Loyd Henry Curkeet

MADISON-Loyd H. Curkeet, age 88, passed away at home on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, surrounded by family. Loyd was born on Dec. 20, 1927, in Platteville, Wis. to Calvert and Mary LaVerna (Ashton) Curkeet. Loyd graduated from Platteville High School in 1945 and studied auto mechanics at MATC in Madison until he was drafted in December of 1945. He was sworn into the U.S. Army Air Corps in January 1946, and later transferred to the U.S. Air Force. After completing Meteorology School at Chanute Field, Ill., and Spherics school at Scott Field, Ill., he served in the Weather Service at Tinker Field, Okla., and Robins Field, Ga., until discharged in August 1947. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve until 1951. He married Blanche R. Goke on Dec. 31, 1947. Seven sons were born to this couple: Terry, William, Loyd W., Eugene, Donald, Richard and Kelly. They farmed on the family farm until February 1957. Blanche passed away in January, 1965, after battling cancer for more than two years. He then returned to the automotive service field. On Oct. 6, 1966, he married Phylis (Henry) Lyght. In 1968, he won recognition as one of forty eight Chevrolet service managers inducted into the "Only the Best Club." In 1970, they moved to Madison where he served on the Service Management team at Zimbrick Buick and in 1973, he started his own business known as Tri County Towing. In 1975, his wife, Phylis, left her job at St. Mary's Hospital and joined him in their business as Office and Dispatch Manager. On May 1, 1997, they retired and sold the business that had grown to a ten truck operation with operating authority in thirteen upper mid-western states. He was a member of Door Creek Church (formerly Buckeye Evangelical Free Church), where he served on several committees there as well as the Deacon Board and the General Board and ushered twenty years. After retiring, he did volunteer work at the church. He and Phylis were active in the Senior Ministry Program. As a hobby, Loyd enjoyed woodworking and making greeting cards for family and friends. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. Loyd is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Phylis; his sons, Terry of Madison, William (friend Elizabeth) of New Glarus, Loyd Jr. (Elizabeth) of El Paso, Texas, Eugene of Madison, Richard (Peggy) of Waunakee and Kelly (fiancé Cathy), of Platteville. He is also survived by daughter-in-law, Wanda Curkeet of Manitowoc; three step-children, Lorraine (David) Wackershauser of Platteville, Robert (Connie) Lyght of Madison, and Mary Jean (Bart) Richards of Platteville; 30 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Blanche; a step-son, Bernard H. Lyght; son, Donald Curkeet; daughters-in-law, Arlene Curkeet and Anna Curkeet; and brother, James Robert Curkeet. Funeral services will be held at DOOR CREEK CHURCH on the corner of Sprecher Rd. and Dominion Dr., Madison, at 1 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. A very special thank you to Midwest Home Healthcare, Agrace HospiceCare, and Dr. Thom and his staff. Memorials may be made to Door Creek Church or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608)442-5002