Curtis F.H. Wernette

Curtis F.H. Wernette, age 68 passed away at home is Sterling Heights. He was born in Detroit. He was a member of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 154, Elks Club Lodge #2299, and Sterling Heights Senior Center. Family members said he was an avid Red Wing Hockey fan. He is survived by his wife Camille “Mia”; children Daniel, April (Ted) Dunaj, Shannon, and Terry Zabel; nephew Tommy Waldron. He was predeceased by his sister Melanie Waldron. Visitation will be Wednesday 5-9:00PM, Thursday 2-9:00PM, with a funeral service Friday at 10:30AM at Resurrection Funeral Home 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038. Burial will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery on Monday, September 10, 2012. Donations may be made to the ALS of Michigan Foundation in memory of Curtis’ Crew. https://ssl.charityweb.net/alsofmichigan/walknroll/curtscrew.htm

To Curtis F.H. Wernette, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Curt, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Curt really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

His parents were Curtis and Hazel Wernette. Curt was raised in Detroit, Michigan. Even as a child, Curt had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention.

Always a good playmate, Curt was easygoing and fun loving. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Curt managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. He had one sister, Melanie.

All of Curt's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Curt experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He took part in football and basketball. He was also a Boy Scout.

Since experience was Curt's best teacher, he enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Curt graduated from Southeastern High School in 1963. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Family Living.

Curt never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Curt to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Curt delighted in his role among all his acquaintances, because he viewed them all as potential spectators for his performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Curt was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. Curt utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, one of his best friends was Delbert Ringquest. Later in life, he became friends with Jim Webber. Curt loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Curt very easy to approach. On October 5, 1985 Curt exchanged wedding vows with Camille "Mia" Hoffmeyer at St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Roseville, Michigan. He tried hard not to impose on his spouse. He was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

Perhaps the reason Curt related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own children. Curt was blessed with four children, two son's Danny and Terry, and two daughters, April, Shannon. They were also blessed with four grand pets, Smokey (April and Ted), Louie (Terry), Rusty (Dan), and Coco Bean (Shannon). Curt had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. If he was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of his attention was directed. Curt's compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. He could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Curt had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

At work, as in life, Curt was a real “people person.” He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Curt liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Curt was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Curt's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Curt as an excellent problem solver. His primary occupation was a produce manager. He was employed for 49 years by Krogers.

Curt was an Army veteran. He was in the 4th Infantry Division 2nd Battalion 35th Infantry Regiment Company D from March 18, 1968 to October 20, 1969. Curt saw action in Vietnam. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Sergeant. He received several awards including an Army Commendation Medal on September 1, 1969.

His favorite pursuits were anything Red Wings and going to Monday night pub with his bother-in-law Jim.

Curt felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if he wasn’t the best, Curt loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Curt relished the opportunities where he could make an impact, and he would often push himself to play above his abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Curt never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. In high school, Curt played basketball with "Charlton Heston" and baseball. Recreational sports included bowling. Curt was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers.

Curt had an endless appetite for new and different activities. He was always ready to join in the fun and add his flair and energy to an organization. Because of his personality, his humor, and his ability to get along with everyone, Curt's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which he belonged. Throughout his later years, Curt was an active member of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter #154.

A generous person who often wore his heart on his sleeve, Curt often found himself involved in activities he deemed important. He was charitable, kind and giving, qualities that made him a natural volunteer. Outspoken in his beliefs, yet tactful in his dealings with others, Curt was a member of several community groups, serving on committees for the Elks Club and Dodge Park Senior Center.

Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Curt recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life. He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Living life in the fast lane suited Curt just fine. It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. He was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included Traverse City Red Wing Training Camp and River View Camp Ground Standish, Michigan.

Curt was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. One of Curt's favorites was Snickers. They were best friends for 14 years.

Curt believed that you had to experience life, and his life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in August 2, 2010, Curt took it in stride as one more way to have fun. With his boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, Curt remained busy with people and projects. Even in retirement, Curt continued to stay in touch with his old friends and, since he'd never met a stranger, he made plenty of new acquaintances as well.

Curt passed away on September 2, 2012 at home in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He had ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He is survived by his wife Camille “Mia”; children Daniel, April (Ted) Dunaj, Shannon, and Terry Zabel; nephew Tommy Waldron. Services were held at Resurrection Funeral Home in Clinton Township, Michigan on Friday, September 7, 2012. Curt was laid to rest with full military honors in Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan on Monday, September 10, 2012.

Curt brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Curtis F.H. Wernette lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.