Curtis O. Eggers

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Curtis Ordell Eggers died Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation will be at Renner Lutheran Church on Sunday, October 8, 2017 with the family present from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.   Funeral Services will be on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Renner Lutheran Church in Renner, SD.  Burial will Military Honors will be in the East Nidaros Cemetery, rural Baltic.

Curtis Eggers was born February 3, 1924 in Renner to Elmer and Minnie (Moe) Eggers.  He attended Eggers’ Grade school through the 8 ^th grade.  He received an Honorary High School Diploma from Baltic High School in 2002.

Curtis enlisted in the United States Army in January 1943.  He became part of the 114 ^th Regiment, 44 ^th Division and was assigned to A. Co.  Curtis fought in the European Theatre and was awarded with three Bronze Service Stars and the Combat Infantry badge.  He was discharged from the service November 12, 1945 with the rank of T Sgt.

On March 2, 1946, Curtis was united in marriage to Jean Bachtell in Pipestone, MN.  They moved to the Ed Nessan farm in 1946 where they farmed as well as milked cows for 29 years.  In 1976 they moved to the Eggers’ Homestead and continued to farm until the fall of 1986.

Curtis was involved in many leadership roles such as President of the South Dakota Soil Conservation, Board of Directors of the Minnehaha Funeral Home for 48 years, Mapleton Township Board for 40 years, served on the Farm Services Agency County Committee for 27 years, Silver Creek Watershed, Eastern Dakota Development District, Farm Bureau, Renner Fire Department, Renner School Board and Precinct Committeeman for the Republican Party.

He was a member of The American Legion of Baltic, SD for 69 years and was their Adjutant for 50 years.  He is also a member of the VFW, and 40 & 8.  He was very proud of his service to his country.  He spoke at the history classes in Brandon Valley High School for over 15 years sharing his experiences in the war.  When attending the Mobile Alabama Army Reunion 2016 he was asked to speak at a private Christian school about his experiences during World War II.

The 114 ^th Army Reunions were a very important part of his life which he attended from 1987 through 2017.  He just returned home September 24, 2017 from Atlanta, GA in which all five of his children were able to attend with him.

In November 2009, Curtis traveled with Honor Flight to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Governor Daugaard honored Curtis with an American Flag and South Dakota State Flag which flew over the capital on his birthday.

Curtis was a member of Renner Lutheran Church all of his life.  One of his joys in life was taking care of his grandchildren and planning activities for them.  Saturday morning was also an important day for Curtis as it was “pancake breakfast day” at his home with the entire family and walk-in guests.  He was also known for his delicious chocolate chip cookies.

Curtis wrote an autobiography of his life called “The Curtis O. Eggers Story” which has been read by many.

Grateful for having shared his life are, daughters, Sandra (Dean) Sorum, Kathy (Paul) Evenson, Lanette (Darold) Diede, sons, Timothy Eggers, and Michael (Shelly) Eggers.  Twelve grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren.    Survived by his sisters Eleanor Emmel, Delores Christenson, Darlene (Richard) Thoreson, and Carol Eggers, sister-in-law.  He is preceded in death by his wife Jean, parents and his brother Robert.

The family requests memorials to be directed to Renner Lutheran Church.