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Curtis Wilson Obituary
URBANA – Curt Wilson, 82, of Urbana passed away Friday, February 6, 2009, after being hit by a car Thursday morning in a crosswalk on University Avenue in front of Carle Clinic. Curt, who was known for his generosity and concern for others throughout his life, continued to be generous in death by providing organs that others might live.
A memorial service and celebration of Curt's life will be offered at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, at Community United Church of Christ, 805 S. Sixth St., Champaign.
Curt is survived by his wife, Janice; their children, Margaret Wilson of Nulato, Alaska, Sister Mary Pierre Jean Wilson of Denver, David Wilson of Bloomington, Minn., and his wife, Nancy, and their sons, Alexander and Andrew, Kay Hatlestad of Maplewood, Minn., and her husband, John, and their children, Karen and Mark; and his brother, Tom Wilson of Napa, Calif. and his wife, Dolores; as well as numerous cousins.
Curtis Marshall Wilson was born Sept. 11, 1926, in Stillwater, Minn., to Henry and Irma Curtis Wilson.
He married Janice McGladrey on Sept. 6, 1952, in Minneapolis; they had been married 56 years at the time of his death.
Curt served two years in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He received his B.S. and M.S. from the University of Minnesota in 1948 and 1951, and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1954.
He taught at Rutgers University for five years in Plant Physiology before coming to the University of Illinois in 1959 as a professor of Agronomy and USDA researcher, where he spent much of his career studying corn protein.
He spent sabbatical years in 1966 at Brookhaven National Lab in New York and in 1979 at Rothamstead Agricultural Research Station in Harpenden, England.
He worked four years at the USDA lab in Peoria before retiring and returning to Urbana with Jan in 1991.
Curt was active for over 40 years at the Community UCC, including serving on the church council, as moderator, as church historian, on the stewardship committee and in many other roles. He helped start the Urbana Girls Softball League in the 1960s.
Curt was active in the Audubon Society, Crop Walk, International Exchange Club, Clark-Lindsey Village and Squanto Survivors.
One of Curt's great loves was nature and the outdoors. He was very active as Scoutmaster in Boy Scouts for many years, was an avid birdwatcher with hundreds of birds on his life list, took many camping trips over the years with family and was a lifelong gardener.
Canoeing remains a family tradition based on his early years in Stillwater, Minn.
The love that Curt and Jan had for history, cultures and religious studies led them to host international students for many years at the UI and Bradley University as well as make many international trips to six continents, including Church World Service mission trips to Chiapas, Mexico, and India. In fact, Curt and Janice were going to Carle to check immunizations before a planned trip Feb. 11 to Egypt and Jordan when Curt's accident occurred.
Donations may be made to the Crop Walk (Church World Service), Audubon Society or Community UCC. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Curtis Wilson
Nancy Maxfield-Wilson
March 5, 2009
Though many things come to mind, my strongest and fondest impressions of Curt are of "stewardship"-his care, concern, and curiousity for the natural world and all its creatures (people, wildlife, ecosystems, and birds especially). In that odd way that human brains have, I find I regret much that I did not tell him-the little brown birds at our feeder during his last visit were pine siskins...hope you're reading this, Curt, you were right!
Curt & children in Mexico
Martha Pierce
March 5, 2009
I served with Curt and Jan on the Illinois Maya Ministry task force for many years. Both of them brought a depth of knowledge, commitment and wisdom that really enriched our work on behalf of the people of Guatemala and Mexico. Curt also kept track of the finances of our group -- not an easy task, but one that he carried out diligently. They both participated in a delegation to the Mexico-Arizona border, and I remember Curt sitting in a dirt courtyard, surrounded by a group of children, doing tricks for them with his pocket handkerchief (I'll put this photo in the album). It made me realize what a wonderful grandfather he must be -- he and Jan were always so proud to share the latest news and stories of their beloved family, and I know he will be dearly missed by all. It was a privelege to know him.
Rev. David Kniker
March 2, 2009
My deep sympathy to Jan and family at Curt's tragic death - my appreciation for Curt and Jan and their leadership in the local and larger church grew each time I came upon them - or perhaps better put, each time they touched me. Thank God for Curt's life.
