Frank T. Cuden, age 81, of Albert Lea, passed away on June 25th, 2024.

Frank Cuden

He was born in Waukegan, Illinois and had lived in Albert Lea since 1972. Frank graduated from St. Benedict’s College, Atchinson, Kansas and was Director of the Alpha School for children and adults with developmental disabilities and later worked at Streater Store Fixtures and at Naeve Hospital. He also served the City as 4th Ward Councilman from 1979-1996. He served on various community boards and organizations and was Rotary President in 1982. He was a member of the Twin Cities Aero Historians for over 40 years. In 2016, he was recognized as Artist of the Year by the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame for his skills as a model aircraft builder and he had written many modeling articles for world-wide publications. He enjoyed communicating with modeling friends throughout the world.

Frank is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Brook and granddaughter Anne Rose of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; daughter Joey and granddaughters Elliott (“Ellie”) and Celia; grandsons Alex and Evan of Chicago, Illinois; son Frank and his wife Becca and granddaughters Ruby and Madelyn, of Nashville, Tennessee.

Among many things, Frank enjoyed working outside, mowing the lawn, walking his late dog (Max) and continued to be an avid modeler of airplanes until several weeks before his passing. Over the course of his life, Frank built hundreds of small-scaled model airplanes.

He enjoyed music and played guitar, accordion, and piano. Frank enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to fish, and also enjoyed many evenings fishing with his wife Marilyn at Fountain Lake.

Frank’s family wishes to express their sincere thanks to all the staff at St. Croix Hospice and St. Mark’s Living in Austin, MN. Both provided exceptional care and support, not only to Frank, but to all his family.

Friends may send condolences to Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home, 1415 State Hwy 13, Albert Lea, MN 56007.

Following private cremation, he will rest alongside his parents at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your charity of choice.