Curtis Marion Hilding was born on July 21, 1947, in Shenandoah, Iowa to Marion and Luella (Foster) Hilding.  From an early age, Curt had a passion for music.  When he was 9 years old, he appeared on KFNF radio station to sing alongside his father, who was known as the "Swedish Songbird".    He held various jobs while attending Shenandoah Community Schools including working at the nurseries at the age of 14 years and Spot Cafe.   He loved to buy clothes and always looked like a million bucks.    Curt was a member of the Shenandoah Class of 1965, the largest graduating class in the school's history.

In 1966 he enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Enterprise off the coast of Vietnam.  He was honorably discharged in 1970. He was a proud Veteran and a member of the American Legion.   Following his return home, he worked for Brannen Grocery Store as a meat cutter before accepting a job with Eaton Manufacturing.  Curt was one of the first employees hired.  During his time with Eaton, he worked his way up to Supervisor.

Curt was married to Sandy Telschow and to this union two children were born, Chris and Stephanie.  Following their divorce, Curt later found happiness with Sandy Sprunger and the couple were united in marriage in Keokuk, Iowa.  Curt and Sandy resided in Shenandoah and later moved to a farm outside of town in 2007.

He spent many weekends playing music at the Red Barn Opry in Omaha.  He enjoyed singing and playing his guitar whenever the opportunity presented itself.  Spending time with his children and grandchildren were very special to him, especially the many trips they took.  One thing Curt was very proud of was his 38 years of Sobriety.  He took life one day at a time and savored each day he was given.

On Sunday, May 5, 2024, Curt entered into eternal life and was welcomed into his forever home by his parents Marion and Luella; father-in-law David Sprunger and sister-in-law Deb Bishop.  Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 42 years, Sandy; children; Chris (Kristie) Hilding and Stephanie (TSgt Joe) Unick; grandchildren; Curt (Charlotte) Hilding, Jayden (Jake) Eggleston, Sabrina Houston (Alan Godfrey), Hunter Houston and LCpl Mavrick Houston; great-grandchildren; Orion, Scotty and Bonnie; siblings; Lou (David) Nelson and Mark Norman, mother-in-law Fran Sprunger; sister-in-law Jean (Roger) McEowen; brothers-in-law David (Marty) Sprunger and Randy (Susan) Sprunger; other relatives and many friends.  Memorials may be directed to May Mentoring or the Church of the Nazarene in Shenandoah.