Curtis E. Hartenberger

Curtis E. Hartenberger, 69, Topeka, died at Aldersgate Village on Friday, March 26, 2010. He was born in Newton, Kansas on July 22, 1940, the son of Earl and Opal Ayers Hartenberger. Curtis is survived by a daughter, Faith Treadwell (Bennie); a son, Mark Hartenberger; two grandchildren, Gavin Ward and Ethan Hartnberger; two nieces, Erin Taylor and Renee Winterbourne; a sister, Madelyn Winterbourne, of Aptos CA; and aunt, Olive Boone; and numerous cousins. Curtis attended public schools in Newton and earned his Bachelors degree in social work from Bethel College. He received his Masters degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, with a major in social work administration. He began his professional life working in the Harveyville Welfare Service. He served the State of Kansas in a variety of positions in SRS and at one time was the Director of Alcohol and Drug Service. He was also the instructor of staff development for M.A.P. of Kansas (Model Approach of Partners in Parenting). He was a consultant to the Child Welfare Institue in Atlanta GA and ended his professional career with the Childrens’ Alliance of Kansas. Curtis loved children, and served twenty years on the Topeka 501 School Board. During his fifth and last term, he was Board President. He was influential in eliminating physical punishment of children in the Topeka Public Schools. He also was president of the board at Catholic Social Service in Topeka, as well as a past president of the board of Let’s Help, Inc. and was a member of the local Civitan Club. He was a member of First Lutheran Church. He distinguished himself by the donation of sixty gallons of blood to the Topeka Blood Bank for which he received an award. Curtis was a renaissance man. His garden was a thing of beauty; each blossom was perfect in its setting in a blaze of color. He worked with wood and a friend said, “Curtis talks to wood, whether it was to make a beautiful clock, or to talk a tree into growing.” A gourmet chef, he specialized in French cuisine and especially enjoyed creating ethnic German dishes for his friends. His sauerbraten with gingersnap gravy and German potato salad were legendary. An avid art collector, Curtis also created stained glass masterpieces, journeying to juried competitions and taking first place awards. He was also a musician and enjoyed playing the harpsichord. Curtis Hartenberger loved his Topeka Community and he served it well. Funeral service for Mr. Hartenberger will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at First Lutheran Church. Private inurnment will follow. Memorial contributions are suggested to First Lutheran Church and/or Let’s Help, Inc. sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614.

Curtis E. Hartenberger

July 22, 1940 - March 26, 2010