Earl Harry Curtis

Earl Harry Curtis, age 89, of Rothsay, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026. Earl was born on April 1, 1937, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, to Harry and Beulah (Hathaway) Curtis. He graduated from Dunn County Agricultural School and proudly served in the United States Air Force beginning in 1955. Following his service, Earl farmed for a short time near Menomonie, worked as a diesel mechanic, and eventually found his lifelong career as a long-haul truck driver. He spent most of his working years on the road until retiring in 2014, when his health no longer permitted him to continue.

Earl was first married to Nancy Kleist in Watertown, South Dakota, and together they had four sons: Dennis, Russell, Randy, and Ricky. On March 15, 1969, he married Marlys (Price) Channel. They shared more than 51 years of marriage and welcomed two children, Chad and Casey Curtis. Earl also lovingly embraced Marlys's children-Lynette, Doyle, and Jill Channel-as his own.

Throughout Earl's trucking career, he and Marlys lived in many communities, including Osseo, Wisconsin; New Hope, Mound, and Breckenridge, Minnesota; as well as Foxhome, Campbell, and finally Rothsay, Minnesota, where they settled in March 2017. Earl remained in Rothsay until entering the Pioneer Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in April of 2026.

As a young man, Earl enjoyed hunting and cars, once proudly telling his family that he owned 42 cars in just 30 days. More than anything, Earl loved people. He never met a stranger, and if you spoke with him, you were instantly considered a friend. Visitors to the Rothsay Truck Stop often found themselves in conversation with Earl-listening to his stories, his humor, and the occasional tall tale. Earl fondly shared that his favorite truck stops were the Hasty Truck Stop and the Rothsay Truck Stop, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of the staff and fellow drivers.

Earl is survived by his children: Dennis Curtis; Randall (Rhonda) Curtis; Ricky (Cora) Curtis; Chad (Micki) Curtis; Casey (Stephanie) Curtis; stepchildren Lynette (Bruce) Oren, Doyle Channel, and Jill (Kevin) Sackenreuter; along with grandchildren, Justin Meyer (Alberto Joche), Jared Meyer, Samantha (Paul) Radel, Zack (Jackie) Channel, MacKenzie Channel, Cassi (Partick) Lee, Nick Curtis (Lauren Barry) Emmitt Curtis, Breanna (Ty) Kelly, Wyatt Curtis (Sasha Durand), Ethan Curtis (Gracee Albertson), Preston Curtis, Bradly Curtis, Madison Curtis Brown, Shelby Curtis Richards, Devonnea Curtis, Brandi Curtis, and Great-grandchildren, Coen Radel, Elyn and Isla Lee, Marly and Skye Channel, Lennon Curtis, Hudson Richards, Abigal and Andrew Eoff, and Jason Curtis, along with many nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marlys Curtis; his son, Russell Curtis; his sisters, Leona Gay Evenson and Gloria Friseth; his parents, Harry and Beulah Curtis; his grandson, Joshua Meyer; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay, Minnesota. Earl's warmth, storytelling, and deep love for family and friends will be remembered and dearly missed by all who knew him.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com