Robert H. Curtis

He fought bravely for three years pancreatic cancer, but God called him home. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2016 in the Runge Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at the mortuary. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Donahue Iowa Volunteer Fire Department or First Christian Church 510 E. 15th Street, Davenport, IA, Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.

Robert was born on April 1, 1933 at home in Donahue, IA, on a farm that his great grandfather, Abraham Curtis, a pioneer farmer bought in 1852. Robert’s parents were Roy and Leila Curtis. He graduated from DeWitt High School in 1952.

Robert served in the military in France from 1954-1956 at Toul-Rosieres Air Base with the Army Engineer SCARWAF. Robert married Dorothy Ludtke at First Christian Church in Davenport, IA on June 10, 1956. They began their life of 60 years together on 80 acres southwest of DeWitt.

In 1959 Robert and Dorothy purchased 200 acres west of Davenport. Robert rented his land for seven years and worked at several jobs, including the Rock Island Arsenal in the 1960’s to save enough to buy machinery and livestock. He worked six years also at the Farmall Works in Rock Island, IL.

In 1966 Robert and Dorothy bought the Curtis Century farm of 240 acres south of Donahue, IA and began farming with their children attending the North Scott Schools. They raised grain and livestock and later grew and sold Christmas trees.

When Robert retired from farming in 2002, he still continued to raise sweet corn and pumpkins and sold at the Freight House Farmer’s market in Davenport.

Robert and Dorothy moved off the farm and resided in Donahue in 1983. Robert’s hobby was building wooden banks to sell and to give to his grandchildren.

His memberships include Davenport First Christian Church and Farm Bureau, and he was a past member of the Antique Ford Club. He served for a short time on the Donahue City Council and enjoyed collecting and selling antiques. He and Dorothy enjoyed traveling to many countries in Europe.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothy; daughters, Katherine Curtis, Bird Island, MN and Lori Curtis, Donahue, IA; son, Karl Curtis, Calamus, IA ; brothers, Ben and David (Marcia) Curtis, Princeton, IA; sisters, Helen (Bob) Miller and Margaret (George) Claeys, all of rural Scott County; many nieces and nephews; six grandchildren, Shawn, Shad, Leila, Emily, Kyle and Hannah; 12 great grandchildren, Mersadie, McKenzie, Zachery, Korben, Kyla, Kaydence, Kingston, Blake, Zoey, Emerson, Charlotte and Sidney; and one great great grandchild, Lillian.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Leila Curtis; one sister, Ruth Star; three brothers, Ray, Ralph and Martin Curtis and his infant daughter, Rebbeca. May they rest in peace with God.

Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved his family and they wish to thank all the nurses and especially Dr. Jai Kim for all their loving care they gave over the past three years.