GLORIA MARY (NEWTON) CURRAN

GLORIA MARY (NEWTON) CURRAN

     Gloria Mary (Newton) Curran, 81, of Taylor, WI, passed away peacefully at Gundersen Medical Center surrounded by family Nov. 8, 2024.

     Gloria was born May 13, 1943, to Willard and Fay Newton, Alma Center, WI, the youngest of three children. The family farmed in Garden Valley Township where Gloria’s love of farming and dairy cattle began.

     She married John Curran Oct. 22, 1966. They farmed outside of Taylor, WI, and raised five children. Through these years, Gloria was involved in every aspect of the farm from milking cows, feeding calves, running machinery, studying cattle genetics and keeping books. She coached 4-H dairy judging for many years and passed this love onto many whom she coached. She was born to be a farmer’s wife. When not on the farm, she spent time with family and friends at Shady Glen. Many precious memories were made on these wooded acres with simple cabins with those most dear to her.

     Over the years, Gloria served her community well as a Taylor Top-Notchers 4-H club leader, Taylor School Board member and Jackson County Historical Society member and officer, which she was most passionate about. She also loved studying family genealogy, quilting, playing cards, watching the Packers and Badgers and reading (especially James Michener novels which she encouraged all her family to read). She would light up when she was with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

     Gloria is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, John; daughter Lori (Don) Olson, son Bruce (Susan) Curran, son Chris (Mary) Curran, son Tim (Abbi) Curran and son-in-law Dale Peterson; grandchildren Danielle “DJ” Kuderer, Donnie (Inez) Olson, Luke (Amy) Peterson, Maya Peterson, Justin (Farrah) Curran, Spencer (Kasey) Curran, Rylee Curran, Dylan (Sabrina) Curran, Carsen Curran, Zachary (Ariel) Curran and Grace (AJ) Walsh-Brenizer; special family friends Eddie (Mandy) Bue and Charlie (Katie) Bue, Kyra and Tanner; brother Rocky Newton; sister-in-law and dearest friend Jill Noreen; brothers- and sisters-in-law Dan and Shirley Curran, Dave “Bear” and Myrna Curran and Junior Jacobson; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

     Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law Roger and Vivian Curran; daughter Vonnie Peterson; grandson Jon Peterson; sister Joan Jacobson; sister-in-law Pat Newton; and brother-in-law Pete Noreen.

     A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Taylor Community Center, 420 Second Street, Taylor, WI, beginning with a visitation at 12:30 p.m., memorial service at 1 p.m. and a celebration of life immediately after with refreshments until 4 p.m.  

     In lieu of flowers, Gloria wished to have donations made to the Jackson County Historical Society or the Taylor Museum.

     The Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.