Robert W. Winter Sr. celebrated 50 years of marriage to Myrtis on Nov. 20 before dying in his sleep in the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 21. He was 82.
Mr. Winter was a devout Lutheran who spent many years giving back to his Chicago neighborhood of Beverly, where he had lived since 1955. “His contributions were many,” said his daughter Gretchen. “He’s a wonderful example to all of us of getting involved and staying involved.”
From 1974 to 1986, Mr. Winter served on the board of directors for Lutheran High School South. He also was on the board of the Lutheran High School Association and was a deacon at St. John the Divine Lutheran Church.
He was a founding member of the Southwest Lutheran Chorus and an active member of the Men of Leisure club, a social group that also performed charitable work. “He was a contributor. He believed in giving back and he gave back,” his daughter said.
A native of Manitowoc, Wis., Mr. Winter attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., and served in the Pacific during World War II. Upon returning to the United States, he worked as an engineer at a company that sold large diesel engines. He was later promoted to manufacturer’s representative and also worked as an independent sales representative for a number of companies.
Other survivors include two other daughters, Karen and Janet, his son Robert Jr., and three grandchildren; two sisters, Elaine Paschke and Marilyn Baryenbruch, and his brother, William. A service is scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. in St. John the Divine Lutheran Church, 10511 S. Oakley Ave.
