Curtis “Corky” Larson

Curtis “Corky” Charles Larson, 81, passed away on December 15, 2025 peacefully in his home.

Curtis was born November 10th 1944 in Utica, MN to Alvin and Almira Josephine (Fouzie) Larson. The youngest of seven, he experienced loss early in his life, losing his father and his brother Martin. Energetic and independent, he channeled his energy to become a multi sport athlete in high school excelling at baseball, wrestling, and football. After graduation, Curtis joined the United States Air Force where he served in the Vietnam War. While there he received the Air Force Commendation Medal and was eligible for a purple heart.

After his time in the service Curtis moved to Rochester, MN where he met and married Diane Hofschulte. Not expecting to have any children, Curtis and Diane lived many years delighting in spending time with their many nieces and nephews. Unexpectedly, Diane became pregnant and nine years into their marriage their son, Martin, arrived in 1981. Surprised a second time, a daughter, Rebecca, followed in 1983.

In a career spanning 50 years, Curtis worked for Ron Schultz in Utica and at Reynolds Wholesale, the Methodist Hospital, IBM, Assisi Heights and Wal-Mart in Rochester. He attended college in his 40s and graduated with an associates degree from RCC.

Curtis found his greatest joy in spending time with his family. He loved to have his grandchildren over to spend time outside and enjoyed telling war stories to his children. He worked hard to support his family and got to live long enough to see many of the fruits of his labor. He took great pride in having both his children finish college degrees and in the births of his six grandchildren.

Curtis is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diane Larson, his children and their spouses Martin (Julie) Larson of Rochester, and Rebecca (Ryan) Hovis of Minneapolis, his six grandchildren: Jenna, Hannah, and Charles Larson, and William, Sophia, and Asher Hovis, sisters Betty Stark, and Sonja Gerry, brother Albert (Idella) Larson, step-sister Coreene Collins and more than 30 nieces and nephews.

Curtis is preceded in death by his parents, step-father Wendell Boice, brothers: Alvin, Martin, and George and seven nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at a later date.