Curtis Havner

Curtis Lee Havner, 83 years of age, passed away peacefully in Broken Bow, Nebraska on Saturday, January 9th, 2016. Born to Robert Roy and Olive Grace (Ringer) Havner in Brookside, West Virginia on March 3rd, 1932, he was the youngest of six siblings. Morgan Town, West Virginia, on Elysian Avenue is where he spent his childhood. There, he graduated from Morgantown High School in 1950, and then served in the US Navy from 1950-54 within the Caribbean and to the far reaches of Brazil, on aircraft carriers the USS Midway and the USS Sypan. He was deployed as a Machinist’s Mate USN 2nd Class and certified as Plane Captain. Curtis married his wife of sixty plus years, Nilda Monroig Otero, in 1953 in her home town, San Juan Puerto Rico. Together they loved and raised four children. In 1967, he graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia with a degree in Industrial Engineering and worked in this profession until retirement. Curtis’ chosen home was, “Elysian Field Farm” near Elsberry, Missouri. This small hilly acreage in Pike County was where he and Nilda raised their family. An extended list of friends and family were always welcome, and continue to hold fond memories of times spent working on the farm, hunting, fishing and playing, all leading to feast and fellowship. Curtis was always looking for ways to be closer to God and serve the ministry of the United Pentecostal Church. Numerous church missionaries visited his home, in Puerto Rice and later Missouri. Later in life, Curtis and Nilda would seek out and visit UPC Churches for fellowship as they traveled to National Parks all over the United States on camping trips or while visiting far off family. He enjoyed raising animals, gardening, playing chess, class reunions and traveling with family. Curtis is survived by his wife Nilda Monroig Havner, his sons Erich Havner, of Anchorage Alaska and Emil (BrendaRae Coor) Havner of Palmer Alaska, his daughters Wanda (Jon) Dahlstrom of St Louis Missouri and Sonya (JB) Atkins of Broken Bow Nebraska; his grandchildren, Ariadna Havner Ruiz, Zachary Havner, Byron, Victoria and Olivia Dahlstrom and Jayde Atkins; numerous nephews and nieces. He departs this world to be in the company of, among others, his grandson Sterling Atkins. Curtis is missed by these as well as many extended and adoptive family members and friends from Custer South Dakota and Broken Bow Nebraska where he lived in later years to be close to family. A memorial service will be held at a date and location to be specified later. Govier Bros. Mortuary of Broken Bow is assisting the family.