Kenneth John Curle, 78, Minot, died Wednesday, Thursday, February 13, 2008, in a Minot hospital.

Ken was born July 12, 1929, in Carnduff, Saskatchewan, Canada, to John Patrick and Sarah Jane (Atkins) Curle. He was raised and educated in Carnduff and Toronto. As a young adult, Ken worked in a funeral home as an assistant in Toronto, for a time, until he purchased the family farm, located near Carnduff.

Ken was united in marriage to Gail Marie Bernsdorf on July 31, 1955, in the Sherwood Methodist Church. Following their marriage, they moved to Minot. Ken gained employment with Northern States Power as a lineman, working his way up the career ladder over the next 25 years into the marketing area of the company until his retirement.

Ken retired back into full-time farming on the family farm in Canada, where he raised small grains, until his retirement, due to his health in 2007. In addition to farming, he drove bus for Northland Bus Company, getting people to their various destinations.

Ken was a people person, blessed with the gift of "gab" . He attended First Assembly of God, Minot, and was a member of the Minot Exchange Club. Ken was a member of the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot, where he showed his love of flying with his mentor and friend, Alvin Pietsch. He was part of an experimental aircraft club, which built an aircraft named "The Breezy," taking many flights over the years in air shows and trips.

Ken was a loving husband and father and will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

Surviving family includes : Loving wife of 53 years, Gail Curle, Minot; Daughter: Penny King, Minot; Granddaughter: Sara King, Minot; Brother: Gerald Curle, Carnduff, Saskatchewan; Sisters-in-Law: Vivian Deslauriers and Darlene Bernsdorf; Brothers-in-law: Darrell (Clarice) Bernsdorf, Minot and Don Spencer, Carnduff, Saskatchewan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Kim Gail Curle, sisters, Grace Teters, Doreen Spencer, and Geraldine Bodnoff, and brother: Bruce Curle, and Philip Bodnoff.

Funeral: Monday, February 18, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. at First Assembly of God, Minot.
Visitation: There will be no reviewal, however, family and friends are invited to sign a memorial register book on Sunday, February 17, 2008, from noon until 4:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home of Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot.