Curtis "Curt" John Zupfer

Curtis “Curt” John Zupfer, age 95, of North Mankato passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023.

Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary. Burial with Military Honors is at 1:15 p.m. in Woodland Hills Memorial Park, Mankato.

Curt was born in New Ulm, MN on March 25, 1928 to John J. and Martha H.F. (Loose) Zupfer.  He graduated from New Ulm High School in 1946 and, shortly after, joined the U.S Army (1946 – 1948).  Curt attended Ordinance Training at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.   As a member of the Eighth Army, Curt was assigned to the U.S. reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in post-WWII Japan.  He spent 12 months abroad, achieving the rank of Sergeant, with his unit operating out of Yokohama.  Upon returning to the U.S., Curt was honorably discharged from active duty.  He later served as a member of the National Guard from 1949 – 1951 as a Staff Sergeant.

After active duty, Curt attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, studying Business Administration, Accounting, and History.  While in Japan, he attended Keio University (Tokyo) for Architectural Drafting.   He was also a graduate of the Minnesota School of Banking at St. Olaf College.

On April 19, 1952 Curt married Rosemary Wech in New Ulm, MN.  They enjoyed 50 years of marriage together before Rosie passed in 2002.  Together, they raised seven children and lived in North Mankato, St. Paul, and Duluth.

Curt spent his career in the Banking and Financial industry.  Prior to retirement, Curt was President of American Banks – Mankato.  He was also formerly employed by Northwestern National Bank, and Commercial Credit Corporation.   Additionally, he was an Instructor for the American Institute of Banking.  In his youth, he was a pinsetter, a caddy, a lifeguard, and worked in his parent’s grocery store.

Curt served his community through membership and leadership on various boards, including the Mankato Chamber of Commerce, Valley Opportunities, Inc., and as a member of the original team of nine Business Leaders who led the proposal of a civic center for downtown Mankato, ultimately resulting in a revitalization of the downtown area.   

Curt was a member of the VFW Post 950, a member of the Mankato Golf Club, a director of the Caledonian Curling Club, past president of PTA - North Mankato, and advisory board member for the American Bankers Association – Installment Lending Division.

Over the years, Curt was an avid golfer and curler.  He loved the water and enjoyed his boat and scuba diving.  Always interested in sports, he played softball, coached youth baseball, and especially enjoyed following Minnesota State Hockey and Mankato West football.  He loved his country, travel, history, and music.  Most of all, he loved time spent with his extended family and friends.  His happiest times were with Rosie during their retirement winters spent in Florida.  

Curt is survived by his children, Steven Zupfer, Kathryn (Douglas) Rogness, Jane (Daniel) Herrmann, Patricia Zupfer (John Slepcevich), Cynthia (Richard) Worthington, and Lisa Howe; grandchildren, Anne (John-Paul) Van Arsdale, Jill (Craig) Smith, Scott Zupfer, Mark (Heather) Herrmann, Gerrit Worthington (Abby Parker), Oliver (Marielle) Worthington, Molly (Garrett) Hottenstein, Taylor “TJ” Howe, and Abby Howe; great-grandchildren, Stella, Maxwell, Vivienne, Lehan, and Cora; sister-in-law, Dorothy Christian; brother-in-law, Joseph (Arlene) Wech, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Curt was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary; son, Gregory Zupfer; parents, John and Martha Zupfer; son-in-law, James Howe; sister, Muriel (Donald) Schroeder, and parents-in-law, Clarence and Mary Wech.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Veteran’s of Foreign Wars (VFW), or to a charity of choice.