Benjamin served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.
Benjamin J. Curtis, known to many as Ben, age 37, passed away on April 13, 2026, in Middleville, Michigan. He was born on August 30, 1988, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Ben was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Amber (Wierckz) Curtis; his daughter, Ellie Curtis; his stepchildren, Norah VanNortwick, Joselyn VanNortwick, and Brantley VanNortwick; his parents, James (Brenda) Curtis Jr. and Tammy Molette; his siblings, Shiann (Drew) Molette, Jay Molette, and James (Stephanie) Curtis; his step-siblings, Joe Johnson and Andy Johnson; his grandparents, Raymond Hause, Joyce Hause, and Marilyn Curtis; and many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, William Hill and James Curtis Sr.
Ben proudly served in the United States Army, where he earned his place in the Special Forces through rigorous and demanding training. This was an achievement that meant a great deal to him. He took immense pride in his service, which reflected his commitment, strength, and sense of duty. Those who knew him will remember him as someone who carried himself with quiet determination and who valued hard work, family, and time spent with the people he loved most.
He enjoyed traveling with his family and made lasting memories through shared experiences and adventures. He loved coffee and bourbon and he found joy in cooking and baking alongside his family. Ben also enjoyed weight lifting and took pride in staying active. The holidays were especially meaningful to him, and he loved decorating and making each season feel memorable and warm. He had a gift for finding good deals and appreciated the simple satisfaction that came with a great find. Above all, he cherished being a father, and that role brought him immeasurable pride and happiness.
Ben’s love for his nieces and nephews was evident in the special nickname they gave him, “Uncle Muscles,” a title that reflected both his strength and the affection they had for him. He was the kind of man who made people feel welcome, supported, and valued, and his presence brought comfort and laughter to those around him.
Ben’s family will receive friends on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home from 2:00-3:00 PM, where a funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM. Memorial contributions to Stop Soldier Suicide (P.O. BOX 670212, Dallas, TX 75267-0212) will be appreciated. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Ben’s family.
Benjamin J. Curtis, known to many as Ben, age 37, passed away on April 13, 2026, in Middleville, Michigan. He was born on August 30, 1988, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Ben was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Amber (Wierckz) Curtis; his daughter, Ellie Curtis; his stepchildren, Norah VanNortwick, Joselyn VanNortwick, and Brantley VanNortwick; his parents, James (Brenda) Curtis Jr. and Tammy Molette; his siblings, Shiann (Drew) Molette, Jay Molette, and James (Stephanie) Curtis; his step-siblings, Joe Johnson and Andy Johnson; his grandparents, Raymond Hause, Joyce Hause, and Marilyn Curtis; and many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, William Hill and James Curtis Sr.
Ben proudly served in the United States Army, where he earned his place in the Special Forces through rigorous and demanding training. This was an achievement that meant a great deal to him. He took immense pride in his service, which reflected his commitment, strength, and sense of duty. Those who knew him will remember him as someone who carried himself with quiet determination and who valued hard work, family, and time spent with the people he loved most.
He enjoyed traveling with his family and made lasting memories through shared experiences and adventures. He loved coffee and bourbon and he found joy in cooking and baking alongside his family. Ben also enjoyed weight lifting and took pride in staying active. The holidays were especially meaningful to him, and he loved decorating and making each season feel memorable and warm. He had a gift for finding good deals and appreciated the simple satisfaction that came with a great find. Above all, he cherished being a father, and that role brought him immeasurable pride and happiness.
Ben’s love for his nieces and nephews was evident in the special nickname they gave him, “Uncle Muscles,” a title that reflected both his strength and the affection they had for him. He was the kind of man who made people feel welcome, supported, and valued, and his presence brought comfort and laughter to those around him.
Ben’s family will receive friends on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home from 2:00-3:00 PM, where a funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM. Memorial contributions to Stop Soldier Suicide (P.O. BOX 670212, Dallas, TX 75267-0212) will be appreciated. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Ben’s family.
From the original obituary.
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A True Friend
Met Ben several years back while working abroad, he was one of the few who showed me around and taught me the ropes , do’s and don’ts. We quickly became really good friends and had been in touch ever since. Truly miss him, but I know he’s with me still. SYOTOS Brother!!!
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