Ann Markusen
February 26, 2009
Curt was my dad (David Markusen’s) good cousin. Though my Dad died in 1974, an early, violent death too, I have felt so nurtured by my Wilson/Lee family, largely because of the efforts of Curt and Jan and others to keep us reuniting every ten years or so, which we last did in the summer of 2007. Several of my cousins have become much closer to me because of these events. And of course, at our gatherings we enjoyed lavish doses of old stories, silly songs (a very important family trait), and important historical framing delivered by Curt. We hope to keep up the tradition, and tell stories about Curt!
Karen Kelly
February 19, 2009
On behalf of Donald Link in Astoria,Oregon, he and his daughters send condolences and prayers to the entire Wilson family. We visited them as children and remember laughing and having fun with Margaret who was our age. We are so sorry for your tragic loss of such a wonderful husband and father. We are praying that you have strength to get through this difficult time.
Dave and Nancy Madsen
February 16, 2009
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the sudden loss of Curt. He will definitely be missed.
Sincerely, Dave and Nancy Madsen
Nathan Birky - (nursing student)
February 16, 2009
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. As a Christian, it is such a blessing to see the close walk Curt had with the Lord, apparent in his life, in the influence on others as he left this world, and in the legacy he leaves behind. I'm sure you look forward to seeing him again in heaven.
David Markusen
February 16, 2009
Though I never had the chance to know him as well as I'd like, or talk with him as much as I'd like, I was always struck by Curt's zest for life
and warm spirit. He will be missed.
RuthAnn Markusen
February 15, 2009
Curt Wilson exemplified the quiet generosity so a part of the the Wilson family legacy. My thoughts and prayers go out to his immediate and extended family and friends.
Richard Graham
February 11, 2009
On behalf of Marge Wilson's Baha'i and school friends, students and colleagues in China, our sincere condolences on her dad's untimely death. We only had the pleasure of meeting Curt and Jan once, but they were the kind of people who make a lasting impression with their earnest and sincere interest in all of God's creation. Prayers for Curt's spiritual progress will be offered here this weekend.
Dave Fopay
February 11, 2009
I wish I'd kept more in touch with David over the years. I was saddened to hear about your father's death. Your parents were always very kind to me when we were in high school, and I'll always remember that. I hope you're doing as well as you can and perhaps you can send me a note to let me know how you are. Best wishes.
Tom Ward
February 9, 2009
Yesterday's memorial service was a real tribute to Curt and his life. It was a wonderful service where we got an opportunity to hear and see the many ways Curt touched our lives. It was more than 30 years ago, as a new freshman on campus, that I first met Curt and Jan. In the years since, we have been on committees together, worked on projects at church, worshipped together and broken bread together. As was stated yesterday, there were times when his attention to details, would drive me nuts too. But now I wonder who will make sure the stairway lights are on or the snow is shoveled, or the interest in the mutual fund it properly credited on the proper line in the financial report. Curt we will miss you.
Michelle Prentice-Leslie
February 9, 2009
Members of Illinois Maya Ministry, where Jan and Curt served for years, join me in expressing condolence upon the passing of this wonderful person. We are shocked and saddened by the way in which he was killed. Curt contributed greatly as treasurer of this group, helping to make sense of what had been a difficult system of reporting. He approached this mission work with the same dedication he did all else, motivated by desire to help Mayans in Guatemala and southern Mexico to get the justice they deserve. I and other members of IMM will miss him dearly. We entrust Him to the arms of God.
Rev. Michelle Prentice-Leslie, Crystal Lake, IL
Laura Barnett
February 9, 2009
The staff of Andrew K. Demoski School and Nulato, Alaska's community send their heartfelt condolences to our language arts teacher, Marge, and her family.
David Gerstenecker
February 8, 2009
While attending the memorial service for Curt today, I was reminded of how many ways Curt touched my life. I felt a certain kindred spirit with Curt and looked at him as an example of how I might be 50 years from now. He was both passionate and compassionate. God truly blessed our church with a wonderfully caring person in Curt Wilson.
