Curtis "Curt" O. Ladsten, age 82 of Rochester passed into the arms of Jesus on August 15, 2018 at Rochester Methodist Hospital after a short battle with cancer.

Curt was born on March 8, 1936 in Decorah, IA to Olaf and Lucille Ladsten. He graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1954. On May 1, 1954 he married Juanita Baker; the couple was later divorced. He later married Barbara Radtke and they were divorced. Curt married Virginia Specht on March 7, 1987. Curt was a delivery man for years, and later retired as a fork lift driver for General Warehouse in Rochester. He was a kind, gentle soul. He was always known for his big happy smile. Curt was one of the best dancers in SE Minnesota. He will be deeply missed by many friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia of Rochester; his children, Dan (Dee) Ladsten of Tacoma, WA, Debra (David) Ehlenz of Buffalo, MN, Jeff (Jackie) Ladsten of Rochester, Jolene (Ed) Greenheck of Wabasha, MN, and Sheila Sanders of Mankato; step-children, Michael (Dawn) Nelson of Wabasha, MN, Kelly (Mike) Ferdinand of Placitas, NM, Lorie (Roger) Cotten of Rochester, Archie (Renee) Nelson of Aitkin, MN, and Tom Nelson of Rosemount, MN; 25 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, LaVonne Butterworth of Sun City, AZ, Pauline Lentz of Spring Valley, MN, and Carol (Lucien) Cole of Stewartville, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Juanita; and a son, Michael.

The funeral service for Curt will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home officiated by Jane Day. Visitation will be held starting at 9:30 a.m. in the chapel prior to the service. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Rochester.

A special thank-you is extended to the staff of Mayo Hospice who took such special care of "Smiley" till the end.