Kurtis Duwayne Tallmage of Sturgis, SD, was born on September 9, 1985, to Jeri Ann and Richard Gene Tallmage at Deadwood Memorial Hospital. He is their first born son.

Kurtis was a kind and loving man that was taken unexpectedly in a tragic accident. Kurtis had many loves in life; he loved working on the core rigs, fishing and hunting with his brother, Vance, and watching football with his father, Richard, and playing with his dog, Duke. Kurtis loved his niece and nephew and his little cousins and loved horseplaying with them all. Kurtis was a jokester and loved making people laugh. He was loyal to everyone that knew him and he'd give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. Kurtis was all about family and loved having barbecues and family gatherings. Kurtis never failed to call a family member on their birthday. Above all, Kurtis' greatest joy in life was his daughter, Olivea Della Tallmage. He wanted nothing but the best for her and to spend time with her. Now he will be able to see and watch over her forever and always. His daughter was on his every thought from the moment she was born.

Kurtis shared a life with Ashley Kemp of Sturgis. He loved being a dad, not only to his own daughter, but to Ashley's three children as well. Kurtis was very fond of Ashley's mother, Linda, as well.

Some of Kurtis' hobbies included listening to music, watching movies, going on long drives and hikes, spending time with family and friends, playing magic cards with Ashley's kids, and simply enjoying life.

Kurtis is survived by his daughter, Olivea Tallmage; sister, Tasha Schmit; brother, Vance Tallmage; parents, Richard and Jeri Tallmage; grandparents, Richard T. and Beulah Harp, and Judith and Phil Lemieux; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by a grandfather; Richard E. Tallmage, and two uncles; Michael Tallmage, and Dale Tallmage.

Click on link to view service folder