KURT CURTISS Obituary

SSG Kurt Robert Curtiss "BMF" SSG Kurt Robert Curtiss, born October 14, 1981 in Phoenix, AZ, died Wednesday, August 26, 2009 from wounds he suffered while serving his third tour of duty in Afghanistan. Married to Elizabeth Ann Black, June 14, 2000 in Salt Lake City, UT. Kurt enlisted in the Army as an Infantry man, September 2001. He served two tours in Iraq; first tour March 2003 to January 2004 with the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment "Rakkasans", 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Second tour in Iraq October 2006 to November 2007 and for his third tour of duty he deployed March 2009 to Afghanistan; both served with the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. SSG Curtiss is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Curtiss, his two children, Joshua and Cecilia, his mother, Ruth Serrano, his father, Robert (Kim) Curtiss (PA), sisters, Lynn (David) Burr-Curtiss, Leha Harkins, Jenna Curtiss (PA) and Caroline Curtiss (PA), grandmother, Carol Curtiss (PA), great Aunt, Ruth Robinson, nieces and nephews, Cody, Ariah, Justin, and Kiara, in-laws, Kenneth A. and Judith P. Black, sister-in-law Jacqueline Black, and his good friend who he considered as a brother, Daniel Longoria. SSG Curtiss had many interests in life including his enjoyment of martial arts, dirt biking, 4-wheeling, jamming on his guitar and spending time with his family. He was a loving father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He was a caring person who always placed others before himself. He will always be remembered for his love, devotion, compassion and humor. He is loved by many and will always be his family's number one hero. A viewing is scheduled at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 255 S. 200 E. Salt Lake City, UT., Tuesday September 8, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and again Wednesday, September 9th from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Utah Veterans Memorial Park. Funeral Services will follow this viewing at 12:00 p.m. Utah Veterans Memorial Park is at 17111 Camp Williams Road, Riverton-Bluffdale, UT. Interment will be shortly after the funeral. Online guest book available at www.russonmortuary.com. A fund has been set up for SSG Curtiss' children with PFLCU located at 900 Market St. Room 101, Philadelphia, PA. (215) 922-5474. In lieu of flowers donations may be made with the Fisher House Foundation Inc. www.fisherhouse.org

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Sep. 6 to Sep. 7, 2009.
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Memories and Condolences
for KURT CURTISS

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Forever my Bother

October 24, 2018

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Curtiss Family know that we recently made a small donation to the Fisher House Foundation in honor of Kurt Robert Curtiss US Army Staff Sergeant. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Charlie Gili

April 3, 2016

Miss you brother

Brandan Parra

November 12, 2015

I love you brother thank you you are always in my heart every day

Charles Perkins

November 11, 2015

May this HERO live forever in your hearts, minds and prayers.
Please contact me or the FallenHeroesProject.org
May God bless and keep you in a gentle embrace.

Reverend Liz Wold

June 3, 2014

R.I.P, You truly did a service for your country Mr Curtiss!

Shaun Mathew

June 3, 2014

We will never forget.

Gretchen Andersen

June 2, 2014

His strength, bravery and courage will never be forgotten. God Bless. Blue Star Mothers - Houston

Beth Durham-Gillett

June 2, 2014

Never forgotten my brother

Brandan Parra

August 27, 2013

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Kurt Curtiss:
Always remembering Kurt. "Some gave all."

Peggy Childers

August 26, 2013

In mrmory.

October 24, 2012

Always on my mind brother. I will never forget!

Brandan Parra

August 26, 2012

RIP SSG Curtis it was an honor serving with you and knowing you.

charles perkins

November 17, 2011

It was an Honor to serve with, SSG!

SGT Andrew Barnes

October 10, 2011

ssg you were the first an one of the realest nco's
sorry man your always in our hearts

September 19, 2011

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Kurt Curtiss:
Please accept my remembrance of Kurt on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

August 26, 2011

Two years ago, you lost your life defending this country. We, who were there, will always remember you sacrifice. RIP SSG Curtiss

Thomas Gonzales

August 26, 2011

To all the family and friends of SSG Curtiss... I'll never forget him... I'll never forget the time i had with him and the last mission....

