Velma Curtiss

Velma Curtiss was born in Fair Haven Township, Stearns County, Minnesota on June 7, 1925, to Berthold & Lucina Koch. She was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Litchfield. She graduated from Litchfield High School in 1943, and on February 1, 1947, she married the love of her life, Arlin B. Curtiss at the United Methodist Church in Litchfield. Settling in Montevideo, together they started their family and their family business, Arlin Curtiss Trucking. Arlin did the trucking while Velma was the bookkeeper and the homemaker. They raised a family of three sons and two daughters, all baptized and confirmed in the United Methodist Church of Montevideo and all graduates of Montevideo High School. A devoted wife and mother, Velma would always say, ?I have a wonderful family, terrific friends and my health; what more could I possibly want?? While busy raising her family and running the business she found time to teach Sunday school and Bible studies and was involved in the VFW's Ladies Auxiliary and President of the Women's Bowling Association for many years. She had a competitive spirit that led her to win numerous bowling trophies at the local and state level. She traveled to many different locations for several years to compete in the bowling nationals. However, her first and most important priority was always her husband and family. Velma is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Arlin and her children: Arlin D. "Butch" and wife Carol; James "Jim" and wife Cheryl; Jill Steen and husband Douglas all from Montevideo; Jerrell 'Jerry' and wife Donna from Huntsville, Alabama and Sheila Larson and husband David from Dawson. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren and a brother Burt Koch and a sister Donna. Preceding her in death were her parents, Berthold and Lucina Koch, two brothers: Donald and Merril "Jack" and four sisters: Cecile, Ebba, Beatrice and Faith. Memorials may be given to United Methodist Church Prayer Garden.