Curtis James Walstad

Curtis (aka Curt) is my uncle. He was only 5 years older than me. As an adult, 5 years difference is insignificant. However as a child, the difference between being 5 years old and 10 years old is very vast in terms of your development. To a 5 year old, a 10 year old almost seems like an adult. During one of my visits to my Grandma’s house, I can remember playing the game “keep away” with Curt and some neighbor kids. At the time I believe I was about 6 years old. They were all 11 years and older. At one point while we were playing, one of the neighbor kids looked at Curt and asked in frustration…why does he have to play? I could see he was pointing directly at me. It became very clear to me at that moment, even though I thought we were all having fun, this kid saw me as a very annoying “little kid” who was spoiling all the fun for the “older kids”. I was devastated and took off running into the house in tears. I was stopped by my Grandma asking what was wrong…but before I could even explain…Curt came in. I remember him kneeling down to my level and telling me to not pay any attention to that kid. That the kid was not very nice for saying what he did, and let me know if I wanted to play, Curt would do so with me. Now I ask you all to think about this…how many of us at 11 years of age would have done that? Most kids at that age are self-absorbed and more focused on continuing to have fun. It would not be cool to quit that fun and run into the house after a little kid. I tell this story because I believe it is so exemplary of Curt’s nature. In all the years I’ve known Curt, he has always been a person who considered and respected others and genuinely cared about how you felt. Curt’s nature was to listen with a small smile on his face and maybe a small joke to help pick up your feelings. Many of us may have acquired this unselfishness as an adult, but rarely as children. Curt was one of those rare individuals. And he continued to be that way throughout his life. I will greatly miss him.

Marge and family: Curt was such a great guy. He will be missed. I have you all in my thoughts and prayers. Take Care.

Margie and family You are in my thoughts and prayers. Always a pleasure to see, his slow warm smile, it always brightened my day. He will be missed Diane Gilbertson.......dental hygienist at Dr Hazens office

Dear Marge, Missy, Ross and families, I always enjoyed seeing your wonderful family when you attended Dane Immanuel United Church of Christ. You have remained in our family's hearts all these years later. I hope that peace and love will surround you during this most difficult chapter of your lives. Thinking of you all, Ms. Toby Tremain Bloomington, MN

God bless the Walstad family, Terry, Meagam and Roxie have kept me informed about Curt's journey toward a lasting peace. Our bodies make mistakes and no matter what we do, our bodies fail. Our spirits and our memories don't. Despite your loss, I hope you, Marge, Missy and Ross, whom I know best, and all who love Curt, find peace and acceptance in the memories of Curt,who was as reliable as a man can be. His steadiness has benefited everyone around him and will continue to do so far beyond his earthly existence. Sincerely , Jacki Martindale