Damon Pond

March 16, 2011

I miss you so much man... my condolences to the family... He was a great guy. All those missions we spent together talking about our futures...

Damon Pond

March 16, 2011

Curtiss I remember all the time that we spent in Iraq working on trucks. We had a good time. you will never be forgotten

James Hursey

January 13, 2011

I will never forget! I miss you bro!

Branda Parra

August 27, 2010

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Kurt Curtiss:
Remembering Kurt on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Peggy Childers

August 26, 2010

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with your family in the loss of SSG Kurt Curtiss. I had the privilege of serving with him during his second tour to Iraq. I interacted with him almost daily as part of our duties and I can honestly say he was one of the most professional soldier I have ever worked with in my 16 year career. Thank you for your sacrifice.
CW3 Jose Vargas

Jose Vargas

August 5, 2010

Your legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew you and shared in your struggle to protect our country and the ultimate sacrifice you gave so that we can be grateful for what we have. Your family, friends, loved ones and fellow soldiers will stay in my thoughts and prayers.
A Proud Military Mom.

Elizabeth Raab

June 29, 2010

I miss you so much little Brother especially today...all the reminders and the people who are ignorant as to what Memorial Day is truly for...but we will forgive them and teach them the true meaning

Bonnie Lahr

May 31, 2010

To the family of Kurt Curtiss. My son Sgt. Michael Scusa was K.I.A. Oct 3, 09 along with 7 from the same platoon in Afghanistan. I live in NJ and have talked to Kurt's father. I know that our boys are looking down on us and watching eye over all we do. We raised two fine young men. We are PROUD of them but still long for them. It will never go away, they are in our hearts forever and always.

Cindy Woodard

January 6, 2010

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.

Donna Gillette

November 27, 2009

My heartfelt sympathy to the Curtiss family and friends in the loss of Kurt. I did not know Kurt, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Kurt you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS
OF THOSE YOU LEAVE BEHIND
IS NEVER TO DIE"

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

November 20, 2009

To the family of Staff Sgt. Kurt Curtiss:
Kurt gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Peggy Childers

September 23, 2009

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be
consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

Stephanie Rafoss

September 20, 2009

To the Curtiss Family,

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. Kurt shall never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you .

Every second you sacrificed
I hold you in my prayers.
So with one hand on my heart and the other in the air;

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you.

A Proud Aunt
SGT.David M Fisher
KIA 12/1/04

Suzanne MacDaniel

September 12, 2009

I'll never forget you Kurt. You were my first team leader from the begining and my squad leader to the end. I will miss you and all the memories I have shared with you.

Adrian Ramirez

September 11, 2009

Liz, You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday and I hope you are managing ok. I am so deeply sorry for the pain you are in I wish more than anything I could do something to ease it. Kurt was a good man and will be missed by many and never forgotten....

J Parra

September 9, 2009

You are my hero...

Virginia

September 9, 2009

I'm sorry for your loss and hope that your memories will hold strong. Thank you for all you gave for us.

Iris Sanchez

September 9, 2009

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the loss of Staff SGT. Kurt Curtiss. I have the deepest respect for the sacrifice he made.

The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loves ones are safe in the hands of God.

A Proud Soldiers' Angel

Janet Mattson

September 9, 2009

I would like to add my prayers for the family and friends of Ssgt. Curtiss.

My family and I are able to enjoy the peace and freedom paid for by the sacrifices of our men and women in service to our country.

I cannot fully express my admiration and respect for those who have honored us all by their service.

May God bless and keep you all forever.

Ken Chiatello

September 8, 2009

Liz, Josh and Cecelia....

I'm so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories you have of Kurt and treasure them always. My thoughts are with you!

Michelle Herbst

September 8, 2009

Dear Liz, we are good friends of Bob and Kim's. We are praying for you, Cecelia, and Josh everyday. May God bring great comfort to you as you grieve your great loss.

Barb Wilbraham

September 8, 2009

Dearest Liz
Please accept our condolences. I know that its very difficult right now- we are praying long and hard for you and your family. I dont know what im suppose to say- but we are thinking of you and the kids. We wont forget you Liz. Thank you for everything you've done for the 501st. Im praying that God brings you peace, know that he is in a better place and will forever remain in all of our hearts...

