Curt Mentzer, beloved husband of 54 years to Mildred, nee Sika; loving father of Milissa (Carl) Dropka and Cary Mentzer; proud grandfather of Michael Dropka and Raymond Mentzer. Curt was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, IA and moved to Chicago in 1947. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from November 1940 to January 1947 onboard the destroyer USS Cummings (DD365) in the Pacific Theatre. For 37 years, Curt was a salesman for Hardy Salt Co. and has been a resident of the Mt. Greenwood community since 1956. Upon his relocation to the Chicago area, Curt became ‘adopted’ into the Czech community and culture. Within CSA Fraternal Life, he was on the Board of Directors for 16 years. Active in his local Woodrow Wilson Lodge and Regional District Council #12, especially within the Athletic and cultural divisions. In his community, he was a member and leader of Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, Mt. Greenwood Lions Club and the Mt. Greenwood Chamber of Commerce. Curt was also a member of VFW Post #6869, a delegate to the Czech American Congress and officer of Sokol Town of Lake. Curt is survived by brother Loyd (Hazel) Mentzer, sister Lois (Ken) Duncan and sisters-in-law Irene (the late James) Mentzer and Bess (the late Frank) Oplatek. He was uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews. Lying in state Tuesday 10 a.m. until time of funeral 11 a.m. at Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, 11056 S. Longwood, Chicago, IL 60643. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Curt’s name are requested to be made to Morgan Park Presbyterian Church Building Fund; CSA Scholarship Fund or the International Lions Club, Eye Foundation. Visitation Monday, 3 to 9 p.m. at Beverly Ridge Funeral Home, 10415 S. Kedzie Avenue. 773-779-4411
