Carlsen Funeral Home And Crematory

Curt R. Ewinger
12/23/1952 - 1/20/2010

Aberdeen, SD-Memorial service to celebrate the wonderful life of Curt R. Ewinger, 57, of Aberdeen will be 5:30 pm, Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at the Aberdeen Community Theatre, 417 S. Main St. A reception will follow immediately with an opportunity to share memories at 6:30 pm at the VFW Club, 821 Circle Dr. Curt died suddenly at his home on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. Curt was an adored family man, a popular attorney in Aberdeen, an independent philosopher, a lover of nature, and a true character who will be sorely missed by his family, his many, many friends, and his professional colleagues. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan; son, Winston Ewinger, Missoula, MT; daughter, Meredith Ewinger, Hollywood, CA; daughter, Whitney Ewinger (John Buchanan), Aberdeen; grandson, Jack Buchanan, Aberdeen; mother, Joan Ewinger, New London, IA; sister, Nancy Foltz (Rick Kleinmann), Belmont, NC; and brother, Scott Ewinger, Oklahoma City, OK. Included among his family is Susie Treftz, Ipswich, SD, his beloved office manager of 25 years. Friends joked that Curt lived a tale of two Susie’s: One kept his home and heart; the other kept his practice and sanity. Curt was raised on a farm near New London, Iowa. After flunking out of the University of Iowa after his first year, Curt enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He did not see action in Vietnam but instead served as a courts-martial law clerk, which convinced him that he was as smart as the people he was working for. Upon his honorable discharge in 1978, he returned to and graduated from the University of South Dakota. On January 5, 1980, he married the beautiful and, by his own description, “saintly” Susan Odland of Aberdeen. Curt and Susie lived in Vermillion during the summer of 1980 while Curt attended the summer screening course before he was accepted into USD Law School. He earned his law degree in May of 1983. Curt and Susie with toddler Winston and baby Meredith in tow, strapped all of their belongings to the top of his old gold F-150 pick-up and moved to Aberdeen. Curt started his law practice in an office beside his future best friend and mentor, George Rice. Curt soon joined Rice & Bowen as an associate in the firm in June of 1984. The two of them later became partners, proudly becoming Rice & Ewinger, Attorneys at Law, on January 1, 1988. Neither Curt nor George grasped the concept of personal space and could be seen loudly discussing their cases with each other over a distance of not more than three inches. Curt practiced 27 years in Aberdeen and became one of the state’s preeminent bankruptcy lawyers. Every lawyer who practiced with or against Curt learned that he fought hard for all of his clients, was scrupulously honest, unfailingly fair, and never, ever boring. Curt’s passion for law reflected his passion for everything that interested him. He loved, really loved, hunting (particularly ducks, coyotes, and elk) and fishing (walleye and catfish from the James River) and his black labs (Buckshot, Rubee, and Gussie). He enjoyed cooking (especially what he shot or hooked) and was constantly tweaking his magnificent chili (Brown County Chili Cook-Off winner and also cooked in Omaha at the National Chili Cook-Off). He was an avid gardener and planted oak trees like Johnny Appleseed. He demanded his family’s unwavering loyalty to the Iowa Hawkeyes. He loved his coffee buddies and sharing (loudly) his libertarian philosophy of all things. Curt loved his children and grandchild. But mostly he loved his interesting and infuriating wife. Curt and Susie celebrated their 30^th wedding anniversary on January 5, 2010, the same day that Iowa beat Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. He later told friends that it had been a truly perfect day. One of those lovable, befuddling characters found in a Dickens novel, it took only a few minutes in his presence to realize that Curt was the abominable snowman without teeth: Behind the grizzly bear growl and fur was the tenderness and generosity of Winnie the Pooh. It made his manly friends sick to see the way he doted on and hugged and kissed his little grandson, Jack. Incredibly well-read and infuriatingly intelligent, Curt found volume as indispensable as content in making his point and always sealed it with the conciliatory phrase, “You know what I mean?” Many were shocked to admit that they did know what he meant. Curt was preceded in death by his father, Roger R. Ewinger, and his paternal and maternal grandparents. The family prefers memorials be made for a future project involving wildlife conservation. Condolences may be sent to www.carlsenfh.com Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory of Aberdeen have been entrusted with arrangements.

