Kurt Frederick Schatte

Kurt Schatte, a 37-year resident of Cut Bank, Montana, passed away on February 8, 2024, in Great Falls. He had been disabled for the past few years by a series of strokes.

The son of Orlo and Elizabeth (Meier) Schatte, Kurt was born and raised in Monroe, Michigan where he played football and baseball at Monroe Catholic Central High School. Following graduation in 1967, he farmed with some friends, raising and selling sweetcorn in Monroe County, prior to being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in Germany as a mobile howitzer crewman protecting the Fulda Gap from aggression by the U.S.S.R during the Cold War and was honorably discharged in 1971. He later earned a degree in Agronomy from Michigan State University, married Kathryn Carlton of Monroe, and resided in Grass Lake, Michigan.

Kurt moved to Cut Bank in 1987 to manage the Village Dining and Lounge, which he eventually purchased and operated with his wife, Esther Shortman, until their retirement. He was an avid golfer, an active member of the Shriners, and diehard Michigan State Spartans fan who enjoyed the company of his many friends in Michigan and Montana.

Kurt loved his St. Bernard, Deoge, and Suzie the poodle. He would take them for walks and spend special time with them. Saturday’s were for college football and summers were for golf.

Kurt is survived by his wife, Esther Shortman; children, Lova, Merle, Anita, Marlon, and Brandi; brothers, Chris of Traverse City, Michigan and Eric of Monroe, Michigan; and three nieces and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

A Celebration of Life is planned following cremation at the Den in Cut Bank, Montana at 2:00 p.m. on February 24, 2024.

Donations may be made to The Shriners Spokane Hospital 911 W 5th Avenue Spokane, Washington 99204.