Curtis Zearley

Curtis William Zearley, 71, passed away December 2, 2020, at Sanford Medical Center due to long-standing health issues and complications related to COVID.

Curt was born in Bismarck on March 27, 1949, to Miner and Violet (Thorp) Zearley and resided in the Bismarck-Mandan area his entire life. He enlisted during the Vietnam War and served as a Navy Seabee from 1968-1970. He married Linda Schmidt on September 15, 1972, and had three children. He was employed at Burlington Northern Railroad for 20 years and later became a Millwright in the 1990’s.

He loved to travel and was always planning his next trip. He loved to talk about his time in Alaska, Hawaii, and he even traveled back to Vietnam. Although he primarily lived his adult life in Mandan, he always yearned to farm. We thank the Schmidts for welcoming him onto their farm and letting him live out his dream.

Curt is survived by his wife, Linda, one daughter Biana (Bob) Smolich, Arlington, VA, two sons Ryan and Ross, Mandan. His mother, Violet, and one brother, Clifford (Tammy), Mandan. Two sisters, Marcie (Tom) White, Mandan, and Sharon Johnson (Mark Koenig), Flasher. Two sisters-in-law, Janice (Tom) Haggert, Detroit Lakes, MN, and Nancy Zearley, Bismarck.

Curt was preceded in death by his father, Miner, and two brothers, Doug and Jeff.

The family of Curt would like to extend their gratitude to family, friends, and neighbors for their comforting expressions of sympathy shown to us in many ways. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and genuine acts of kindness and assistance.