Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
About
Curtis Hansen Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 18, 2011
Greetings from the Vienna International School.
To Curt’s family and circle of friends, my sympathy to all of you.
A Minnesota native myself, I have had the pleasure of visiting with Curt and Muriel several times over the last 23 years.
Since 1988 I have been a teaching colleague and friend of Mary, Curt and Muriel’s daughter. Their spirit is wonderfully exemplified in Mary!
What an amazing man Curt was. His ability to touch--no, change--people’s lives is legendary.
Mary just returned to Vienna and shared parts of the memorial service with me. Jason, what a great tribute to your grandfather! Singers and band members and organist at the funeral, what a touching and heartfelt way to honour his life and to say goodbye.
Curt’s legacy will not die. And the memories of him will live on and on in your hearts, and in the hearts of people all around the world.
Jim Pearson
Janice Walton
February 13, 2011
Curt was a very special man! I enjoyed his friendship for many years in the Medalist Concert Band. He lived a good long life, so you will all have many wonderful memories to cherish for a long time! Jan Walton
Caroline Lee Bivona
February 11, 2011
Muriel, Mary and Jeannie and all Curtis's many loved ones. I just have one thing to say. I have never been to any celebration of a life where everyone there felt a special bond to the individual celebrated. Curt just had a way that made everyone feel that they had a good friend in him. What a good inspiration for us all to live with.
Christine Lang
February 8, 2011
What a lovely man Mary's dad was! I remember him visiting my parents and me in Arizona when my oldest daughter was just a baby. How he fit right in to our family and made everyone feel at ease. What sincere interest he showed in his daughter's friend and family. What funny jokes he told - with the accents that Mary had always talked about! What a blessing to have known him, even just a bit. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Sandy Hudak Halvorson
February 8, 2011
My memories of Curt are so varied. I picture him trying to teach the Medalist Concert Band how to sing like a choir for one of our convention concerts. I also remember Curt with his clarinet - playing in Medalist and any time there was a Dixieland Band.
Later on, after I moved to Brainerd, I was lucky enough to hear Curt make a presentation to Brainerd High Schoolers on his part in D-Day during WWII. After playing in Medalist with him all those years, I never knew he was there.
Later on, Curt became friends with my in-laws, Dale and Mary Halvorson.
I have been honored to have Curt in so many aspects of my life. I will remember him as so very fun-loving, an extraordinary musical talent, and an amazing man. He brought out the best in people! What a gift!
Cheryl Marinoff
February 8, 2011
To the loved ones of Curt Hansen: Although we never had the pleasure of meeting, I had the pleasure of knowing Mary's Dad a bit through Mary. It seems he was an incredible gift to all those who knew him. What a blessing. He will be sadly missed but always loved and cherished.
February 5, 2011
Curt was a great guy to know-thanks for all the memories-life of the party and always happy. Your smile was very contagious. I so appreciated his time in the military, helping to secure our freedom. May you rest in peace Curt.
Pat Hanson
Amy Rebello
February 5, 2011
My Uncle Curt is gone, and I am deeply saddened. So wish I could be there today with you Aunt Muriel, Mary and Jeanne. I'll always treasure the memories of the many summers throughout the years of my youth and beyond, when Uncle Curt took my brother and I out to fish at the lake in Brainerd and showed us how much fun it was to be out there. What glorious, fun days at the cabin!! Wonderful, wonderful memories that will last a lifetime... A few years ago, Uncle Curt took the time to show my children the same kind of caring and fun while visiting the cabin in Brainerd. We were hoping for one more summer with him this year, but it wasn't meant to be. May he rest in absolute peace, and may his musical contributions and years of service be honored and remembered and never forgotten. I'll miss you Uncle Curt!!
February 5, 2011
I was a third grader in the small town of Luck, Wisconsin when Curt Hansen gave me my first trumpet lesson. It is a known fact that a large part of the the success of any musician is a result of the student liking his first teacher. I liked the trumpet and my teacher and I guess I progressed quite well. I didn’t realize until somewhat later that one of the reasons I liked music so much was because I had a teacher who was so excited about music. From the very start I learned that playing music was an emotional experience as well as a skill.
