Curtis B. Accola

Tuesday, January 24, 1939
Date of Death:
Friday, December 9, 2016
Age:
77 years old
Curtis B. Accola
Curtis Burr Accola, age 77, of Rochester passed away peacefully at Cottagewood on December 9, 2016. Funeral services will be at 1:00pm on Wednesday, December 14, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also at 4-7 pm on Tuesday evening at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home.
Curtis was born January 24, 1939, in LaCrosse, WI, to Elmer and Edna (Owen) Accola. He grew up on the family farm near Alma, WI, and graduated from Alma High and Winona State. He left college for a year (1961) when his National Guard unit was activated. He served that year at Fort Lewis, WA.
Curtis’ career in education started at Jefferson School in Rochester, where he met the student teacher who became his wife. He was a school counselor in Danube, MN; Alma, WI; and Grand Meadow, MN. After retiring, he was a courier for Dunlap-Seeger Law Firm. He was also a part-time farmer for many years on the family farm.
Curtis married Julia Ann Hagen on July 22, 1967, in Hutchinson, MN. He was a supportive husband and father, especially when Julia went back to college and then to work.
He was a regular at the YMCA. When Parkinson’s Disease made walking difficult, he bought an electric scooter and rode that around downtown in all kinds of weather.
Curt lived out his faith by helping those less fortunate. He volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and Dorothy Day House. He helped start the Interfaith Hospitality Network (Family Promise Rochester). He served on the Olmsted County Vital Aging Commission and as president of his building’s association.
Curtis is survived by his wife Julia; children Michael (Melanie) Accola and Jane (Chad) Myers; grandchildren Andrew, Katelyn, Elizabeth, Maria, and Charles; sisters-in-law Beverly (John) Ambuehl, Kathleen Wenger, Marlene Hagen, Sharon (Richard) Olson, Patricia (Dennis) Kufahl, and Susan (Philip) Forcier; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marilyn, brother Charles, brothers-in-law Stephen Wenger and James Hagen, and nephew/godson Scott Wenger.
Memorials preferred to Family Promise Rochester (IHN) or donor’s choice. Online condolences at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Curtis B. Accola has received the following condolences.
Gary and I taught with Curt at Danube High School. We remember his kind nature and sense of humor. We remember seeing him in Rochester when our son lived there. Very inspirational to read of his charitable actions even when he was suffering from Parkinson's. Our sincere sympathy.
Gary and MaryBeth Fox
Please accept our deepest sympathy. May God hold you in the palm of his hand while you walk this part of your life's journey. Hugs and prayers being sent your way.
I am very sorry to hear about Curtis Accola's passing. We were in grade school and freshman year in Alma high school together, then my family moved to Dresbach, MN, Lock & Dam No. 7. But I remember my wonderful years in Alma, with so many wonderful people as Curtis. We hope and pray that you are now in the arms of the good Lord, and you will be with Him for eternity! Our love and prayers, Tom & Lisa Ganschow
Julia, Michael, and Jane,
Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time. Curt was a very giving person and I enjoyed working with him at Alma Area Schools. Treasure the memories you hold in your hearts.
--Jane Bremer
Mike, Julia, and Jane: We are so sorry for your loss. You and your families have our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Stan and Judy Bastian
Our condolences to all the family. Jason is out of town, so cannot make it to the service. We did send a donation to Family Promise Rochester - hope that makes Curt smile down on all of us!
With love, Sheri & Jason and family
Thinking of all the Accola clan as they mourn the loss of Grandpa "A". Sending our love!
We were sorry to read this message from Rod Black. Curt was always a very positive and friendly colleague and we enjoyed working with him. We were sorry to hear of his illness and his last couple years. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. You have our deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Roger and Dianne Beihoffer
Please accept our sympathy. We were able to get to know Curt while he was at Alma school. It sounds as if he was very active in Rochester in helping needy people. You can be very proud of him. May God be with each of you as you share your grief.
Mr. Accola was the Counselor at Danube for part of our high school years. He was also a colleague and friend of my father's. He was a kind and genuine man who put the needs of others ahead of his own. A few years ago he and his wife attended a reunion for the DHS Class of '78 in Danube during our Fun Days celebration. It was delight to see both of them and catch up on life's happenings.
We are praying that the love of caring friends and cherished memories will bring you comfort during this time of loss. God bless your family.