John L. Curnow

John L. Curnow, age 91, of Richfield, was born on May 3, 1934, and passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025.

John grew up in Eau Claire WI and moved to Minnesota in his early 20’s to work for MN Department of Transportation, working as a Highway Technician until he retired after 37 years. He and Pat married in 1957 and made their home in Richfield, MN where they raised Chris and Beth.

John was active in his church. He belonged to Men’s club, Couples Club with Pat and together they delivered hundreds of meals to shut-in seniors through Meals on Wheels. He coached Beth’s softball team and Chris’s baseball and basketball teams for many years and participated in the Richfield High School Quarterback Club. He took the family on many road trips seeing much of the country, visiting numerous National Parks. John loved to camp and fish, passing along that love to his children and grandchildren in an annual trip to Crosslake, MN, where cherished memories were made. He was an epic storyteller who loved photography and adding a personal touch to his handmade cards by drawing scenes on the envelopes. He saved comics and newspaper clippings, always finding new ways to engage with friends and family near and far.

His grandchildren were his true pride and joy. He once told Pat, “If I knew having grandkids would be so fun, I would have had them first!” John loved being called “Bumpa.” He enjoyed quality time spent with them, from reading stories, playing games, going for car rides through Fort Snelling, looking for different license plates or watching airplanes, listening to music, and going to Camp Snoopy and Woodlake Nature Center. He was their biggest sports fan. Never missing a softball, volleyball, basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball or football game, track or swim meet. He loved his “grand-doggers” and “great grand-doggers” as well.

John was a character who always had a twinkle in his eye. He will be missed by all who knew him.

John is survived by his wife, Pat; son, Chris (Laurie) Curnow; daughter, Beth (Dez) Bolton; grandchildren, Madelyn, Grace, Brady and Chase; and
sister, Gail Schneider.