Curtis "Curt", 78, died at his home in Battle Mountain from a 7-year fight with cancer.  He was born in Velva, ND to the late Nora Emilie Bakken and Carroll Erving Holte, and was the 4th of the couples 5 children. 

His love for travel began in the 9th grade when his father learned he was making $20 a week at the local scrap yard. He told Curt he was old enough to begin paying rent which led to his leaving school and home at 15. He found work as a farmhand until he injured his back. This sent him to work in a plywood factory until a coworker next to him accidently cut off his thumb. The boss turned to Curt and inquired proof of his age. Curt said he would bring identification the next day but being underaged he didn't return.  Almost out of money, he thought of the Navy. (At 17 one could join with written permission from parents.) Curt wrote his own permission and in return spent the next four years (1961-1964) with the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed traveling throughout the Pacific Ocean aboard the USS Hornet CV12. 

Exiting the military, he eventually took a job with a utility company as a lineman, which brought him to Battle Mountain, NV.  where he met Christine (Chris) Martin, who he married on September 3, 1969.  They had a daughter, Julie, in January of 1970. Curt changed careers to driving a haul pack for Duval in Battle Mtn., NV.  Shortly afterwards they moved to Oregon where they had a son, Curtis in April of 1972.  He continued truck driving the remainder of his work career which included long & short hauls with freight hauling, flatbeds, timber lorries, and belly dumps. In 1981 they moved back to Battle Mountain, NV.  

Despite the love they had for one another they struggled to have a healthy relationship and eventually divorced in 1983. Curt never remarried. 

Some of his hobbies were fishing, traveling, motorcycles, watching sports on TV, boating and woodworking. Working with wood was a new interest he acted on in the late 90's making beautiful large wooden chests for his children and grandchildren with much of the wood having come from the trees grown on his brother's property back in Oregon which are cherished today. 

He was known for his goulash, stubbornness, sense of humor, ability to tell stories and jokes, strong political views, and his appreciation of nature. His life was filled with heartaches and love. He was a complex person, and he made a difference in this world. The sound of his voice and laughter along with his counsel will be sorely missed. 

He was predeceased by his parents and his ex-wife. He is survived by his daughter, Julie (Joseph Kropushek) of Bonners Ferry, Idaho and his son, Curtis Holte of Battle Mountain, NV.  He is also survived by his four siblings: Carolyn Bokn, Dewey, Tearance, and Dennis.

He leaves behind Eleven grandchildren: Shantel Hooper, Britney Woodward, Joseph Kropushek jr., Rachel Hunt, Julie Emilie Ray, Nathan Kropushek, Matthew K, Marissa Jo K, Vivian Holte and Sage Holte. Eight great-grandchildren: Jett H., Kenna H., Branson H., Ridge H., Oliver W., Amelia W., Steele H. and Colton H. 

No services will be held at this time. His cremation was handled by Burns Funeral Home in Elko, NV.  

The family requests no donations or flowers be sent.