Dean Eldon Curtis, 79, of Ashland, Neb., entered into rest on Friday, April 24, 2026 at his home in Ashland, Neb. He was born into this world on July 6, 1946, in Genoa, Neb., to Robert and Frances (Nansel) Curtis. He was joined at home by siblings Richard, Dorene, Gerald, and Russell.

He attended school in Monroe, Neb. and graduated from Monroe High School in 1964. It was at Monroe High that he met his high school sweetheart, Mila Hill. They were united in marriage on November 25, 1967. From that union came a daughter, Deena Michele and a son, Brett Robert. Their family was complete.

Dean earned his bachelor's degree from Midland Lutheran College, a master's degree from Kearney State College, and an educational specialist's degree from Chadron State College. Thus began his career in education. This began as a teacher, coach, and principal at Guide Rock, Neb. He served as the superintendent of schools at Ewing Public Schools, Emerson-Hubbard Public Schools and Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools, all in Nebraska.

Following his career in education, he went into private business where he eventually joined Innovative Laboratory Systems for several years. After leaving Innovative, he opened with his bride, his pride and joy, C and L Hardware in Ashland, which he operated until 2021. He loved every minute of interacting with his customers, and a healthy banter could be expected on a regular basis in the store.

He served on the Ashland Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the Saunders County Planning and Zoning Committee. Additionally, he served on the Saunders County Hospital Board. He was instrumental in the completion of the Ashland Community Resource Center and Library and saw it through from an idea to reality. He received a golden hammer award for his effort and leadership on the center. He was chosen as Stir-Up king and was always proud to help out his community in any way that he could.

His hobbies included golf, travel, and spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed attending the sporting events of his grandsons and was so proud of them. The loss of grandson, Calvin Dean, affected Dean deeply.

Dean is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mila, of Ashland; daughter, Deena of Ashland; son, Brett (Marci) of Ashland; and grandsons, Liam, Conley and Easton; brothers-in-law, Glenn Hill, Milton Hill and David Blessen (Arlene); and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, Robert and Frances Curtis; in-laws, Lloyd and Vera Hill; and siblings, Richard, Dorene, Gerald and Russell. Additionally, he was preceded in death by sisters-in-law, Lois Blessen, Ruth McHugh, Linda Hill and Diana Hill; brother-in-law, Richard McHugh; nephews, Jamie McHugh and Tom Cason; and grandson, Calvin.

Funeral Service, Saturday, May 2, 2026,10:30 a.m. at American Lutheran Church, 1941 Silver St., Ashland, NE. Officiant, Pastor Suzanne How. Visitation, Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at American Lutheran Church, Ashland, Neb. Interment at Ashland Cemetery, Ashland, Neb.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to Calvin's Legacy Foundation or the Ashland Rescue Squad.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences. Arrangements by Marcy Mortuary, Ashland, Neb.

Published by Wahoo Newspaper on May 1, 2026.