It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Curt Cardwell, associate professor of History. Curt passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 7, at his home in Des Moines. Curt was a valued, dedicated, and talented member of the Drake community who will be deeply missed by his students and colleagues.

A service is being planned for late spring 2021 at the Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. Friends and family interested in honoring Curt’s memory can make donations to the Drake University History Department (https://alumni.drake.edu/giveonline), Des Moines Mutual Aid (Venmo @DesMoines-MutualAid), or the charity of their choice.

Curt is survived by his wife Stephanie Cardwell, program coordinator of the Buchanan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in the College of Business and Public Administration, and their daughter, Lenin, who graduated last spring from Drake. 

You can read Curt’s obituary here. Drake community members wishing to express their sympathies can send cards addressed to the Cardwell Family through Karen MacKinnon, Meredith Hall, 2507 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311, and the history department will ensure they are delivered.