Nickolas "Nick" Curtis

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 4, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, January 3, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to the service at the church (www.petersonbrothers.com). Memorials may be made to the Lyle Goeddertz Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund at Ridgewater College. Nickolas"Nick" Theodore Curtis was born on June 14, 1923, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Theodore and Mary (Barris) Curtis. He grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School where he excelled in athletics and was the captain of the football team. Nick was drafted out of his senior year during WW II and served in the U.S. Army, C.B.I. Theatre from 1942-1946. He was united in marriage to Arlene LaMae Christenson, Spicer, MN, on June 17, 1950. They lived in Willmar and after a short stint on the railroad, Nickolas took a temporary position the summer of 1950 that turned into a life-long career with the Willmar Police Department. He was the second officer hired to the department and retired in the fall of 1985, after a near fatal accident, while on duty, nearly ended his distinguished career. Nick was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Willmar and St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis. He was also inducted into the National Policeman's Hall of Fame, was a member of the retired Police Officer's Association, the American Legion Post, the V.F.W. Post and the Masonic Lodge in Willmar. Nick obtained an AA degree at the Willmar Community College. He also attended continuing education classes throughout his career and was a licensed paramedic. His continuing education allowed him to confidently lead and teach the many officers he guided as they joined the force. During retirement, Nick and Arlene enjoyed traveling, especially to Alaska and Colorado, and spending winters in Texas and Arizona. Nick also enjoyed piloting small aircraft, cooking, rock collecting, gardening, playing his guitar. He was an avid collector of western memorabilia. Nick will be most remembered for being kind to beggar and king alike. He was not just a cop but a guy that was liked by nearly everyone, with lessons to teach and stories to tell. Nick was unquestionably a proud Greek Mani Warrior that left the community and family with a lasting legacy. He is survived by two daughters, Stephanie Curtis of Willmar and Kimberly (and Melchor) Curtis-Alvarado of Willmar; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren, several neices and nephews along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Arlene in May of 2012; two brothers, Peter Curtis and James Curtis and three sisters, Bessie Koplos, Mabel Myers and Georgia Gavaras.