This is a story about Kurt Lingenheld - my brother-in law. A good man who, married to his wife Sharon for 43 years, has a loving family with three children: Jesse, Max, and Rose (Kubran), and three grandchildren, who worked hard to run Kurt's Customs auto body and repair business for over 30 years until this past August when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Kurt is a tough cookie who has battled his dragging left side after suffering two strokes some years back. He never let that stop him though - he’s more stubborn than most and had a certain draw that would attract regular visitors who just wanted to chat. Over the years his shop was rarely closed, maybe for a very rare vacation or if he was REALLY sick, otherwise that shop was where Kurt could be found. Papa’s shop was a popular destination for his kids and grandkids too.
In July 2018, Sharon noticed Kurt was experiencing some memory issues and wanted him to see a doctor. The doctors told them the shocking news of Stage 4 cancer found in his esophagus, liver, lungs and brain. How could a seemingly healthy guy be ridden with cancer and not know? Kurt’s life changed in that instant. Kurt was not able to work - his job now was to fight that cancer. Kurt fought aggressively, first radiating the cancer on the brain followed by chemo sessions to attack the rest. The chemo made him very weak and was often followed by complications. Infections and bad reactions to therapy landed him in the hospital multiple times, the most recent being pancreatitis.
Unfortunately, pancreatitis wasn’t the bad news. The bad news was that the cancer was back in his brain. And just like that, life changed again. No more therapy, no more treatments. Kurt is home now in a hospice situation, with Sharon by his side taking care of him.
When it was realized that Kurt could not return to work, he and Sharon made the agonizing decision to put the tools and equipment in his auto body and repair shop up for sale and close the shop. Unfortunately, the sale didn’t bring in the revenue they had hoped. Because of their current situation, they are struggling to make ends meet. Can you help us relieve some of their financial burden? They have very little income right now and could really use your help. Thank you!
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UPDATE: February 26, 2019
Unfortunately, Kurt passed away peacefully last night in his home. His family and friends were fortunate to know him and will miss him greatly.
Here is the link to Kurt's obituary.
In July 2018, Sharon noticed Kurt was experiencing some memory issues and wanted him to see a doctor. The doctors told them the shocking news of Stage 4 cancer found in his esophagus, liver, lungs and brain. How could a seemingly healthy guy be ridden with cancer and not know? Kurt’s life changed in that instant. Kurt was not able to work - his job now was to fight that cancer. Kurt fought aggressively, first radiating the cancer on the brain followed by chemo sessions to attack the rest. The chemo made him very weak and was often followed by complications. Infections and bad reactions to therapy landed him in the hospital multiple times, the most recent being pancreatitis.
Unfortunately, pancreatitis wasn’t the bad news. The bad news was that the cancer was back in his brain. And just like that, life changed again. No more therapy, no more treatments. Kurt is home now in a hospice situation, with Sharon by his side taking care of him.
When it was realized that Kurt could not return to work, he and Sharon made the agonizing decision to put the tools and equipment in his auto body and repair shop up for sale and close the shop. Unfortunately, the sale didn’t bring in the revenue they had hoped. Because of their current situation, they are struggling to make ends meet. Can you help us relieve some of their financial burden? They have very little income right now and could really use your help. Thank you!
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UPDATE: February 26, 2019
Unfortunately, Kurt passed away peacefully last night in his home. His family and friends were fortunate to know him and will miss him greatly.
Here is the link to Kurt's obituary.