John Curtis

John M. Curtis, age 85, Iron River, MI, passed peacefully into eternal life July 18, 2007, where he was greeted by his wife, June, of 61 years. He was born January 2, 1922 in Stambaugh, MI, to the late Jack and Doris (Mitchell) Curtis. He was the second oldest of seven children. He attended school in Iron River up to the eighth grade, leaving school to help support the family. He joined the local CCC Camps in Gibbs City at the age of 17. After the CCC Camp, he joined the U.S. Army, serving our country proudly in WWII as a military policeman. His tour of duty included Italy, France, Austria, Africa, and Germany. On November 14, 1946, he received his honorable discharge. He was awarded a Service Stripe, four Overseas Service Bars, European/African/Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with one Silver Battle Star, a Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. He worked underground at the Homer-Wauseca for the M.A. Hanna Mining Company, and later at the Groveland Mine as a blaster, retiring after 37 years of service. John married the former June Shoquist on November 23, 1946 at the First Baptist Church of Iron River and they made their home in Stambaugh, raising three children. The couple celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1996, and were "Snowbirds" in Florida for many years. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren, often telling them many a great story. He will always be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, tall tales, and stories. He was a member of the Elks Lodge 1671 of Iron River, and a member of Steelworkers Local 5646. He was preceded in death by his wife June; a sister, Doris, and two nephews. He is survived by two sons, Allan Curtis of Marquette, MI James (Lori) Curtis of Marquette One daughter, Sandy (Brian) Demboski of Iron River Five grandchildren, Eric (Nicole)Curtis of Roanoke, TX Jaime Curtis of Marquette Kristin and Kelly Demboski of Marquette Kasey (Jim) Martin Jr. of Green Bay, WI Four great-grandchildren, Ethan and Taylor Curtis of Roanoke,TX Ashton Demboski of Marquette Lily Martin of Green Bay Two brothers, Bill Curtis of Iron River Tom (Jean) Curtis of Lake Tomahawk, WI Three sisters, Jane (Vince) Eagloski of Iron River Ruth (Bill) Ruscinski of Lansing, MI Marion Curtis of Crystal Falls, MI Many nieces and nephews also survive. Visitation: Friday, July 20, 2007 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Grace Covenant Church, Iron River. Funeral Services: Friday, July 20, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. at the Grace Covenant Church, Iron River, with Rev. Matthew Norlen to officiate. Interment: Bates Township Cemetery, Iron River. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.