Curtis Medalen

Minot

Curtis “Curt” Medalen, 87, Minot, N.D, died Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at a Minot hospital.

Curtis Leroy Medalen was born March 26, 1938, the son of Chris and Harriet (Rue) Medalen, on the farm east of Barton, N.D. He attended rural school for eight years, for many years being the only student in his grade at Normal School #1. Curt attended high school in Willow City where he graduated in 1956 as valedictorian of his class.

Following graduation, Curt worked as a hired hand for his uncle, John, milking cows and swathing grain. He enjoyed farm work with livestock and farm machinery.

In the fall of 1956, he furthered his education at Minot State College. He graduated in 1957 with a one-year rural teaching certificate.

He then worked at Hoffman School in west Bottineau County where he taught 12 students. During the two years Curt taught at Hoffman School, he lived in the building and served as the janitor and controller of the oil furnace. He attended worship services at Zion Lutheran Church in Mohall. Curt developed many lifelong friendships during his time at Hoffman School.

Curt returned to Minot State College. While in school he worked part time at the Red Owl Grocery Store and served as Assistant Boys Dean at Dakota Lutheran Academy. He received a standard teaching certificate. Curt then taught sixth grade at Washington Elementary School in Minot.

Curt married Lorraine Anderson on June 23, 1963, at Elmdale Lutheran Church, Niobe. They made their home in Minot. They were blessed with three children, Connie, Kent, and Laurie.

Curt returned to Minot State College. While in school he was active in the Lutheran Student Association, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and the Young Republicans. During his senior year he completed a third student teaching assignment. He was elected president of the senior class and gave the president’s address in 1964.

Following graduation, Curt taught sixth grade at Perkett School. During his teaching career, he taught different grade levels in the Minot District. He was named principal of Sunnyside Elementary School and later McKinley Elementary School and Roosevelt Elementary School.

In 1970, Curt enrolled at Colorado State University where he earned his master’s degree in Elementary Education. Curt and Lorraine returned to Minot and Curt returned to teaching, first at Perkett Elementary School and then Longfellow Elementary School.

Curt was baptized at the Lutheran Church in Barton. Curt attended Sunday School at Immanuel Lutheran Church until the church closed. He then attended First Lutheran Church in Willow City where he was confirmed.

Starting in high school, Curt did pulpit supply in churches. Over the years the majority of Sundays were spent serving in pulpit supply service in rural congregations in north central North Dakota. Curt attended lay ministry school at Luther Seminary and participated in GIFTS training with the Western North Dakota Synod.

Curt was active in the Minot Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the North Dakota Education Association, and the National Education Association. He was a member of the Association of Teacher Educators and the North Dakota Reading Association.

Curt was an active member in the N.D. Historical Society, the Ward County Historical Society, and the McHenry County Historical Society. He was a member of the Sons of Norway and the Scandinavian Heritage Association, helping to bring the Hostfest to Minot. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church where he taught confirmation classes and adult education.

Curt tried to live the phrase, “Look to this day. For yesterday is but a dream. Tomorrow is a vision of hope. To know where you are, and who you are, you must pay attention to history.”

His loving family includes: wife of 61 years, Lorraine, children, Connie (Ron) Jaramillo, Laurie (Chris) Ramsey; grandchildren, Evan Jaramillo, Katie Jaramillo, Alyssa Ramsey; brothers, Ernest (Helen) Medalen, David Medalen; sisters, Kathleen Lukosius, Carol Crabbe, Marie (Charles) Jordan, Gracia (Allen) Schepp; sister-in-law Helen Nelson, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Chris and Harriet Medalen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raynold and Vendla Anderson; son, Kent Medalen; sister, Beatrice Webster; brothers-in-law, Carmie Nelson, Larry Crabbe, Frank Lukosius; sister-in-law, Beverly Medalen.

Visitation: Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Funeral: Monday, May 5, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

Inurnment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, N.D.

Memorials: are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church Roofing Project Fund or organization of the donor’s choice.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Christ Lutheran Church website: https://www.christlutheranminot.org/church-online/

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at www.thompsonlarson.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 2, 2025.