William Curnow

Bill was born September 17, 1946 in Detroit to William and Lucille (Hocking) Curnow, Sr. and graduated from high school in Detroit. He then earned his B.A. Degree in Mass Communications in 1970 from Wayne State University before beginning his twelve years of employment with WCAR and WJR News in Detroit. Bill then worked for the American Natural Resources Company from 1978-84, starting as a Supervisor for Media Relations and finally as the Director of Public Relations for the ANR Pipeline Company. Following his employment with ANR, he began his 20-year career for Michigan Technological University as the Executive Director of University Relations, retiring in 2004.

Mr. Curnow was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Houghton where he served on the Stewardship, Elders and Foundation Board and served for two years as a congregation chair. His civic associations were many and included the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Public Relations Society of America, President’s Council for State Universities of Michigan, Radio-TV News Director Association of America, Michigan Press Association, Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Board and the Copper Country United Way Board.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed fly fishing, writing and was an avid reader. He loved his family and loved the time spent together.

Surviving are his wife of 27 years, Sandra (Campbell) Curnow; three sons: Mark Curnow of Texas, John (Tracy) Kauppila of Battle Creek, MI and Erik (Sue) Kauppila of Stevens Point, WI; sister, Margaret Schrodt of Detroit; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Betty VanSlembroeck.

Memorial services will be held in May at Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Houghton with the date and time to be announced by Koskey Funeral Home.

Bill’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.