February 20, 2014 Lac La Belle

Fortunate H. Curtis Sr. of Lac La Belle and Port Charlotte, FL passed away on February 20, 2014 at the Bayfront Hospital in Port Charlotte, Florida following a short illness.

Fortunate was born in Copper City on January 25, 1925 the son of Rose and Henry Curtis.

He attended area schools and graduated from Calumet High School in 1943.

Fortunate worked for several businesses as a young man including Murphy’s Garage in Calumet, Qualities Supermarket in Laurium, he served as a Post Master in Copper City for a short time and also worked at Ward’s in Houghton. After working many years he attended Suomi College and Northern Michigan University graduating in 1969 with a teaching degree. In 1972 he earned his Masters Degree in History from NMU. After graduation he taught in the Copper City, Centennial, and Calumet schools. Fortunate was also active with the local government in Copper City serving as a council member and Village President for several terms.

Fortunate was a member of the Presbyterian-Congregational church of Calumet.

On August 10, 1950 he eloped to Woodstock Illinois with the former Nathaleen Sandretto.

They spent most of their life in Copper City. After Fortunate retired in 1985 they spent the summer months in Lac La Belle and would drive to Port Charlotte Fl for the winter.

Fortunate is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gladstone, and 2 sons, Fortunate Jr. and Thomas.

He is survived by his wife Nathaleen of 63 years,
1 son Gale and Candy Curtis of Lac La Belle,
3 daughters, Debra and Fran Gariepy of Port Charlotte, FL,
Candy of Acworth GA, and Susan and Kurt Abramson of Calumet.
9 Grandchildren 21 Great-Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Fortunate will be held at the Erickson-Crowley-Peterson Funeral Home on Friday February 28, 2014 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Bob White to officiate.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5-9 PM at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home.

Spring burial will take place in the Lake View Cemetery.

Online condolences can be left for the family at
www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com