John P. Curtiss

At 4:11 a.m. on the morning of May 18th, John P. Curtiss peacefully entered heaven at the age of 81.  John was born August 10th, 1941 to Harold E. Curtiss and Margurite A. Paquin in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  He spent his early years in St. Ignace, Michigan.  His family later moved to Petoskey, Michigan.    

He attended both North Central Michigan College in Petoskey and Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana.  In 1962, he married the love of his life Linda Lou Garver of Petoskey, Michigan.  Together they raised three wonderful daughters (his “pride and joy”):  Michelle, Julie, and Erin.  He was a devoted husband and loving father.  John worked as a lab technician at Miles Laboratory in Elkhart for over 40 years.  
Nothing made John happier than fishing with his brothers and best pal Tony and grandchildren in addition to watching all shows related to Big Foot, UFOs, and aliens.  He was known for his strong work ethic and being a prankster.  John was a man of few words.  Although when he did speak, rest assured, wit and hilarity would abound.  

Through the years, John enjoyed photography, golfing, painting, and collecting rocks (BIG rocks) and sea shells.  Some of his most treasured memories include fishing trips with his brothers and friends to Canada and Minnesota, vacationing to Gulf Shores, and taking countless family road trips.  John was a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

John is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Linda L. Curtiss, Michelle (Jeff) Van Pelt, Julie (Trace) Firestone-Richter, and Erin (April)​ ​Richards-Payne, brother Tom (Karen) Curtiss, sister Gina (Loren) Purvis, grandchildren Tyler (Rachel) Firestone, Quincey Firestone,​ ​Caitlyn Eby, Braxton Eby, Ireland Richards, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, his sister-in-laws Yoli Lounsberry, and Sharon Curtiss. He was preceded in death by his​ ​parents Harold E. Curtiss, step-mother Merlee Curtiss, birth mother Margurite Paquin Richer, his very special uncle and aunt Ken and ​ ​Minnie Erfourth, siblings Joe, Dan, Ed, and Mary Curtiss, and Fred and Bob Lounsberry.  

Visitation will be Tuesday 5-7 p.m. at Palmer “Bubb Chapel” Funeral Home in Mishawaka. 

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 Wednesday with a 1-hour visitation starting at 10:00 at Gospel Center Missionary Church in South Bend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Gideons International.    

Online condolences may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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