Shannon Fitzpatrick
February 8, 2009
I did not know Curt very well I'll admit, but I didn't need to to know that he was a wonderful man. I am a member of the CUCC campus ministry, and this summer I was really struggling with an internship I had in Champaign. He had never met me, but yet he volunteered to meet with me even though I probably could not help him much. He helped me to grow professionally in a time when I was really doubting myself, but more importantly gave me the chance to know him and learn about his life. When I felt like I could only fail, it was amazing to know there were people who despite not knowing me, would be that giving of themselves to reach out and help.
I will always be grateful that he took that time to sit with me so that I could get to know such a kind and wonderful person. You know you have truly met a special person when you only spend two hours with them, but they touch your life forever.
May the peace of God be with you.
Patricia McQuillen
February 8, 2009
I have only been a member of CUCC for a short two years,and during that time our church family has gone thru many challenges and changes, and it seemed to me that Curt was there to help us through the rough patches, as well as the smooth. Is it too late to say," Thank You"..I hope not, and his spirit,and determination wil surely be felt , as we go on, and we wonder, "what would Curt say, or do! "
My prayers and thoughts are with you Jan, and family. With Sympathy
Patricia McQuillen
Prudence Runkle
February 7, 2009
It seemed like Curt would always be there. He was indeed, a strong pillar at CUCC and in the Champaign Urbana community. Curt was involved in causes that mattered. He really cared about others and worked hard to make good things happen. At 82 he was a vital personality and certainly was taken before any of us was ready. My heart reaches out to you Jan, and to your family.
Elaine Hayes
February 7, 2009
I was shocked to hear of Curt's death. My sympathy to the entire family.
Michael Trout
February 7, 2009
I don't suppose Curt and I exchanged 50 words, in all the years we attended church together. But I admired him, and will always wish I had told him so. When church members met last summer to talk over what had just happened with our pastor, I saw true hurt in Curt's eyes and expression, and it made me admire him more--not just as a man of principle (which I had always known), but also as a man of passion and humanness. I will miss him.
Ruth Gilbert
February 7, 2009
When I heard that Curt had been injured and then died as a result of the car accident, two thoughts sprang immediately came to mind - I was eternally grateful that we had just completed our congregation’s Annual Meeting and I was grateful that he had been our Liturgist the previous Sunday.
Curt was so present at the Annual Meeting. We had neglected to include an item he thought was important to our meeting. So he stood to add it. He reminded us of our history as an abolitionist church. He called upon us to participate in the series of Goose Pond Lectures that are taking place this spring. He announced that we were sponsoring one of the lectures at our church and that we should all be there.
I loved it! His announcement was so emblematic of his “Curt-ness”. He was so full of care for our history. He had his eye on our role of leadership in the community. He knew we all needed to be reminded of the really important stuff of life.
The second memory that came immediately to my mind was that he had been Liturgist for our church service just 4 days previously. As a person always looking to be of service, he had joined in the recent Liturgist Training several Saturdays previously. During that training, he was asked to go to the pulpit to practice reading scripture. He listened patiently to our suggestions for improvement – this from a man that has been reading scripture for 82 years!! Bless him and his patience with new ways of engaging in the congregation.
His posture, his voice and his presence always said, “Life matters. Pay attention. Remember the past. Help create the future.” He lived out these words. He presumed that others would as well - and that the mingling of our various intentions would indeed create a better tomorrow.
To Curt - Many thanks for being a presence in my life!
Tom Watembach
February 7, 2009
My first memory of Curt and Jan Wilson is when my wife and I and two young children shared a cabin with them at East Bay camp in May, 2000. Since then, I have come to see Curt as a pillar of our church. Although I am no youngster myself, I saw Curt as one of the adults of our community. He was always there, doing things behind the scenes, making sure that everyone else was safe and comfortable. Many people are probably not even aware of the many things Curt did. I will also miss Curt at our monthly men's breakfast meetings. I was usually the first one there, to turn on the lights and get our table set up. Curt was usually next to arrive, so I always had a few minutes to chat with him, one on one. I will really miss that.
Victoria Robertson
February 7, 2009
When I was told Thursday night of Curt's accident, I immediately began thinking all the ways he has touched my life and the life of our church.
