will bring more people to their knees and to the Lord.

While his life was so short, he sure had a way of touching all those around him. When reading Immanuel's comment, Anna, it took me back to the last time we were at camp and you and Janet and I were sitting around talking. Kurt had wanted to go with the rest of the crew, and felt he should be able be to because the next day was his birthday. The next thing we knew, Anna threw open the front door and was chasing Kurt because the little stinker had climbed out the bedroom window!!! And who will ever be able to forget him sailing across the little bridge, blonde tufts sticking out from a baseball cap, with a cast on his arm and not a care in the world.

Well, Kurt is know watching over us and saying "Don't cry for me, we will be together again." And won't that be an awesome day for us all. Please know you are in our prayers and we LOVE you all VERRRY MUCH !!!

Kimmer and Dave Latva

Anonymous said...

I am with you always, to the close of the age.
Matthew 28:20

Dear Blake Family
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with your family during this time of sorrow. I will continue to pray for Kurtis and your family.

Rosanne Badgero

Anonymous said...

I am truely sorry about Kurt:(
At least he is in a good place; with no pain anymore; and now he can watch over all off yous and keep you safe:]

Butch's little sis said...

Dear Blake Family,
I'm so sorry for what has happened. I was at school when I wanted to check up on Kurt and when I saw that he passed away I couldn't help but cry. I barely knew him and I wish I could have knew him a lot more. I will still pray for you all and Kurt. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
The most sincere,
Caitlin Micheletti

Anonymous said...

Dear Jerry, Anna, Daniel & Kaisa and your exteded family.
We are sincerely broken hearted for you and all those that love Kurtis so much. You have so many people who love you and are praying for you all. We hope you will find peace in their love and friendship to get through this painful time. I know our dear Lord is caring for you & Kurtis and he will help guide you through this sad time.
We send you heartfelt hugs ( )
John Monville & Sandy Baker

Anonymous said...

Dear Blake Family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you all during your time of sorrow. We know that God has another, bigger purpose for Kurt. In heaven, by His side, and his grandmother's side. He will never stop being in our prayers.
The Penders

AJ said...

My prayer's are with you.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry and give the Blake family all the simpathy in the world. My brother and cousin go to school in Ontonogan, and thats how I kinda know about Kurt. I never really knew him though but this is something no family should have to go through. God bless the whole Blake family. God Bless Kurt.

danny said...

Sorry to hear about it. I hope you're all still well, though. I wonder if you could keep posting after today.

Anonymous said...

i cant beleve hes gone.last night when i read about how if no blood went to his brain he was going to die but i went to bed crying .i think i cried myself to sleep.i cant imagine how you people felt.and i barly knew kurt every once in awhile id see him i never ever thought hed die.i wanted him to come back same old kurt but god took him away.i feel bad saying this but he died doing something he loved.

god help you.

bailee aho

Anonymous said...

Dear Friends,
What wonderful memories we have because God allowed us to become friends at Gitche Gumee Bible Camp. Jesus makes everything holy, and He has caused friends to become family. As we have travelled these last days with you, we have journeyed as family. You are held tightly in love, thoughts, and prayer.
Today we have thought so much of heaven, and even though the Bible tells us so much, there is still so much that we do not know. The song,"I Can Only Imagine" seems appropriate as we imagine what this first day in heaven has been like for Kurt.
Today I have thought about our son, Brandon, who has already been in heaven for nearly 28 years (or maybe it has only been a day or two!). I don't know how much baseball, basketball, or other sports there are in Heaven, but just in case he hasn't learned to play very well yet, I hope he and Kurt can hook up real soon so Kurt cand share some of his expertise with him!
Jerry and Anna, one of our favorite memories was the night you took Merv and I to the lookout on Bumbletown Road. So high above the trees with such an amazing and long look into the sunset. It seemed like we could almost hear the sun sizzle as it dipped its feet into Lake Superior. Special moments of friendship like that are such wonderful gifts from God as are the many other joys and sorrows and burdens we have shared along the way.
Please accept our deep sympathy. We do know what you are going through, and we will keep you often before the throne of God's grace. Heaven is sweeeter and the truths of God's eternal truth are more deeply seared onto our hearts as we are called to such deep loss and suffering.
Our love to you and Daniel and Kaisa.
We cry with hope,
Merv and Judy Wyse
St. Ignace, Michigan

Anonymous said...

I feel so bad for your loss. Especially because he was a strong young man. And he was only 13 and in 7th grade,plus a VERY talented young man. Right when i walked in the car my mother Gail was in tears. I wondered why. But then i remembered about "KURT BLAKE", my brothers friend. I feel horrible but you can't stop the tears of sadness.
John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son,that whosoever beliveth in him shall not perish but have everlasting LIFE.

love,
carli ongie

Anonymous said...

