Neil Robert (Curly) Silker, age 88, of Windom, MN passed away peacefully on August 12, 2020 at the Sogge Memorial Good Samaritan Home, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 3, 1931 to Donald and Ruth Silker of Hector, MN. He was baptized in the United Methodist Church of Hector and later joined the American Lutheran Church of Windom. He grew up on the family farm, attending country school for eight years, graduating from Hector High school in 1949. After graduation he attended St. Cloud State College for a short time and then worked for the Great Northern Railroad and a local carpenter. In 1952 Curly enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After serving for four years he was honorably discharged. He then moved to Windom to begin working for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, later known as Century Link. In Windom, Curly met and married Jane Jacobson of Worthington. They are parents of two daughters, Nancy and Susan and celebrated 62 happy years together. Curly enjoyed and participated in many local sports. In his early years he played with the Windom Pirates. He was an avid bowler – once receiving the Bowler of the Year Award. Playing golf was his favorite pastime as was meeting and making many friends. Morning coffee with the guys had been a priority for many years. Curly was a member of the Hector Masonic Lodge #158 and the American Legion Post 0206 of Windom and its Honor Guard. In 1992 Curly retired from the telephone company. He spent many hours working with wood. He carved many birds, decorative items and gifts for family and friends. He enjoyed being outdoors, grooming one of the best kept lawns in the neighborhood and was a dedicated walker. Curly will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul, always putting the needs and the wishes of others first. He was a hard worker and a bit of a perfectionist. He never hoped to be the center of attention, but always offered a kind word or a funny story. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. The twinkle in his eye was always the brightest when his grandkids were around. The world was a better place with Curly as a part of it. He is survived by his wife Jane, daughters Nancy (Tim) Jones of Tracy, MN and Sue (Phil) McDade of Monona, WI. Five grandchildren, Zach Jones, Dani (Nick) Kvam, Jake (Abby) McDade, Alex McDade, Ben McDade. Two great grandchildren, Haakon Markwed Kvam and Mia Jane McDade. Sister-in-laws Mary Silker, Maxine Boyer and Marge (Lynn) Rust. Curly was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, brother Donald Silker, sister and brother-in-law Pat and Orlo Fluhrer, and brother-in-law Tony Boyer. Private funeral services will be held at the American Lutheran Church on Monday, August 17, 2020. A period for celebration of his life is scheduled at the Windom Community Center on Monday. August 17 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Memorials could be made to the charity of your choice or the American Lutheran Church of Windom.