Curtis J. Klaphake, age 53, of rural Kerkhoven, passed away Monday, June 1, at his residence surrounded by family.

A celebration of Curt's life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at his residence (13055 50th Street NE, Kerkhoven, MN  56252). Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Curt was born on August 29, 1972, in Paynesville, Minnesota, the son of Leroy and Elizabeth “Betty” (Sand) Klaphake. He grew up in Albany, graduated from Albany High School in 1990 and attended Alexandria Technical College. He married Jodi Boecker and they made their home in the rural Kerkhoven community. They were blessed with two sons, Blake and Ethan and later divorced. Curt was employed at numerous agriculture and trucking jobs throughout his working career. He enjoyed fishing, farming, being outdoors and spending time with his family, friends, and canine companions.

He is survived by his fiancé, Shannon Hippe of rural Kerkhoven; his two sons, Blake (and Tiffany) Klaphake of St. Joseph and Ethan (and Kayla) Klaphake of DeGraff; four step-daughters, Michaela Hippe and Mya (and Sean) LaHoud, both of Glenwood, Julia Stewlow and Jessa Stewlow, both of Starbuck; three grandchildren, Waylon, Hayden and Everlee; and two sisters, Cindy (and Mark) VanderWeyst of Little Falls and Christy (and Duane) Wielenberg of St. Anthony; besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.