Abernethy, Curtis A. 1919-1993

ABERNETHY, FITZGERALD, DICKERY

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 12/25/2003 at 17:54:17

Curtis A. Abernethy

Curtis A. Abernethy, son of Earl and Loretta Abernethy, was born April 17, 1919 in Postville. He died at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Ill. on Sunday, Oct. 10, following a short illness. He was 74.

He graduated from Postville High School, attended the University of Minnesota and the University of Iowa, where he lettered in baseball. He joined the U. S. Air Force and served as a bomber pilot in the European Theatre. During that time, he flew 62 combat missions, was shot down three times and received several commendations including The Distinguished Flying Cross, the Silver Star, The Medal of Honor, and the Purple Heart.

Following his honorable discharge, he and his father operated a men's clothing store in Postville for several years. He married Jeanne Fitzgerald of Waukon on May 4, 1946. In 1960, the family moved to Elgin, Ill. where he managed a men's clothing store in Arlington Heights until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; one son, Michael, of St. Charles, Ill.; one sister, Barbara Dickery, of Marquette; and seven nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in McGregor at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16 followed by burial in the McGregor Cemetery.

Postville Herald newspaper clipping, hand dated 1993, from my mother's obituary collection.