John Edward Curfman
January 21, 1946 ~ November 25, 2020
John Edward Curfman, 74, husband, father, grandfather, pontificator, and occasional rapscallion, died unexpectedly on November 25, 2020. He was born on January 21, 1946 to Lawrence E. Curfman, Jr. and Margaret B. Curfman in Wichita, KS. He attended Hyde Elementary School, Robinson Junior High School, Kapaun High School, and East High School, graduating in 1964. He graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio in 1968 with a major in history, and from Wichita State University in 1970 with a Master of Business Administration degree. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1969 to 1975. He founded and operated various small businesses throughout his life, and as a volunteer, served as treasurer of the Ninnescah Sailing Association and Music Theatre for Young People. He had a steady and abiding love for live theater, and was an enthusiastic volleyball and trivia player (not at the same time), though over time his skills at each were inversely proportional. Known for his dry humor, no joke was too inappropriate to tell in front of a child. He opened his home and his life to others, and was always one to welcome in strays. However, his primary joy in life was always his children. Every single game, meet, performance or tournament, no matter the distance, saw him cheering in attendance.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lawrence and Margaret Curfman; his brother, Lawrence "Larry" Curfman III; and his beloved daughter, Julie Anna Curfman. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen M. Curfman; his son David A. Curfman (Chelsea), of Arvada, CO; his daughter Jennifer L. Curfman (Stephen Marler), of Wichita; the mother of his children, Joan K. Curfman, of Boynton Beach, FL; his sister Elizabeth Ann Koch, of Willits, CA; stepdaughters Katherine Dunne, of Kansas City, and Maggie Dunne, of Wichita; and grandchildren Anna, Lucas, Liliana and Hugo.
The family will be holding a graveside ceremony in lieu of a full funeral service (thanks, 2020), with a public memorial service to occur sometime when the world is a little less awful. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Curfman Memorial Scholarship at Pittsburg State University, PO Box 4005, Pittsburg, KS 66762.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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Rest John, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army Reserves.
John and Joan welcomed Al and I when we were transferred there early 80s . Played tennis and loved them and there children . Saw john just a few years ago at a lunch given by John snd Linda Koppenhaven . Told many stories about our younger days . Love you John . RIP !
Those were fun times! Thanks for sharing, and hope all is well with all of you!
I first met John when our children were in school together at Montessori, and I later taught his two younger children at Independent. He was a larger-than-life character whose love of life was evident in all he did. John was interested in everyone and everything, and his avid participation in the schools his children attended, their interests in sports and drama — he just truly embraced it all. He was an easy person to talk to and always had an opinion about everything and something interesting to say. The world is diminished by his loss.
Fifty-three years ago, Ann (Nickie) and I met John Curfman. He was the most interesting person that either of us had ever known. We became instant friends and were accepted into the Curfman family; Margaret, Lawrence, Ann, and Larry. Thus began this long, long relationship that would ultimately include the spouses and children. Hardly a week would pass without impromptu visits, birthday celebrations, and holidays. We lived next door to Lawrence and Margaret for approximately twenty years, so the good times were always rolling. We spent a summer racing go-carts, then many, many summers sailing (starting with a little Starfish rolling across Santa Fe Lake in the midst of storms). John and Mac played on the same volleyball teams for another fifteen years. We shared the same understated black sense of humor. Ann and I relocated to the Kansas City area in 2001, but John was a frequent guest in our house and we always kept in touch. There was never a sad or humorless moment when in his company. We fed off each others’ terrible sarcasm. We also always appreciated John’s intellect and we collectively solved all of the world’s problems long ago Ann and I are so saddened by losing our very best friend. Because of a serious medical issue, Ann and I are unable to attend the memorial. We will be thinking of you all, and John, tomorrow.
John was my good friend since grade school days. We usually kept in touch. My sincere sympathy to the family. He was one in a million, and will be missed.
Thank you John for being such positive influence on my wife and for helping her save that poor dog with the broken leg. And volunteer usher at our wedding. Charlotte still thinks of you often, as do I