Curtis Wayne Tolzin

Curtis Wayne Tolzin, 76, died Tuesday, April 26, 2016, in his home on East Jefferson Lake. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2016, from noon to 1:00 p.m. Memorial services will follow starting at 1:00 p.m., at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at German Lake. His ashes will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Curtis was born on March 5, 1940 in Cherokee IA to Ralph and Mabel (Neisse) Tolzin. He was later adopted by Art Heick, Mabel's second husband. He served in the U.S. Army for 26 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant. A, veteran of the Vietnam War, he served in the 82nd airborne and later as a recruiter and career counselor. After his career in the military, Curt obtained his Bachelor's degree in business administration from Winona State University. While a college student he also worked as a water and safety officer and a game warden for the State of Wisconsin, and as the mayor of Buffalo City WI.

Curtis then began a second career as a procurement officer for small businesses in Mankato, assisting small businesses in southern MN to apply for and obtain federal contracts. He became a member of the VFW in Mankato and the American Legion in Cleveland. He always enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Curtis is survived by his wife, Joyce Tolzin, his children Leslie (Lynn) of Tacoma WA, Ronald Tolzin of Minot ND and Sylvia Tolzin (Kevin Kearney) of Minnesota City, and his grandchildren Tyler Huebner, Bailey Huebner, Colin Huebner and Robert Tolzin; his siblings Keith (Jan) Tolzin of Ellensburg, WA, Marla (Bill) Avery of Venice FL, and Kermit (Sandy) Tolzin of Alta, IA. He is preceded in death by his parents, adopted father Art Heick, and aunt, Fern Benner.

Arrangements are with LeCenter Funeral Home in Le Center, (507) 357-6116, WWW.lecenterfuneralhome.com.

Donations in Curtis's honor may be made to: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 22693 German Lake Rd., Cleveland MN 56017, or The MN American Legion Foundation fund for hospitalized veterans at: The American Legion, Dept. of Minnesota, 20 West 12th St., Room 300A, St. Paul, MN 55155.