Kurt R. Spielmann was born in Green Bay on November 27, 1977 and graduated from Preble High School in 1996. He attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison and graduated with a majors in Political Science and History. I met Kurt in Milwaukee and he was one of my best friends and someone I highly admired.  I believe it was something that was out of his control as he had been diagnosed with mental illness.  It was very unexpected by everyone who knew him.  He was kind and funny and always supported good causes.  He was intelligent but never got a real career, he just worked at coffee shops and restaurants and made art in his spare time.  Kurt was the best songwriter I ever met.  He wrote a novel and did woodworking, he disdained money and fame and was politically active.  In 2013, Kurt moved back to Green Bay and volunteered at the Salvation Army.  He enjoyed being up North, fishing and being in nature. Kurt was a sports enthusiast, especially enjoying baseball. He was a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist and loved music. He was very thoughtful, generous and kindhearted. A couple of months ago Kurt recorded a few songs in support of Bernie Sanders and his campaign for presidency, called “Bernie Street”. He passed away unexpectedly June 3, 2016.

 – Jeff Flashinski

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