During my time at CUCC, Curt and I must have exchanged a thousand emails and attended a hundred meetings together. We talked about everything from programming the thermostats to the correct reporting of endowment income. We talked about Mayan Ministries and his enthusiasm for the size of our Children's Sunday School. Most recently we worked on the details of this year's Crop Walk fund raising.
There were times when Curt frustrated me and times when I frustrated him, but there was never anger or hard feelings.
Curt dedicated his life to making the world a better place in both big and small ways. He was a great friend and teacher and I will miss him terribly.
Linda Owens
February 7, 2009
I only recently started attending the CUCC, where Curt was a long-standing member. He was enthusiastic about the history of the church, knowledgeable about theology, and was clearly dedicated to the well-being of both the physical church and the congregation. As a new member, I was looking forward to learning more from Curt. I am sorry he was taken so suddenly from all who loved him.
Jo Ann Fley
February 7, 2009
Our church has lost one of its Patriarchs! Curt Wilson even looked and sometimes acted like a Patriarch what with his beard and occasional verbal reminders of our derelictions and back slidings.
Over the years that he belonged to Community UCC, Curt probably served on every committee and performed every task, no matter how lofty or menial.
He served as an encyclopedia of the denomination, and with wife, Jan, provided a link with the Illinois Conference. Informally he was a watchdog on the budget and advised us how much money we needed for a fiscal year and how much money we could or couldn’t spend.
Although he was a Patriarch, Curt was not so caught up with his own impor-tance that he avoided more menial tasks around the church. He shoveled snow, planted shrubbery, directed traffic in the parking lot when a large event occurred. He ushered, counted money, and greeted visitors at the door. Proba-bly the only group in the church that Curt was never a part of was Women’s Fellowship.
Our church family is still reeling from the shock of Curt’s tragic accident and sudden death. At various times he served as historian, adviser, and pricker of our conscience.
We will miss him.
Dorothy Bell
February 7, 2009
I don’t think I have ever attended a funeral or a memorial service at Community when Curt wasn’t standing at the entrance to the church parking lot, separating the sheep from the goats, making sure that only those attending the service gained access to the limited number of parking spaces. I fully expect Curt to be there on Sunday afternoon, in spirit if not in body, to make sure there is a place for us all. May light perpetual shine upon him.
Carolyn Ho
February 7, 2009
Dear Jan, Wilson family and all who loved Curt at CUCC,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Curt's death is a great loss to all. I have fond memories of the Wilsons' involvement with UCF. I give thanks for a wonderful life of service and for God's grace during this difficult loss.
God's Peace,
Carolyn Ho
Carlton Mills
February 7, 2009
There are people who quietly do their duty as God gives them the vision to see it. These souls make civilized life possible. Curtis Wilson was such a person - noble - worthy of the trust of his neighbor - a friend to all.
Rudi and Judi Laufhutte
February 7, 2009
We send heartfelt sympathy for the sudden loss of Curt. Our world is better for his having been here and memories of him will continue to enrich it.
Pat James
February 7, 2009
So sorry for your loss, Jan. I have missed seeing you since Sunrise Cluster was no longer and I always looked forward to seeing you there, and enjoyed your slides that you & Curt had taken on your trips. I was formerly resident of Hope, Illinois.
Carolyn & Phil Hatlestad
February 7, 2009
Please accept our deepest sympathy and know that our prayers are with your family. The Norway Lake Lutheran Church community is also holding you in prayer during this tragic time of loss for your husband, father, grandfather and brother.
God's Peace,
David Willcox
February 7, 2009
We are all shocked by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved Curt. Church won't be the same without him. Constant and faithful supporter of the UCF student program, regular member of the Men's Breakfast, Church Historian, and voice of sound fiscal practices.
And active into his 80's: Jan and he went canoeing with us on the Middle Fork just last summer.
We all hold Jan and their children in our hearts and minds in this time of loss.
Rich Howell
February 7, 2009
My deepest sympathy to all of the Wilsons. Curt always had a smile on his face for the world whenever I saw him. His support for Community Church and CLV will be terribly missed. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Rich
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