Leif "Curly" Utoft Bollesen finalized his smile in this earthly world on December 15, 2024. The five ladies in his life are heartbroken, yet grateful, for his 92 years loving on us. People say that the Danes enjoy simple pleasures and meaningful connections – that's our guy.

Curly was born to Jens and Karen Bollesen in the Danish immigrant community of Tyler, MN on March 19, 1932. He was baptized and confirmed at Danebod Lutheran Church. He accomplished his studies at Tyler High School, Grandview College, Augustana University, Winona State University and Arizona State University. He served in the US Army from 1956-1958. Curly taught Physical Education at Rochester Public Schools for 31 years. He was the first Developmental Adapted PE (DAPE) Teacher in Rochester and made such an impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families; it was truly his life's work. He was so proud of starting the Rochester Raiders Adapted Floor Hockey Program and he was their number one fan!

Curly married Joy Louise Draisey on August 12, 1956, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Clark, SD. This was when the fun began. After marrying, they lived in Tyler, MN; Garmisch, Germany; Lincoln, NE; and in 1960 made their forever home in Rochester, MN. Curly loved having a lot of women taking care of him – he had four sisters that doted on him and then went on to have four daughters he adored.

This man had so many passions! A zest for life and life loved him back! Our favorite Danish tradition he passed on was dancing around the Christmas tree singing Nu är det jul igen ("Now it is Christmas Again"). He loved: all things sports! (particularly if his grandchildren were playing!), golfing, desserts/sweets, deer hunting at "the shack", his neighbors 'like family' in Country Club Manor, bird watching, starting up 'The Handyman Can', wintering in Arizona, fishing and camping, playing poker, worship services, cold beer, traveling to Hawaii, the Quarterback Club and listening to Joy play the piano. Most of all, though, he adored being a Bedstefar "Bestie" to a slew of grand dogs, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. What a wonderful life!

Curly was proceeded in death by his parents and his siblings/spouses:  Herdis (Ray) Struss, Kai Bollesen, Ellen (Allan) Juhl, Ester (Bruce) Westling and Agnete (Art) Fredrickson.

He will be greatly missed by Joy, his wife of 68 years. Children: Denise Bollesen (Bob Berggren), Karla Bollesen, Marta (Robert) Milliken and Elise (Rob) Cothern. Grandchildren: Nils (Katrina) Berggren, Jens (Shelby) Berggren, Bria Berggren; Annika Bollesen, Mikka Bollesen; Max Cothern, Tate Cothern, Brody Cothern, Griffin Cothern. Great-Grandchildren: Leona, Cecilia, Rory, Brooks, Kora and Briar Berggren.

In keeping with his generous spirit, Curly gave the gift of education by brain and tissue donation to the Mayo Clinic medical community. Our family is so grateful for the staff at Marcella Manor and St Croix Hospice who took such loving care of him (and us!). He would love memorial contributions to Bethel Lutheran Church, The Arc Minnesota-SE Region, the Rochester Raiders Adaptive Athletics Programs or wherever your heart is driven to give. Or just smile and start up a conversation – that's what he would do!

A service celebrating Curly's life will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church (810 3 ^rd Ave SE; Rochester, MN 55904). The family will greet friends starting at 11:00am. A luncheon will follow the service.

Online condolences are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com.