ROBERT CURRAN |
Robert E. Curran dies today at age 76 Oct. 27, 2009 Robert Emmett Curran, 76, a leader in Antigo’s business and civic circles, died at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Alzheimer's Center today, Oct, 27, 2009. He has been a full time resident of the center since January, 2008.
Mr. Curran was born May 21, 1933 in Antigo to the late Maurice and Alice (Benishek) Curran. On Aug. 7, 1954 he married JoAnn B. Prochaska at St. Mary Catholic Church in Antigo. She survives and resides in Antigo.
From age 12 until his graduation from Antigo High School in 1951, Mr. Curran worked with his mentor Harvey Wagner at Wagner’s Cities Service filling station. After graduating from high school, he attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and several business schools.
He owned and operated Phillips 66 gas station and subsequently he and his wife, JoAnn, owned and operated Curran's Liquor & Sporting Goods. Mr. Curran managed the Consolidated Service Station and was treasurer of the Antigo South Side Advancement Association.
Mr. Curran was a licensed insurance agent with Prudential Insurance Company. He was also executive director of the Antigo Area Chamber of Commerce and then served as board secretary and as vice president and president. He was a member of WCCE, Chamber of Commerce Executives Association and received the Wisconsin Chamber of Executives annual Institute Assistance award.
While working with the chamber he was appointed to the Wisconsin Logging Congress.
He was a member of the chamber’s Ambassadors Club and in 1990 won the chamber’s Lloyd Wendt Citizen of the Year Award.
Mr. Curran was president and vice president of North Central Savings and Loan and then senior vice president, vice president of Security Savings and Loan Association-North Central Division. He was appointed to the management information committee of the Wisconsin League of Financial Institutions, Ltd. He was also appointed by then-governor Scott McCallum to the North Central Regional Planning Commission, serving from 2002 to 2006.
His list of political, civic and community activities was a long one.
In 1968 he was appointed to the board of trustees of the Wisconsin Valley Library Reference Service. He also served as a supervisor with the Langlade County Board, where he was chairman of the board’s Building Study Committee, chairman of the Economic Development Committee and on the Langlade County Board of Health. In addition, he served on the Antigo Common Council for 12 years.
He worked with the American Cancer Society's Jail & Bail and was master of ceremonies for many community functions.
Mr. Curran was very active in civic clubs, including the Jaycees during the busy snowmobile rally days, earning honors as Outstanding Jaycee, and the Kiwanis Club, where he was president and first vice president and received the Key Man Award and the Legion of Honor.
During his 50 years of Elks membership he served as Exalted Ruler.
His many other awards included being named to Who’s Who Worldwide Platinum Award in 1992-93, and Community Leader of America.
He was a member of Antigo Bass Lake Country Club and Modern Woodmen of America Camp 869.
Even in his declining years, after being diagnoses with Lewy Body Dementia, Mr. Curran continued to give to his community. He was the Honorary Chairman of the 2009 Alzheimer Walk and participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony in September.
Mr. Curran was a member of St. John Catholic Church and served as a lector, a member of the adult choir and was president of parent-teacher association for St John Catholic School.
Favorite hobbies included antique cars, golf and being a member of Table 7 at The Dixie.
He enjoyed summers at Post Lake and had an extraordinary sense of humor that will not be forgotten.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include daughters, Elizabeth (Samuel) Ourada, Nekoosa, Colleen Curran, Madison, sons, Robert (Mary), and David (Gail) both of Antigo; two brothers, James (Nan) Curran, Lake Mills, Patrick (Betty) Curran, Bass Lake; seven grandchildren, Kathleen (Gary) Sislo, Green Bay, Laura Curran, Green Bay, Emily Curran, Antigo, Nick (Stephanie) Curran, Neenah, Danielle (Kevin) Peterlick, Antigo, Taylor Curran, Antigo and Courtney Ourada, Nekoosa and one great-grandchild, Madilyn Sislo; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Curran.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John Catholic Church in Antigo. Rev. Charles Hoffmann will officiate. Burial will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home. Visitation will also be held on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association.
Friends may visit www.strasserollerfh.com .
Husband and father, you will be dearly missed and will forever be in our hearts. We thank all of Robert's dear family and friends for your support during this trying time. Thank you to the staff at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center for the loving care given to Robert during his battle with Lewy Body Dementia.
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