When Curt left Luck to direct the choirs at Brainerd, MN I was very disappointed. A few years later the Luck Choir and the Brainerd Choir got together. I can’t remember if it was in Luck or Brainerd but I remember hearing the Brainerd choir under the direction of Curt. Curt had done some amazing things with the Luck Choir and he often mentioned the Luck Choir performance of the “Advent Motet” by Gustav Schreck which featured some outstanding soloists. But when I heard the Brainerd Choir I was awestruck. It was then that I forgave him for moving to Brainerd.
Some years passed and I graduated from Hamline University and took a music teaching job in Arlington, Mn. The second year I was there the Arlington High School Band was named Football Band of the Week and Football band of the year on WCCO radio. This was a big deal for the small town of Arlington and I was invited to Minneapolis to accept an award. There to present the award to me was Curt Hansen who was president of the Minnesota Music Educators.
Years past and the day I finished my prelims for a Ph.D. degree I received a call from Curt. He had left Brainerd to become the managing editor of Schmitt Hall & McReary publishing. He said, “How would you like to come and work for me as an instrumental editor?” I took the bait and I had some wonderful times again with my first music teacher. After a few years I had to make a decision to continue working for Schmitts or finishing my degree and I left the publishing business.
After that Curt still took an interest in what I was doing. He attended some of my concerts and I took him to a few meetings of the Norske Torske Klubben of St. Paul.
To say that Curt was important in my life would be an understatement. He was one of the most important persons in my life.
Bob Hallquist
February 5, 2011
I was a third grader in the small town of Luck, Wisconsin when Curt Hansen gave me my first trumpet lesson. It is a known fact that a large part of the the success of any musician is a result of the student liking his first teacher. I liked the trumpet and my teacher and I guess I progressed quite well. I didn’t realize until somewhat later that one of the reasons I liked music so much was because I had a teacher who was so excited about music. From the very start I learned that playing music was an emotional experience as well as a skill.
When Curt left Luck to direct the choirs at Brainerd, MN I was very disappointed. A few years later the Luck Choir and the Brainerd Choir got together. I can’t remember if it was in Luck or Brainerd but I remember hearing the Brainerd choir under the direction of Curt. Curt had done some amazing things with the Luck Choir and he often mentioned the Luck Choir performance of the “Advent Motet” by Gustav Schreck which featured some outstanding soloists. But when I heard the Brainerd Choir I was awestruck. It was then that I forgave him for moving to Brainerd.
Some years passed and I graduated from Hamline University and took a music teaching job in Arlington, Mn. The second year I was there the Arlington High School Band was named Football Band of the Week and Football band of the year on WCCO radio. This was a big deal for the small town of Arlington and I was invited to Minneapolis to accept an award. There to present the award to me was Curt Hansen who was president of the Minnesota Music Educators.
Years past and the day I finished my prelims for a Ph.D. degree I received a call from Curt. He had left Brainerd to become the managing editor of Schmitt Hall & McReary publishing. He said, “How would you like to come and work for me as an instrumental editor?” I took the bait and I had some wonderful times again with my first music teacher. After a few years I had to make a decision to continue working for Schmitts or finishing my degree and I left the publishing business.
After that Curt still took an interest in what I was doing. He attended some of my concerts and I took him to a few meetings of the Norske Torske Klubben of St. Paul.
To say that Curt was important in my life would be an understatement. He was one of the most important persons in my life.
Claude Benson
February 4, 2011
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I played with Curt in Medalist Concert Band for over 30 years. Curt always had a smile and a joke for us. He will be deeply missed.
Curt Hansen
Jim Splitt
February 4, 2011
Jim Splitt
February 4, 2011
"Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us" arr. by Curtis Hansen (Curtis Music Press) ... much we need Thy tender care. Thank you, Curt, for the music of your life. You were inspired by the music of Angels to proclaim the Good News in choral perfection. Your sense of humor with the proper Irish or Ole inflection made us all laugh. I'm proud to have been a part of your life, Mary's husband and Jason's dad. You taught me to sail in the cove and I made my first solo by sailing through the channel into Pelican Lake. Remember the Bob Allen Trio in Columbus. Bob, even though he was blind, knew you by name by the sound of your voice. You were God's gift to so many who were touched by your presence and your song. On a quiet summer night as the stars reflect upon the surface of Pelican Lake and the sound of the Loons offer their cry, there will be pause for those who stand by the cabin and wonder and gaze to heaven ... your reflection will be there on the water and your music will fill their hearts once more. "Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still."
