Fredrick Curtis

Fredrick James Curtis Jr, age 88 of Hermantown, MN passed away January 8,2018 with his family by his side.   Born September 22, 1929 in Duluth, MN to Fred and Mabel Curtis.  The love of his life was his wife of 65 years, Joan, who preceded him in death May 2015.

Fred’s big heart touched many lives. He led a life of optimism with grace and kindness. Fred’s love made you feel like you had accomplished something by just walking into a room.

He was a true entrepreneur. He started delivering milk when he was eleven years old.  At fifteen he started working at Kapus Motors sweeping floors, later he became shop foreman.  In 1960 he started Curtis Tharaldson Oil Company with his partner Vern Tharaldson.  Later becoming Curtis Oil.  In 1978, he started Food-N-Fuel with Ed Bird, Dick Kary and George Thelen, best friends to this day.

He served on various boards, including, Minnesota Petroleum Association, Hermantown School Board, Republic Bank, Lions Club, Shriners, Masonic Temple, Miller Trunk Business Association.

His favorite place was the cabin where you could count on polka music from dusk till dawn.  He loved to spend time there with family and friends especially his friend John Myre.  He loved to say, “It’s always sunny at the cabin.”

Preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mabel and his brother, Robert C. Curtis.

Survived by his children Jack, Cindy Braiedy (Scott), Shelly Harrington (Brian) and Jim (Anita) and daughter in law, Kris Curtis. Grandchildren, Jason (Teresa), Keely, Lauren, Ben, Sam, Jess, Noah, Henry and Max.  Great-grandchild Mabel.

NOTE, CHANGE OF VISITATION AND SERVICE LOCATION .  Visitation will be Friday January 12th from 5-7pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN where visitation will continue Saturday from 10am to the 11am services.  We are hoping the weather on Saturday is Dad’s favorite, zero with a little wind.

Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, (218) 727-3555.