"Curtis will always have a special place in my heart!"
In loving memory of
Curtis D. Weems
February 19, 1962 - November 11, 2021
Curtis Dean, son of Eldis "Bud" and Norma (Nissen) Weems, was born February 19, 1962, in Manning, Iowa. Curtis grew up in Manning with 5 siblings. He was in the Special Education Program and graduated from Manning High School with the Class of 1981. Curtis's proudest day was commencement and receiving his diploma.
Curtis lived with his parents until June of 1992 when he moved into the New Hope Park Avenue group home in Manning. He later moved to the Airport group home. He worked at various jobs in Carroll prior to the group home setting then worked through the New Hope Vocational Site in Manning. His jobs varied from working in the Carroll Recycling building, light assembly, cleaning cars and general cleaning at Manning businesses. In December, 2012, Curtis moved to the Stuart Community Care Center in Stuart, Iowa.
Curtis was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Manning where he was baptized on July 1, 1962 and later confirmed by Pastor Robert Riggert. His faith was the focal point in his life. He took communion regularly and was very proud of it. Curtis's favorite hymn was "How Grape Thou Ark!" Larry Mahnke graciously took him to church on Sundays for many years after the death of Curtis's parents.
Curtis had many "hometown angels" in Manning who watched over him. He knew everybody & they knew him. He was known for his bubbly character, his laughter, and his love for everyone as well as his delight in playing pranks! Bud always said he and Norma made it through the first five kids with no visits from the cops!!! Then there was Curtis. He was on a first name basis with the local officers! He often sneaked uptown to rent video tapes and then would track down the policeman on duty to drive him home! He went on many vacations with a travel company for disabled people and participated in the Special Olympics many times in his younger years. He enjoyed New Hope activities and dances. His friends at New Hope Village and the Stuart Community Care Center were a key part of his life.
Curtis had a great love for bowling, latch hook rug making, listening to music, watching game shows, coloring and the TV show Emergency. He especially loved polka music, occasionally auditioning for a spot in the local polka band! When they gave him the microphone he would sing "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie!" He loved watching Lawrence Welk on TV and the Statler Brothers and his siblings took him to many Oak Ridge Boys concerts. He especially enjoyed going to the local block parties with Bud & Norma and went to many household auctions with his Dad. Bud often said, "time to go home, Curtis," when he pulled one too many stunts! He liked the Iowa State Cyclones and the Iowa Hawkeyes but it was always difficult to determine which team he was rooting for at the moment because he said he wanted to watch the Iowa State Hawkeye game!
On Thursday, November 11, 2021, Curtis passed away at Iowa Methodist-Unity Point West in West Des Moines, Iowa. He was 59 years, 8 months and 23 days of age.
Left to celebrate his life are his siblings: Darrell (Della) Weems of Adel; Myra Luetje of Westside; and Connie Weems-Scott of Marietta, Georgia; three nieces and eight nephews. He was preceded into death by his parents; a sister, Nancy Drake; a brother, Douglas Weems; a niece, Sheri Luetje; a nephew, Jacob Weems; and brothers-in-law, J. Gordon Scott and Jim Luetje.
Funeral services for Curtis Weems on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 2:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church with visitation from 1:00 PM until service time. Interment will follow in the Manning Cemetery.
Tributes
"I worked at Curtis Weems New Hope Airport House in Manning. He always greeted you with the most hugest smile and hug!! That was the best part of my day--greeting him everyday at work--didn't seem like work when I was in his home. He loved to draw me pictures and have it waiting on the table for my next shift. I will forever treasure Curtis--he was the best--just the best person you would ever meet-ever. He will always have a place in my heart. He is now watching over all of us with a smile on his face."
"I worked with Curtis while I worked at New Hope Village. I enjoyed all the fun he brought to the group home. He could always cheer me up and gave me many happy moments when I worked with him and the other residents. He was religious and wanted to pray for his brother Doug. I have many fond memories of my friend Curtis and will always remember him. Eileen Hahn"
"Curtis was in my class in Manning when I started to teach there! I had quite a relationship with him! I was in Manning 7 years and Curtis was quite a character! He was definitely a hand full. He enjoyed my classroom most of the time! He really was quite a Special Olympian athlete and won many ribbons! I am so glad that I got the privilege of knowing Curtis and letting him to be a part of my life! I will never forget that kid! Rest In Peace my friend!"
"MY mom lived on third street and Curt would come to visit, and would ring the doorbell once maybe twice and sometimes three time and would come in laughing, mom always enjoyed his visits. Kay Otto"