Curtis Wayne Herman, 87, Minot, died Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at Trinity Hospital after a nearly 1 -year courageous battle against lymphoma.

His funeral service will be held Monday, June 22, at 11:00 a.m. in Living Word Lutheran Church (710 46th Ave. NE), Minot, with Pastor Jeff Hoverson officiating. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Sunday, June 21, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., at Thomas Family Funeral Home (304 Main St. S.), Minot. A Graveside service with military honors is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., Monday, at Sunset Memorial Gardens (1313 E. Century Ave.), Bismarck.

Curtis was born December 7, 1927, near Walhalla, ND, to Alexander Frank and Mabel Anna (Stevenson) Herman. He was raised on the family farm in western Pembina County and educated in Walhalla, graduating from Walhalla High School in 1945. He served in the US Army from 1946-'47. Curtis was proud of his military service and continued with the ND Army National Guard from 1954-'77. He served with the US Army Reserves from 1978-'80, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Curtis married Geraldine "Gerry" Beaudoin on December 20, 1948, in Walhalla. Before beginning his career in education, he worked hard on the family farm, picking potatoes, setting bowling pins by hand and helping a farmer near Valley City.

Curtis attended Valley City State Teachers College from 1950-'56, graduating with a degree in secondary education. He also earned a master degree in education administration from North Dakota State University, Fargo, in 1966. Curtis, Gerry and their five children lived in various towns throughout ND, where he was employed as a teacher and school administrator. He retired in 1990 and was honored to have influenced thousands of students and mentored hundreds of teachers during his 34 years in education. The couple moved to Prairie View Heights, south of Minot, in 1990 and then into Minot in 2004.

Curtis, a devoted husband, dad and papa, was always there with love, support, encouragement and the best hugs ever. He was a patriotic American and an avid Minnesota Twins fan. He enjoyed attending his children's and grandchildren's activities, was a competitive Blitz player and a lifelong reader, learner and teacher. Curtis enjoyed good food and, with Gerry, made the best homemade ice cream for Christmas. His children learned the importance of volunteerism through his and Gerry's many examples of caring and giving.

Curtis was a member of the Minot Eagles Aerie, Makoti American Legion Post #230, National Association of Reserve Officers and Masonic Lodge #7. He was a former member of the Minot Elks Lodge and Minot Retired Teachers Association. Curtis was involved with the local AARP chapter, serving as president, and in the AARP Driver Safety Program as instructor, trainer and district coordinator. He was a member of the Driver Safety Program's Century Club for teaching more than 100 courses.

He was involved with the Silver-haired Education Association from 1981-2012, serving as Ward County delegate from 1998-2012, Steering Committee chairman for several years and as Silver-haired Legislative Assembly president for two sessions. He was instrumental in promoting many bills concerning senior issues and tracking them through the ND State Legislature.

Curtis is survived by Gerry, his wife of 66 years; his children, Cathy Langemo, Bismarck; Sherry (Bob Eriksen) Herman, Bismarck; Connie (Brad Rinas) Herman, Bismarck; Curt (Janet) Herman, Tolna; and Becky (Lyle) Kraft, Minot; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sister Esther Rye, Fargo; 2 sisters-in-law; 2 brothers-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold and grandson Brian Langemo.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred to an organization of the donor's choice.