Curtis Jerrold Sabie

CURTIS JERROLD SABIE was the first child of LeRoy C. Sabie and Jeanette Olson Sabie born on April 30, 1920 at the family farm east of Ihlen, Minnesota. Ten years later, on October 9, 1930, his sister Jean was born. He attended country school until the 8th grade and then began high school in Pipestone. He was the class president and graduated with honors in 1938. Curtis enlisted in the Army-Air Force on January 2, 1942 and after Airplane Mechanic Training, he served in the South Pacific Theater mainly on the island of New Guinea. He was a decorated war hero receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and the Purple Heart among others. Curtis was wounded during his military service. It wasn't until 20 years later that a 60-calibur bullet was discovered in his back by a routine x-ray. He especially liked telling this story and showing his x-ray. He received an honorable discharge from the service on September 20, 1945. He spoke of how overjoyed he was to be returning to Pipestone, reuniting with his family and especially his younger sister, Jean. Once back home, he worked as a lineman and later a manger for the Rural Electric Cooperative, which his father helped establish. After 38 years, he retired in 1983.
In 1947, by his own account, he made the most important and best decision of his life by marrying Norma Meyer. They were married for 66 years and were blessed with three children: Teresa, Curtis, Jr. and Stanley. Curtis was a devoted family man and loved taking his family on fishing trips 'Up North'.
He was an avid golfer and was particularly proud of his two holes-in-one! He was a life-long bowler and won many awards and trophies. The award he liked to recall the most was a doubles championship he and his good friend, Tom Benz, won in a Minneapolis tournament. Back in the days when softball was a popular sport, Curt was an accomplished pitcher and his skills were always in high demand.
Retirement did not slow him down. He studied woodworking at the Pipestone Vocational Technical School and made many fine pieces of furniture which have become cherished family heirlooms. Curt also enjoyed restoring classic automobiles.
He was a member of the First Lutheran Church and held many offices throughout the years. Curt was a 67 year member of the Michael Boock American Legion Post 6 in Pipestone.
Curtis Jerrold Sabie died on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at the Pipestone County Medical Center in Pipestone, Minnesota. He had been receiving home hospice care since October and lived until the age of 93 years, 8 months and 19 days. His final days were spent in the loving care of his wife Norma.
Those celebrating his life and mourning his loss are his wife Norma, of Pipestone; his daughter, Teresa Strand of Big Lake, Minnesota; his sons: Curtis Jr (Camille) of Rochester, Minnesota and Stanley of Pipestone; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sister Jean Knudtson of Bountiful, Utah; nieces, nephews, extended family and wonderful friends