Kurt Albert Winegardner

Kurt Albert Winegardner, 60, passed away in his home, listening to Dylan on February 11, 2015. Kurt grew up in Billings, MT, spending hours at Lissa Field, making life long friends. His quest for the perfect golf swing began while working in the bag room of the YCC. If you were from Billings he was quick to ask “are you a Bronc or Golden Bear?” He, of course, came from a family of Broncs. Kurt pursued his love of wine and everything French for 35 years starting with a stint in Burgundy as a student through the U. of M. Little wonder Kurt majored in wine, but that was Missoula in the 70’s, we won’t go on. When Kurt moved to Bozeman, he met Melinda and together they created Winegardner’s Wines. His enthusiasm and passion for the business allowed them the opportunity to make incredible friends, see incredible places, and offer incredible wines to Montana. “We’re always working, we’re always playing” How great was that? He and Melinda had an amazing life together, filled with work they both loved, travel, laughter, and many hours at the Scrabble board. Kurt valued the many great relationships he formed throughout his life. They gave him energy to stay young and catered to his quirky sense of humor. He came to life when talking about one of his many passions: wine, Dylan, golf, France, the fourth dimension, shoes, Hawaii, cookies, yoga or the grandchildren. Kurt was proud of the fact that he had grandkids without ever having kids and that he had never changed a diaper. If Kurt were to enliven your senses or fire your imagination, open the door to a hidden passion, create a smile, accidentally educate, drive you to download a fact check app or in any way inspire you, he would have been happy. His father Albert, mother Jayne, and sister Ann precede Kurt in death. He is survived by his sister Jill, brother Jon (Kathleen, Sam, Eli), nephew Christopher (Teresa), step son Jacob (Briana, Carter, Adella), and adoring wife and partner of 18 years, Melinda. A celebration of Kurt’s life will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 1-4 p.m. at the Yellow Barn next to the WW Warehouse located at 346 Gallatin Park Dr, Bozeman, MT.