Thief River Falls – Curtis (Curt) Stephen Grorud, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the age of 73 at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, ND surrounded by his loved ones.
Curt was born on July 28, 1951, in Mahnomen, to Reuben and Sara Grorud. Curt was the youngest of three children, with a brother Al and a sister Ann. Curt grew up in Mahnomen where he attended and graduated from Mahnomen Public School. Many of his childhood summers were spent at Roy Lake at his family’s cabin. It was here that he fell in love with the great outdoors. Soon after graduation Curt joined the Navy and served most of his 4-year term in the Philippines working on jet engines.
Shortly after Curt returned from the Navy he met and married his first wife Debra Fjeld. They were united in marriage on July 6, 1974, in Mahnomen, and to this union, they had two beautiful daughters, Jessica and Meghan.
Over the years, Curt’s profession led him to new employment opportunities and locations such as Alaska. While living in Alaska, Curt worked as an electrician for different companies. He also made the Alaskan wilderness his personal playground, from fishing for halibut and salmon, to bear and moose hunting.
In time, Curt moved his family back to Minnesota where he started his employment at Northern Pride and from there to Sanford from which he retired.
Later in life, Curt met Debbie Clifton and they were united in marriage on June 29, 2002, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. To this marriage, Debbie brought her two daughters, Jennifer and Jessica.
In his free time Curt enjoyed reading, Sudoku puzzles, and grilling 365 days a year (no joke). He was an avid outdoorsman who loved traditional archery, fishing, camping, hunting, and won many Archery competitions. Curt also excelled at black powder rifle competitions and spent many hours designing and building his own black powder rifles. Curt and Debbie enjoyed camping together and spent many weekends at Long Lake.
He was a good man who will be deeply missed by all those who benefited from his wisdom, his labor, and his love. No one else could tell a joke like Curt.
Curt is survived by his wife, Debbie (née Clifton) Grorud; siblings, Al (Mavis) Grorud, Ann (Grorud) Eveslage; daughters, Jessica (Gilberto) Peralta and Meghan (Glenn) From; stepdaughters, Jennifer Boutain and Jessica Snoozy; and grandchildren, Anthony, Austin, Iris, James, Lucas, Lydia, Christi, Harlen, and Landon; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Sara (Shaff) Grorud; father-in-law, Douglas Clifton; brother-in-law, Richard (Dick) Eveslage; sister-in-law, Roxy Clifton; two grandchildren, Madison and Nicholas; niece, Amanda; his grandparents; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. He has also lost many close friends.
Please join the family for a celebration of Curt’s life on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Archery Club (fairgrounds) in Thief River Falls.
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