Kurtis L. Kivi, 65, of Iron Belt, died unexpectedly Thursday morning, Oct. 16, 2008, at his home in Iron Belt. He was born Feb. 24, 1943, in Ironwood, Mich., son of Lillian (Kangas) Kivi Tillner and the late Wilbur Kivi, attended grade school in Iron Belt, and graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in Hurley in 1961. He then attended the University of Wisconsin -Madison for two years, and received a bachelor of science degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Kurtis taught social economics at Rice Lake High School in Rice Lake for several years, and pursued a master's degree at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Up until the time of his death, he worked in furniture restoration and antiques in Iron Belt. He was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ironwood, and enjoyed investing in the stock market. He was also an avid reader and Green Bay Packers fan. Surviving are his mother, Lillian Tillner, of Iron Belt; his sister, Lynn (Charles) Thrasher, Carol Stream, Ill.; a nephew, James Thrasher, Carol Stream; an aunt, Dorothy Harma, Hurley; and numerous cousins. Besides his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, William Kivi, in 1975; and his step-father, Dougal Tillner, in 1996. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Monday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 100 W. Midland Ave., Ironwood, with the Rev. Francis Strong officiating. Committal will take place at the church, with luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall. Inurnment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Iron Belt. Relatives and friends may call at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church, 100 W. Midland Ave., Ironwood, MI 49938. To view Kurtis's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with McKevitt-Patrick and Engstrom Funeral and Cremation Services of Ironwood and Hurley.