Dear Blakes,
I am remembering the year that Kurtie had a broken arm at camp. He told me to punch the cast, and I did. I think I was in more pain than he was at that point!
I also laugh when I think of how he said,"On-tah-nog-in" in a weird Yooper voice.
It was fun to play basketball in the pavillion at Gitche Gumee with him.
Josiah E.Wyse
St. Ignace, Michigan

Anonymous said...

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We were so very sad to hear about Kurt. We had the honor and the pleasure to watch Kurt play baseball last summer and we are so very sorry to hear about his passing away. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We will light a candle for Kurt tonight and continue to pray for all of you.
Rick and Jackie Niemi

Anonymous said...

i am so sorry i cannot believe this happened i realy hope you guys recover from this and start anew kurt is in our thoughts forever and he will never die to us he is still alive within everybody who loved him including me, i hope you guys feel better i know how hard it is, i cried for about 2-3 hours today and St. Patricks Day will haunt me for the rest of my life.....
i love you guys----- <3Jennifer<3

Anonymous said...

I am praying for Kurt and you all constantly. I am having a prayer group at Ferris State tomorrow night for you all. Kurt will be deeply missed, but he will live on with the Lord. God is an awesome God.

I love you all! God be with you.

James 1: 2-4
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

John 3:16
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

God bless and keep you,
Alex Saari

Anonymous said...

Rev. 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever

Anonymous said...

Isaiah 55:9

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Jerry, Anna, Dan and Kaisa:

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Kurt. Know that my continued thoughts and prayers will be with you.

I love you guys,

Sam Utecht

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to express how sorry I am about your loss. Your whole family is exceptional, I wish I had been able to know Kurt when he wasn't in the PICU. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
It was a pleasure caring for Kurt and for all of you.
Autumn, PICU RN

Anonymous said...

Dear Jerry, Anna, Daniel and Kaisa,

Our deepest sympathies go out to you. I am so thankful for the strong, unwavering witness your entire family has made though this traumatic experience. Though the outcome was not what we all prayed for, we know God heard us, and has a perfect plan. This is not easy for us to understand, or accept.
However, Romans 5:1-4 says “Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the HOPE of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our SUFFERINGS, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, HOPE.”
We pray that your strong faith may be even stronger. May God wrap you in His peace and help you rest in the HOPE that can only be found in Him.

Clark and Pam Kosinski

Anonymous said...

I can't say I am sorry guys, cuz I'm happy for Kurt.


my heart cries out to you though and you guys are being lifted to my God tonight. Our God can handle everythin you guys feel and will love you the same. I know you guys know that, but I want to type it all the same.


I got to thinking today, and I have to say that Kurt truly is alive and better than ever, he has been healed and given the better body now... and part of my in sad cuz I want to see him right now... but I am so happy for him that he gets to be with Jesus now.

It isn't goodbye... it is truly see you soon my brother.

God has taken away all the suffering, pain sickness or anything Kurt has ever had to hurt him.. He now gets to be with the King and for that He is blessed and healed in ways we never really expected... but God still worked His plan, we have to stay unified now and make sure that we keep our end of the deal. Kurt, you guys and God have truly put this on my heart, and I will not let it be forgotten.


God's blessings from your Brother in Christ Jesus,


Joseph Glenn Rowles

Anonymous said...

Dear Ones :
Just received the email from
Pastor Cherrie.
Kurt has received the perfect healing now that he is with our LORD.
I pray you are somewhatr comforted by this fact.

Sincerely,...M. R. Mac Kendrick

Anonymous said...

You've said it right, GOD is still an awesome GOD. There is a time for everything. We might not understand the why at this time, but GOD does not make any mistakes.
My family and I will still uplift you in our prayers and hope that you will find peace and strength.
May GOD bless you in this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

No parent should ever have to say goodbye to thier child. My deepest most heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family through this trying and emotionaly wrecking time. Find solace in the fact that Kurt now rests in Gods love and light and is forever being taken care of. Though my son nor i knew Kurt or your family we send out our heartfelt prayers and sympathies.

Anonymous said...

Dear Blake Family,

I'm a friend of Rachel Griffin's and hearing this devasting news saddens me. With tears streaming Rachel's cheeks I gathered the type of person Kurt was and learned of the kind and warm memories that Rachel and others will always keep. You are in my prayers at this time.

Elise Herren

Christie Ortman said...

I also found Kurt's blog through Sharon's blog. I have been praying for Kurt and for you all as well. We have 4 boys, the oldest is 15. While I cannot fathom the pain your heart, as has been said and I know you believe, Kurt has taken the hand of his Savior and is touring around Heaven. Imagine his joy in worshipping at the Father's feet!
Your faith has been so inspiring. I know that the fact that God holds eternity in His hand is of great comfort to you and I just want to tell you that I believe that God is greatly pleased with your faith, your undying faith - the bulldog faith that hangs on and hopes beyond hope! May you be blessed as you celebrate Kurt's life knowing that this life is only a breath and that earth is not our home! Thank you so much for sharing your faith with all of us. It has challenged me, encouraged me and greatly blessed me! I will continue to pray for your family as you face the difficult days ahead!

