Memorial

Kurt Oja, age 55, of Cedar Rapids passed away surrounded by immediate and extended family members on May 24, 2014.  Kurt was diagnosed with and courageously battled myelodysplastic syndrome, which led to a very aggressive form of leukemia.  Kurt was a kind man and amazing provider.  His number one priority was his wife and boys, and most recently his grandkids.  They all brought him much joy. 

Kurt was born on March 25, 1959 in Cedar Rapids to Arne and Aary (Bebing) Oja.  Growing up Kurt traveled extensively with his family and older brother.  Traveling became a lifelong passion for him.  His Estonian heritage was very important and he enjoyed sharing his parents’ history.

He married Janet Baty on August 10, 1985 in Cedar Rapids.  Kurt always made it a point to tell Janet that he loved her and to compliment her every day. He would always say, “Whatever makes you happy, Jan.”  Janet is who she is today because of Kurt. 

They had two sons, Bradley Alan and Derek Ryan.  One of the best times of his life was coaching his sons’ tee ball, baseball, basketball, and soccer teams. As they grew up he was a dedicated father and fan, never missing a game.

Kurt was the ultimate vacation planner and party host. Not one detail was left unattended. 

Kurt was a loyal employee at Alliant Energy and member of IBEW Local 204 for 34 years.

He is survived by his wife Janet; son Brad (Brooke) Oja and grandsons Landon and Carter; son Derek Oja; brother Matt (Gail) Oja, nephew Cameron and niece Rachel; father-in-law Ron (Kay) Baty; sister-in-law Julie (Mark) Gutman, nephew Shay and niece Corey; brother-in-law Dan (Dee) Baty, niece Nicole and nephew Harrison; aunt Alice (Lloyd) Larson; cousins: Ken Larson, Mark (Terri) Larson, Kirk (Stacey) Larson; aunt Ines Bebing; and his step-family: Bill (Barb Musgrove) Danskin; Jana (Jim) Anaya; Bill (Tami) Happel; Bob (Julie) Happel and their families; and special family member Evelyn Lacock.

He was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law Marlene Danskin.

Memorial Service: 10:00 AM Thursday, May 29, 2014 at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Kay Slocum officiating.  Inurnment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation: 4-7:00 PM Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Memorials may be sent to the American Red Cross: Grant Wood Chapter, the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: Iowa Chapter.