Kai's Story

Joseph ‘Kai’ Gurtler was born on March 11, 1997. Kai was handsome, energetic, fun, proud, and an amazing person. His smile and laugh were infectious. His tight hugs gave the most amazing feeling of love and security. He would give anything to help his friends, family, or even a stranger. Kai loved his mom, dad, sister, grandpa, all his family, and friends.

Kai lived his own way. He did not conform to those around him, dressing the way he wanted and being his goofy lovable self. It didn't matter if others were wearing jeans and T-shirts to an event, if Kai felt like wearing a suit, he wore a suit. He always thought it was appropriate to wear a pajama onesie to breakfast. Kai loved playing Zelda at a young age and became obsessed with Link. Regardless of what his friends thought, he put together a full Link costume and wore it whenever he could.

As a child, he recognized those in need. As a toddler, he recognized his cousin was in pain and couldn't walk. Instead of letting his cousin sit on the floor, he dragged his mattress into the living room to give his cousin a place to sit only to learn later his cousin broke his leg. In first grade, his class went snowshoeing through a snowy trail. Kai recognized one classmate struggling due to a disability. Kai hung back and helped his classmate make it to the end. If a friend asked him for something, he would give it to them. He gave away his coins and toys to his parents' bewilderment. His mom observed his caring actions on many occasions and would tell him he was meant for something great.

As an adult, Kai continued to be giving and caring. He gave those great hugs to people who may or may not have needed one at the time. He gave his listening ear to those who needed it. He always helped colleagues and friends in need without a thought. During the pandemic, he gave away toilet paper without hesitation to his roommate's bewilderment.

Kai loved tattoos and dragons. He started a tattoo sleeve with the main character being a dragon.

On June 5, 2022, Kai took his own life. The night before, he seemed to be having a great time with his friends. We all don’t understand what happened. We don’t know why.