CURTIS CARL STELLE

DATELINE: Dodge City

Curtis Carl Stelle, 83, died Thursday, March 3, 2011 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. Our good Lord took "Pop" home after a short battle with cancer, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 23, 1927 at Fairland, OK the son of Charley and Ama (Overacre) Stelle.

Curtis served in the U.S. Air Force as a Sargeant from 1945 to 1947., receiving a WW II victory medal. Mr. Stelle married Joan Cohoon on August6, 1950 in Dodge City. He enjoyed 60 years of marriage to Joan. He moved to Dodge City and worked at Fairmount Foods. Following that he worked as an auto parts distributor. Curtis then established Pioneer Builders, working with his son for 25 years until he happily retired.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Dodge City.

Mr. Stelle is survived by his wife, Joan Stelle of Dodge City; one son, Greg Stelle and wife Susie of Dodge City; one brother, Jack Stelle of Miami, OK; two granddaughters, Kara Hutson and husband Bryce of Wichita and Megan Kleven and husband Wade of Ford; and three great grandchildren, Zane, Gemma, and Ruth Hutson of Wichita. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John Stelle; and one sister, Vella Goodman.

Funeral service will be held at First Christian Church in Dodge City on Monday, March 7, 2011 at 10:00 AM with Mr. Phil Scott and Rev. Kirk Larson presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City on Sunday, March 6, 2011 from Noon - 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Joan Stelle Care Fund in care of the funeral home.