OBITUARY

Kurt Andre Wimmer

March 21, 1959 – April 4, 2021
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Kurt Andre Wimmer

Kurt André Wimmer, 62, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. Kurt was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, where he graduated from East High School in 1977. He attended Wichita State University and the University of Missouri, graduating with a degree in journalism in 1982. Kurt also attained a J.D. and a Masters in Communication from Syracuse University in 1985. He went on to have a successful career as an international leader in intellectual property, cybersecurity, and media law during a career at Covington & Burling that spanned more than three decades. He worked in the London office for three years, lived in Washington D.C. for thirty years and had clients from Silicon Valley to Shenzhen, China. Kurt was incredibly humble, a gifted writer, mentor and speaker, and worked pro bono for many philanthropic causes that he supported. He played a leading role in the firm’s work for the International Paralympic Committee and was an ardent supporter of athletes with disabilities. Kurt served on several boards and received many awards including the Sprague Award. Kurt was an active parishioner at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown of Washington, D.C. He was an avid photographer and traveler, loved music and attending concerts as well as sporting events (esp. the KC Chiefs), and was a wine connoisseur. He is loved and remembered for his genuine kindness and thoughtfulness. He gave tirelessly of himself to the causes and people he loved. Kurt was a dedicated Father and husband who treasured his family, embracing every moment with them. His family was the central part of his life and they always came first. Kurt and Stephanie were high school sweethearts and dated for eight years before marrying August 4, 1984. Perpetually dedicated to each other, they considered themselves soul mates who had each found the love of their life. Kurt is survived by his wife Stephanie, who also grew up in Wichita, Kansas, as well as his sons Max and Nick and daughter Gracie, who were his pride, inspiration and joy. He is also survived by his brother Chris, sister Heidi, niece Addison and nephew Braylen, along with many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anne Marie “Yve” and Marion Wimmer, brother Steve, and father-in-law Thomas Weathersby.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Kurt’s name by 826DC. To make a donation, click the 826DC link below.

A private service was held in Washington D.C. and a memorial at a later date in Wichita, Kansas. The recorded video can be viewed by clicking the "view video" in the services box below.

  • PALLBEARERS

  • Michael Argabright
  • Scott Burgess
  • David Fagan
  • John Gamino
  • Ray Gamino
  • Jim Garland
  • Chris Wimmer
  • James Rhoa
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  • Private Funeral Mass (Live Stream)

    Saturday, April 10, 2021

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Kurt Andre Wimmer

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Renagh Christopher

April 17, 2021

I would like to offer my condolences to the Wimmer family and Kurt's friends. I advised Kurt on public relations when he was Managing Partner of the London office from 2000 - 2003.  His vision for Covington's London office was to "do good and be good", which he personally lived up to, and worked very hard at.  

It would have been so much easier for Kurt and the Wimmer family, if he had just focused on generating profits. Instead, Kurt integrated into his many, heavy responsibilities an extraordinary amount of high quality, pro bono work. I believe he remains the only lawyer to win the coveted Joseph A. Sprague award (2002).  It is notable that amongst the London office's first awards were awards for pro bono work (2004) and pioneering anti-piracy work (2005).

At this time of international pandemic and environmental challenge, we really need the collaborative mindset and long lens perspective of people like Kurt. His early passing is truly a blow.

I have never, happily, worked so hard in my life. Thank you to the Wimmer family for allowing Kurt to be such a great influence. Thank you Mr. "Do good and be good" for being a wonderful friend and colleague.

Ljiljana Smajlovic

April 15, 2021

I am one of many people from afar whose life Kurt has touched, and made better, with his kindness and legal expertise. He was generous with both. In 1998, he provided Serbian journalists with a devastating pro bono critique of a Milosevic-era Draconian media law, which we took to the court of public opinion, and won. Ten years later, with Milosevic gone, he again took up our cause, this time against a government compliant with the US Embassy in Belgrade, but democratic in name only. And his arguments prevailed, again. I recognize him in the tributes his friends, family and associates leave here, and I salute his accomplishments and his personality.

Scott Krokoff

April 11, 2021

I wish to express my sincerest condolences to Kurt's family and loved ones. I often sought his guidance from a professional and business standpoint (which is how my relationship with him started, as I'm sure is the case with many others) and in time he became a good friend of mine. He was a great man (not to mention, an excellent attorney) - and I haven't forgotten the kind words he said to me after my dad passed early last year. Needless to say, he passed away way too young and I was shocked by the news of his passing and remain saddened by it. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Mary and Jack Cleland

April 11, 2021

Dearest Steph, Max, Nick , and Grace,
Jack and I and kids send our love and deep condolences. We remember fondly the good family times together in London and DC. .....even Kurt carving a turkey one Thanksgiving at your beautiful home. Kurt, your husband and dad, was such a fine man. It is sad that the world lost such a man so soon. We’re thinking about and praying for you.
Mary and Jack Cleland, Maddie and Patrick

Sarah Wilson

April 10, 2021

Kurt was one of the first lawyers I met when I joined Covington. His office at 1201 Penn was adorned with beautiful photos, modern furniture (different then), and calm lighting. He wore funky glasses and exuded a spiritual warmth and grounded quality that one felt before he said a word. He was an active listener and creative thinker. I deeply admired his ability to shape a unique legal practice. He attended a firm diversity event several years ago with his daughter and I remember the palpable pride and joy on his face when he introduced her. Just a few weeks ago he moderated a fascinating discussion on a trending area of law at the firm's Monday Luncheon Program. Such a profound loss. With deep condolences to his family and gratitude for Kurt's lasting impact on our law firm community. Sarah Wilson

Stephanie Herndon

April 10, 2021

For the past 10 years I have been Kurt’s secretary/assistant at Covington. By far Kurt is the kindest, most genuine, and caring person that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He never hesitated to show that not only were we co-workers, but that we were also friends. I will and already do miss Kurt tremendously . Continued prayers for Steph and the family. 🙏🏽

Maurita Coley

April 10, 2021

Dearest Family and Friends of Kurt Wimmer...on behalf of Kurt’s Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet (MMTC) family and its co-founder David Honig, we are deeply saddened by the unexpected news of Kurt’s passing. He has been an extraordinary friend, advisor, and pro bono advocate to MMTC for many many years. Words cannot express our grief, we can only say the Ancestors have gained a good and faithful servant. We are honored to have known him and to call ourselves a friend of Kurt.

Michelle Choe

April 10, 2021

My sincerest condolences to Kurt’s family. I was fortunate to have had an opportunity to work with Kurt at Covington, and I will always remember his kindness and supportiveness. He will be sorely missed.

laura handman

April 10, 2021

A warm and loving tribute to Kurt, that captured his generous spirit that we, his colleagues in the media bar together fighting for the First Amendment rights of our clients, knew so well. He will be so very much missed,
Laura Handman

Jo Ann Andrews

April 10, 2021

I worked for Mr. Wimmer when he first came to C&B. He was a very kind and caring person to work for and with. Even after he went to London and then came back to DC, he never failed to stop and speak when we met in the hall. My prayers to your family .

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

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