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Curt Frankenstein Obituary
Curt Frankenstein, age 86, passed away Jan. 4, in his sleep. He was the beloved husband of Renate; loving brother of Ernst; nieces Eva and Bernd. He was a successful professional artist, well known locally and elsewhere. No services at this time. Any charitable contributions anyone wishes to make can be directed either to The Evanston Meeting Of Friends, 1010 Greenleaf St., Evanston, IL 60202 or to Hillel The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Building, 800 8th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001-3724.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Curt Frankenstein
Clark
November 18, 2009
I met Curt nearly 20 years ago at the Ann Arbor art fair. I bought and still enjoy his "Slow-Poke" etching.
Very sorry to hear of his passing.
Thu Doan
September 6, 2009
Dear Renate,
I met Curt, in 1999, at the Oakbrook fine arts fair. I walked by his displays & was immediately attracted to his work. I was mesmerized & intrigued. I chatted for quite some time about his work & inspriration. I come to find out about our love for Renee Magritte, whom I studied during my years in French. Curt so kindly gave me a print of my choice...Victory of Spring was the print I chose. A piece that hung on my wall & at moments let time stand still for me when I looked at it. I kept in touch through mail & his annual fairs at Oakbrook but lost contact the last several years.
Today, I am DEEPLY saddened to have come to the Oakbrook fine arts fair & come to find out he has passed. He has a place in my heart & I will always remember him as a kind, thoughtful, talented man. I will miss him dearly.
August 9, 2009
As you all know, Curt Frankenstein died in January. He will be greatly missed as a gentle man and an artist of distinction.
To celebrate and review his artistic career and achievements, the Koehnline Museum of Art at Oakton Community College is mounting a retrospective exhibition of Mr. Frankenstein’s paintings and prints, and it will run from December 10th, 2009 - January 29th, 2010. There will be a catalog consisting of an essay, illustrations, and a timeline.
I am the guest curator of the exhibition and am starting to solicit work that should appear in such a show. Portraits, imaginative subjects, and the work that affectionately pokes fun at aspects of the art world will all be included, and I hope to be able to present examples from throughout his career after his arrival in the United States. The exhibition has the full support and approval of the artist’s widow, Renate Frankenstein.
If you own work by Curt Frankenstein, I would greatly appreciate your contacting me, indicating what work you have, especially if you would be willing to loan it for the brief duration of the exhibit. Of course, all loans would be handled professionally and fully insured.
I am also seeking additional information about the artist, anecdotes about his way of working, his thoughts on art, artists, and life, for the catalog that will accompany the exhibition. Should you be able to share such material with me, you would be helping make the exhibit fuller and more meaningful.
Please contact me via e-mail at [email protected] or, by letter, to my home address: 222 North Marion street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, or via phone at 708 848-1731.
Thanking you in advance for your help, cooperation, and interest, and hoping to hear what work you own and your knowledge of the artist, I am
Most sincerely yours,
David M. Sokol, Professor Emeritus
UIC
Eleanor Stephens
July 22, 2009
Dear Renate,
Our family just learned of Curt's passing today, July 22nd. My daughter, Elizabeth, has my portrait Curt painted of me in 1950. She looked up Curt's computer site to show her friend, and that is how we found out about Curt. I called my sister Elizabeth Ann and our whole family feels your loss. Curt was such a talented, dear man. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Sincerely, Eleanor Harrison Stephens
Jim and Val Gleeson
July 17, 2009
Dear Renate,
We spoke in the spring after I found out late that Curt had passed. Tonight, I found this site, so I wanted to say hello. I hope this finds you well and having found some peace with respect to Curt's death. Valerie and I are so aware of Curt's wonderful art. Our home reflects him from several walls. I see them every day and sometimes, like tonight, I sit and look at one for a while, re-discovering the same feeling that I felt when I first saw them. We were so pleased to have been to your home and Curt's studio and experienced your hospitality and shared some thoughts with Curt on his work. I truly think the world is less well off without Curt. Fortunately, his wonderful art will survive us all.
Thinking of you,
Jim and Val Gleeson
Anacortes, Washington
Susan Sander
March 29, 2009
This spring morning lead me into the Sanctuary of Silence that has been a constant companion since 1984. I decided to do a websearch only to learn that unfortunately Curt had passed away. How sad.
