Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Daniel Curtis Obituary
Dr. Daniel C. Curtis passed away February 25, 2014 in Ruskin, Florida. He was born February 5, 1927 in Nappanee, Indiana to the late Aura and Hazel (Stouder) Curtis.
He graduated from Nappanee High School in 1944; attended Ohio State University, New York University, and graduated from the Northern Illinois College of Optometry in May of 1949. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. from 1944 to 1947 and was stationed in Alaska for part of that time. In 2013 he participated in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C.
On June 18, 1950 he married Violet Ford in Lagrange, Indiana. They moved his optometry office to Kentland, Indiana where he practiced from 1951 to 1998. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, and a member of the town council. He was honored to be placed in the Kentland Hall of Fame.
One of his joys was flying. He was an instrument rated private pilot with 2,700 hours in the air, including flights to Canada, Bahama Islands, Mexico, Maine, and California. He enjoyed boating, water-skiing, golfing, tennis and card games. Since 1978, Violet and Dan enjoyed spending winters at their Ruskin, Fl. Home, watching colorful sunsets over the Little Manatee River.
Survivors are wife Violet, brother Fred (wife Eva), son Daniel Bradley (wife Rita), daughter Colleen (husband Joe Jaracz), daughter Becky (husband Dale Piper), daughter Kim Curtis, and grandchildren Kristen (Jaracz) Steier (husband Brett), Kyle Jaracz (wife Mary), Stacey (Jaracz) Simpson (husband Ben), Keith Piper (wife Jesse), Todd Piper (wife Angie) and 5 great-grandchildren Tabitha, Ben, Caleb, Wyatt and Curtis.
A memorial will be held in Kentland at a future date. In lieu of flowers etc., please make memorial donations to the "Doc Curtis Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 24, Kentland, IN 47951."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Curtis
Kim McCauley ( Elmore)
March 10, 2014
I knew Dr. Curtis when I became a patient of Dr. Reed back in the late 1980s. I loved looking his flying memorabilia in his office. I also loved to hear how he would fly to Watseka for lunch! My mom worked in his office for a few years and truly enjoyed her time there. He was a special guy who seemed to have always put family first, an admirable characteristic. Enjoy your memories until you meet Doc again.
Ronald Scott
March 6, 2014
Dr. Curtis was a very friendly and talented man. It truly was a privilege for my late wife and me to have known Dr. Curtis. Our sympathy to each of the members of his family, many of whom we remember years ago at South Newton H.S.
Joan Clark
March 5, 2014
Oh so many memories! Plays and his dear trombone playing in the pit, summer time and his vocal solos in the BUM church, "Alleluia" and his beautifrul voice"----just so many wonderful times and memories. Thank you for them.
Jill Orr
March 2, 2014
Doc was a wonderful man who embraced life to the fullest. He had such a gentle, kind spirit and he would do anything for anyone. The whole family is in my prayers.
Nena Sondgerath
March 2, 2014
Many good times at the Curtis' while I was growing up; Dan and Vi both taught me many "life lessons" and ALWAYS treated all of their childrens friends as their own when in their home..All will MISS YOU Dan--I have thought about our Lincoln Street overnighters and our Lake trips many times--THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT MEMORIES..My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family!!
Tim Glass
March 2, 2014
Prayers for comfort and peace during this time of loss to the entire Curtis family.
I am a high school friend of Kim, well known Rebel mascot Tim Alliss-Glass.
Dr. Curtis was indeed a remarkable man, enjoying his life with his family. His interest in adventurous hobbies filled his heart with priceless memories shared with family and friends. He will be miss, and his memories will last forever in the hearts of those he loved.
Kris Hansen
March 2, 2014
Thinking of your family & so sorry for your loss. Your Father was such a kind Man. I remember him teaching me to play Chess with Becky and having the opportunity to fly to the lake with him & Becky one summer (Becky, you broke your arm when we got there & we flew right back). Such wonderful neighbors & memories! Many hours spent in your tree house! My thoughts are with your loving family.
Bob & pat Chapman
March 2, 2014
So sorry to here of dans passing are though are with the Curtis family we had so many many good times with the Curtis family
Over the years rest in pease
Janet Burge Schuh
March 2, 2014
Dear family,Doc was a wonderful Doctor,Father, and friend.I remember so many good times with Coco .My Dad and Doc were good friends and Doc would take us flying, skiing ( learned to water ski in Curtiss boat), or up to Chicago.Vi, I remember all the great food you made. You are all dear to me!
March 1, 2014
Deepest sympathy with your loss.
Mark Vinyard [email protected]
Betty Myers
March 1, 2014
We are sure going to miss our trombone player in the Newton/Jasper Community Band. Doc was a great player, great person, friend to all. Till we meet again Doc.
March 1, 2014
Deepest sympathy for your loss. Stacey Carter Harris
[email protected]
March 1, 2014
Doc and Vi were so good to me. Coco and I were best friends in high school. I have thought of the Curtis family often and wondered how they were. I have lost contact with Colleen and were like to get in touch with her.
Stacey Carter Harris
[email protected]
March 1, 2014
Doc will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Sharon Rardon
Jerry/Sarah Modjeski
March 1, 2014
We'll always remember Doc as a great person! Seems he smiled all the time and enjoyed life. He was especially fond of the SN Production Company and was a wonderful supporter. Our condolences to all of you.
March 1, 2014
Always a smile and a kind word. Sympathies to the Curtis family. Molly Burns Thompson.
Howard & Jean Pitstick
March 1, 2014
Our sympathy goes out to the family of our Kentland next-door neighbor.He will be missed by a lot of friends here. R.I.P.
Jack Webster
February 28, 2014
What a great guy who enjoyed life to it's full extent. He will truly be missed by so many and will be thought of often with fond memories.
John and Julie Clifton
February 28, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the Curtis family. Our thoughts are with you.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Daniel Curtis's name
Memorial Events
for Daniel Curtis
How to support Daniel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Daniel Curtis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
