Archie Gene Curtice

Archie Curtice of Cozad, NE went to meet his Heavenly Father on April 24, 2023 when he passed away peacefully at his home, at the age of 90.

Archie Gene Curtice was born in Willow Island, NE to Harold Guy and Myrtle (Lamb) Curtice on April 8^th, 1933. Archie grew up on the farm his grandfather homesteaded in Willow Island.  As a young boy, Archie attended country school, South 2, then later attended Cozad High School until the age of 16. 

About that time, alfalfa dehydrators came to Willow Island, and Archie went to work for Lemmon Mills working long hours at the hay mill and also successfully completed and graduated from the Production School of the American Dehydrators Association. Though work was important, education was important too, so Archie later earned his GED.

Soon, love blossomed after Archie met Alice, while spending time at the candy counter hanging out with friends at the pharmacy in Gothenburg.  Archie married Alice May Sabin on June 19, 1950, and together they started their first home in a small apartment in Willow Island. By this time the owners of Lemmon Mills in Willow Island got some new owners.  The new owners also wanted to expand their business and build a feedlot.  Ervin Burkholder and Ray Bates started Island Dehy, and when Archie was asked to join them, he said “let’s go for it”.  That was the beginning of Archie’s career, where he managed Will-Feed Inc. until he retired at the age of 65.  After a long, dedicated career, Archie was inducted into the Dawson County Cattlemen’s Hall of Fame in 2004 and honored as the Ag Employee of the Year in 2008.

Alice and Archie were blessed with 4 children whom they are very proud of, a daughter Connie, and three sons, Micheal, Steven, and Douglas Curtice.  Archie and Alice were also blessed with 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  Archie loved his family and always enjoyed the kids coming back home for the holidays, and especially to celebrate their birthdays. Archie also took pride in and found great pleasure in getting to attend special events for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

After Archie retired, Alice and Archie liked to travel to places they hadn’t been before.  They got to go on bus tours and see lots of God’s great country.  Two of their favorite places to visit were Corpus Christi, Texas and Bull Head City, Arizona.  

Archie was a hard worker, a good friend and a positive, fun, loving person who respected people and was also respected by many throughout his life.  Archie enjoyed life and wanted everyone around him to enjoy life also.

Archie was a member of the Cozad Church of Christ where he also humbly served for many years as a deacon.

Archie was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Guy and Myrtle Curtice.  His sister Mary Etta Curtice, and brother Harold Curtice.

Survivors include the love of his life, for 72 years, Alice Curtice. Children: Connie Stevens of Gothenburg, NE Micheal (Brenda) Curtice of Moberly MO, Steven (Sally) Curtice of Cozad, NE, and Douglas (Stephanie) Curtice of Cozad, NE. Grandchildren: Michelle Stevens, Fred (Nicole) Stevens, Christina (Ben) Webb, Melissa (Guepson) Jonas, Justin (April) Curtice, Travis (Kaitlin) Curtice, Marie (Brandon) Morris, Stephanie (Wayne) Peck, Patrisha (Travis) Westfall, Jordan (Ashley) Curtice. Great Grandchildren: Azlynn and Bo Stevens.  Calianna, Benton and Baylor Webb.  Theodule Jonas. Eliot and Isaiah Curtice.  Brooke Morris (Tyler Mobley), Brandee Morris (Willy Betz).  Riley Peck.  Andrew and Andrea Huntsman, Asher and Ashlyn Westfall.

Memorials are suggested to the Church of Christ or donor’s choice. Services will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ on Newell with Pastor David Haynes officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery north of Willow Island. Visitation with family present will be Friday, May 5, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM at Berryman Funeral Home.