Chelsea Ramirez

September 8, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. May our Father give you comfort and peace.

Diane Everett

September 8, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Fran Mitchell

September 8, 2009

Words can not begin to express our sadness at the loss of your loved one. We are grateful for his service and recognize the ultimate sacrifice he has made for protecting the freedoms we enjoy. May the Spirit of the Holy Ghost comfort you during these really hard times and as you rebuild your life. Bill & Claudia Todd

Claudia Todd

September 8, 2009

Dear Liz, Ken and Judy,
Our hearts are aching for you at this time. Please know of our love for each of you. We pray for you daily to have the strength to go through this trial. Words can never express our deep gratitude for Kurt giving the ultimate sacrifice for us and our country.
Love-Bob and Liz Snow and family.

Liz Snow

September 8, 2009

I did not know Kurt personally, but I know I am grateful for his service to our country. May your family take solace in knowing that so many are grateful for the freedom he helped us preserve.

September 8, 2009

Liz, Josh, and Cecilia-thinking of you all at this time of sadness. May you all find peace in this difficult loss. Kurt is a true American hero and I know he loved you all very much. Hope to see you all soon.

Debbie Sell

September 8, 2009

My heart is broken over this loss of a Great Soldier and friend. RIP Kurt and Peace be with your family. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Debra Manzo

September 8, 2009

Some Heros' wear capes....MY Heros' wear combat boots. Thank you for your BRAVERY, COURAGE and HONOR. You and your family have made the ultimate sacrifice. As the Mother of a soon to be Marine I just wanted to say THANK YOU! May God bless those you have left behind and continue to bless all those who wear the "uniform of freedom".

September 8, 2009

Thank you!!! I never knew you personally but your sister in law Jackie is one of my dearest friends and she talked about how proud she was of you. Thank you for trying to make our world a better place. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Lindsey Dennison

September 8, 2009

Liz, I am so sorry for you loss. I am here for you if you need anything.

Alyson (Smith) Brown

September 8, 2009

Thank you for your service to our country and the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan. May God bless you and your family for your service and sacrifice.
J. Steer, Midvale, UT

September 8, 2009

Thank your for your greatfulness to serve and protect our country. You are a true super hero not only to your kids and family but to the rest of America as well..my thoughts and prayers are with your family...Peace Love and Faith

Leanna

September 8, 2009

From the bottom of our hearts we are so very grateful for the service you gave to our country. America will never forget your sacred service. May God smile upon you and your family.

Brett Rydalch

September 7, 2009

Liz, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...

Janet Emerman

September 7, 2009

Kurt,

Thank you for your bravery, honor and sacrifice for our country and for the freedom of others. Your bravery will not be forgotten. Dear Curtiss family, my condolences to you on your loss. I know you're proud of your son. God bless.

Bill.

September 7, 2009

Thank you for serving our country. Your family paid the ultimate price for our freedom your life. your families sacrifice. My heart goes out to you an from someone that has lost loved ones in war thank you.

Kathy

September 7, 2009

This is the price of freedom...this is America and Kurt is one of many who keep Old Glory flying proudly!
May God bless Kurt and comfort his family and friends.

Ronald Watkins

September 7, 2009

Kurt you are a true american hero.

From a mother of 2 US Army soldiers

September 7, 2009

Thank you for serving our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Am sorry that we could not protect you as well as you have proteced all of us. God Bless

September 7, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Carole Ann Davis

September 7, 2009

Thank You for your service to our country and Thank You to his family who stood by him in his devotion.

Thankful American

September 7, 2009

Thank you brave family of Kurt Curtiss, one of America's finest and brave young men who has given the ultimate sacrafice in order to give freedom to others. He is not only your hero, he is the soul of all who seek freedom and liberty. God be with you always. A grateful American of Alaska.

September 7, 2009

Thank you for your service. May the Lord bless your Family.
God Bless America

September 7, 2009

Thank you Curtis for your bravery and your service. My prayers are with your family.

