Curtis Denmark

Curtis Denmark's life story as related in 1999:

Curt was born in Leakesville, Mississippi on May 2, 1923, the son of Webb and Carrie (Smith) Denmark. He grew up in Mississippi and at age 14 came west with his family to Port Angeles, Washington. In 1942 at the age of 19 he joined the US Navy. Curt served aboard the USS Tulaga and USS Fort Fatila Bay as a machinist. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters of action in the battles of The Philippines, Okinawa and Iwo Jima.

Following his military service, Curt resided in Oakridge, Oregon where he was a logger and followed construction jobs throughout the US. While living in Haugen, Montana he went to work for The Milwaukee Road railway as a welder, working for them for 17 years until “lines west” terminated. His final employment was with the Burlington Northern Railroad, retiring in 1985 while residing in Baker, Montana.

Having maintained a summer home on the Peninsula for a number of years, retirement brought him here permanently in 1985.

Curt was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Maintenance union. He was devout in his Catholic faith, regularly attending St. Mary's Parish in Seaview and in later years receiving Holy Communion at home. He was also very proud as a member of the Knights of Columbus, having attained 4^th Degree status. In past years he enjoyed hunting and fishing, gardening, and church events and activities.

He and Josephine Arms (Kelly) were married April 19, 1969 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She preceded him in death in 1992. Curt is survived by grandchildren and other members of his extended family of whom he was very proud.

Curt will be laid to rest along side Jo on Monday October 31^st at Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane, Washington.