Irwin Curtis

"Together Again"



Irwin Curtis passed away peacefully on January 21st, 2012 at Mountain View Hospital in Payson, Utah, surrounded by his loving family. Born August 26, 1919 in Orangeville Utah, he was the middle child of eleven children of John Solomon Curtis and Mary Jane Allred. He was raised during the Depression. When the farm could no longer support the family, at about age 16 he hopped a train and left Orangeville to find work. He had many great stories of this time. He eventually ended up in Utah County where he worked at the lime kiln east of Springville, herded sheep for some local ranchers and worked anywhere he could earn money. Dad married his sweetheart Ada Eva Stark, on December 4, 1940 in the Manti Temple. He began working at Geneva Steel on July 30, 1944 during the construction, but left to join the US Navy where he served on the USS Bright, DE 747 from March through October 1945. He often spoke of transiting the Panama Canal and sailing up the Columbia River. After his discharge, he returned to Springville to Ada and their children and Geneva. After the construction of Geneva was finished he was hired full time. He and Mom bought a home in Mapleton and raised the kids on Sandy Lane (1600 West). Most of his career at Geneva was in the Blast Furnace Department where he made many friends. Many of his "trainees" fondly called him "pappy" and the nickname stuck. Dad started a yearly Blast Furnace Dinner at the Chuck-O-Rama for the crew. The gathering is still held each year. It's a sweet reminder of good times and great friends. Dad was very active in the LDS Church. He loved scouting and both of his sons earned their Eagle Awards. Another favorite calling was High Priest Group Leader. He and Mom loved visiting the elderly and widows in their Ward. He was also a dedicated Santa's Helper and Christmas became a favorite time of year. His goal was to make people happy. He loved visiting handicapped children, shut-ins, and the children of families he Home Taught; and anyone else who needed a Santa's Helper. Dad was involved with the "Sons of the Utah Pioneers". He helped locate and clean up old cemeteries. Dad and Mom served at the Provo Temple, and served a mission at the old Provo Tabernacle. Dad was active in the American Legion Post #28 and served for two years as Commander. He was a member of the Honor Guard for many years and loved paying tribute to America's veterans. Dad and Mom loved Square Dancing and were members of several clubs. They danced all over the West. They were on the Board for the National Square Dance Convention in 1973. Dad also loved the outdoors, hunting, camping and fishing, and was often on his way to Potters Pond with Mom and several grandchildren. His grandchildren have fond memories of fishing, camping, and square dancing with Mom and Dad. In 1983 Mom and Dad moved to Brookside in Springville. They fell in love with their Ward, their neighbors and their new home.



Irwin is survived by 4 of his 5 children: Faye Quarnberg (Owen) Mapleton, Utah; Bonnie Curtis, (daughter-in-law & Butch's wife) Craig, Colorado; Eva (Robert) Peterson, West Valley City, Utah; Douglas J. Curtis (Darlene) Parachute, Colorado and Donna Curtis, also of Mapleton. He is also survived by his sister Iris Malmstrom and brothers Ken and Uriah Curtis, all of Salt Lake City. He has 31 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren and 20 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; 7 brothers, Ada, his wife of 56 years; 2 sons, a baby and Irwin J. Curtis (Butch), and 3 grandchildren.



Funeral Services will be held at the Hobble Creek First Ward Church 555 South 600 East, Springville, Utah on Friday, January 27th at 1:00 P. M. There will be a viewing on Thursday evening at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South, Springville from 6:00 to 8:00 P. M. and on Friday, at the church, from 11:45 to 12:45.



Members of the American Legion will provide an Honor Guard at the Evergreen Cemetery.



The family expresses their sincere love and appreciation to the staff at Hearthstone Manor, of Spanish Fork and to the staff of Mountain View Hospital, Payson, for the loving care and kindness shown to Dad and his family.



Condolences may be sent at www.wheelermortuary.com