Obituary of Samuel P. Kurn

KURN, Dr. Samuel P. of Freeland, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at Covenant HealthCare - Harrison. Samuel P. Kurn was born on January 12, 1926 in Scranton, Pennsylvania to the late Charles and Martha Kurn. He married his best friend and sweetheart, Marilyn Braun on November 26, 1953 in Valparaiso, Indiana; she survives him. Following high school graduation, Samuel enlisted in the United States Army from 1944 - 1946 serving during World War II where he was assigned to the 24th Infantry Division Signal Corps. Samuel was stationed in Mindanao, Philippines and participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He was also assigned to Japan as part of the Occupation Forces. Samuel attended Princeton University and graduated from the University of Arkansas where he was a member of the Psi Chi Honorary Society. Dr. Kurn received his Medical Degree from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and interned in Flint, Michigan. He began his family practice in Freeland in 1955 and operated his practice for over 30 years. In 1971, Dr. Kurn entered his residency in Radiology at Saginaw Osteopathic Hospital. He then began working for Bay Osteopathic Hospital in 1975, where he served as Chief of Staff for 10 consecutive years. Dr. Kurn was also a staff Radiologist at Bay Medical Center. During this time, Dr. Kurn operated his radiology clinic, Medical Imaging in Bay City; until his retirement in 1998. Dr. Kurn was an Assistant Clinical Professor at Michigan State University, Adjunct Professor at Western Michigan University and Professor at Mid-Michigan Community College. He also served as Deputy Medical Examiner for Saginaw County, Medical Director for the City of Saginaw, and served as President for the Saginaw County Osteopathic Society. Dr. Kurn was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Bay and Saginaw County Osteopathic Societies, College of Osteopathic Family Practice, College of Emergency Room Physicians, College of Osteopathic Radiology, Society of Nuclear Medicine, and the Freeland School Board. Sam enjoyed working, paddle ball, hunting and sailing; but above all, Sam loved spending time with his family. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Barton Woods and Covenant HealthCare for all of their care and support. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Marilyn; three sons and a daughter: Mark (Ellen) Kern of Freeland, Jeffrey (Grace) Kurn of Troy, Nancy Kurn of Saginaw Township, Dr. David (Olga) Kurn of Gaylord; six grandchildren: Heidi, Steven, Michael, Sara, Kristina, and Spencer. He was preceded in death by a brother and sister. FUNERAL: Funeral Services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2014 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2565 N. Miller Rd. 48609. Rev. Edward A. Meyer will officiate. Military Honors and Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery under the auspices of VFW Post #1859. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Saturday, June 14, 2014 and Sunday, June 15, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sam will lie in state at the church on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the St. Mark Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor's choice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.