Shirleyann Tietze

Shirleyann Tietze (Kurant, Koert)

April 15, 1923 - April 5, 2025

Just days before her 102nd birthday, Shirleyann Tietze (Kurant, Koert) passed into her eternal rest with the loving Lord, Jesus, on April 5, 2025, in Bonita Springs, FL. She was born on April 15, 1923, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Anson and Mildred Sparks.

Shirleyann graduated from Creston High School in Grand Rapids, MI, in 1942, where she was a soloist in her high school choir, showcasing her love for singing. After high school, she pursued business classes in college, which led her to jobs as a bookkeeper and Avon representative. She loved the opportunity to connect with others, whether through her work or her volunteer efforts.

Her life was also one of love, faith, and devotion. She married William Kurant Jr. on February 14, 1945, and after his death, she married Cornelius (Neil) Koert in 1973 and lovingly accepted Neil’s family as her own. Following Neil’s passing, she married Donald Tietze. Shirleyann was preceded in death by her parents, her three husbands, and her grandson, Tobin Looman.

A woman of gentle spirit and unwavering faith, Shirleyann loved her family with all her heart. In her younger years, she enjoyed spending time at the beach, camping with friends, and going to the movies. She also enjoyed her weekly bridge club with close friends. While married to Neil, the couple cherished their time together, hosting parties, enjoying summers on the Muskegon River in Michigan, winters in Florida, and traveling across the USA and the Netherlands after Neil retired. As she grew older, Shirleyann continued to find joy in simple pleasures; whether it was joining friends for cocktails and music, doting on her beloved cat, indulging in chocolate and cheese, or treasuring moments with family and friends.

Throughout her life, Shirleyann gave back to her community through various volunteer efforts. She was active in the Belmont Health Clinic for children, the Altar Society at Assumption BVM Catholic Church, and the American Legion; all in Belmont, MI. She also contributed to the Lion’s Club and the Moose Club in Bonita Springs, FL, where she made lasting friendships and continued to be a part of a vibrant community.

Her family is especially grateful for the loving in-home care provided by Andrea Gibson and her daughter, Carah, which allowed Shirleyann to maintain comfort and dignity in her later years.

Shirleyann is survived by her daughter, Renee (Mark) Fletcher, her grandchildren Michelle, James, and Karen Fletcher, Charlotte (Daniel II) Edington, great-grandchildren Christian, Scarlett, Daniel III, and Mark. She is also survived by the Koert family—children William (Jill) Koert, Marcia Ebling, and Jackie (Dave) Morse, grandchildren Julie (Wayne) Klausing, Janell (Andrew) Littleton, Aaron (Sue) Ebling, Tiffany (Scott) Okopien, and Alicia (Baron) Baldwin, an additional 14 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, with three more great-great-grandchildren expected this year.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 14, at 10:00 AM at Saint Margaret Mary Church (11358 Brown Ave, Allendale, MI 49401), with visitation at 9:00 AM and the Rosary at 9:30 AM. Burial will take place immediately following the funeral at Resurrection Cemetery (4100 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509), with a luncheon following.