Curtis was born September 7, 1927 in Peterson, Minnesota to Adolph and Mathilda (Norby). He attended country school in Preble Township. From 1945 to 1949 he was in the United States Navy and served on an aircraft carrier. After the Navy he worked on different farms until he was hired by Armour Meats in the Twin Cities. Curtis worked there for eight years when, at the age of 32, he received injuries from a tragic automobile accident, in which he lost his fiance', that forced him to return to the farm and rent out the land. After his long recovery he continued to work for various farmers until moving into Mabel and then in 2003, to the Green Lea Manor Nursing Home in Mabel. Curtis was a member of the Highland Lutheran Church and the Lanesboro American Legion. He enjoyed going for walks and watching the news and weather on the TV and radio.
Curtis passed away Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, Iowa at the age of 84.
Curtis is survived by nieces and nephews Betty Smith of Phoenix, Arizona, Sandra Tordoff of Belleville, Wisconsin, James Given III of Tomah, Wisconsin, Kimberly Bushey of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Scott Olson of St. Paul, Minnesota, Gregg Olson of St. Paul, Minnesota, Russell Engrav of Houston, Texas, Jody Engrav of Spring Grove, Minnesota, Richard Engrav of Mabel, Minnesota, Steven Engrav of Spring Grove, Minnesota, and Gloria Earp of Waterloo, Iowa; and one brother-in-law Ervin Wehinger of Phoenix, Arizona. He was preceded in death by three sisters Helen Engrav, Alatha Wehinger, and Irene Given; two brothers Gordon and Wesley; and a niece Carolyn Grudt.
Funeral services will be 11AM Friday, May 18, 2012 at the Highland Lutheran Church in rural Lanesboro, Minnesota with the Rev. Pat Hinkie, officiating. Burial will be in the Choice Cemetery with military honors by the Lanesboro American Legion. Visitation will be 5 -7 PM Thursday at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church. |