Courage Center
February 4, 2011
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Curtis. Courage Center has lost a good friend. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Mary Dullum Jelmo
February 4, 2011
Mr Hansen was loved and respected by everyone in high school even though not all were choir members. A very gifted man.
Class of '56 band member
Maren Harrison
February 3, 2011
Muriel and family, I was so sorry to read of Curt's death. I'm sure heaven is blessed with all of the Ole musicians there. With sympathy, Maren Harrison from JJ's office and Paul & Fins Peterson's daughter.
Frank Haggerty
February 3, 2011
The best fishing buddy a guy could ever hope for!
I will miss you my friend.
February 3, 2011
Hearing of the passing of our Coach is truly a loss for all who knew him. He was a great part of my life in high school because he made singing fun for all. I remember at the commencement when we sang "Halls Of Ivy", there wasn't a dry eye in our choir nor in Mr. Hansen's. This was going to be the last song we'd sing as a group and it was soon to be a part of our past. He is at the top of the list of great high school memories because of who he was. He will be missed by all who knew him. Class of "58"
Sharon (Schmidt)Carlson
February 3, 2011
Hearing of the passing of our Coach is truly a loss for all who knew him. He was a great part of my life in high school because he made singing fun for all. I remember at the commencement when we sang "Halls Of Ivy", there wasn't a dry eye in our choir nor in Mr. Hansen's. This was going to be the last song we'd sing as a group and it was soon to be a part of our past. He is at the top of the list of great high school memories because of who he was. He will be missed by all who knew him. Class of "58"
Judith Block
February 3, 2011
I have always been so proud of my Uncle Curt -- his ABOVE AND BEYOND service to our country, his legendary history in choral/sacred music, and his infamous "down-to-earth" cabin and love of fishing. I have been proud and blessed to call him my Uncle. I also LOVE his wife and his daughters.
With Love, Judith Block, Appleton, Wisconsin
Rex Lentner
February 3, 2011
I had the priveledge of singing under Curt Hansen's batan for 3 school years (1957-1960)at Washington High School. He instilled in us, and me in particular, an appreciation of music and especially choral music that I still enjoy and cherish. Not only that, I still remember him "jamming" on his clarinet in the auditorium along with Phil 0r Dave Mattson on the piano after school hours for pure enjoyment for him, and for us who had the good sense to stay and listen. I truly loved the man, even though I lost physical touch. So long Coach, shape up those "Angel choirs"!
Rita Andrescik
February 2, 2011
My memories of Curt are Jokes, Jokes, Jokes. He always had one at the clinics and conferences. He was wonderful and I shall miss him.
Curtis Lentner
February 2, 2011
My mother Jacquelyn (Christian) named me after Curt. She had him for choir class at the Brainerd high school. I regret that I never got to meet the man I was named after, my mother was very fond of him. I am sorry for your loss.
February 2, 2011
Curt, or Coach as members of his Brainerd High School choirs used to call him, was by far the best teacher I had in my high school career. His commitment to excellence made us proud to be members of his choir and he introduced us to the best in choral music.
I recall him attending our 25th high school graduation anniversary reunion and I asked him how many of these he attended. His reply, "every one I'm invited to" was indicative of his love for his students. We loved him back and treasure the privilege we had of knowing him and participating with him in making music.
My life is richer for having known him!
Bill Eckerly, Brainerd High School class of 1958. Sequim, WA
Leah Tingblad
February 2, 2011
He will be remembered as an inspiring choir director, I will always think of him when either singing in the choir or directing it. Leah Deal Tingblad--Bella Vista, Ar.
Marlys Koursh
February 2, 2011
My father hired Curt as a vocal music instructor to the Washington High School faculty in Brainerd, MN. It was a leap of faith to hire this young St. Olaf grad, as my Dad was partial to Luther College grads - especially where music was concerned,
When razzed by his Luther educated brothers, Dad always reponded,"Curt is an exceptional character, teacher, sportsman and friend" as all of us who came under his baton or classroom discovered. His memory will live on with all of us.
Lyn Bernard
February 2, 2011
Uncle Curt will be missed but always remembered for giving our country his best and his entire family a lifetime of fun and love. Heavenly music will be even more beautiful now! With love, Lyn
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
7110 France Ave. S, Edina, MN 55435
Make a Donation
in Curtis Hansen's name
How to support Curtis'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 Curtis Hansen'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