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Kristin Hughes
3/7/2010
2:01:55 PM

Susie, I was searching for you online, and found this. Wow, i am so sad for you. You are in the midst of the worst year of your life. Fight through it, my friend! Let me know if you wish to come to Sioux Falls & hide out for awhile. You are welcome anytime.

Steve and Elaine Arntz
2/2/2010
4:38:00 PM

Dear Susan and family: We are both so sorry for your loss. We did not know Curt, but we knew of Curt and how much he loved his family. Love like that doesn't just die but goes on forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

juan and Carmen Chavier
1/26/2010
4:26:22 PM

Dear Susie, We can´t believe the news of Curt´s passing. Please, accept our deepest sympathy. Our love to you and your family on this difficult time. Curt will be remembered very fondly. Sorry we can´t be with you.

Jeff Shultz
1/25/2010
9:56:50 PM

Susie and family, I am so sad to hear about Curt’s passing. When I think of him, fond memories flood back: The Old Law School, Union County State Park, A Road Trip, Cary’s, Fishing at the Mouth of the Jim River, The Smokers’ Lounge, State Bar Convention in Rapid, Leo’s - Curt shined in these places. Curt was a man of great character. He believed in the First Amendment right to free speech and made good use of it daily. He knew the American legal system was one of the great achievements of civilization and he was meant to be part of it. He loved the outdoors and comradery, argument and the law, life and family. Sir Winston Churchill said “Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all the others.” Curt had courage and conviction and that is why I will miss him.

Wayne and Jacki Hoffman, Leola, SD
1/25/2010
12:41:35 PM

We have been clients of Curt's for many years. Even though we were not personal friends, his passing has saddened us deeply. He was a fantastic person and will be missed by so many. Our thoughs and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Anne Porter
1/25/2010
10:21:20 AM

Suzie and all the Ewinger family -- my deepest sympathy to you. Curt was a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable person who left an indelible mark on every person he met and every place he went. Even more than 25 years afte law school, I vividly remember his raw intellect, his unique personality and his awesome laugh -- he was just so cool. May God bless and watch over him and all of you -- my prayers are with you.

Randy and Mary Turner
1/25/2010
9:25:25 AM

Susie, Winston, Meredith, Whitney, and Jackson: We wanted to let you know our hearts ache for your loss. Curt was a great person and very unique and spicy. He was very knowledgable about the law, demonstrated common sense, and was very personable. Randy said he saw Curt about every day for 18 years in the Citizens Building. Randy has great respect for Curt and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Donna Siegworth Smith and Gary Siegworth
1/24/2010
7:36:27 PM

To Curt's Family, Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Gary and I went to school in Danville with Curt and Nancy. The music of Dvorak's 9th Symphony comes to mind: Going home, going home, I'm just going home. Quiet-like, slip away- I'll be going home. It's not far, just close by; Jesus is the Door; Work all done, laid aside, Fear and grief no more. Friends are there, waiting now. He is waiting, too. See His smile! See His hand! He will lead me through. Blessings to you all.

Deb Sittig
1/24/2010
7:27:53 PM

Susie--My heart breaks for you and the kids. Although I haven't seen much of you since I stopped coming to Aberdeen for Bankruptcy years ago, I've always considered you and Curt to be good friends. Curt was always like a big brother to me - protective and supportive and a little larger than life! Thinking of him now brings a smile. I have alot of good memories - both from Law School in Vermillion and the Bankruptcy days in Aberdeen. I'm not sure if I can make the memorial on Tuesday, but I'm working on it. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love --Deb

David and Cindy Sitter
1/24/2010
6:38:29 PM

We were saddened to hear of Curt's passing. He was a great help to both of us during a difficult time. We will always remember his wonderful sense of humor. He always had a great story to tell. Rest assured that he lived life to it's fullest. He was a credit to his profession and will be missed.

LeAnn Holler
1/24/2010
10:11:16 AM

Susan and Family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Curt was truly a wonderful, amazing and intelligent man and my heart goes out to you, Winston, Meridith and Whitney during this difficult time. I am so sorry for you loss.

