Curtis "Curt" Johnson

In lieu of cut flowers, planted flowers are appreciated.

CURTIS "CURT" BURTON JOHNSON was born April 18, 1941, in Sioux Agency Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, to Carlyle and Beuella Johnson. He was the first grandchild on both sides of the family, which means he was a bright spot for everyone.

Because his father was serving in the Navy in WWII, Curtis and his mom lived on the family farm with Beuella’s parents. Curt loved being on the farm, following Grandpa Lecy and Uncle Coral around like a little puppy. His love for farming took root. He always wanted to live on a farm, but that was not meant to be.

When his father returned home, the family was reunited and Curtis discovered stone work. He spent his life in that family business. He tried other work, but he always returned to stone cutting, eventually becoming the Superintendent of the Jasper Stone Company.

In 1969, Curt met and married Dianne Wentworth. Initially they lived in Luverne, MN, but soon returned to Jasper. Both Curt and Dianne loved to travel. In fact, they made it to 33 states, plus Canada, Mexico and Norway. It seemed that each state had a stone quarry, which required his inspection.

Curt loved cars, owning 70 different types of vehicles over time. Another form of transportation was the motorcycle! His love of them began early in his teenage years. Soon he decided that he should share that love with others and created a business, renting them. Sometimes they came assembled, but occasionally they arrived in crates which required a little ingenuity to put them together. (Especially those that came in a crate from Spain!) Not to be deterred however, they were assembled and on the road!

Growing up in Minnesota, the love of the water was near and dear. Every summer, a week was spent at a lake. Curt knew that he wanted to experience that a little more often, and so in 1971, he purchased lake front property at Lake Benton, MN. In 1973, a farmhouse from a property a mile away, was moved over and the renovation began. An addition was put on and a Jasper Stone fireplace was put in for heat.

The Lake House became a place where friends and family could gather. The entire family celebrated a dream that Curt had created. It was a respite from problems. As one turned on the road, “Lake-itis” attacked. One could barely function, due to the relaxing atmosphere.

One of the things that Curt always said, “You have to have the right equipment if you were going to have a Lake House.” That equipment included two new rods and reels every year, fishing boats/motors, jet skis, pontoon boats, speed boats, skis and huge innertubes to be towed behind the boat! Winter was no exception…that equipment included snowmobiles and ice fishing houses. For 46 years, many memories were created and held close because of that wonderful Lake House.

Grateful for having shared his life are his sister, Cynthia (Mark) Jamison; nephews, Travis (Bobbi Jo) Hinsch and Jared (Kayla) Hinsch; grand-niece, Shay (Dan) Knobloch, Montgomery Hinsch, Jaydon, Elijah, Meghan Hinsch, Braylon Hostetler, Brennan, Kyndra, Isabella Hinsch; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dan and Dianna Wentworth and Dennis and Mary Gayle Roskam; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dianne; his parents, Carlyle and Beuella Johnson; and his nephew, Sean Hinsch.

Curt died peacefully on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Pipestone County Hospice House at the age of 81 years and 24 days. As we say good-bye to Curt, we remember with the fondness the lessons taught, the love he gave, the servant's heart he had and the fun we had with him.

Enjoy the journey, Curt – until we meet again…