Lester Curtis “Curt” Hite was born January 22, 1944, to William Lester and Helen B. (Piersel) Hite, in the Mahaska County Hospital. He grew up on his family’s century farm near New Sharon.

Curt attended Elm Grove Country School through first grade and was a 1962 graduate of North Mahaska High School.

On February 4, 1963, he started working at Vermeer Manufacturing, in the machine shop, while taking night classes at William Penn College in drafting. He started in the office as a drafter in the summer of 1963. Curt also had a part-time job at a gas station, selling running boards and owned C & J Fencing with Jim Rietveld for 30 years. While driving down the road, Curt would say “we put that fence in, and that one too.” As you can tell, he didn’t like to sit still. In his spare time, he built an El Camino into a 4 wheel drive truck. He would buy wrecked cars and repair them. Pat drove several of these cars. His favorite was restoring a 1970 Monte Carlo with his son, that he and Pat bought new. He enjoyed traveling, tractors, and tractor/truck pulling.

On February 11, 1967, he was united in marriage to Pat Allgood. Together they made their home in Pella spending 43 years on an acreage west of town. Curt worked countless hours on many projects in his shop. They shared a beautiful journey together for 59 years. They were blessed with two children: a daughter and a son, and one very special grandchild. Highlights were taking family vacations to Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida.

Curt retired in July 2011, from Vermeer Manufacturing after 48 ½ years. In “retirement” Curt enjoyed driving school bus for Pella Community Schools and getting together with his bus driving group. Curt and Pat traveled many places together: Alaska, China, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, and 49 states.. He also liked NASCAR and his special card group of friends. Following full retirement, Curt enjoyed walking around Lake Red Rock and watching the eagles.

Curt was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee and on the Pulpit Committee. He was also a member of the Dutch Masters Car Club and the Red Rock Threshers for several years.

Curt is survived by his wife Pat, daughter Denise Hite (boyfriend Chad Brandt), son Clinton (Natalie) Hite, grandson Caden Hite, sister Janet Ranfeld of Deep River, brother-in-law Darrell Klein of Oskaloosa, and sister-in-law Carol Hite of New Sharon and many nieces and nephews.

Curt was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Helen Hite, parents-in-law Don and Lois Allgood, sister Joyce Klein, brother Merlin Hite, and brother-in-law Robert Ranfield.

Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church or Hospice of Pella.