Michael Lee Curtis, 85, of Arcola, formerly of Oakland, died at 8:09 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by his family.

Mike was born in rural Oakland to Harold George and Edna Louella Gray Curtis on November 23, 1938. He grew up alongside four brothers and a sister, graduating from Oakland High School in 1956.

Mike's life was marked by a deep love for the outdoors and a fulfilling career in law enforcement. He began his journey as a Charleston City Police Patrolman from 1962-1964, then served as a Coles County Deputy Sheriff from 1964-1966, and went on to become the Coles County Sheriff from 1966-1970. His career continued as a Supervisor for the Illinois Secretary of State's Office from 1970-1973, and later with the Illinois Department of Transportation from 1977-1999.  He worked as a bailiff for the Coles County Courthouse from 1999-2017 before he retired permanently.

Mike owned and operated Curtis Christmas Tree Farm for thirty years. This is where he met in his words  "a bubbly and a down-to -earth girl" that stole his heart and he wished she would never leave. The rest is history and a beautiful love story. Mike and Valerie were married on December 19, 1998.  Their song, "Wind Beneath My Wings," perfectly captured their bond, and became an enduring symbol of their love, reflecting the way they uplifted each other throughout their years together.

An avid outdoorsman, Mike's passions included traveling, fishing, hunting, mushroom hunting that only he knows the secret whereabouts of such coveted mushrooms. And like a true mushroom hunter he would never tell. He had a talent for photography and was a dedicated reader with a deep respect for the Indigenous Peoples of our country. His land was his sanctuary, a place where he found profound peace and connection. Mike particularly loved napping on the soft pine needles, gazing up at the sky through the trees. He cherished the knowledge that Native American burial grounds rested on his property, ensuring they were never disturbed, and he felt a deep bond with the spirits that he believed watched over him.

The countless stories told around campfires with family, friends and hunters were moments he treasured. Mike had a remarkable ability to turn even the simplest moments into memorable experiences. He was known for building the best campfires, pitching the perfect tent, and always having a cooler in the backseat, ready to transform any moment into fabulous "picnic." Whether it was under the open sky or beside a tranquil river, he could make it feel like you were dining at the finest restaurant, complete with a tablecloth, silverware, and all the amenities.

Mike's cabin, his retreat by the river, was another place of peace and joy for him. There, he shared a special bond with his cat, Girly Girl. They were buddies, often found together enjoying his porch and the scenery.  Many memories were shared on the two little wooden tree seats facing the river—the same seats where Mike had sat with his father, his son, daughter, grandson, and great-grandson.  The legacy of those quiet moments will forever be cherished by those who loved him.

Mike's creativity and craftsmanship extended beyond the outdoors. He was a skilled Illinois artisan, known for crafting beautiful tomahawks as a way to honor the Native American culture he so deeply respected. His handcrafted tomahawks were not only featured in various shops throughout Illinois but also made their way to Hawaii, a testament to his artistry and dedication to preserving and honoring the heritage of Indigenous Peoples.

Mike was also a master in the kitchen. His blueberry pancakes were legendary, and his fish was always cooked to perfection—a true chef's kiss.

Mike once said to Valerie, "I may not be able to fly you to the fanciest places in the world or show you all the skyscrapers, but what I can show you here is all the miracles of nature and the hummingbirds' nest that God has His hand in and created, and it is beautiful and amazing." This is the essence of who Mike was.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Julie Curtis; his four brothers, Buddy, Dick, Jack, and Gerald Curtis; his sister, Rosemary Thomason and his nephew Curt Thomason.

Mike is survived by his wife, Valerie, of Arcola; his son, Mark Curtis, of Charleston; his stepdaughter, April Whitney, and her husband Tony, of Champaign. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Curtis Uphoff of Mattoon and McKenzie Brown and her husband Javon of Colorado Springs; and two great-grandchildren, Landon Uphoff of Mattoon and Kanoa Brown of Colorado Springs.

He was a member of the Coles County Farm Bureau, AFSCME, Illinois Sheriff's Association and the NWTF.

In lieu of flowers:

1. " Plant A Tree" on Mike's obituary on the website www.hilligossshrader fh.com.;

2. First Nations Development Institute - This organization supports Native American communities across the U.S. in areas like economic development, food sovereignty, and education. Donations can be made directly on their website. • Website: First Nations Development Institute

https://www.firstnations.org/fndi_donate/

3. First Christian Church of Arcola, 311 E. Main, Arcola, IL 61910.

May everyone be reminded to find, enjoy, appreciate, and savor the simple beauty in nature as Mike did.

"We will be known forever by the tracks we leave ." ~ Dakota

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, September 9, 2024 at the First Christian Church, 311 E. Main Street, Arcola, with Ken Bunker officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Monday at the church.  A dinner will follow the memorial service at the church.  Shrader Funeral Home, Arcola, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences to the family may be shared at www.hilligossshraderfh.com .