Curtis Backs Obituary

CURTIS DEAN BACKS Curtis Dean Backs, 69, of Venedy, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 7:20 p.m., Monday, June 16th, at his home, surrounded by loved ones. Curt was born on January 20, 1956, to Irwin H. and Darleen (Moellmann) Backs. He was baptized on February 12, 1956, at St. Salvator Lutheran Church in Venedy and was confirmed there on March 22, 1970. He attended Okawville High School where he was the salutatorian. He attended the University of Illinois and graduated in 1978 with a degree in Agriculture with High Honors. After college, Curt worked for Lewis Seed in Ursa, Illinois, after which he worked in Greenville, Illinois for Den-Su Pork, Inc. and Carlisle SynTec. Curt then moved back to Venedy where he worked on the family farm and worked at Nascote Industries, Inc. in Nashville, Illinois. He retired from Nascote in 2020 and continued to farm on the family's Centennial farm. Curt loved the land, farming, and Oliver tractors with a passion and was always a great steward of the land. On August 1, 1992, Curt married Diane Goebel at Trinity Lutheran Church in Nashville, Illinois. Two years later they were blessed with a daughter, Katie Elizabeth. Central to Curt's life was his abiding faith in God. Further, he was an extremely patriotic individual who truly loved his country. He was a devoted blood and plasma donor to the Red Cross, giving as frequently as he was allowed. Shortly before his cancer diagnosis, he was scheduled to give plasma but could not given his diagnosis. He was one donation short of 200 pints, at which time he would have received his 25-gallon pin. Basket of Hope is a non-profit organization that was close to Curt's heart. Its mission is to deliver hope to children with serious illnesses through personalized baskets filled with toys, games, and other items, along with Hope Totes for parents containing resources for their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Curt and Diane have been very involved in this ministry for over 20 years and firmly believe in their mission. One of Curt's contributions to Basket of Hope was playing Santa Claus for the past several years. Those who knew Curt well enjoyed his wry sense of humor. He was very quick-witted and always had a fun response to his friends in conversation. Curt was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and Papa. His greatest joys were the Lord, his family, the land, and his friends and neighbors. Curt is survived by his loving wife, Diane of Venedy, and daughter Katie Knight, son-in-law, Shawn, and granddaughter Emma, of Lively Grove. Also surviving are brothers Dennis Backs and wife Sue of Greenville, Illinois, Glenn Backs of Nashville, Illinois, and sister Sandra Moran and husband Dick of Manteno, Illinois and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be Friday, June 20, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at St. Salvator Lutheran Church in Venedy, and again on Saturday from 9 A.M. until the service hour. The service of celebration of Curt's life will be Saturday, June 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the church. The Pallbearers will be Shawn Knight, Christopher Kramper, Craig Backs, Aaron Backs, Justin Goebel, and Brandon Backs.. Memorials may be made to Basket of Hope either through Campagna Funeral Home or at their address: P. O. Box 510860, St. Louis, MO 63151 or to St. Salvator Lutheran Church in Venedy. "May the God of Hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him." Romans 15:13