Curt Allen Grinde

Curt Allen Grinde Arlington/LaCrosse/Waunakee

September 21, 1961 - March 14, 2026

Curt Allen Grinde, age 64, left this world in peace on March 14, 2026. He was born on September 21, 1961, in Portage, WI to Richard (Dick), and Anita (Bender) Grinde.

Curt’s life will be marked by creativity, compassion, and complexity.

Curt was a dedicated teacher for 32 years at Hintgen Elementary School in LaCrosse, WI, where he had a natural gift for connecting with children. He was an educator who brought patience, humor, imagination, and understanding to each of his students whose lives he touched. He believed in meeting kids where they were and encouraging them to see their own potential.

Curt grew up in Arlington, WI where he went to Elementary School from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. He then attended Poynette Middle and High School where he graduated high school in 1980.

Curt earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from UW-LaCrosse. He was active in state, local and national professional teacher organizations and LaCrosse School District curriculum programs. He participated in an overseas Teacher Exchange Program where he taught in Dubna, Russia. Curt was dedicated to his profession and loved what he did.

Outside of teaching, Curt was known for his musical gifts and creative spirit. His music brought joy to others. His creativity in its many forms was not just a gift, but a way he expressed himself and how he experienced the world…thoughtfully with heart and passion.

Curt will be remembered for his kindness, quirky humor, and meaningful lifelong connections he made with family, friends, and students. His life is a reminder of celebrating each other’s differences with understanding and an open mind.

Like many, Curt faced joy and hardship along his path. His struggles do not define him, but they were a part of his story - a journey of resilience, humanity, and hope.

Curt is survived by his father, Richard, his former wife Lisa (Steffes) Grinde and their son, Michael (Alyssa) Grinde and grandchildren Alexis and Wyatt. Siblings Chris (Roxann) Grinde, Craig (Lori) Grinde, and Ellen (Vincent) Schaaf, Aunt Karen (Grinde) Lewis, and many special family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Anita, his grandparents Edgar and Kristiana “Jennie” (Scharf) Bender, and Theodore and Nina (Mathison) Grinde.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Waunakee Valley Senior Living and Agrace Hospice for their amazing and compassionate care of Curt. He felt loved and respected to the very end and will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Winn-Cress Funeral Home in Waunakee, WI on Monday, April 6, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10am, followed by a service at 11am, and a luncheon to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Curt’s name to Agrace Hospice, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

Curt’s final resting place will be Spring Prairie Lutheran Cemetery in Keyeser, Columbia County, WI. Following the luncheon there will be a graveside committal service.

In honoring Curt’s memory, the family encourages acts of kindness and support for those facing adversity. Or just simply take the time to recognize when to reach out with someone who may need it.