Dr. Michael S. Curley

Michael Steven Curley, DVM, was born April 14th, 1954, to Lawrence and Phyllis Curley in Benson, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in DeGraff, Minnesota. Mike grew up on the family farm with his siblings Ellen and Pat, attended one room country school through 6th grade and graduated from Benson High School, class of 1972. Growing up, Mike spent a lot of time on the farm and was active in 4-H showing sheep and cattle and participating in livestock judging. It was in his youth that he developed his love for raising and caring for animals.

He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1974 before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the U of M, St. Paul in 1978. Dr. Curley began his career in Windom, Minnesota where he met his wife, Susan. They were united in marriage on July 29th, 1983, and were blessed with three children: Bridget, Thomas and John. Mike was a devoted husband, proud father and loving grandfather. He loved being with his family, especially attending his children's and grandchildren's activities. As a family they enjoyed many camping trips, downhill ski trips and raising registered Suffolk sheep which were shown at 4-H, FFA, state and national shows. Mike was a loyal fan of the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team and enjoyed working on and driving his classic cars. He was also an exceptional woodworker and fisherman and enjoyed planting a large garden every summer.

Dr. Curley practiced veterinary medicine for over 40 years, first as a partner with the Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic and then as district veterinarian for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. He knew every back country road in southwestern Minnesota and thoroughly enjoyed his daily interactions with producers and their animals. During his youth he attended the Minnesota State Fair showing 4-H livestock and participated in livestock judging. Later in life he attended the State Fair annually to support his three children with their 4-H and FFA livestock projects and for over 25 years was a volunteer veterinarian at the Miracle of Birth Center. He also served 25 years as a board member for the Red Rock Rural Water System in southern Minnesota and attended many national conferences to help bring clean safe water to local farmers and their communities.

Mike was an active member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus in Windom. In 2022, Mike and Sue relocated to Moorhead, MN to be closer to their family. There they became active members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Dr. Michael Curley passed away February 14th, 2026, at HIA Heather’s House in Fargo ND. Michael is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Susan; daughter Bridget (Jared) Bullinger, Carley, Bergen & Asher; son Thomas (Anna) Curley, Carmen, Cole, Clay and Baby Curley; and son John (Emily) Curley.

Memorials can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley in Fargo, or Minnesota or North Dakota 4-H programs.

The funeral service will be Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN. 

Interment will be at St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery DeGraff, Minnesota