Obit: Winter, Donald F. (1928 - 2016)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bourget, Jones, McKitrick, Peterson, Smith, Tegen, VanRixel, Weden, Wendorf, Winter

----Source: The Record - Review (Abbotsford, WI) 12/13/2016

Winter, Donald F. (27 JUN 1928 - 9 DEC 2016)

Donald F. Winter, 88, went to be with his Heavenly Father on December 9, 2016.

Don was born to Jesse and Hattie Winter on June 27th, 1928 in Kennan, Wisconsin and was later baptized there as a child.

Don spent his school years in Kennan, graduating in 1945 from Hawkins High School. He worked road construction before entering the Army where he was stationed at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. Don served with the 307 Engineer Panel Bridge Company. After he finished his schooling, where he graduated first in his class of 30, he was sent to Japan where he was the head of the tank re-build unit and supervised 125 men in this department during the Korean War.
While serving, Don became fluent in Japanese. After being discharged, he became a lifetime member of the VFW and he returned to working road construction in Northern Wisconsin. In 1955, he moved to Wausau and was employed by D.J. Murry as a core maker and on December 4, 1956, he married Constance Bourget. After marrying, he provided for his family as a semi-driver for Dick Bros Bakery for 30 years until he retired in 1987.

After Don's retirement, you could almost always find him working on something in his workshop, always singing as he willingly helped anyone with whatever they needed. He enjoyed woodworking for many years as well as taking care of his yard and flowers. Don was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He was active on numerous committees and in various capacities including teaching Sunday school. One of his many servant-hearted projects still shows today on the east side of the church, a life-size cross he made in honor of his Savior, Jesus.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years and his 3 children, Dan (Mashelle), Patti (Gary) Weden, Jeff (Belinda). He is preceded in death by his son Alan, 1984.

Don is also survived by 3 sisters, Laura Tegen, Elizabeth (Walter) Tegen, Jenny (Marvin) Peterson and 1 brother, Jesse Lee (Sandy). He was also blessed with 13 grandchildren, Andy (Erin) Wendorf and Adam Wendorf, Jenny (Vince) VanRixel, Chris (Kristi) Winter, John (Jocelyn) Winter, Randy (Kristen) Winter, Richard (Kelsi) Winter, Sarah Winter, Curt (Kathy) Weden, Steven (Kim) Weden, Andrew (Julianna) Weden, KC Winter, Hannah Winter and 24 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his brothers John, Harry, Shirly, Ray, Roy and his sisters Jean McKitrick and Flora Smith.

Visitation will be Tuesday December 13, 2016 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 930 Edgewood Road, Wausau and again on Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service at Good Shepherd. The funeral will take place at 10:30A.M., Wednesday at Good Shepherd, with Reverend Kemp Jones officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in his memory.