Curtis E. Manatt

Curtis “Curt” Eugene Manatt passed away on October 5, 2024, at his home in Johnston, Iowa. He was 70 years old.

Born on July 7, 1954, in Grinnell, Iowa, Curt was the second eldest child of Clair and Ruth Manatt of Brooklyn, Iowa. He was raised in Brooklyn and attended the Brooklyn Guernsey Malcom School District. He grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to his community – values that shaped his life and career. After graduating from high school in 1972, he attended Iowa State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1976. After graduating, he went on to work at Manatt’s Inc., where he dedicated 48 years of his life to advancing the company and industry he was passionate about.

At work, Curt was admired for his loyalty and integrity. He was a demanding leader who expected everyone’s best effort every day. There is no doubt that you always knew where you stood at work with Curt. Though his toughness could be challenging, it stemmed from a desire to help the people he worked with be successful. Curt was part of the old guard at Manatt’s, who traveled states away looking for work in the 1980’s and then stuck around to see the company grow and thrive in the years since. After working summers at Manatt’s during his younger years, Curt started full-time on the concrete paving crew after college. He worked his way up to Paving Superintendent and then became General Manager of the Des Moines Metro Division in 1998. His influence on Manatt’s was significant, and he was instrumental in the early mentorship of many leaders at the company. All who worked with him have a favorite story to tell about how he helped them in their dedication to the craft, attention to detail, and putting in a full day’s work. The fact that his name was on the door meant a lot to Curt. He would not let his family name be tarnished.

Away from work, Curt was known as a generous and lighthearted soul. He served as the patriarch of his family for the past 19 years. Curt was the center of attention at gatherings, especially Christmas, when he would challenge nieces and nephews to a game of Canadian Blackjack. All the money in the pot was already Curt’s, so he had nothing to lose and everything to gain. This led to some entertaining blind bets and the famous phrase “twos never lose”.

Curt’s hobbies and interests included auto racing, classic cars, his deep Catholic faith, and his family. His favorite tracks were Marshalltown and Knoxville, where he introduced many to the fun and adrenaline of dirt track racing. He sponsored multiple racers over the years, notably including the Murty boys and Terry McCarl. His personal car collection included a 1970 GTO and a 1971 Trans Am, both of which had plenty of power to fuel Curt’s need for speed. It is said that, in their younger years, Curt and Jack Brothersen once made it from Brooklyn to Denver in less than 8 hours. Curt was always eager to be a part of family events and to watch his kin participate in sports, drama, and music. He was a joy to be around – always kidding and warming the room with his signature chuckle.

Curt was preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Ruth Manatt, and brothers Michael and Thomas Manatt. He is survived in death by his brothers Alan (wife Janet, kids Craig and Tiffany) Manatt and Jerry Manatt, sisters Ann (husband Doug, kids Lacey and Ashlee) Doolin and Mary (husband Barry, kids Kelsey and Ben) Kinsey, sisters-in-law Jo Ann (kids Adam, Brian, Greg, and Erik) Manatt and Linda (kids Sean, Sarah, and Rob) Manatt, and very special family member Don Brannian. He will also be dearly missed by his many great-nieces, great-nephews, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.

Curt was a devoted company man whose relentless pursuit of excellence will serve as an enduring legacy for all who follow at Manatt’s, Inc.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 11, 2024, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Brooklyn, with Fr. Bill Kneemiller officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery,  Brooklyn. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 P.M. Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn, with the family present from 4 to 8 P.M. A Rosary will be recited at 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be contributed to Brooklyn Community Development, Camp Courageous, or the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. There will be a luncheon at the Michael J. Manatt Community Center, downtown Brooklyn, Iowa following the cemetery services.