Anonymous said...

Jerry, Anna and family.
We are so sorry for your loss. It was always a pleasure watching Kurt compete in baseball, basketball, football and track. Kurt will be missed and never forgotten.

Bob, Matt and Aimee

Anonymous said...

Found you through Sharon Johnson's blog and have been praying. While God chose not to heal Kurt, what comfort to know that he is now in the presence of his Savior. Will continue to pray for God to give you the strength, comfort and peace through the next days, weeks, and months ahead...as you mourn the loss of this precious son. This Easter will have new meaning for you...may God cover you with His love and minister to you in a very special way. 2 Cor. 1:3-5

Anonymous said...

Psalms 116:15- Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Dear Jerry, Anna, Daniel, & Kiesa, We are hurting & praying with you and for you. We are giving you long distance hugs right now. II Corinthians 5:6-8! We love youz! Jerry, Karen, Kyle, Kurt, Kendra, & Kristi Keranen

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry for your loss. In truth I never actually knew Kurt - met Dan at camp once, but never met Kurt. Strange how badly I now wish I could have made friends with him. He will be greatly missed. I'm still praying for you guys. God bless.

Anonymous said...

May you have peace and comfort in knowing that Kurt is with our Lord and Savior. My thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone who was touched by Kurt. He is now your guardian angel...and will be watching over you.

Charmaine Poon

Anonymous said...

To the Blake family~
Our hearts are breaking and heavy at the loss of your son and brother. My mothers heart cries for you, Anna. There is such a special bond between moms and children. And I know the bond and love between siblings. When my kids were there on Saturday, they shared how Daniel and Kaisa would stay with him through the nite, just to be there. I'm sure they feel that they've lost one of their best friends.
BUT God..........
He knows all and feels all ~ the pain and loss. We (the body of Christ) have been given the privilage and honor to pray and intercede for you and your family. He has drawn many to Himself because of what you've had to endure this past week. We don't know the far reaching impact this week will have on our world, but one day you will know!
We want you to know that we will continue to lift you up on this journey you will walk in the days ahead.

Steve and Vicky Utecht
Oshkosh, WI

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for your family, but I am so inspired by your faith. I commend you for turning towards God instead of away from Him at such a difficult time, and I know that if you lean on Him He will make even this easier to bear. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Angelica Hatch

Anonymous said...

Dear Blake Family,

I am so sorry for your family, but when you think of how great his life was and how much he accomplished, he is actually blessed. He did so much in his short life, but now he is with God and his grandmother.

It will be so hard without Kurt at school. He said hi to me everyday. I just can't imagine what it's like for your family. "one thing can change everything."

May God comfort you at this time of need. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

God bless,
Megan Pender and family

Ana Wohlfahrt said...

I am so sorry about your loss. Having a son myself I can't even begin to imagine your pain. You and your family are in my prayers. Stay strong and keep the faith.

God Bless
Ana Wohlfahrt

Anonymous said...

Dear Blake Family,
We express our sympanthy over the loss of Kurt. We have prayed and will continue to pray for your strength and comfort in God.
Dale, Pam, Courtney & Cayla Karttunen
Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble, with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:4 NIV

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. Kurt was loved by everyone that knew him. Even know he left us he lives on in your hearts, and he stays in your memories forever. God will take very good care of the him. Nobody will ever forget what he did for your class and what he did for other people that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are always will him and the family.We will never forget him and he will live on in your hearts.

from, Dylan Kirkley

Anonymous said...

Blake Family,
I am SO sorry to hear about Kurt! It put me in tears! I know that a family as great as yours does not deserve a fate like this, but like people before me, God has his reasons. If you need anything at all feel free to call me or my family! We will be here for you no matter what!
Kelsey Kemppainen

Anonymous said...

Dear Jerry, Anna, Kaisa, and Dan,

I have tried unsuccessfully many times since Monday to find the right words to send to you. Somehow I still find myself at a loss but wanted you to know that our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you and your extended family at this very difficult time.

I will always hold dear memories of Kurt patiently teaching mine how to ski on the bunny hill. They were very uncertain and nervous and he made their experience 100% positive with his guidance and quiet support! He was an incredible 8th grader and I've told many people!

I am certain there are amazing things awaiting him. I am also certain you may never fully realize the impact his life and this past prayer-filled week has had on so many people! You are an amazing family! Even in the midst of everything you are facing, you show concern and compassion for others around you.

God Bless you and hold you close during these coming days and weeks!

Much Love, Patti and Bill

Keri Brown said...