Linda and Bill Roth
1/23/2010
3:43:42 PM

Susie and family : We are saddening to learn of Curt's death . We initially got to know him through his work with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation . He was the key to getting the chapter started in the Aberden area almost 20 years ago. Thank you for sharing him with us . Curt was fun to work with and even more fun to share stories with . We will be remembering you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Jane Rice Kunz
1/23/2010
3:04:26 PM

Curt held a special place in all of my family's hearts. He was like a son to my father and there could not have been a better person to carry on the legacy of the law firm. He did so much for George and for that we will be forever grateful. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Cathy and Bill Jacobson
1/23/2010
1:11:45 PM

Susie, Whitney and Winston, we are so sorry to hear about Curt's passing. We only got to know him through a friend of ours that he was helping. But then through the years, even though the outer Curt was rough and tough, the inner Curt came out in very compassionate and kind terms. We will miss him dearly. Remember the fine times with him, and the rough ones, for that is all part of the man. God be with you and hold you close.

Sandy Wherry
1/23/2010
10:46:48 AM

Susie & Family- I am so sorry to hear of Curt's passing. I got to know him well during my years at the bank. He was a great person with a rough exterior that held a soft heart! He will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy in your loss....

Jarod Mather
1/22/2010
10:08:26 PM

Winston- So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Cynthia and Kermit Born
1/22/2010
8:44:39 PM

Dearest Susie......we are very saddened to learn of Curt's death. He was too young. You and your family will always remember his wonderful ways. You will laugh and carry him in your hearts forever.

Vickie Lacher Palmer
1/22/2010
7:25:13 PM

Susie and family, What a huge loss this truly is. I worked with Curt for 15+ years and he was such a gem to work with. My old boss Bill Pfeiffer passed away about a month ago and he and Curt always had so much fun in court and out of court. May they now get together and share old stories together.....My deepest condolences.

Kim Peters
1/22/2010
5:55:17 PM

Susie - my heart goes out to you and your children. Though it has been a number of years since we have seen you and Curt, Brian and I will always remember what humor Curt always brought to the DU conventions. May God bless you and give you strength.

Vi Herman
1/22/2010
5:34:28 PM

Susan and Family Words cannot express the sympathy I send to you and your family You are in my prayers. God Bless Vi

Craig Peyton Gaumer
1/22/2010
3:36:19 PM

Curt was a credit to his profession, and I enjoyed litigating cases against him during the 1990s. He died too young. He will be missed.

Robert Mandel
1/22/2010
3:30:20 PM

I just wished to express my condolences. I had known Curt since the early 80's and extremely saddened by his loss. My thoughts and sympathy are with you.

Genean Kiefer
1/22/2010
2:23:40 PM

Winston you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Phyllis Blake
1/22/2010
10:35:53 AM

Love and deepest sympathy to all of your family. May you draw strength from God and love from your family. Aunt Phyllis

Clarence & Eva Wipf
1/22/2010
10:34:58 AM

Susan: We heard of Curt's passing only this morning. We want to extend our deepest sympathy to you and the family. We were shocked to see his name in the obituaries. God hears us when we call His name. He is an ever present comfort and help. We pray that His peace and comfort will be with you in this sad time.

Henry and Nancy Wiedrich
1/22/2010
9:45:31 AM

We would like to send your grieving family our deepest sympathy and love. The suddeness of Curt's death adds the element of shock, and we are very concerned for you all. May God bless you and keep you.

Jami Huntsinger
1/22/2010
3:03:05 AM

Words cannot begin express the deep sympathy that I send to you and your family. I am so very, very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.

Nancy Foltz
1/21/2010
9:27:21 PM

Curt, my dear brother, I am having trouble believing that you are gone. I want to type these words from the author Jack London, that have helped me to remember your vibrant life and that I hope will help all of us who are left behind: I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor every atom of me in magnificent glow than a sleepy planet. The function of man is to live not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time. Your loving sister, Nancy

Steve and Mary Helen Flanery
1/21/2010
9:02:45 PM

Susan: We are extremely saddened to hear of Curt's passing. Mary Helen & I are holding you and your family in our hearts and in our prayers. God Bless You & Comfort You.

Date: 9/8/2010
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