September 7, 2009

no words can be said this man made us safe and he lost his life doing it to his family my hearts goes out to you May god bless you

Laura M

September 7, 2009

To The Ken and Judy Black Family and Liz: So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We know that The Lord will give you peace and comfort at this time. He is always there for you!

Sincerely, The Glenn Protti Family from the Hunter 15 Ward.

Camille Protti

September 7, 2009

My I express my sympathy and appreciation at your loss.

Sue Copinga

September 7, 2009

God bless you curtis! your a true hero and this nation will never forget your sacrifice! rest in peace...

luis navarrete

September 6, 2009

Kurt was one of my very best friends this man served with me during three tours overseas. All though we were not in the same unit during our first tour in Iraq back in 2003 we shared many of the same experiences and loved to reminisce over a beer while working on our dirt bikes in my garage. I got to make a special trip to Bagram to his Heroes Flight Ceremony where i got to say good bye to my friend. It was one of the hardest things ive ever had to do. The Ceremony was done right and many people came to pay their respects. SSG Curtiss our friendship will always burn strong in my soul

~God Speed My Friend
SSG Parra

Brandan Parra

September 6, 2009

Kurt you will forever be in my heart. I miss you. My thoughts are with your family and my prayers are with you all.

Steven Strong

September 6, 2009

I am at a loss for words. My hope is that you will find comfort and peace in your hearts in the days to come. Your loss is the country's loss as well. You will hold a very sacred place in my prayers.

Arlyne Rohde

September 6, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. Kurt paid the ultimate sacrifice, so that we can enjoy the freedom we have living here. I can only imagine your pain. Your family and especially Kurt's children are in my prayers. God be with you.

September 6, 2009

Thank you for your service to our country.

Grateful U.S. citizen

September 6, 2009

As one of millions of free Americans siting at home this morning safe I thank you for the brave service your son gave to his country. As a mother who lost a son one month ago today, I know the unbearable pain you are feeling. My prayers are with you today and my sincere hope you find some sort of peace in your heart in the trying days ahead.

Jana Tucker

September 6, 2009

My son is serving with the 501st in Afghanistan. SSG Kurt Curtiss died advancing liberty for the Afghan people, helping stabilize all of South Asia. He was a brave young man and a professional soldier. He served his country through a very important period of time, and will not be forgotten for the sacrifice he offered. Be comforted that he had counted the cost, and knew that the cause he was serving was greater than himself. There is no greater gift than laying down one's life for those who have yet been born. SSG Curtiss died freeing the oppressed.
God bless him for his stand! May we and the Afghan people never forget his selfless service.

Klaus Dahl

September 6, 2009

I don't know you but want to say to your family how sorry i am for you to have lost such a valient son. He served three times and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Thankyou is not enough. Without brave men like this we would not have the life we enjoy. Peace be with your family

September 6, 2009

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to our Brother-in-Arms SSgt. Kurt Curtiss. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Kurt. And to Kurt it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Kurt, you are a brave American Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,353 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Kurt’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

September 3, 2009

My Deepest and Most Heartfelt Sympathy goes out to the family of SSgt. Kurt Curtiss, with Profound Gratitude for this Brave Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.

The price Kurt and his family have paid, Will Never Be Forgotten. May he Rest Safely, in God's Care and may the Peace of God be with the Curtiss family.
I am the Sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago

"Surely He hath borne our grief,
and carried our sorrows."
~ Isaiah 53:4 ~

May you find comfort and strength, in the beautiful memories of times spent with Kurt and, quietly and gently, may healing come, with each new day.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Garnet Jenkins

September 2, 2009

September 1, 2009

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Ssgt. Curtiss, and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of freedom and liberty. Sadly, America has lost one of its finest heroes, the U.S. has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage, which they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Ssgt. Curtiss has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends, of Ssgt. Curtiss, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to carry on. Just as you were always with him when he was deployed overseas, know that he will always be with you wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Ssgt. Curtiss was a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Ssgt. Curtiss the flag of the United States of America has your blood sewn into the fabric; it shall wave forever in your honor.

Freedom requires sacrifice the protected will never know.

Patriot Guard Riders of South Texas

Bernie Norwood

September 1, 2009

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