Service Information
Curtis Lester Schuft, age 48, of Hutchinson, husband of Kristen Schuft, and son of Lester Schuft, passed away Friday, April 6, 2018, at his home in Hutchinson, Minnesota.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. at the Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in the Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 11, 2018, from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson and will continue Thursday, April 12th from 8:00-9:00 A.M. and one hour before the service at the church.
Obituary
Curtis “Curt” Lester Schuft was born on July 1, 1969, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Lester Schuft and the late Shirley (Mackenthun) Schuft. Curt was baptized as an infant on July 27, 1969, by Pastor Richard Raedeke and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on May 6, 1984, by Pastor Lauer and Pastor Galchutt both at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Curt was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, MN. He received his education in Hutchinson, and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School Class of 1987. Curt furthered his education at Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, Minnesota and graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 1991.
On September 13, 1997, Curt was united in marriage to Kristen VanOverbeke at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson by Pastor Gerhard Bode. Curt and Kristen spent the early years of their marriage living in Hutchinson, they later decided that they wanted a quiet country life and moved out to the Lake Jennie area in Dassel, Minnesota, where they lived for several years. In 2010, they moved to Hutchinson Township after finding what they considered to be their dream home nestled in the quiet country side. Curt “The Silver Fox” as Kristen referred to him, had a very blessed marriage, they had found the perfect life partner, best friend, and confidante in each other…they were inseparable. Curt and Kristen just recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary together. In 2010, Curt & Kristen were blessed with one son, “their miracle” Cooper. Cooper was Curt’s pride and joy, they had a very special bond, and loved rough housing with each other, having Nerf gun wars, playing video games, telling jokes, and were just starting to share Curt’s passion of waterfowl hunting together. Curt and Kristen, along with their son, Cooper, loved their life together and considered themselves to be blessed to have each other. They enjoyed country cruises, movie nights, and trips to the Dassel Bakery on Saturday mornings, not to mention annual trips to the Duluth North Shore. They especially loved spending time with their extended families partaking in concerts, hosting bonfires, holiday gatherings and everything in between – family was their everything and “Faith~Family~Friends” was their motto.
Aside from family life, Curt was employed as a Commodities Trader for nearly twenty-five years, a profession that he loved. He loved the challenge of putting together a good trade, but most of all he loved the comradery he found with the various people he interacted with, especially his friend Bill Hard. Curt began his career as trader at Heartland Commodities in Hutchinson working for Bill. When Bill retired, Curt purchased Heartland Commodities and fulfilled his dream of becoming a business owner and better yet, got the opportunity to work from home which he loved. He was also an active member of the McLeod Chapter Ducks Unlimited where he held several positions over the past eleven years, including that of Zone Chair for seven years and Treasurer for two. Curt loved DU, he was a key player in all of the McLeod County events, with his pride and joy being the annual Ducks Unlimited Banquets at the Hutch Winery, he was determined that each year would be bigger and better, and they were. Aside from DU, Curt was also a Gopher Campfire member, he very much enjoyed his days trap shooting, playing cards, and telling jokes with the guys. Curt also a skilled Billiards Player, he loved playing pool and had made it to a Masters ranking. He was affectionately referred to as “Lefty” by his team mates and those in the billiards circuit. He made many friends playing pool throughout the years and very much enjoyed competing in pool tournaments throughout Minnesota, as well as having made a couple trips to Las Vegas…but what he really loved was hustling his friends on his home table.
Curt is likely best known for his love of Waterfowl hunting. Other than his family, there was absolutely nothing that Curt enjoyed more than his time spent in the field or on the lakes chasing ducks & geese with his group of hunting buddies. The memories and stories this group created together will last a lifetime, much like their friendships. Curt was a blessed man, he had a true gift of gab, there wasn’t a person who didn’t become fast friends with Curt. Curt was an infectious soul, his warmth, knowledge, witty character and just general likeability afforded him many, many friends.
Curt passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 6, 2018, at his home in Hutchinson, at the age of 48 years.
He will be greatly missed by many.
Curt is survived by his:
Wife, Kristen Schuft of Hutchinson, MN;
Son, Cooper Schuft of Hutchinson, MN;
Father, Lester Schuft of Hutchinson, MN;
Sister, Sherry McCormick of Hutchinson, MN;
Father In-Law, Lee VanOverbeke of Hutchinson, MN;
Mother In-Law, Jayne VanOverbeke of Hutchinson, MN;
Sister In-Law, Kari VanOverbeke of Hutchinson, MN;
Brother In-Law, Jason VanOverbeke of Hutchinson, MN;
Sister In-Law, Courtney VanOverbeke of Hutchinson, MN;
Nieces, Eavan McCormick, Hailey VanOverbeke, and Miah Merkins, all of Hutchinson, MN;
Nephews, Eamonn McCormick and Calix VanOverbeke, both of Hutchinson, MN;
Aunt, Carol Pumper of Chaska, MN;
Aunt, Marion Mackenthun of Chaska, MN;
Cousin Michelle Heinze (John) and her family of Prescott, WISC.
and many many friends.
Curt is preceded in death by his: Mother, Shirley Schuft, and his spunky Black Lab “Lucy”.
As well as Grandparents Albert & Hertha Schuft, and Albert & Olga Mackenthun, and finally Uncles Robert Pumper and Maynard Mackenthun.
Angie Ebnet Evans says
I’m so sorry for you loss. He was always a good kind hearted man with a positive outlook on life. We were in our Church youth group together. Prayers and blessings.
