John Curtis Spielmann

John Curtis Spielmann, passed away, October 4, 2025 at age 85 and was a man characterized by his profound commitment to family, friends and community, his steadfast faith and his deep love of travel. John was born in Hartford, Wisconsin and was married for 61 years to his beloved wife Ruth (Susie) Spielmann (Russell), who cared for him in their home until his death.

John was a 1955 graduate of Hartford Union High School, attended the University Wisconsin Madison,1955-1958 and was U.S. Army SP-4, Active Duty, 1958 to 1961. He received a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Political Science, 1963 from the University Wisconsin Milwaukee, and a Master of Arts in Communication from Penn State University. John started his lifelong love of Latino culture when he worked at the Universidad de Oriente in Venezuela (1965-1967). In Erie PA he worked at Model Cities Agency from 1970-1973 and as City Grantsman from 1972-1973. During his time in Erie he actively volunteered in the development and construction of the Community Country Day School, a non-profit facility primarily for troubled low-income grade schoolers. From 1973-1975 he was a Lay Missionary for the Misión de Amistad, Merida, Yucatán, Mexico, coordinating over 15 projects including educational experiences for U.S. college students, and bringing medical personnel from PA to Merida to provide health care to the poorest.

In 1974 he returned to his beloved City of Hartford, where he worked for 28 years (1974- 2002) as City Clerk/ Comptroller, Economic Development Coordinator, and volunteer Emergency Squad Chief, and Emergency Medical Technician, and was key in devising political and financial strategies resulting in 40 new industries and 150 commercial firms and doubling city growth. Downtown Hartford retains its "old world charm" due to John's hard work. He was Co-Founder and Advisor to the Hartford Area Development Corporation. He also served in the Hartford Rotary Club for over 40 years as International Service Coordinator, leader and translator in medical missions to rural Guatemala, and played a key role in VISION home projects. He was active on the Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners for over 25 years. John was President and Board Member of the Hartford Historic Preservation Foundation for over 20 years and initiated saving the 1920s historically significant octagonal Zivkos Ballroom (Chandelier Ballroom), from demolition; renovating and beautifying it as an event space for weddings and celebrations. John dedicated much volunteer time and energy initiating services at the migrant camp in Hartford, translating at masses, and ongoing service as a lector. He volunteered at the library and used his Spanish-language skills in countless ways, assisting several immigrants in achieving citizenship.

John in survived by his wife, Ruth; children, Julie Spielmann (Paul Neiswender), Liesl (Dale) Santkuyl, Katrina Spielmann (Simon Roland), Mary Spielmann (Eric Cohen); grandchildren, Eli Santkuyl, Zane Santkuyl, Julian Roland, Val Roland; and brother, Dan Spielmann. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and many others who love him as a father and grandfather. Pre-deceased by brother Charles Fross and sister Judy Rodia.

Family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m. at The Basilica and National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians at Holy Hill, (1525 Carmel Road Hubertus, WI 53033, 3rd floor.) Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Jude Peters OCD presiding. Interment in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hartford, WI.

Memorials to Basilica and National Shrine of Holy Hill, www.holyhill.com or Schauer Arts Center, www.schauercenter.org would be appreciated. Special thanks to Aurora Home Hospice for special care given in John's last year.

The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home - Hartford is serving the family.