Curtis L. Trager

Curtis Lee Trager, 79, of Salem, Oregon and formerly of Belmond, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2022.

Funeral services for Curtis Trager will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South, in Belmond with Pastor Nicole Woodley officiating. Military graveside honors will held at Immanuel Reformed Cemetery in rural Belmond.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:30 AM on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond.

Curtis Lee Trager was born on September 2, 1942 to Carl and Faye (Bohning) Trager in Belmond, Iowa. He was the oldest of five children.

Curtis was raised and educated in Belmond, graduating from Belmond High School with the Class of 1960, before attending college at several schools where he studied engineering, before attending and graduating from Wartburg College where he studied psychology and social work.

Following his college graduation, Curtis was drafted into the United States Army. Curtis was stationed at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax, Virginia where he put his education to work, helping soldiers returning from deployment in Vietnam.

Curtis worked at St. Louis State Mental Hospital, later known as St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center for 42 years, starting out as a caseworker, and eventually being promoted through the ranks to Superintendent and C.O.O. He retired in October of 2009.

In 2013, Curtis moved to Salem, Oregon in order to be closer to his three children. He enjoyed the climate in Oregon and concentrated his energy on his children and grandchildren.

Curtis enjoyed spending time with his family, watching sports, and cooking and painting programs on TV, as well as doing the typical tourist things in Oregon. In recent years, he worked on his health through exercise.

Curtis is survived by his children Christopher Brian Trager (spouse Julie DeGroat-Trager) of Salem, Oregon, Cydney Jennifer French of West Linn, Oregon and Matthew Curtis Trager (spouse Anna Tharakan Trager) of Sammamish, Washington; grandchildren Papillon Sophia Veillet, Viola Rose French, Audrey Lila Trager and Charlotte Grace Trager; sister Carnita (Roger) Leist; brothers Clark (Doris) Trager and Craig (Barb) Trager; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

Curtis is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Clayton “Thunder” Trager.

In lieu of customary remembrances, Curtis’ family suggests memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society, the Lupus Foundation of America or LUNGSTRONG.