Curtis A. Jerome

Curtis A. Jerome, 58, of Walhalla, ND passed away Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Walhalla Lutheran Church, Walhalla, ND. Military rites will be provided by the U.S. Marine Corp Funeral Honors. Service will be streamed on the Askew Funeral Homes Facebook Page.

Curtis A. Jerome was born on May 8th 1962 in Cavalier, ND, the second of five children to Waldemar & Ida Melsted. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Curtis grew up and attended school in Walhalla, ND. He enjoyed wrestling and football during his school years. Curt was quite excited with placing in the top three of a Walk-A-Thon held walking the distance from Cavalier to Walhalla. During his teen years, Curtis was employed by Ray’s Fairway.

Curtis joined the USMC at the age of 18. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and Camp Pendleton, CA. He was trained as a Motor Vehicle Operator and Generator Operator. He earned his Rifle Marksman Badge, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal. Following an Honorable Discharge in 1984, Curtis served two years in the Marine Corp Reserve. Curt’s service in the military proved to be a great source of pride for him. It was during his military career that Curtis returned home to be united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Cindy Dumas. The following years spent with his one true love were described by him as “the most happiest times of his life”.

Upon his return home from the military, Curt was employed with the construction of the Walhalla Ethanol Plant. He then moved to Grafton, ND where he was employed by the State School. Later, he moved to Grand Forks where he attended the EGF AVTI and earned his Diploma in Parts & Service. Curtis had an extensive employment record working for various construction and labor companies. Curt enjoyed his time with Hogenson Construction in Western ND constructing elevators. He also worked at Tarnel Trailers in Walhalla.  He loved to travel and camp and enjoyed hunting with his brothers, Steven and Craig. Curtis held a strong work ethic while his body held out and allowed this of him.

During Curt’s entire life, he held close relationships with many of his family members. Several of his cousins’ children as well as his friends’ children fondly referred to Curt as “Uncle Curtis”. Curt was a relied upon babysitter and he absolutely loved it.

Curtis possessed a great love for all animals. Special to his heart were Shadow and Misty, his cats and Levi and Shiloh, his dogs. He had a deep passion to own horses. Curt also enjoyed the compassion and loyalty of close-knit friendships over the years. He held many, but two stand out for their commitment and longevity, Tork and Scot. They meant the world to Curtis; he cherished these friendships. Curtis loved his family deeply, not just his immediate but his extended as well-his uncles, aunts and cousins. They all held a special place in his heart.

WE LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF OUR BEING AS WELL, CURTIS.

Those left to mourn are his parents: Waldemar and Ida Melsted of Walhalla, ND. Brothers: Marlin (Michelle) of Bossier City, LA., Steven and Craig of Walhalla, Sister: Rita (John) of East Grand Forks. Nephews: Johnathon & Michael of Bossier City, LA., Brandon of Valley City, ND. Niece: Erin (Jordan) of Grand Forks. Great nephews: Nolan & Graden of Grand Forks. Also, his entire family, both near and far.