Curt W. Gienger

Curt Wayne Gienger, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2022, at his home. His passing followed a courageous battle with cancer.

The Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 23, 2022, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Aberdeen, with Pastor Samuel Bobby officiating.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service.  Visitation continues one hour before the service at the church. A time of fellowship will follow the service at St. Paul’s church hall. The burial will be at Riverside Memorial Park following the time of fellowship and refreshments.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and also view the service at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Curt was born on October 29, 1954, to Ruben and Esther (Sperle) Gienger, in Aberdeen, SD. His childhood was spent in Pierre, SD, where his parents first instilled the love of music in Curt. This love lasted Curt’s entire life. He also found an interest in stargazing as a child. In 1969, he moved to Aberdeen, SD, where he graduated from Aberdeen Central High School with the class of 1973. He later received an Associate’s Degree from Northern State University in Management Information Systems.

Curt began a forty-four-year career with 3M in 1976, where he held many positions over the years. His favorite position was in the IT department, likely because of how much he enjoyed computers and gaming. Curt retired in 2020 and began to fill his days with family and his many other interests.

Curt would often be found riding his motorcycle. He passed his love of motorcycles on to his son, Christopher, with whom he enjoyed riding. For many years, Curt attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally where he could combine his love of motorcycles and music, with a special fondness for bluegrass, country, and classic rock.

Curt had a passion for photography and filmmaking. He spent hours filming and editing his creations. He participated in many film festivals and won many awards for his work. He was most proud of his People’s Choice Award at the Fischgaard Film Festival, Best Documentary at the Christian Film Festival, and the “Lead Butt” award for watching every film at the South Dakota Film Festival several years in a row.

Curt’s family was the center of his world. On June 12, 1999, he married Kristi Gehrts, the love of his life. Together, with their four children and other family members, they spent time playing cards, board games, and various outdoor activities. With the addition of his grandchildren, Curt’s life was full of love and adventure. There was nothing Curt loved more than his time with his grandchildren.

Many of Curt’s adventures involved travel and the outdoors. He loved camping with his brother and his friends, especially in the Black Hills. He traveled to Hawaii, Greece, Turkey, and Canada. Every year he went to Mexico for a well-earned vacation. Shortly before his passing, Curt spent two weeks in Mexico with Kristi, acting like the newlyweds they still were.

Grateful to have shared Curt’s life are his wife, Kristi; son, Christopher (Ludi) Gienger, of Wentzville, MO; daughter, Savanna (Cody) Wright, of Sioux Falls, SD; son, Drew Neace, of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Kellye (Tyler) Jensen, of Aberdeen, SD; grandchildren: Carter Gienger, Aubrey Jensen, Kailey Jensen, Gavin Gienger, Greyson Jensen, and Kensi Jensen; brother, Denny (Julie) Gienger, of Sun City, AZ; sister, Jolene Sandmeier (Mike Shultz), of Milnor, ND; mother-in-law, Delores Gehrts, of Aberdeen, SD; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members who were fortunate to be part of Curt’s life.

Preceding Curt in death were his parents, Ruben and Esther; granddaughter, Ada; and infant brother, Wesley.

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