Harriet Curtiss

Harriet Zinck Curtiss, age 91 of Montello went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, July 22, 2015. Harriet was born to Norman and Alice (Edwards) Zinck on July 21, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois. Harriet served in the United States Navy during World War II. She completed her basic training and Navy Corps school in Bethesda, Maryland. While stationed at the US Naval Hospital in Farragut, Idaho she met and married Melvin E. Curtiss on October 10, 1945. After being honorably discharged from the Navy they returned to the Shiocton area where they were blessed with four children. After Melvin's death on November 2, 1956, Harriet and the children moved to Oxford. John Zinck, Harriet's brother moved in with the family to help with the children until his death on June 5, 1965. Although Harriet valued an education, it was not until July 7, 1966 that she finally received her High School Diploma. She was proud of her determination in completing the correspondence course with the American School in Chicago. Harriet served as a part-time secretary with the Oxford Bible Church for nearly ten years. She had a wooden mobile lending library cart built to ensure people of all ages had quality Christian books available. Harriet was on the initial Marquette County Child Evangelism Fellowship Board and her home was open to 5-day clubs as well as participating at the County Fair CEF booth. She provided financial support to many other Christian organizations, but always favored the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago. She often provided clothing and other items to be taken to the mission as well as many on site visits. Harriet worked as a nurses assistant for the Adams-Friendship Hospital, Divine Savior Hospital, and the Christian League for the Handicapped. Additionally, she provided private care as well during her 25 years of medical service. She officially retired in 1989, however she would be available to help out friends in need as she was able. Harriet leaves behind her three daughters: Alice Curtiss of Roanoke, VA, Nancy Curtiss of Sallisaw, OK and Patricia Curtiss of Montello and one son, Melvin (Joyce) Curtiss of Granton. She is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. Private family services will be held at a later date and inurnment will take place at the town of Liberty Cemetery, Ellington, Wisconsin. Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com