Charles "Chuck" Curtis

Charles "Chuck" Curtis passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco at the age of 86.

Charles William Curtis was born April 19, 1939, son of Earl C. and Ellen E. (Stopperan) Curtis in Cresco, Iowa.

Chuck attended grade school, K-8 at Fremont #2 west of Kendallville on the Curtis home farm. (The school is still owned by the Curtis family.) Chuck graduated from Cresco High School in 1957. He played football, wrestled, was a member of the National Honor Society, student council and was senior class president. Chuck was also active in FFA all four years, being an officer for two years.

On August 29, 1959, he married Rachel Johnson. They had two children, Kendall J. and Bradley C., they later divorced.

On January 6, 1973, Chuck married Joan E. (Houdek) Armstrong. Joan had two children, Darla J. and Darren W. Together Chuck and Joan also had a son, Chad Earl.

Chuck was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco, being baptized and confirmed there. Also serving several terms on the church council and working on different committees.

After working different jobs, Chuck started farming in 1960. He received the outstanding young farmer award in 1974. In 1978, he started a farm management company and in 1980 became a licensed Realtor, staying active for 40 years. In 2001, he turned the farm operation over to two sons; Kendall and Chad.

Chuck was active in many area boards: nine year board member of the Northeast Iowa Realtors, 50 years as secretary-treasurer of the Kendallville-Eddy Cemetery, 40 year board member of the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame, severed several years as Fremont Township trustee, Winneshiek County Extension council, Winneshiek County Farm Bureau board, Winneshiek County Pork Producers, HOCA board and the United Shippers Coop board. Chuck was also a long time Cresco Country Club and Wildlife Club member.

Chuck enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping, golf, bowling, playing cards and watching sports. Chuck and Joan spend several winters in Arizona and Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son in-law Kenneth Stone.

Chuck is survived by his wife Joan E., children: Kendall J. (Maureen) Curtis, Darla J. Stone, Bradley C. (Debra) Curtis, Darren W. (Tracey) Armstrong and Chad Earl (Kristie) Curtis; six grandchildren: Rachel (Jarod) Templeton, Rory (K.B.) Curtis, Mitchell (Haley) Curtis, Morgan (Derek) Newsom, Kyler Curtis and Charley Sue Curtis; three step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; sister Elaine (Gerry) Steffen; brothers in-law Lynus and Butch (Lavada) Houdek and several nieces and nephews.

Even in retirement, he never really retired from the farm. Always helping out when he could and proud of his family carrying on the farming tradition.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco. Visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Schmelzer Funeral Homes (formerly Lindstrom) in Cresco, and again one hour prior to services on Thursday morning at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Kendallville-Eddy Cemetery or HOCA (Howard County Cancer Association).