I met him in 1983 while I was administrator at the Washington Island Art & Nature Center. It was great fun to look at his works daily and see the many layers to the tales he was spinning. I purchased Sanctuary (it must be a summer version since the columns have stone tiles) to remind me of the feel of walking through the woods of the island.
Curt's art added inspiration to the mix of Jens Jensen's vision that lead me to create an urban sanctuary here in central Texas 20 years ago.
Inspiration is a thread in the weave of immortality.
Jennifer Iatarola
February 22, 2009
I feel in love with your art when I was 14 in Chicago. I have looked at and referenced your work to much of my artwork. You really meant a lot to me. I made a 3d sculpture of one of your paintings and a surreal charcoal drawing in highschool. I used your artwork all the time for inspiration and always will. I am so sorry. Reality can be so unreal.
Paul & Rose Gonzalez
February 14, 2009
Dear Renate, we are sorry to hear about the passing of Curt. We are truely sadden by this news and hope that your are doing fine under the circumstances. We were so looking forword to seen the both of you this year.
We will always trasure the works of art that we have, and it will always remaind us of the great painter and human being that he was. We wish you the very best.
Trace Gamache
February 2, 2009
I know this is a little late coming, but better late than never! It is hard to find the words to express to you how deeply sorry I am for your loss. It is something incredibly rare to meet someone with such a great capacity for compassion. Curt had a great ability to convey beauty through complexity and we've enjoyed so many of his works for as long as i can remember. Not only was he talented, Curt had a strong sincerity about him. He is never far from memory.
Judy Okazaki
January 25, 2009
Dear Renate,
We were sorry to read of Curt's passing. My son first discovered Curt's artwork when he found it on display at his high-school. He admired all of the artwork but especially the piece "Victory of Spring." When we called about obtaining a print as a graduation present - Curt worked to get a copy for us and then invited us over to your house and studio to pick up the piece. My husband and I along with my son and daughter and had a wonderful afternoon visiting with you and Curt. It was a great experience to have the opportunity to hear Curt talk about his work. And you entertained my daughter while we toured. She too remembers the day with you. Thank-you again to both of you for the memory of a wonderful day and experience. You're in our thoughts.
Bob and Rosa Levin
January 22, 2009
Renate,
Truly sorry to hear about the passing of Curt. He always seemed to be a gentle soul.
Catherine Winnan
January 21, 2009
I once saw Curt's work at an Art Fair, and then lost touch with him. Is there someplace I can view any paintings, etc., that may be for sale?
Robert Blackburn
January 17, 2009
Dear Renate:
Tara and I were sorry to learn of Curt's passing. You may recall he painted that amazing family portrait of us and our children "sailing" through the four seasons. We smile every time we see it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill Berglind
January 16, 2009
Dear Mrs. Frankenstein:
I want to express my deepest sympathy to you and your familly on the passing of Curt. I attended the American Academy of Art in the late forties and worked in the supply store while a student. Curt asked me to pose for him and I did so for one week. You may recall me phoning him a coulple of years ago and my sending him a copy of the portrait by e-mail. My family treasures the painting which if now sixty years old. My only regret is that I didn't get to see him before he died.
Howard Tolsky
January 13, 2009
Dear Renate,
Over the years I and my family have bought paitings from Curt and we always loved his work. His mind was amazing reflected in his artwork. One of my favorite paintings is The Non-Conformist..the fish all swimming in the same direction except the 1 fish swimming in the other! He was such a nice man and we were so sorry to hear of his passing. He was quiet (at least with us), kind, friendly, and very modest about his work. We will miss at the art fairs. I am so glad to have known him as well as my family.
Ted and Susan Antrim
January 13, 2009
Dear Renate, Am so sad at Curts passing he was a genuine treasure to this earth. His art inspired the imagination and will continue to do so for eternity. Wish we could have spent more time taxing his memory. We will cherish the short time we spent with you two. Am so glad that we had him personalize last painting. If you should need help with anything we would be honored to do so. Sincerely Ted and Sue Antrim
John Birch
January 12, 2009
Few things are a constant in life. In 1951 or 1952 Curt painted a very large, and beautiful portrait of my mother. I was born in 1953, so this painting is one of my first memories. In fact, this portrait still hangs in her home, and is a valuable family heirloom.
I met Curt at the Old Town Art Fair once, and he remembered the painting and my mother. What a kind and talented man.
