Kurt Henry started 2026 with physical challenges which, unlike his lifetime of New Year’s resolutions, were beyond his control. He met them head on with his intentional way. He passed away April 6th, 2026 of natural causes at home in his bed as he chose to do.

Kurt decided who he was. When his father died at home, the police officer present told him “You have to be the man of the house now.” He was 10 years old and he didn’t stop making his own rules. He made an educated decision to leave high school at 17 years old and continued to become one of the sharpest wits anyone had ever met. He could out talk, laugh, joke and debate most without even trying.

The magic was he always ended everything on good terms. He was true blue Traverse City Michigan heart and soul and was friends and family to those that shaped the way we know it today. He could tell you a good story about anyone who was anyone authentic in the area, and they were always first hand.

If we had our own version of Harrison Ford it was Kurt. That wry, straight forward charm was for everyone. He could only be his own boss and centered his work on Sleder’s Family Tavern, where he was proud to work on the level of the lumberjacks that made this town. He strode those floors in tune to the hobnailed boot marks he loved and left his mark alongside them.

An avid political mind, with a reverence for honesty and a solid character, Kurt Henry loved many and was loved by all. The women, the friends, the family, the children, the animals and the world are better for it and he is deeply missed. An open salute will take place at Sleder’s Family Tavern on Kurt’s birthday, April 29th, 2026 during business hours until we hang up his keys.