Curtis Daniel 'Curt' Yerkes

Hilda Christoferson and Howard Yerkes were united in marriage on Oct. 23, 1924 and were blessed on Sept. 9, 1926 when Curtis Daniel "Curt" Yerkes was born. Curt was Hilda and Howard's only child and they loved and cherished him, which was obvious from the many photos that were taken of Curt when he was a child. When Curt was 12, his father Howard passed away on Apr. 15, 1939 at the age of 54. Hilda and Curt forged ahead caring for Hildas ailing mother, until January 20, 1944 when Curt, at the age of 17 enlisted in the United States Navy with his friend Rex Helder. Curt served in the Pacific during World War II. The time Curt spent serving in the Pacific was aboard amphibious assault transport APA219 the USS Okaloosa the mighty Okie". The Okaloosa was commissioned on Nov. 28, 1944, and made ports of call in several of the hot spots in the Pacific. The Okaloosas maiden voyage from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor with a crew of 1800, most of which had never been to sea before, carried 1539 army and navy personnel and 995 tons of cargo. The Okaloosa saw service in the Marshall Islands, Caroline Islands, Okinawa, Saipan, the Phillipines, East Indies, and was in Manila on Sept. 2, 1945 when the Japanese surrendered. On Sept. 13, 1945 the Okaloosa cruised into Tokyo Bay Japan. As the Okaloosa was leaving Japan the crew saw firsthand the nuclear bomb devastation wrought on Nagasaki Japan as they passed by on their way to Tsingtoa China and later to French Indo China. On May 19, 1946, Curt was Honorably Discharged from the Navy. It was a bittersweet time for Curt because his mother Hilda had passed away on Mar. 17, 1946 while he was on board the Okaloosa. On October 8, 1949, Curt married Margaret "Miggs" Stokes. To this union were born two sons and one daughter: Dean, 3/29/52, Brad 11/26/54, and Lynn 7/7/57. Curt was a hard worker and made it possible for Miggs to stay at home with their children by purchasing a gravel truck and working for Ed Gronewald in Windom MN. Not long after, Shorty Maher suggested that Curt go to work for North American Van Lines as he had, and begin hauling furniture, and haul furniture he did, by hauling furniture coast to coast for North American, Lyon, King, Red Ball, Wheaton, and then back to Lyon Van Lines. Curt was recognized with an award for his truck driving ability. In Dec. of 1964 Curt moved his family and old friend Stanley and Arlene Johnsons family to the Hayward CA. area. The beautiful California weather wasnt enough to keep Curt and Miggs from their beloved Minnesota, and family and friends, so they moved back to Madelia, MN a year and a half later. In his free time Curt enjoyed going to the stock car races in Jackson, MN and listening to his old friend John Loken announce the races. Curt was also an avid golfer participating in the Fallenstein Classic golf tournaments in Mankato with Jim and Mark Fallenstein and golfing with his long time neighbor and golfing partner Jim Jagerson. Curt and Miggs enjoyed playing cards with their many friends and relatives. Curt was also a whiz at crossword puzzles and massive jigsaw puzzles. Curt was a member of the American Legion and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Madelia. Curtis Daniel "Curt" Yerkes age 91, of Madelia, MN died on May 23, 2018, at the Luther Memorial Home in Madelia. Curt is survived by his children, Dean Yerkes of DeForest, WI, Brad (Cindy) Yerkes of Alexandria, MN, Lynn Valo of San Antonio, TX; 4 grandchildren, Marisa, Shannon, Josh and Christopher; 5 great-grandchildren, Alya, Sienna, Stevie, Lane, Alaina, and 1 great-great-grandchild, Harley. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings; wife, Margaret "Miggs" Yerkes on Aug. 8, 1993, and grandson, Taylor Yerkes on 7/2/2003. Curt would like to thank the Luther Memorial home staff for the loving care that they have provided for him, and the Mayo Clinic Health System of Southwest MN Hospice Team for providing care, and presenting him with a tribute for his service during WWII, and Father Timothy Hall for administering Last rites. Visitation 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Friday, June 1, 2018 St. Mary's Catholic Church, Madelia 223 1st St. NE Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 A rosary will be recited at 12:40 and will conclude the visitation. Service Information 1:00 pm Friday, June 1, 2018 St. Mary's Catholic Church, Madelia 223 1st St. NE Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Interment Information Calvary Cemetery, Madelia East, Co. Hwy 3 Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Military rites will be completed by the Madelia Area Veterans Honor Guard. Reception A luncheon at the St. Mary's School cafeteria will follow interment.