Mary Kleven|Nov 24, 2020
My sincere sympathy to all the family members . I have fond memories from my young days at Ebenezer, with Curt, and the friendly and loving folks.
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diane breuning|Jan 17, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Curt. I have so many fond memories of him. He was a very special man. I am thinking of all of you and sending love and prayers to you. ❤️🙏🏻
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Sarah Kern|Jan 17, 2020 (edited)
Kathy I am sure praying for you!! It's a sad loss but a rejoicing in heaven with Jesus. Curt was a blessing to my family especially for my dad. Thanks for all that you and Curt have done for Bethel when it was still going. Everything will be okay just take a deep breath and assure that God is gonna take care of the rest!
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Todd Olson|Jan 17, 2020
Life coaches ask the question, “what do you want the people you care most about to say about you?”
Presumably we prefer to hear these comments first hand rather than to have them offered up post mortem and therefore I am hopeful that Curtis heard my heart through many conversations leading up to Tuesday January 14th.

Curtis was a very special man in my life. I had little choice of him being a big part of my life after his daughter captured my heart in the fall of 1982 while attending Lutheran Brethren Bible college. Honestly, I was a bit unsettled around him during our first encounter at the ice cream shop in Fergus Falls with the family. A bit aloof, talkative and somewhat comical. How should I act around this man, a pastor? However, during the months that followed Curtis made it clear by his actions: He wanted to get to know me personally- my interests, hobbies and passions. I believe he had a plan and it was to involve me in his life mission: To influence me for Jesus…this was his passion. Some call it “friendship evangelism” and I was his new friend. He counseled me gently while I was trying to decide a career path. He empowered me with his encouragement and a little Reality Therapy often reminding me of the CHOICES I had. Some, such as an education, could provide me with more choices. He invited my feedback and input into life choices for him. He gently recommended books and theologians that had been a large influence his own spiritual thinking. Always ready to engage in meaningful dialogue, like many others, I had several of the “napkin note” discussions. But there were plenty of other settings including: road trips, camping, Bible studies, walks, dinner table and on the ski slopes. Reading and learning were another of his passions and he quickly wove his new ideas and information into conversation. Some were mere trivia and others were powerful lessons or new understanding. He was forever studying, adapting and growing. Often, I was invited to listen to what he was learning about in relation to the text he was preaching on for the week and, unable to restrain himself, the better part of a passionate sermon was shared on the spot. I was thankful for the “primer” since it often provided supplementary information and insight.
Over the years Curt has poured much wisdom, love and understanding into my life. His spiritual influence and Biblical wisdom are difficult to measure. He was first my friend, my mentor and my pastor before he was my father-in-law.
As the grandchildren started to arrive on the scene is has been beautiful to see how the same relationship building and influence has been directed by Curt to each one following the very same model: sharing the love of Jesus through a loving connection.


Blessed be the memory of Curtis
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Manley Olsoe|Jan 16, 2020
Prayers are with you Kathy and family in this time of loss. I have fond memories of West Coast connections with you all. I thoroughly enjoyed the sax and musical with pictures u tube you have posted. Manley Olsoe
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Lissa Willemsen|Jan 16, 2020
Kathy and family, we are so sorry for your loss...Curt was such a special man! Praying the memories and God’s peace will carry you thru this difficult time. Our love and prayers are with you❤️
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Joanne Austin|Jan 15, 2020
Kathy,, may you experience God’s deep, comforting peace in the midst of your great loss.❤️ You and Curt have a special place in our hearts, just as you did in my mom and dad’s. This is the same week that they left us for heaven (2 yrs ago-Wava, 6 yrs ago-Palmer). I love picturing them welcoming Curt there!! Sweet reunion! 🥰❤️
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Joan Samuelson|Jan 15, 2020
So sorry for your loss. May God surround, comfort and encourage all your family. Curt has been for nearly 50 years an encourager and example to both Joan and I. We are so glad that God brought him into our lives. He will be greatly missed but we know he is truly home with his Savior that he loved so much. Bob & Joan
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Shirley Vander Ploeg|Jan 15, 2020
The Lord blessed us at First Reformed Church with Curt and family ...May the joy of the Lord be your strength even thru the tears 😢
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Mary Carlson|Jan 15, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss, Kathy. I have great memories of you & Curt from the Ebenezer days. Praying for God's comfort for you and your family! -Mary (Stennes) Carlson
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