Curtis E. Metzner

Metzner, Curtis E. Departed this life on Jan. 27 to have eternal life with his Lord and Savior. He was born on November 4, 1915, the first child and son of immigrant parents who courageously moved to the US from Germany to begin a new life in a free country. German was spoken at home and this served him well because he sailed through German class in high school with straight As, all without studying the language or letting his teacher know the secret of his perfect pronunciation. He graduated from North High School in Minneapolis and remained a loyal supporter and alumni member for well over 50 years - and one of the oldest. In high school he was quite an athlete and football and track were his favorite sports. Following high school he went into the custom made furniture business with his father. The upholstery trade was a real craft his father brought from Germany and with an entrepreneurial spirit they built a specialized and successful business. Curt Metzner had one special date following high school with Berniece Kaiser and love blossomed immediately. A few more dates and they saw the stars and planned the wedding. Soon after his son's birth, he received the letter calling him to serve Uncle Sam. During WWII he spent most of his time in the Quartermaster Corps in the Philippines. He claimed it was a great assignment because he had a large number of local civilians who did the heavy lifting. After WWII he returned to the upholstery business and was the sole proprietor following his father's premature heart attack and death. He retired at age 71 and took up golf as a sport and hobby and enjoyed the game for several years. He dabbled by making a few special upholstered items for his family and playing chauffer for his wife while she participated in various social activities. He and his wife traveled a good deal in their retirement years and he continued to be devoted to special organizations such as the Optimists. During the later years he lived in an assisted living facility in Edina and cribbage and card games were his loves. He always wanted just one more game and had a purse full of nickles to demonstrate his competence. Everyone who knew him during his life would describe him as a loving and caring person with a great sense of humor, who enjoyed life and his family and certainly loved to visit. He will be greatly missed by his family and remaining friends. Curt Metzner was preceded in death by his wife, Berniece and his sister, Ruth Aydt. He is survived by his son, Kurt and wife Dianne; daughters, Nancy Schwalen and husband Joe and by Sally Bailey and husband Bill. He was blessed with six grandchildren he loved deeply, Thomas Metzner, David and his wife Malia Metzner, Jill Nieman, Anne Marie Nieman and Gavin and Martin Bailey. He also had one niece, Connie Richtmyre. Funeral Service 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 30, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, West 50th Street and Vernon Ave at Hwy 100. Private interment Crystal Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Cross View Lutheran Church, 6645 McCauley Trail, Edina, MN 55435, or to the donor's choice. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on January 29, 2007