Thomas Rak
January 12, 2009
Dear Renate,
I was very sadden to hear about Curts passing. I framed Curts oil paintings at Gudbrandsen Frame Co.
I will miss him and his beautiful art work
Marlene Wood
January 11, 2009
In the short time that I have known Curt I have seen his gentle spirit, his ethical character, his artistic passion and his everlasting love for you, Renate, his true soul mate. As I have expressed before, Eddie and I would have loved to have known you over the years as it is hard to find people with your spirits. Curt will be missed but never forgotten.
Brigitte Alexander
January 10, 2009
Renate,
I hope it is a comfort for you to know that Curt is appreciated for his humor and gentle nature by many who had contact with him. Treasure your memories. Brigitte
Carolyn Keifer
January 9, 2009
Dear Renate,Ernst, Eva & Bernd,
I am so sorry to hear that Curt passed away. I first met him at the Two Rivers Art Show in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1993. It was such a joy to get to know him and I cherish his "Waiting for #31" each and every day. Curt's delightful humor enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. I am blessed to have had the honor.
My deepest sympathies,
Carolyn Keifer
Carole Crafton Garlin
January 8, 2009
Dear Renate:
I was so sorry to hear about Curt. I have known Curt since I was a child and watched him paint in my father's commerical art studio. He was always a very kind and gentle man and a very dear friend of my father. I am so glad I got to enjoy a visit with you and Curt when I moved back to Chicago. Curt was a wonderful artist and I will always have a special place in my heart for him.
"Forest Sanctuary"
January 8, 2009
"The Final Call"
January 8, 2009
"The Ladder of Faith
January 8, 2009
"Victory of Spring"
January 8, 2009
"Journey"
January 8, 2009
What a pair! Curt and Renate
January 7, 2009
Sharel Burns
January 7, 2009
Renate-
We met several times, I am Barbara's sister and I feel very lucky to have known Curt. He was one of the most sincere people I have ever had the pleasure to know. Over the years that Barb worked with him, we got to know Curt and he was so kind, gentle with such a great people sense and sense of humor. He will stay with us all. I will think of him everday as I glance at his art, as I always have.So many people come and go in our lives, but Curt was one of a kind, we are all better for knowing him. All my best to you and your family.
Share Burns (aka, Sharel Wichman)
Amy Braun
January 7, 2009
I was so sorry to hear about Curt's passing.
My father and I own several of his works of art.
We have so enjoyed them and will continue to do so.
My deep condolences to Renata and the family.
My buddy
January 6, 2009
seems like only yesterday...
January 6, 2009
Barbara Gamache
January 6, 2009
Curt would blush, and change the subject if I gushed my feelings for him here -and there isn't room anyway. To anyone who knew him, they know how well deserved those emotions are. Renate, you always took such loving care of him. You were so supporting while he pursued his art, made sure he was warm enough at the "shows", brought him bananas ;~) He cherished you - and deservedly so.
I am truly blessed and honored to have had him in my life - for so many reasons. He will always be with me...
Yvonne Seiden
January 6, 2009
Dear Renate,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious Curt. I had the great pleasure of being introduced to you both by our dear mutual friend, Danielle. Assisting Curt at many art fairs over the years enriched my soul as he taught me so much about art, life and love. What a gentleman and great human being. I will miss him terribly.
With love and sympathy,
Yvonne
Sigi veit
January 6, 2009
Dear Renate
,
Our daughter, whose portrait Curt drew when she was 9 years old many years ago, informed us here in Florida of Curts passing.
We have valued his art and his friendship for so many years.
We want to express our deepest sympathy for your great loss.
sincerely
Ruth and Sigi Veit
Earle Malkin
January 6, 2009
I've known Curt since his studio on 57th Street and have been fortunate to own many of his earlier works. A wonderful, talented and soft spoken man of charm and a bit of "twinkle of the eye" look at the world. It's been a while but I see his work and remember him.
Suzanne and Michael Poulos
January 6, 2009
Even though we didn’t know him, I will always fondly remember the few occasions I went to Curt Frankenstein’s home to purchase a lithograph as a surprise for my husband. Not a day goes by without noticing his humorous and apt works in our home and office. They are indeed a part of our life. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Jay & Elaine Dolgin
January 6, 2009
It has been many years since we last spoke. I was Harry Rosenberg's partner. My wife Elaine & I are very sorry for your loss. Curt was a wonderful artist with an incredible sense of humour. He will be missed!
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