Cortis "Curtis" Griebel

Curtis Griebel passed away peacefully on September 2, 2010 in Sandy, Utah. He was born on December 20, 1926 to Erwin Griebel and Edith Coleman in Orosi, California. In 1933, they moved to a small ranch in Visalia, California. He grew up in Visalia with his brother and sister. Curtis enlisted in the Navy at age 17, during World War II, and was on the High Seas, en route to the Philippines, when Japan signed the peace treaty. In 1949, after reading The Book of Mormon, Curtis joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has served in many capacities, including as stake missionary, home teacher, and family historian/genealogist. His career included two years as a Disc Jockey in Butte, Montana; seven years at Western Airlines in Salt Lake City, Utah; and he joined Aeronautical Radio as a Radio Operator (Salt Lake City, Utah; Denver, Colorado; and Foster City, California), retiring in 1989. He married Lois Iverson Clays on May 11, 1964. Their marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Manti Temple. Together they raised her children, and they were always his children too. After Curtis' retirement, they moved to Sandy, Utah, in 1991. Curtis was always learning, teaching himself the computer, studying bookkeeping, and staying informed with current events. He studied his scriptures daily. He loved working in his garden, with beautiful roses and abundant fruits and vegetables. He always had a garden. The last few years, he was not able to do the things he loved, yet did not complain. His favorite saying was "Everyone thinks they are all right; that is why they act that way." Curtis loved his family, enjoying the simple pleasures of life, such as camping, travel, and time with family. He enjoyed laughing with his children and took pleasure in being a grandfather. He is survived by his wife Lois Iverson Griebel of Sandy, Utah; Daughter: Nancy Clays of Livermore, California; Son: Russell E. Clays (Robin) of Tracy, California; Granddaughters: Airman Jamie Clays, U.S. Navy, Virginia; Kristin Clays, Fresno, California; Lauren Clays, Tracy, California. Siblings: Evelyn Flint of Visalia, California; Jay Griebel of San Diego, California; Brother-in-law: Kefford Jones of Bountiful, Utah; Sister-in-law: Marie H. Iverson of Salt Lake City, Utah, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Norman Griebel. The family thanks all who have been kind and caring to Curtis, giving visits and offering prayers in his behalf. A viewing will be held from 9:30 am to 11:45 am on Saturday, September 11th at Sandy Central Stake Center, 1050 East Galena Drive (9800 South) and the funeral service will be held at Noon on Saturday. Interment will be at 3:00 pm in Salem, Utah. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John A. Moran Eye Center, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132 or to Caregiver Support Network (hospice), 310 East 4500 South, Suite 200, Murray, Utah 84107.