Kurt Alan Kalbach
1963-2025
Kurt Alan Kalbach was born on June 22, 1963, to Janice and Harry Kalbach in Guthrie Center. He was raised in Menlo, where his lifelong curiosity and thirst for knowledge took root. As a child, he followed his father around the family’s gas station, learning everything he could about fixing cars, repairing tires and running the day-to-day operations. At just 14, he began hauling fuel for the station, demonstrating the strong work ethic that would define his life.
Kurt graduated early from Stuart-Menlo High School in 1982 and went on to earn an associate degree in electronic engineering technology from the National Education Center. His passion for mechanics and problem-solving led him to a successful career with Xerox Corporation, where he became one of only 116 technical specialists in the U.S. servicing high-volume mainframe printers. Over his 17 years at Xerox, he earned multiple awards and certifications, reflecting his dedication and expertise.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kurt was deeply committed to his community. He followed in his father’s footsteps by serving with the Menlo Fire Department, where he volunteered for more than 20 years, earning multiple fire school certifications, and notably saving a life during a house fire. He served as assistant fire chief for nine years, embodying the spirit of service and leadership.
Life took an unexpected turn in 2007 when Kurt faced challenges that led to his time in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Even in adversity, he remained committed to learning and growth, training multiple service dogs to detect low blood sugar for diabetes patients. In 2020, due to changes in laws and good behavior, Kurt was released early. His family had always stood by him, and his sisters Colleen (Dave Hodson) and Julia (Travis Green) were there to support him as he reintegrated into society. While on probation, he obtained his CDL license and began working for Logan Contractors Supply.
Kurt’s passion for cars never faded, and he fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing another 1979 Pontiac Trans Am with the iconic gold eagle on the hood. Technology, however, proved to be a challenge — learning to use a smartphone and navigating Facebook took some time. In 2020, after hearing a 38 Special song on the radio, he attempted to reconnect with Mechiel Kopaska, whom he had dated years before. Though he initially misspelled her name, fate intervened a year later in 2021 when another 38 Special song inspired him to try again. This time, he found her through her sister, Melissa Kopaska, and their connection reignited instantly. His resilience and faith never wavered, and he credited God for guiding him through his trials and reuniting him with his true love, Mechiel Kopaska.
Kurt and Mechiel spoke nonstop for days, and in April 2021, she visited him. Their love story came full circle on Sept. 17, 2021, when Kurt proposed at a 38 Special concert in Omaha, Nebraska, during the song “Caught Up in You,” specifically the line that said, “You’ve got me down on my knees.” He moved to Florida to be with Mechiel, and on May 7, 2022, they were married on Howard Park Beach in Tarpon Springs, surrounded by family and friends.
In April 2023, they moved to Tallahassee to pursue their dream of developing an RV resort, living full-time in their RV. Kurt worked as a CDL driver for RIS Insulation, where his compassion for customers and coworkers shone through. Kurt embraced the motorcycling community, becoming a Road Captain in the Harley Owners Group (HOG) and was responsible for the content in their monthly newsletter. He also joined the Tallahassee Region Antique Automobile Club of America, where Kurt proudly showed his Trans Am. His beloved 1979 Pontiac Trans Am was a source of pride, winning multiple awards including a costume contest where he and Mechiel dressed as Bandit and Frog, and he was featured on the cover of Motoring Tampa Bay and in a YouTube episode of “Junkyards and Barn Finds with Sean.”
His love for riding extended to the Southern Cruisers Riding Club (SCRC) and the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA), where Kurt shared his testimony with troubled young men at Liberty Wilderness, hoping to inspire change in their lives. He was also a member of the Patriot Guard Riders where members attend the funeral of members of the U.S. Military and first responders.
He attended New Walk Church online out of Zephyrhills, Florida, and participated in weekly Bible study on Zoom.
Motorcycling was an integral part of his life: Kurt had completed 66 of the 99 Freedom Rocks in Iowa and was scheduled to complete the remaining 34 this summer. He cherished his visits back home to Menlo, where he spent time with “the Menlo Boys,” reminiscing and sharing laughter over the good old days. He and Mechiel would later move to a local campground, where they became camp hosts. Sundays were marked by the unmistakable scent of smoked meat, as Kurt developed a passion for barbecue, learning techniques from his brothers-in-law Dave Hodson and Travis Green and studying “Chud” online for the latest methods.
Kurt Alan Kalbach passed away on May 28, 2025, at 10:10 p.m. at HCA in Tallahassee after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his wife, two sisters and a dear friend. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents, Janice and Harry Kalbach, and in-laws, Judy and Larry Kopaska. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mechiel; his sisters, Colleen (Dave) Hodson and Julia (Travis) Green; his aunt, Marion Johnson; his uncle, Gilbert (Charlotte) Bentley; and a host of cousins and friends, all of whom he considered family.
Kurt’s life was a testament to redemption, love and unwavering faith. He often said his story could be a Lifetime movie — and, indeed, it was a life full of drama, heart and triumph.
In lieu of flowers, all donations collected will go to the Tallahassee Chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association and the Menlo Fire Department. Donations will be accepted by mail to 5753 Highway 85 N, PMB 5282, Crestview, FL 32536.
A celebration of life will be held in the Tallahassee, Florida, area and in Menlo. Future dates to be determined.
The theme for the 2025 show is “Making Waves Since 1985.” The history of water skiing, which began in 1922 in Lake City, Minnesota, will be showcased with costumes, music and on-shore skits that allow the water to calm down between acts.
This year’s ski show is expected to last about an hour and a half. Again this year, there will be canopies and free water on the south shore to help with the heat. Viewers are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.
