Curtis Ray Stahl, 62, of Mitchell, SD passed away on Monday, June 20, 2016 at Avera McKennan Hospital after complications of a stroke. Funeral services were held on Friday, June 24, 2016 at Grace Free Lutheran Church in Bruce, SD. On-line condolences may be left at Rude’s Funeral Home.
Curtis Ray Stahl was born on August 21, 1953 in Clear Lake, SD, the son of Richard James and Viola Jean (Erickson) Stahl. Curtis and his family lived in the Bruce area. Curtis attended Bruce School and Volga High School.
Curtis was united in marriage to Vivien Claussen on March 16, 1973. They divorced in 1992, but continued to work together to raise four children. Curtis took pride in hard work. He worked for 28 years in the elevator business, working in the communities of Bruce, Highmore, Volga, Avon, Arlington and Badger. He was a manager or assistant manager at several locations. In later years, he worked for Buskerud Construction, now BXCC Construction of Dell Rapids, SD. At the time of his death he worked for EZ Clean of Mitchell, SD.
Curtis battled alcoholism for much of his life. In the past two years, he worked very hard and was able to maintain sobriety; affording him a time to connect with friends and family and to enjoy his pastimes. He had begun to lead AA meetings and enjoyed helping others with his story. Curtis loved to sing karaoke, garden, cook, play games and tell jokes. His sense of humor served him well.
Curtis is survived by his four children; Loren (Brenda) Stahl of Hartford, SD, Lenny Stahl of Dell Rapids, Christina Evans (Kris Linneman) of Yankton, SD and Jennifer (Kyle) Anderson of Baltic, SD; his siblings, Marvin (Sheila) Stahl of Battle Creek, NE, Gerald (Susan) Stahl of Bruce, SD, Barb (Craig) Shea of Flandreau, SD; Dean (Karen) Stahl of Bismark, ND, Keith (Robin) Stahl of Bruce, SD; Bradley (Stacia) Stahl of Brookings, SD and eight grandchildren, Caitlen Evans, Karissa Linneman, Kaden Linneman, Dominick Stahl, Trystan Stahl, Carter Stahl, Brianna Stahl, and Abigail Anderson. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.