By Watertown Current - July 7, 2026 in 
David “Dave” Curtis, 65 of Watertown
Dave Curtis, 65 of Watertown passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in Watertown.
Funeral services will be Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor David’s memory to consider making a donation to the David Curtis Memorial Fund. Donations may be made online at: https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/david-curtis-memorial-fund-ccaq8r
David was born and raised in Grand Marais, Minn. He graduated from Cook County High in 1978 and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country for four years. Following his military service, David began a distinguished career in law enforcement with the South Dakota Highway Patrol, where he served for 20 years. He then continued his commitment to public service with the Codington County Sheriff’s Department, serving the community for an additional 17 years.
During his first marriage, he was blessed with two children, Amanda and Mitchell. David started his loving life with Darce in 2008, and they were married on December 13, 2013. Their happiness was something to be envious of.
David grew up hunting grouse and fishing Green Lake in Grand Marais and spent summers traveling with siblings to spend time with family. David enjoyed sport shooting and riding his motorcycle. He firmly believed the louder the better and drive it like it’s stolen. He enjoyed grilling and cooking for Darce, always trying new recipes. At a family gathering or a family celebration, he was always ready to tear up the dance floor and brought joy everywhere he went. If you spent any time with David, you could appreciate his love for random t-shirts and a good cigar. In his quiet time, he played World of Warcraft and World of Warships.
David devoted his life to caring for others, whether it be the community or his family. He was proud to be a trusted mentor and counsel in all areas of his profession and life. He took that role seriously, and the community could attest to that in countless stories of his support. His passion for law enforcement and rehabilitation will be carried on in all of the lives he impacted.
Grateful for sharing his life, was his love, Darce Curtis; his children, Amanda (Brady) Ekeren of Sioux Falls, and Mitchell (Karlee) Curtis of Crooks; his stepchildren, Heather (Weston) Teresiak of Oak Grove, Minn., and Kaitlyn (Adam) Stonebarger of Omaha, Neb.; ten beloved grandchildren; his brother Jim Curtis of Pierre; his sisters, Patti (Pete) Curtis of Grand Marais, Minn., and Colleen (Bruce) Rhiehm of Grand Portage, Minn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ashley (Chum) and June Curtis; his sister and brother-in-law Anita and Jim Johnson; his brother and sister-in-law, Cliff and Ann Curtis.
