Curtis Clifford Ladwig

Curtis Ladwig's Memorial Service will be livestreamed here: https://vimeo.com/event/3308877

His tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/PTM9L83NJ9KGXS2N

Curtis "Curt" Ladwig passed away peacefully on April 5, 2023, in the comfort of his VA medical foster home.

Curt was born December 22, 1937, in Lawndale, MN, to Walter & Katherine Ladwig. He graduated from Barnesville High School, Barnesville, MN in 1955. Curt married Mary Lou Dobler on March 24, 1962, in Fargo, ND.

As a young adult, Curt raised sheep on the Ladwig family farm. Curt ventured forward and raised cattle with his father-in-law. He honorably served in the US Army. He earned a degree in computer programming.

He worked various jobs in grocery delivery, electronics delivery, and as a custodian at NDSU, all of which would lead to his lifelong career.

Then one Sunday, Curt was locked out of their family home. There were no locksmiths available. He sent his young son, Todd, through the window. This led Curt to find and pursue an ad for the Foley Belsaw locksmithing school. He studied, was self-taught, and worked as the NDSU campus locksmith on his way toward his own successful locksmith business.

In 1966, Curt and his wife, Mary Lou, started a locksmith company, Curt's Lock & Key Service. Curt was a smart and ambitious business owner. He coined the company slogan, "Security is our Key Concern." He was a charter member of the Northern Prairie Locksmith Association. He served as the President of the association and earned a prestigious title as the first-place winner in the Lockmasters International Safe Manipulation contest. He excelled to the highest professional level earning the designations as a Certified Master Locksmith from the Associated Locksmiths of America and a Certified Professional Safe Technician from the Safe and Vault Technicians Association.

Curt worked long and hard until his retirement in 2002. His dedication to Curt's Lock & Key Service and to the security industry has left an indelible mark on all of us. Curt has been the reason, the passion, the legacy, and the name you will see on your keys for years. His spirit continues with a long line of professional locksmiths, including his family and many current and past employees.

Curt was a talented locksmith, had a passion for hunting and shooting sports, enjoyed his own hobby farm, was a sharp card player, was great at solving puzzles, and had a genuine kind heart.

Curt is survived by his sons, Todd Ladwig of Fargo, ND, and James Ladwig of Argusville, ND; daughter Sheryl (Dave) Dusek of Fargo, ND; and grandchildren, Gabe and Hunter Dusek of Fargo, ND, and many special nieces and nephews.

Curt was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Ladwig; his parents; brothers, William Ladwig, Ralph Ladwig, Wallace Ladwig, and Lyle Ladwig; sisters, Charlotte Johnson and Dorothy Scheffler; and an infant son Keith.