Curtis D. Meyers

Curtis D Meyers, age 88 years, 11 months, passed away on May 20, 2017 of heart failure. Born June 17, 1928, in Baraboo, he was the son of Roy and Ida Meyers (Zimmerly), one of 12 children. Curt attended St John's Elementary School, Baraboo High School, and University of Berkley in CA. He married Corda Johnson in Baraboo. This union, lasting 3 years, produced one daughter, Michelle. His second marriage to Barbara Morrick produced one daughter, Roxanne.

Curt served in the Merchant Marines for 5 years. The first 2 years he traveled around the world 3 times on a ship that sank off the Chinese coast. The captain went down with the ship; the crew of 38 men was saved by a Chinese patrol boat after the men were in the water for 6 hours. (Baraboo News Republic 3-17-47).The next 3 years he traveled to most ports in the world. At that time the Merchant Marines were connected to the U.S. Coast Guard but not recognized by the US Government. There was no pension for these brave dedicated men. Many lost their lives and their families received no compensation but these men are part of the reason we are able to enjoy life as citizens in America. Even the Merchant Marine song is ignored. After World War II, they became an official part of the U. S. military. When Curt returned, he was drafted into the US Army. He served in the infantry for 2 years during the Korean War.

Curt worked for Richardson Paint Company (Baraboo) for several years, and, later worked for his brother's company, (Roy's Painting & Decorating) in Kokomo, Indiana. He, also, lived in Detroit, MI for several years, working for a large advertising company in charge of large auto shows. He owned a ranch where he raised Arabian horses to show in competitions. He was a professional painter, carpenter, and creative decorator.

Curt retired and returned to Baraboo to the family farm on the Baraboo bluffs. He, also, owned a 40 acre farm in Adams where he raised various animals and hay, still cutting wood and working on the farm until 2 weeks before he passed away. Surviving a 7 hour heart operation in 2011, he lived alone on his farm in Adams, cutting wood for his stove and caring for his animals. He had a very big heart and always looked for ways to help. (Curt painted his sister's 2 story house at age 87).

Curt was the "original" American: Proud, independent, had a strong work ethic, appreciative of the freedom in America. He loved the farm on the bluff where he was raised with great parents. He, also, was a very private person and disliked the new technology (Facebook, smart phones, etc.) because of the invasion of his privacy.

He is survived by 2 daughters, Shelly Godfrey (Lance), Roxanne Schramm (Terry), 3 grandchildren, Erich and Jesse Schramm, and Paul Curtis Godfrey, seven great-grandchildren, two sisters, Audrey Parker, Joyce Hamilton (Charles), three brothers, Dean (Ann), Wayne (Nancy), Gerald and favorite niece, Arphalyne Helbing, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Curt was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, Virgil, Roy, Edwin, and Duane, two sisters, Arphalyne Boyd, and Lois Cass, three sister-in-laws and three brother-in-laws.

Funeral services will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Baraboo on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 10 AM with Pastor Maglietto officiating. Visitation will be at the church at 9:00 AM until time of service. Burial will take place at Walnut Hill Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard. Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.