Kurt Kestermeier 1954-2008

UPDATED BELOW 5/2/2008
Letter to from a Betty to the redevezous group:
It is with deep regret that I must inform everyone that our dear friend and fellow DESC member, Kurt Kestermeier, passed away yesterday, Saturday, May 24, 2008 following a stroke on Thursday, May 22. It is a shock to everyone, especially to those who spent time with him last weekend at Heritage Days when he looked great and seemed to be in the best of health.

Kurt, 53, was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1954 . He is survived by his three children: Tina Kriz, Eric and John Kestermeier; two grandchildren, Kody and Breanne Kriz; his father, John Kestermeier; one sister, Mary Colver; and one brother, Mark Kestermeier. Kurt presently lived in Pawhuska , Oklahoma .

Kurt will be missed by the many friends he made during his lifetime. He was always kind, big-hearted, and a pleasure to spend time with. Myself, I never remember Kurt saying anything bad about anyone. He truly was a friend to all. As Eve and I agree, he was a big man with a big heart.

In his biography in the new Biography Book, Kurt described his life the past eighteen years the best by saying: “My living history career began in 1990. My original persona was that of a fur trapper, circa 1800. As I progressed, I became part of the French Militia, FNI period, and I developed a native persona to help friends at the kick-off of the Lewis and Clark Re-enactment. I portray an historic Osage with the blessings of the Osage nation. I became involved with DESC through friendship with Glen and several other members. The common bond with all of us is the inability to say ‘No.’ I am currently single and residing in Oklahoma .”

A Memorial Service is being planned for Saturday, June 9, at Fort de Chartres during the annual Rendezvous. More information will be sent as soon as it is available. The family sincerely hopes for a large DESC turnout. Please feel free to write or call Eve for additional information at equinstm@mindspring.com or 636-463-1031.

If you wish to send a card of condolence, Kurt's daughter's address is Tina Kriz, 2434 Hoard Avenue, Jennings, Missouri 63136.

Just one week ago today I was walking back to camp with Kurt, Josh and Eve. As they were walking along I thought that it would be nice to have a picture of the three of them. Needless to say, I took more than one. In fact, Kurt told me "Take one more, Betty." I am very thankful for the opportunity to have taken pictures of three great friends. God Bless. Betty

Kurt Steven Kestermeier 12 -25 -1954 5 - 24 - 2008

The first Memorial will be held on the banks of the Mississippi river and the second on the banks of the Missouri river. It is these two rivers that Kurt cherished; these two rivers that join together and flow within the circles of life. Our Brother Kurt has taken the road in to the other world. We will gather to honor his crossing at the Fort De Chartres Rendezvous Saturday, June 7th and June 21t in St. Charles, Mo. There is no more fitting a destination for the first Memorial than where he spent 18 years at the rendezvous with his closest friends and family. He has and will continue to touch many lives with memories of his humor, antics and zest for life. All that embodies friendship, love and sharing are synonymous with our brother Kurt.

Please join us for Kurt˘s Memorials

June 7th Memorial
Evening Colors - 5 pm
Fort De Chartres Rendezvous
1260 State Highway 155
Prairie du Rocher, Ill
United States 62277

For directions:
http://www.ftdechartres.com/page/page/1396770.htm

June 21st Memorial

St. Peter's Catholic Church Mass at 10:00 am
333 S 2nd Street
St. Charles, Mo

The Boat House and Nature Center 11:30 am
1050 Riverside Drive
St. Charles, Mo

Services will begin at 11:45

Please bring chairs or blankets, refreshments and if you wish, you may bring cookies or snacks to share. For questions concerning the memorials, please contact:
Eve 636-248-5143 or Bob Swank 314-640-6477
equinsmt@mindspring.com bobs@wentzvillemo.org

2008 Outstanding Arrowmen

At the 2008 OA banquet, we had Five brothers receive The Outstanding Arrowmen Award. The Brothers are Larry Kremer, Chris Webb, Tyler Robinson, Steve Mohan and Kyle Crutcher (from left to Right)

Although our chapter did not meet its ambitious goal of 100 OA members at the values project, we did fairly well with about 67 members in attendance. The Daughters of the Revolution were very happy with our contribution to cleaning up the very reverent area. We had a great lunch, and then we had an intense game. Because it was so cold, we unaminously decided not to play football. Instead, we had a hot dog eating contest in which Mr. Yarbrough ate down the competition!

Oa Vigil Candidates

On Dec 17 2007, North star had six (6) OA members nominated for the vigil honor at the Winter Banquet.
Matt Ludwig, Joe Burkard, Ben Kremer, Jon Wingo, Dan Robinson, and Stephen Rechtien.