Ross & Stacie says
Kristen & Family,
We are so saddened and shocked to learn of Curt’s passing. Our prayers, hugs and love are with all of you.
Ross & Stacie Jurek
Keith Pearce says
May God be with all of you! Curt was a fine young man and a very good friend. 19 years he tore open my drivers door and waited until help arrived after I had a seizure and drove into the Hutch H. S. I was and am forever great full! Great friend, loved the outdoors, is loved by many many people ?! God bless you all.
Keith “Peanut” and Mary Pearce
Sherry McCormick says
Nut…I remember that day very well! Peace
Brad Emans says
Lester … You have always been such a kind person and so enjoyable to talk with, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Son. One cannot imagine the grief you must be dealing with! God bless you and your family.
Brad Emans
Lisa Kostelecky says
So very sorry to hear of Curt’s passing. We were high school classmates and there wasn’t a more down-to-earth person around. He seemed to have become a very devoted and loving family man, which doesn’t surprise me in the least. Thinking of his family and wishing them comfort during this very difficult time.
My sincere condolences and with sadness in my heart,
Lisa Tews Kostelecky
Mark (Gator) Dallmann says
Sorry for the families loss. I have known Curt for about 20 years. It seemed we would always be playing each other in the finals of a pool tournament somewhere.
Until we meet again on the big pool table in heaven.
Larry and Karen Raske says
Our prayers and sympathy to the Schuft family.
Pam and Rod says
Our family sends it’s deepest sympathy with your loss in your husband and Cooper’s dad. I have only read wonderful things from people and regret not seeing him more often. You are a very strong woman and I believe whole heartedly you will be able to deal with this tremendous and unexpected loss. Your family and Curt’s are very close so you have a rock solid support system. He will be missed by many. Take care, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Teri Wermerskirchen says
Will miss him at pool. He always had a smile.
Sharon Haberkamp says
Dear Family of Curt,
I was so sorry to hear of the death of Curt. I am in Florida visiting my cousin or I would be at the visitation and funeral. May God’s peace be with all of you during this most difficult of times. Thanks to the death and resurrection of Jesus, Curt is home with God enjoying the things God has prepared for him and all believers. We will see him again as we trust in our Lord with all our hearts. It was a pleasure to have Curt in my classroom many years ago where he heard that Jesus suffered, died, and rose for him and that Jesus loves him and always will.
Blessings,
Sharon Haberkamp
Sharon Haberkamp says
Dear Family of Curt,
I was so sorry to hear of the death of Curt. I am in Florida visiting my cousin or I would be at the visitation and funeral. Thanks to Jesus’ death and resurrection, Curt is enjoying all the things our Lord has prepared for him in heaven. We too will see Curt again as we trust in the Lord with all our heart. It was a pleasure to have Curt in my classroom many years ago where he heard that Jesus suffered, died, and rose for him and that Jesus loves him and always will. May God’s peace surround you during this most difficult of times.
Blessings,
Sharon Haberkamp
Pete Erickson says
Deep sadness for the loss of Curt. Prayers for Kristen, Curt’s friends and family, and the Hutch community!
Paul Otte says
You are all in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss and encourage you to place your trust in Jesus for comfort and assurance. Barb and I are with you.
Dustin Hoffman says
Sincere condolences at this shocking loss. Curt was one of the best! So many great memories of him hanging out at the lake. God bless you all. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Dustin Hoffman
Larry J. Lickfelt says
I was sorry to hear of the death of Curt. He sounds like the kind of guy any of his cousins would like to have met and spent time with. My condolences to his entire family. You must be in shock at the loss of this very young man, only days younger than my youngest. I shall remember Curt and all of you in my prayers.
Larry Lickfelt, son of Maynard and grandson of Martha Schuft.
Kristi Sharstrom Hance says
Sherry & family-
So sorry to learn of the loss of Curt. I remember him being such a kind person with a never ending smile when Sherry & I hung out in high school. I pray that you all feel peace & comfort during this very difficult time. May Curt forever live in your heart & your mind.
Patty Marconcini says
Kristen and families,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Kelly (Hallahan) Bestul says
He was one of a kind! My heart goes out to his loved ones and may God’s strength pull you through this difficult time. May the memories of his life far outweigh the grief!
Take care and God Bless!
Trent Smutka says
I have no words to describe how I feel about the loss of such a great friend and an even better person, I’m torn apart. Remembering though, all the great hunts, great card games and even beating some fella’s in a couple games of pool. RIP Curty.
Craig Swenson says
My sincerest condolences for the Schufts. Ol Curtis! Played a lot of trumpet next to that man…he was too good..so I switched to French Horn!
I know he’s in his Happy Hunting Grounds and we’ll see each other again. Until then…please know Cooper and friends are always welcome to hunt ducks at my place.
Kevin Deopere says
So sorry for your loss! I’ve competed and visited with Curt at many pool tournaments and league matches over the years. He was a big man with an even bigger heart. More recently we’ve been running into each other while attending our kids events. Will miss ya big guy!
Trent Smutka says
I have no words, I’m torn apart. I’ll miss my hunting buddy, my card playing buddy and my 8 ball partner. R.I.P. Curty.
Naomi Morris says
I can’t be there today, but please know I am there in spirit and have been praying for you and your family. Curt and I were good friends in grade school. My mom gave Sherry piano lessons and voice lessons to Curt. Also, Curt and I sang a few duets and performed them at the McLeod County Fair. I wholeheartedly regret we never got the Our Savior’s Lutheran grade school reunion and hope to one day do that in memory of him. I am so sorry he is gone and will continue to pray for your next steps in this life without him.