Kurt Sahlmann

Kurt Louis Sahlmann, age 54, of Erie passed away Wednesday March 4, 2015 at his residence.

Kurt was born in Erie, July 8, 1960, son of Louis H. and the late Marion Johnston Sahlmann. He was a 1978 graduate of McDowell High School and a 1982 graduate of Purdue University with a B.S. in Marketing.

Kurt started his career with American Sterilizer in Louisville KY and Cleveland OH followed by several years as a sales representative for Hoechst-Roussel Pharmaceuticals. In 1994 he earned a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Gannon University.

In 1996, following his dream of being an entrepreneur, he purchased Cup-a-ccino’s coffeehouse on North Park Row , followed by 1000 French Restaurant in 1998. He loved cooking for people and sharing his love for food and coffee.

In recent years, he had worked with Community Access Television as a producer, board member and very active volunteer. He was involved in many video and music projects, including Parabolis and “The Kurt’s Purples”, in which he played keyboards and sang. Kurt was active in the local arts scene, supporting many musicians and actors at PACA performing arts center and producing video content for many local artists. As a coffeehouse and restaurant owner he gave many local musicians and artists a venue for performance and display of their work.

Kurt was a member of many organizations, including Presque Isle Rotary Club, Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity, Destination Erie, the Jefferson Society, Erie Ski Club, Northwest PA Outdoor Adventure Group and the Innovation Collaborative. He was an avid antique collector and had exhibited his collection of axes and implements at the Erie Art Museum. Recently, he had been involved with the Pittsburgh Film Office, with the hope of bringing projects to Erie.

He was a member of Luther Memorial Church for 20 years, where he sang in the choir and participated in the Luther Memorial Concert Series. He recorded events on video and edited the productions for the church website.

He loved camping, skiing, hiking and spent many days with family and friends enjoying the great outdoors.

In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by his great-niece Hope Gilroy.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife of 30 years Kathy Kraus Sahlmann, a brother Matthew (Beth) of Erie; three sisters, Leslie (John) Finkbeiner of Mercer, Patty (Ray) Venture of FL, and Nancy (Christopher) Tower of IL. He is further survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and his mother-in-law Marilyn Way Kraus.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Ave.) on Saturday from 2-4 and 6-8pm , and are invited to attend the funeral service at Luther Memorial Church 225 West 10th Street Erie, PA 16501 on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 1pm with Rev. William Coleman officiating.

Memorials may be made to Luther Memorial Church or the Luther Memorial Concert Series (see address above). To send condolences please visit www.Burtonfuneralhome.com