Curtis Thorwald Anderson

About Curtis

Curtis Thorwald Anderson, Sr. passed peacefully with his family by his side on 7 Nov 2023. He was 87 years old.

Curtis was born on 3 Oct, 1936 in Blackduck, MN to Mabel and Thorwald Anderson. Curtis was the oldest of four children (Virginia, Christy, and Clark). Curtis attended school at Summit school and graduated from Blackduck High School in 1954. In 1955 Curtis enlisted in the US Army. He was assigned to Germany where he was trained as a parachutist. He served over 21 years in the Army, rising to the rank of Sergeants Major (E-9). Over the course of his career he was assigned to the following duty stations, Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell, Okinawa, Republic of Korea, and Fort Bliss. He also served his county in time of conflict in the Dominican Republic and Vietnam. While assigned to Fort Bragg, he met Wanda Gibbs and they married on 6 Nov 1966. They had two boys (Curtis II and Bryan) before he retired in 1976. They moved to Blackduck MN and there Curtis and Wanda welcomed their daughter Nicole into the world.

Curtis worked at the Federal Forest Service as well as the Bemidji State ROTC program. He served as an Elder for the Blackduck Presbyterian Church and taught confirmation to many young congregation members. He also served as Commander of the Blackduck American Legion and was a life member. He was a life member of the VFW Post 1260 and also served as Summit Township Supervisor for many years.

Curtis enjoyed hunting and fishing, reading books, watching westerns, “walking Molly” (which meant giving her a ride around the countryside) and spending time with family and friends. He was a friend to many, and was always the first to help others when they needed it. He loved his grandchildren, always asking about them and following along with their activities and journeys through life. He was an easy-going man who earned the respect of many. Curtis always had time for a game of cards, enjoying the opportunity to be able to “beat the girls.”

Curtis is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Wanda Anderson; his Sisters Virginia Jacobs and Christy (Eldon) Dietel; His Sons Curtis II (Faye) Anderson, Bryan (Heather) Anderson; Daughter Nicole (Barry) Robbins; and Grandchildren Brayden and Berklee Anderson, Sadye Robbins, and Curtis III and Rory Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his Dad and Mom Thorwald and Mabel Anderson and his brother Clark Anderson.

He will always be “the man, the myth, the legend.”

memorial service

Memorial Service for Curtis

November 18, 2023

Location: First Presbyterian Church in Blackduck, MN with Dwight Kalvig officiating. A visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Summit Township Cemetery in Blackduck MN with military honors provided by American Legion Post #372 of Blackduck.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home