Winifred Eleanor Ristau, 76, a descendant of the first settler of Glen Ellyn, died of complications from cancer Wednesday, May 22, at her Lombard home. Mrs. Ristau was related to Deacon Winslow Churchill, the son of a Revolutionary War soldier, who traveled to Illinois to build a homestead along what later became St. Charles Road. She also was a descendant of William Bradford, who sailed on the Mayflower and became governor of Plymouth Colony. Her family history enabled her to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Mayflower Society, her family said. She viewed history as something exciting and vital, and she loved to share it with others. Mrs. Ristau often spoke at elementary schools, Scout troops and other organizations interested in the history of DuPage County, her family said. She would share stories about the Churchills coming to Glen Ellyn in covered wagons and meeting Indians who taught them the best ways to farm. Sometimes she would display her family’s original land deed, which was signed by President James Polk. She also was a docent for the Glen Ellyn Historical Society. “She thought it was important to keep history alive in the community,” said her daughter Virginia. Her mother witnessed many historic changes, she added. As a child Mrs. Ristau rode her bike on a dirt road that rarely saw auto traffic. That dirt track is now Swift Road, and the original family farm has shrunk to 4 acres surrounded by suburbia. Mrs. Ristau spent her entire life in the area, marrying William D. Ristau in 1943 and having six children. As her children grew up, she started keeping the books for her husband’s heating and cooling business, and she became more active in the DAR and the Mayflower Society. Mrs. Ristau also painted, mostly wildlife scenes, and was active in the First Church of Christ, Scientist, and the DuPage Art League. Mrs. Ristau is survived by her husband of 58 years; four sons, William Jr., Bruce, David and Mark; another daughter, Wendy Schroeder; a brother, Richard Wimpress; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. No services will be held.
