Curtis G. Vangsness
September 18, 1941 ~ July 14, 2025
Live Stream
<
Curtis Vangsness passed away late on July 14, 2025, at Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo, ND. It was a quiet end to a big life.
Curt was born on September 18, 1941, in Fargo and was baptized at West Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Kindred, ND. He attended Helendale Country School and graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran School before continuing his education at the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton. His favorite classroom, though, was always the wide-open sky and the rolling prairie.
A pilot by profession and a farm kid at heart, Curt’s early flying days included skydiver runs. After one jump himself, he decided he’d rather stick to flying the plane than exiting it midair. Over the years, he wore many hats: airplane mechanic, spray pilot, farmer, and cattleman. He spent most of his life raising crops and animals, but anyone close to him knows he was just as good at raising a little mischief. His sense of humor stayed with him right up to his final days.
In 1982, Curt married Elaine (Wright) at St. Rose of Lima in Hillsboro. Together, they raised two children, Eric and Amy. Curt spent many days around the family’s tiny kitchen table with friends, where the coffee, sandwich cookies, stories, and laughs were bottomless.
In his later years, Curt lived with Parkinson’s disease and spent his final 18 months in a long-term care facility.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Josephine Vangsness. He is survived by his sister, JoAnn (Dale) Erickson; brother, Senster (Jan) Vangsness; his wife, Elaine; son, Eric (Sara); daughter, Amy Duchsherer (Christopher); and three grandchildren: Lauren (Eric), Claire (Eric), and Dominic (Amy).
Curt’s life was well-lived. It was filled with hard work, good company, and just the right amount of trouble-making. He will be deeply missed by all who love him.
Services
Visitation - Saturday: July 19, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am
St. Maurice's Catholic Church
5313 165th Ave SE
Kindred, ND 58051
Funeral Service - Saturday: July 19, 2025 11:00 am
St. Maurice's Catholic Church
5313 165th Ave SE
Kindred, ND 58051
My condolences to Elaine and family on the passing of Curt. Curt was an outstanding example of an aviation professional as one can be. I remember him well from my days as Gen. Mgr of Flight Development and later with Luthi Aviation. We were good friends – he was one you could depend upon to get the job done right – at his pace and time – but it was always right! His quiet demeanor and humor was respected. Also sorry to read he suffered from Parkinson’s, such a devastating disease. God speed, clear skies and tail winds Curt……..
Doug,
Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful memories of my dad. It means a great deal to our family to hear how much he was respected and trusted in his work, and how enduring those friendships were. Your reflection on his quiet humor and steady way of doing things brought a smile — that was truly him.
Curt is my dad’s cousin (Dennis Olson). I have many fond memories of spending time on his farm. I know my dad has always cherished the relationship they had. Sending love and condolences to Elaine and family.
Brandy (Olson) Morgan
Brandy,
Thank you for your condolences. I have great memories of having Dennis around when I was a kid. He always brought a sense of fun and warmth with him. We’re grateful for your thoughts and send love back to you and your family as well.
Curtis will be remembered for many acts of kindness and generosity as he was always willing to lend a helping hand. As his sister, I have many memories of his kindness as well as fun times we had together as children. He will always be remembered for his love of ranching and riding during his early years and then later for his years as a spray pilot; both offering him risks and rewards. Saying farewell to my brother is difficult; however as I do so I pray that he is now in the hands of our Heavenly Father, free from earthy pain and sorrow. Dale and I express sympathy and love to Elaine, Eric, and Amy as they mourn the passing of husband and father.
JoAnn,
Thank you for sharing these additional memories of Dad. We’re grateful for your prayers and support during this time.
Our condolences to Elaine, Eric and Amy. Curtis was such a fun cousin. I have many cherished memories of him during our trips to ND.
Brian Johnson,
Son of Gerald Johnson. I have many memories of being around my dad and Curt together when I was a kid and weather it working on something in the hanger or checking cattle and many times cutting wood together they were always making jokes and having a laugh. Condolences to Elaine and family. He will be missed.
To Elaine and all the Family, my condolences on Curt’s passing. God rest his soul.
Eternal rest (well deserved) grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
In the love of Jesus, Father Bob Smith
Please accept our condolences on your loss of husband, and father. I remember Curtis telling stories and laughing while reloading rifle ammunition when I and my older brother would visit. Later I would listen to his stories of crop spraying excitement. Those were simpler times.
God bless,
I grew up with Curtis at West Prairie and married his cousin, Gaylord. Although we left the Kindred area when Gaylord entered the Air Force, it was always fun to get together when we came home for visits. In later years, our son, David, enjoyed some hunting trips with his Uncle Norm and Curt. I love your reference to the Vangsness sense of humor, and I hope it lives on in his son as it does in mine. Praying you are comforted with many happy memories
I’m so sad to hear of Curt’s passing. My sympathy to the family.
There are lots of fun stories that were often shared amongst the local young people that hung out together. That group included Curt and later Elaine. It’s so difficult to say goodbye as we are slowly aging and moving on to the rewards of living a good life.
May Curt, with God’s mercy, rest in peace.