Curtis William Dalaba of DeWitt, Michigan knew that you need just three things to be happy in this world: love of God and family, something to do, and hope for eternity. Curt loved with his whole heart – he loved God, his Word, and all of His people, his wife, Anneliese, and his children and grandchildren. In fact, his early devotion to God led him to the love of his life. As the new pastor at Anneliese’s church, frequent Sunday lunches with her family full of conversation and laughter were the start of their 33 years of marriage. Curt always made time for others and made sure they knew they were important to him, listening intently before providing his own words of wisdom without judgment. He was a man unafraid of showing emotion, gladly joining in laughter and tears. He loved welcoming others into his home and his heart.
Curt’s greatest accomplishment was pastoring an international church in East Lansing that embraced people from every culture, race and walk of life. Striving to reflect heaven on earth, Curt lived a life of obedience to God and faithfully served throughout his life. Beyond his calling to the church, Curt had a love of learning. Teaching himself sign-language and German, Curt became fluent in both. Whether reading, writing or traveling to new places, he enjoyed experiencing and learning about different cultures. He left his mark on all who knew him. A lover of poetry, doodling, and letter writing, Curt collected fountain pens and journals, often sharing them as gifts with others.
Curt lived a life full of hope that his idea of heaven would one day become a reality. Curt desired that everyone in this life would be accepted with open arms. To this end, he dedicated himself to building a community where everyone is treated the same no matter their nationality, race or opinions. His devotion to God built the foundation for lasting friendships, loving relationships, and a nonjudgmental way of living that has provided a beautiful example for his family and friends who know that life will never be the same without him.
Born July 23, 1955 and departing this life on September 25, 2020, Curt was preceded in death by his grandparents, Stanley and Velma Lee, John Dalaba and Hester Dalaba Capwell. The love, support and guidance he gave will be remembered and cherished by his surviving family: his wife Anneliese Dalaba; children Amanda (Alireza) Ghanbarpour and Brendon (Kelsey) Dalaba; grandchildren Brayden, and Lukas Dalaba and Leila Ghanbarpour; parents, Oliver and Virginia Dalaba; and sister, Bonnie Dalaba Carter. A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Friday, October 2, 2020 at 12 pm at Mount Hope Church, 202 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI. The Dalaba family will receive guests two hours prior at the church. Those desiring may make contributions to Assemblies of God World Missions, Memorial Fund Account # 891166(62), 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802-1894. Online condolences at www.grdewitt.com.
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