Curtis Neil Wiersema was born in Portland, Maine on March 19, 1953, to Laurin Jay and Christine Anglin Wiersema. He traveled throughout his youth and lived in Minnesota, Texas, Wisconsin, and finally Missouri, where he graduated from high school in Willow Springs in 1971. He served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1975 and was stationed in Germany for two years. He was married in 1975 to Deborah K. Miller and to this union three children were born.
He graduated from SMSU in 1981 with a degree in Geology and later in 1991 with a teacher certification. In 1995, he met and married Faye Haefner Wiersema and with her help, raised the three children. Curt was experienced in many fields from Education, to the Postal Service, to Auto Parts, to Soil Science. He was an avid backpacker and trail enthusiast, and enjoyed floating, camping, and fishing, as well.
He is survived by his wife, Faye Wiersema of the home; children, Sherry E. Ney (Marshall) of Asheville, NC, Lucas J. Wiersema (Jenna) of Warren, OH, and Philip P. Wiersema of Willow Springs, MO; seven grandchildren, Elias, Sophia, Maxton, James, Zayden, Hazel, and Rowan; brother, Chuck Wiersema (Patty) of Willow Springs, MO; nieces, Ann Hines of Willow Springs, MO and Sally Wiersema of Houston, MO; as well as several great grand nieces and nephews.
Out of respect for Curt’s wishes, he will be cremated, and no services will be held. In honor of Curt’s love for our natural world, the family requests donations in his memory to The Ozark Trail Association at www.ozarktrail.com.
