Fertile/Erskine – Curtis Qualley, age 84, of Fertile/Erskine, passed away on Tuesday, September 30th, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile, surrounded by his loving family after a 2 ½ year battle with cancer.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8th, at Maple Lake Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, with the Rev. Dan Morton officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Tuesday, October 7th, and for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. All visitation will take place at Maple Lake Lutheran Church. Arrangements are pending with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Erskine and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.
Curtis James Qualley was born on February 3, 1941 in Bejou, Minnesota to parents Melvin and Kjrstina “Stina” (Fladhammer) Qualley. He was raised on their farm outside of Erskine, Minnesota.
After graduation in 1959 from Erskine High School, Curtis worked with late friend Milton Sande doing odd jobs. From 1964-1966, he moved to Oregon to live with his late brother, Ernest, and started working building trailer houses, which grew his passion for building and remodeling. In 1967, he moved back to Minnesota and met the love of his life, Bonnie (Tadych). They married on August 12, 1967 and resided in Erskine. They purchased the farm and made it their home and raised a family. While there, Curtis farmed the land, milked cows, and raised their family, all while working at Halmark/Detroiter in Red Lake Falls. In the late 80’s Curtis went on his own, keeping up the farm and doing carpentry work around the local community, which he kept up until the last couple years.
Curtis always lent a helping hand to those in need and didn’t hesitate to provide his services, or his kids, whether it be shingling a house, painting, remodeling, or doing concrete work.
Curtis enjoyed having each of his children and grandchildren along with him for a job or project to help with whatever arose for themselves or whoever needed it. He loved passing on his knowledge to each one, whether it be carpentry or mechanical skills.
Curtis was an active member of the Maple Lake Lutheran Church and always lended a helping hand with updating and maintaining many projects throughout the church.
Curtis will forever be remembered by all as a kind, big-hearted, hard-working, and smiling individual. He had a love for listening to and playing music on his guitar with friends and family. Curtis touched so many lives and will be deeply missed by all.
Curtis is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of 58 years; children, Paul (Terri) of Fertile, Doyle (Michelle) of Mentor, Chad (April) of Ada, Nicole (Troy) Ferguson of Plummer, and Kyle (Jolene) of Plummer; grandchildren, Cathy, Travis, Ryan, Jonathan, Mike, Breanna, Jessica, Tristyn, Damon, Molly, and Tera.
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Stina (Kjerstina Fladhammer); in-laws, Frank and Ann Tadych; bothers, Ernest, Milton, Clayton, Alfred, Arnold, and Leo; sister, Jeanette (Sullivan) and grandson, Garrett Qualley.
Jeg Alsker Deg pa (I love you pa) (Norwegian).
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