No words can express what a family feels after a loss, but your faith is strong and your love stronger. Kurt is home with his Father and if any one is more qualified to take care of him than you, his parents, it is his Father. My heart goes out to your family as you deal with this tragic loss. May your faith guide you where you need to be.

Keri Brown

Anonymous said...

Dear Blake Family,
Our prayers are with you. We are sincerly sorry for your tremendous loss.
Thinking of you,
John and Angela Berglund

Whimsey said...

Crying...but still praying; trying to rejoice knowing Kurtis is sitting with Jesus at a huge dinner table while they all sing songs together. :)

That's an image I've used since we lost my father-in-law 18 months ago - also, much too young, but God's plan is the ultimate plan and in Him we will trust.

Hugs,
Michele

Liinu said...

Dear Jerry, Anna and children
As I was searching information of you, my son's distant relatives, in order to get in touch with you after all these years, I came upon this very tragic piece of news.

I wish you all the best during these hard days. A person whom you loved will live forever in your memories.

Outi Tamminen (prev. Luuri)
Jussi Luuri
Irja Varpula
Arto Varpula
(The Luuri family reunion, Finland)

Anonymous said...

To An Athlete Dying Young
by A.E. Housman

THE time you won your town the race
We chaired you through the market-place;
Man and boy stood cheering by,
And home we brought you shoulder-high.

To-day, the road all runners come,
Shoulder-high we bring you home,
And set you at your threshold down,
Townsman of a stiller town.

Smart lad, to slip betimes away
From fields where glory does not stay,
And early though the laurel grows
It withers quicker than the rose.

Eyes the shady night has shut
Cannot see the record cut,
And silence sounds no worse than cheers
After earth has stopped the ears:

Now you will not swell the rout
Of lads that wore their honours out,
Runners whom renown outran
And the name died before the man.

So set, before its echoes fade,
The fleet foot on the sill of shade,
And hold to the low lintel up
The still-defended challenge-cup.

And round that early-laurelled head
Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead,
And find unwithered on its curls
The garland briefer than a girl's.

Anonymous said...

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I'm so sorry for your loss. I never knew Kurt or the rest of the family, but I've heard so much about him the past 10 days. There's no doubt he's in a much better place. And as sad as this time is for those here on earth, it's also important to remember that you'll get to see him again.

I think it's awesome how many people Kurt touched, both by his actions and life, and also by his accident. So many people came together to pray and help out. God works in mysterious ways. We know that he answers the prayers of the faithful, but sometimes the answer isn't what we were looking for. I, for one, am amazed at how many people came together for this - and as a result - how many more people heard about our Lord and Savior through this.

I cannot possibly fathom what you're going through right now. I'm not going to try to pretend I do. All I can say is that God is in control, and he has a purpose for everything he does, even if it's not clear to us at the moment. It's hard to understand why the Lord takes from us the young and righteous, and leaves the wicked.

Remember, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)Even if we don't know why at the time. It is my hope and prayer that our Lord and Savior comforts you through your loss. Kurt is smiling down on you all, safe in the arms of Jesus, feeling no pain. May God bless your family and hold you in his arms.

In His name,
John Nelson

Anonymous said...

Jerry, Anna, Daniel and Kaisa,
Thank you so much for letting us pray with you and for you. Your sharing has increased our faith. It has also given us a greater desire to see boys and girls choose the narrow way with Jesus to prepare for just such a day as this. Matthew 7:13-14. What a blessing we have had to be a part of your Gitche Gumee family.
Cliff and Dot Mitchell

Anonymous said...

We are very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and praying for your family.
Love,
Dean, Jody, Alina, and Ari Maki

Anonymous said...

god has taken kurt away.
he did not hear us.
i dont think he heard anyone.
he never does.
i do not belive in god anymore.
anything i pray for i dont get.
kurt will still live in our hearts.
but god has been rude.
i will belive once again.
but not for a while.

Anonymous said...

On behalf of everybody associated with the Michigan District 11 Little League I would like to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with Kurt and your entire family.

I know that no words can ease your grief at this time, only your faith in God, your love and memories of Kurt and time can do that, but I would like to tell you how sincerely sorry my wife and I are for your loss.

May God bless you all and help you through your grief.

Rev. Mr. Bob Hamen
District Administrator
Michigan District 11

JackaHarts said...

I know you all see that Proverbs 3:5&6 each time you enter the Tabernacle at Gitche Gumee.I pray that in time, this truth will be absorbed into your hearts and comfort you in all that tears away at it ,from all the love that was stored in them and for all that remains and will remain from what and how you shared this with Kurt. God Bless you both in the testimonies you exude.
Your friend, Jack Hart

Anonymous said...

Kurt was an great kid. God Bless him and God Bless his whole family. I will pray for your family and for Kurt.

From Logan Maki