Curtis Celestial Lynner was born September 1, 1918, in Friendship Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, to parents H. Christian and Clara (Melbostad) Lynner. He was baptized November 3, 1918, and confirmed May 7, 1933, at the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Clarkfield, Minnesota. He graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1936. He continued his education at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis. In August of 1942, Curtis entered the U.S. Army and served in the Signal Corps of the 12th Air Force with service in Africa, Sicily and Italy, until honorably discharged in September, 1945. Curtis C. and Ruth E. Sturgeon were married March 10, 1946, at the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. Three children, Charles Curtis, Jean Louise, and Virginia Ruth were born to them. They farmed west of Clarkfield for many years. He was a member of American Legion J. Ben Johnson Post 169 for 61 years, serving in many positions and as commander for several years. He was an active member of the community, serving as a board member of Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery, Farmers Home Administration, Farm Bureau, and Tyro Township. He also enjoyed being a 4-H leader. For many years he assisted wherever needed at Lynner's, which was especially meaningful to him. Curtis was a conscientious, caring and devoted man to his family, friends and in his vocation. After retirement, he and Ruth moved into town and kept busy with home improvement projects, playing cards and visiting with friends, creating and framing jigsaw puzzles, and traveling. Curtis enjoyed spending time with family-especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was frequently found lending a hand with various projects. Curtis passed away May 24, 2008, at Meeker County Memorial Hospital in Litchfield, Minnesota, after an extended illness, at the age of 89. He is survived by his children: Charles Lynner of Montevideo, Minnesota, Jean Lynner of Clarkfield, and Virginia Wilson (and fiance Dave Schmitt) of Clarkfield; five grandchildren: Shelly (Brian) Prestholdt, Luke (Jessie) Wilson, Kathie Lynner (and fiance Mike Arndorfer), Chad Lynner (Shauna Fogelberg), Alecia (Ty) Malek; seven great grandchildren: Braden, Garett, and Brielle Prestholdt, Mason and Carson Lynner, and Darrin and Adrian Malek. Also surviving are one brother, James Lynner and wife Arlene; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Johnie and Ruth Sturgeon; sister-in-law Elaine Sturgeon; cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth, sisters Margaret Gordon and Marian Nord, and brother Edgar Lynner. Visitation Thursday, May 29, 2008 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Prayer Service 7:00 p.m. Pastor Mike Hanson Lynner Funeral Home Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Friday, May 30, 2008 11:00 a.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiating Pastor Mike Hanson Pastor Kay Jurgenson Organist, Karen Donner Special Music JoAnn Hildahl, Medley of songs John Lynner, "Amazing Grace" Jean Lynner, "Behold A Host" Casketbearers Lukas Wilson * Chad Lynner Brian Prestholdt * Paul Lynner John W. Sturgeon * DeWayne Sturgeon Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery Clarkfield, Minnesota Military Rites J. Ben Johnson Post 169 Clarkfield, Minnesota Taps by David Rupp Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota