William Andrew “Andy” Curtner, 77, of Rochester, Illinois passed away on Tuesday August 6, 2024, while in the company of his family.

Andy was born in Sikeston, Missouri on August 10, 1946, and was the son of Don and Mildred Curtner.

He graduated from Stonington High School in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Navy. Andy served two tours in the Vietnam War. During his first tour of duty, Andy served aboard the USS Nye County (LST-1067). During his second tour he was stationed with the Mobile Riverine Force in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.   He was aboard an armored gunboat that carried soldiers to the battlefield and patrolled the rivers. He was a Gunner’s Mate for both deployments and nicknamed Baby Gunner. He was a disabled veteran due to exposure to Agent Orange.  Later in life, Andy was able to participate in the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight and receive the thanks and praise befitting a United States Navy Veteran. The L.L.H.F. was one of the most memorable experiences of his life. He was a member the of Mobile Riverine Force Association

On April 2, 1967, he married his wife Donna Cutright in Taylorville, Illinois. Andy went on to receive an Associates in Nuclear Medicine from Triton College and a Bachelors in Health Service Administration from Sangamon State. He worked for Memorial Medical Center as a lab technician for 40 years.

Andy also had a passion for sports. Through the years he was in various bowling & softball leagues and golfed.  He enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears and White Sox as well as any sports related to the University of Illinois and the US Woman’s National Soccer Team. He was the assistant coach for LLB Competitive Soccer team in the Springfield area and was also the first Head Girls Soccer Coach for Rochester High School. He was an inspiration to many young soccer players through the years.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws; Tom and Shirley Cutright. Andy was also preceded in death by his brother, Jim Curtner and his sister, Darlene Webster.

Andy is survived by his wife, Donna Curtner of Rochester; son, Doug Curtner (Tara) of Rochester; daughter, Marla Hurst (Lawrence) of Rochester; grandchildren, Hailey Coffey (Bill), Alanna Curtner(Trevor Boblitt), Hannah Curtner, Charley Hurst, Kayden Curtner, Caleb Curtner, and Joseph Hurst all of Rochester; two great grandchildren, Noah Curtner and Evelyn Coffey; sister, Sandy Corby (Ken) of Rochester, NY; sister-in-law, Carol Cook (Dave) of Tremont, IL; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Visitation will be held on Monday August 19, 2024, at Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 East Main Street, Rochester, IL 62563 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday August 20, 2024, at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Burial and Military Honors will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.  Services are casual wearing your favorite bears, Illini or soccer attire.

Memorial donations may be made to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place Springfield, IL 62703 or Rochester High School (Women’s Soccer) 1 Rocket Dr, Rochester, IL 62563.

Please visit our online obituary at www.parkfuneralhomesinc.com

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