OBITUARY: Dr. Curtis Frank Ahrens

Curtis Frank Ahrens M.D., 99, of Duluth, Iron River, and Boca Grande, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017. “Curt” or “Doc,” as he was known to many, was born in Minneapolis on February 17, 1918 to Walter and Amollia Ahrens.
He came to Duluth to work at St. Luke’s Hospital and went on to become head of radiology and chief of staff. His career also included being a clinical professor in radiology at UMD Medical School, and he also lectured at Lake Superior College to the radiology technologists. He was a Fellow of the American College of Radiology and practiced medicine for over 50 years.
Curt served as a U.S. Navy physician in both WWII and the Korean conflict and served on the USS Stembel 644.
He enjoyed spending time fishing and wood carving. He loved Boca Grande and he loved playing tennis. He was also a long-time member of the Kitchi Gammi Club in Duluth, Rotary, and the Boca Grande men’s club.
Curt was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dean, sister Elaine and his first wife, Jane Thomas, the mother of their children.
He will be greatly missed by his wife and best friend, Patricia Le Doux Ahrens; her children, Michalle (Christopher) Hammond and James Dembroski II; his children, Thomas (Kathy), Mary (Don) Herschleb, and his “rock” Susan (Ken) Vaughan; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; Patricia’s three grandchildren; and extended family and many great friends.
Visitation: 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. funeral service Saturday, March 25, 2017 at St. Josephs CatholicChurch, 151 W. Linden Street, Duluth. Interment will be in Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Josephs Catholic Church, St. Luke’s Foundation, Chum, or Donor’s Choice.
Please leave a memory of Curt or words of support for the family at bellbrothersjarvidowd.com.