Curtis “Curt” John Carpenter, 60

Curtis “Curt” John Carpenter, of Amherst, passed away at the Portage County Health Center, after a determined and long struggle with health issues came to a peaceful and sudden end on June 24, 2023, at the age of 60.

Curt was born August 7, 1962, in Stevens Point, the son of Nathan and Madonna “Donna” (née Siudzinski) Carpenter. Beginning at a young age, survival skills and courage projected him through years of health issues, interspersed with two successful kidney transplants, dialysis, and numerous surgeries, including heart procedures.

Growing up, he attended local schools and was a proud member of the Class of 1980, graduating from Stevens Point Area Senior High.

After graduating high school, Curt attended UW-Oshkosh and UW-Milwaukee. While in Milwaukee, he worked at Willowglen, caring for disabled children, and in food service at the Grecian Inn. He continued in food service when he returned to central Wisconsin.

Physical limitations didn’t keep Curt from living his best life. He enjoyed a wide range of activities whenever possible such as skiing, swimming, and biking. Additionally, he had varied interests ranging from history to pop culture; Hollywood and old movies were favorite subjects; and most music from Mozart to Patsy Cline, taking guitar lessons and singing karaoke well. He also used home renovation skills on his own space that he learned in Milwaukee and made small sculptures that sold.

The gentleness of Curt’s heart was often kept hidden within a personality that was loyal to family and friends and kind to feral cats. He will be missed for his quick wit, “telling it like it is,” and remembering everything that he ever read and much that he didn’t.

Curt is lovingly survived by his mother, Donna; his siblings, Neil (Karen) Carpenter, Anne (Peter) Carpenter-Studley, and Christine (Jeff Richardson) Carpenter; and his beloved fur-baby, Selena. He is further survived by nieces, Jessica Carpenter and Caitlin Carpenter; a nephew, Aaron (Mary Alice) Carpenter; and a grand-niece, Harriet.

Curt was preceded in death by his father, Nathan.

No public services will be held in accordance with Curt’s wishes. For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests donations be made in Curt’s honor to the Portage County Humane Society.

Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.