Curtis E Hartenberger

Curtis E. Hartenberger

Curtis E. Hartenberger, 69, of Topeka, died at Aldersgate Village on Friday (March 26, 2010). He was born in Newton, 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 Hartenberger; two nieces, Erin Taylor and Renee Winterbourne; a sister, Madelyn Winterbourne of Aptos, Calif.; aunt, Olive Boone; and numerous cousins.

Curtis attended public schools in Newton and earned his bachelor's degree in social work from Bethel College. He received his master's 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 also was the instructor of staff development for M.A.P.P. of Kansas (Model Approach of Partners in Parenting). He was a consultant to the Child Welfare Institute in Atlanta, Ga., and ended his professional career with the Childrens' Alliance of Kansas.

Curtis loved children and served 20 years on the Topeka USD 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 60 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 also was a musician and enjoyed playing the harpsichord.

Curtis Hartenberger loved his Topeka community and he served it well.

Funeral service for Mr. Hartenberger was Tuesday at First Lutheran Church, with a private inturnment.

Memorial contributions are suggested to First Lutheran Church and/or Let's Help, Inc. sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 S.W. Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614. Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.