Curtis Winterfeldt

Curt was born on June 20, 1934, in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, where he spent his childhood before moving to Galveston, Texas, and graduating high school from Shicoton, Wisconsin in 1952. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for a B.S. in Elementary Education, the University of Northern Colorado (Greeley) for an M.A. in Special Education, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a Ph.D., in Behavioral Disabilities and Special Education Administration. He was a teacher, a professor for undergraduates and graduates, and an administrator for over 55 years, at a variety of places throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio, including Milwaukee, Toledo, DeKalb, and Oakfield where his high school band was invited to play at the Sugar Bowl, Winneconne, Belmont, and Shiocton. In addition to teaching, Curt coached gymnastics, basketball, track, cheerleading and baseball; directed operettas, plays, and musicals; and taught Turkish Dance and swimming. He was known for his ability to write grants and School of Excellence applications. In addition, Curt presented at schools, workshops, and national conventions about special education and teaching Shakespeare to middle school students. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others. He was always there to offer guidance and support, no matter what challenges they faced.

Curt was in the 29th Army Band in Okinawa as drum major, company clerk, assistant band director, woodwind section leader, and baritone section leader for the men’s choir from 1957-1959.

When younger, Curt enjoyed raising and showing cattle for 4-H at the Wisconsin State Fair. As an adult, he loved skiing, scuba diving, Turkish dancing, playing in the band, cooking, entertaining friends, and yachting. When asked if there was anything he did not do, he said “Skydiving.” Curt also enjoyed collecting 19th-century paintings, old Turkish rugs, unique Turkish items and farm memorabilia.  

Curt’s favorite thing to do was traveling to Turkey, and he was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for Turkey with others, organizing many tours with his colleagues and friends. Turkey became his second home and many called him Baba (father) or Abi (older brother) during his 45-plus years of visiting his chosen family on the Mediterranean. Even the Turks say that Curt knew Turkey better than the Turkish people. Other places he visited include France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, the Balkans, Greece, and a variety of places across the United States, to name a few.

He was an active volunteer for the International Institute, where he bought items from Turkey for the Turkish marketplace booth and participated in dancing at the Holiday Folk Fair for 48 years. In addition, he managed the scheduling of music and dance performances for all cultures for the last 5 years. . He was also an active member of the Turkish American Society for many years. He ran the Turam Turkish Dance Group in Milwaukee and helped with instructing Turkish Dance at middle schools, high schools, and universities in the Midwest.  

Curt is survived by his dear friends and family. His memory will be cherished by all. A Celebration of Life will be held on his birthday, June 20, 2023, at the South Shore Pavilion, 2900 Shore Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53207, from 4:30 pm-7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served from 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm with a toast in his memory between 6-6:30 pm. Please, come with memories of Curt to share. In lieu of flowers, we are raising money to cover the costs of the burial and memorial services as this passing was completely unexpected. Any remaining money will be donated to the Turam Turkish Dance Group where Curt was the artistic director for over 15 years.