Curtis A. Bracken Sr., 83, of Devils Lake ND was with loved ones when he joined Jesus on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday, April 27, 2026 beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and Time of Remembrance at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services for Curtis will be on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at North Prairie Church, rural Leeds, ND with Military Honors to follow the service. Burial will be in the North Prairie Cemetery at a later date.

Curtis Allen Bracken Sr. was born on February 5, 1943, on a farm near Churchs Ferry, North Dakota, to Lewie and Christine (Rodland) Bracken. He was the youngest of eight siblings. Curtis was confirmed at North Prairie Church and attended Leeds School, where he was honored as the Homecoming King. He graduated with the Class of 1961.

Growing up, Curtis assisted with cattle and grain farming. After graduating, he continued working alongside his father on the family farm. In 1962, Curtis joined the National Guard and served as a member of the 164 Engineer Battalion at Rugby, North Dakota. He spent six months on active duty at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and remained in the National Guard for a total of six years.

In 1963, Curtis took over the family farm after his father retired and continued to farm with his brother Lyle. He retired from farming in 1973 and became a full-time beekeeper with his brother Roger until the mid-1980s. Following his beekeeping career, Curtis worked briefly for Noodles by Leonardo and later drove a truck for Waste Management until his retirement. After retirement, Curtis enjoyed helping his daughter and son-in-law on the farm to earn extra money.

In 1981, Curtis married Beverly Burkhardsmeier, the love of his life, whom he had known since childhood. He enjoyed teasing and joking with his family, spending time at the cabin at Red Willow, and captaining the pontoon boat with his grandchildren. Many special memories of deer hunting with his boys and grandsons. Curtis also found joy in riding his motorcycle and the companionship of his dear canine pets. He was known for his big heart and kind soul.

Curtis was involved in the York American Legion, the Devils Lake Elks Club, and was a founding member of the Spirit Lake Riders Club.

Curtis deeply cherished his family and faith. In 1977, he dedicated his life to Jesus, receiving baptism from his older brother Orlando in California. Curtis was always eager to share his faith and speak about Jesus with anyone willing to listen.

Curtis is survived by his four children and fourteen grandchildren: daughter Rochelle (Layne) Opstedal of Rolette, ND, and children Nichole (Paul) Hendrickson, John Kuk (Chloe), Fallon Rosecky, Jodi (Eric) Keller, and Kyle Opstedal; Tony Kraft of Devils Lake and children David, Zack, Brittney, and Chris; Greg (Ragen) Bracken of Bismarck, ND, and children Broderick, Patrick, Gaberick, and Magen Bracken; Curtis (April) Bracken Jr. of West Fargo and child Jacob (Kay) Bracken; as well as seventeen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Gordon Bracken of Grafton, ND; sisters-in-law Marcia Bracken, Devils Lake, Gloria Bracken, Grand Forks, ND, Harriett Bracken, Leeds, ND; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Richard and Sue Burkhardsmeier of Utah. And many dear nieces, nephews and their families.

Curtis was welcomed into heaven by his Lord and those who preceded him in death: his beloved wife Beverly (Burkhardsmeier) Bracken on August 20, 2023; daughter Patricia L. Bracken; parents Lewie and Christine Bracken; brothers Orris Bracken, Orlando (Patricia) Bracken, Lyle (Beatrice) Bracken, and Roger Bracken; sisters Delores (Leroy) Lunde, Irene (Orvin) Lysne, and Helen Bracken. Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Anton (Louise) Burkhardsmeier, Mary (Wayne) Brager, Betty (Dennis) Grady, Patricia (Gorden) Owens, Vivian (Ron) Jorgenson, Barbara Bracken; Curtis will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Casket bearers for Curtis will be his sons Curtis Bracken Jr. and Greg Bracken, as well as his grandsons Broderick Bracken, Patrick Bracken, Gaberick Bracken, and John Kuk. Honorary bearers are Curtis’s great-grandchildren: Kelsy, Austin, Katelynn, Madison, Aiden, Easton, Bradyn, Audrey, Caprice, Grayson, Jayden, Mortimer, Nova, Jameson, Ryker, Camden, and Aria.