Curtis Ellsworth Mortenson, age 71, of Canby, MN passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025 in Canby, MN after a courageous battle with cancer. A memorial visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN.
Curtis Ellsworth Mortenson was born on February 7, 1954 in Canby, MN to Clinton and Irene (Negaard) Mortenson. He was baptized at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church on March 27, 1954 and later confirmed on May 25, 1969. Curt graduated from Canby High School in 1972. After graduation, Curt worked for Fagen Inc doing construction work. He often found himself on the road in the southern states. In the early 1990’s, Curt moved back home to rural Canby. There he joined his brother’s business, R&J Gravel, where they worked together up until his passing. They worked closely together doing road maintenance and snow removal for the area townships. They also shared a small head of cattle, baled hay, and mowed road ditches. Although Curt never had any children of his own, one would never know that by how he treated his nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. At any given birthday party, you could count on him to be one of the first ones to show up and likely one of the last ones to leave (forced to take a plate or two of leftovers home). In addition to his human family, Curt leaves behind his beloved dog, Duke, who he rescued in June 2019. Duke was a constant companion and source of joy in his life. They both enjoyed their daily drives in the old pickup.
He will be remembered by his siblings; one sister, Carol Lyng; one brother: Richard (wife Jackie) Mortenson; one sister-in-law: Cheryl Mortenson; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Curt is preceded in death by his parents Clinton and Irene Mortenson, and two brothers, Norman Mortenson and Larry Mortenson; and one brother-in-law, Pete Lyng.
