Michael Clay Krawciw "The Real Shot Gun Mike Kurtis", 75, of Carlisle, passed away on Friday July 5, 2024, at Forest Park Nursing Home, Carlisle.  Born May 14, 1949, in Carlisle, Michael was the son of the late Nicholas Krawciw and Jean (Clay) Krawciw.  He was also preceded in death by his sister Nikki J. Ker and nephew William O. Ker III.  He is survived by a brother-in-law William O. Ker and nephew Nicholas N. Ker.

Michael was one of country radio's astute radio personalities.  He was renowned in the mid-state.  He was known for being humorous and knowing his music.  During High School he started spinning records for the Police Athletic League in Carlisle and read TV programs in his home over a PA system.  He had a short-range transmitter and was on the air for his neighbors on Walnut Street if they chose to tune in.

Michael was a 1967 graduate of Carlisle Area High School.   After High School he enrolled in the Career Academy School of Radio and Television in Washington, D.C.  He then continued his education with a Dale Carnegie course on Effective Speaking and Public Relations in Carlisle in 1970.  He also took some business courses at Harrisburg Area Community College and practiced at the campus radio station.

His first professional shot came with WIOO in Carlisle where he was a morning and afternoon personality for 4 years.  He worked at WCMB/WS FM in Harrisburg, doing weather reports, production and promotions.  He then went to WHYL in Carlisle handling the morning drive shift duties as a team with Lynn Myers known as "Laid-back- Lynnie.  Thereafter, Michael worked for several other local radio stations to include WHYL, WIOO, KOOL, BOB, WGTY, WEMB and WHP.  After his time at WGTY FM 108 he left the industry in 1992.

Through the years, Michael pursued various, related DJ and broadcast opportunities, He did clubs such as Carlisle's 720 Club, the Valley Motel and Rumpelstiltskin's night club in Harrisburg where he was known as "Disco Mike" – before he picked up the "Shotgun" label.  He has been sawed in half during a magic show, knighted at the PA Renaissance Fair, dunked in dunk tanks at the Penn Township Fair for several years, and donated his time to many other benefits through the years.  He returned to radio with a Sunday slot at BOB 94.9 in 2002.  Thereafter, he filled his time with odd jobs including a time at Ashcombe Farms working with plants that he really enjoyed. Michael always supported live entertainment in the area.  Music was his first love with Key West, Florida a close second.  He enjoyed taking long walks, writing his journal and anything involving nature.   In Michael's own words… "One Tick at a Time, Keep the Faith, PEACE.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Ewing Brothers Funeral Home in Carlisle where a memorial service will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.  Pastor Richard Reese will officiate the service. Memorial contributions may be made in Michael's memory to Cumberland Valley Habitat for Humanity, Inc.  www.EwingBrothers.com