Curtis C. Ladewski

Curtis "Curt" C. Ladewski, 81, of La Porte, IN, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at his home.

Curt was born on March 6, 1945, in South Bend, IN, to Ervin and Helene (Hornyak) Ladewski.

Surviving Curt are his two daughters, Laura (Corey) Souliere of Phoenix, AZ and Lisa (Joseph) Baltes of Rolling Prairie; three grandchildren, Josh Baltes of Rolling Prairie, Ilayna Baltes of Rolling Prairie, and Justice Souliere of Phoenix, AZ; sisters, Victoria Ladewski of Payson, AZ and Carol Ladewski-Griffin of Payson, AZ; brother, Christopher (Jan) Ladewski of Marian, VA; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Ervin Ladewski, and mother, Helene Ladewski.

Curt attended St. Joseph Catholic School before entering La Porte High School, where he graduated with the class of 1963. Upon high school graduation, Curt heard the call to serve his country and became a Marine, where he proudly served for many years.

He was a proud member of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines, better known as "The Walking Dead" in the Vietnam War. Curt was awarded many military decorations, medals, and badges including the M-14 Rifle Marksmanship Badge and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Upon his return serving his country, Curt met and married Barbara (Walt) Ladewski in La Porte, IN. Curt and Barbara welcomed their two daughters and raised them in La Porte, alongside both sets of grandparents.

Curt stayed active with his fellow veterans at the VFW Post 1130. The VFW is where he found his purpose and peace alongside his brother, William "Bill" Unger, and father-in-law, Michael "Mike" Walt Sr. He served many years as the Post Commander as well an many other elected positions. Curt always felt his purpose was to serve his military family, and he did it with unbelievable passion.

He worked for the Sullair Company in Michigan City for many years as a design engineer. He later joined the Teamsters Union and served as a truck driver for Schneider Trucking in Michigan City and Bunny Bakery in La Porte, before his retirement.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Following the service, burial with military honors will take place at Pine Lake Cemetery.

A time of visitation will be held from 4 - 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2026, and from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.

ALL friends and family are welcome to join Curt's family at the VFW Post #1130 for a lunch, full of Polish eats, funny stories, and wonderful shared memories, at 12 p.m., directly following the memorial service and burial.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the VFW Post #1130, 181 McClung Rd, La Porte, IN 46350.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.