Donald W. Winter

Donald W. Winter, 79, of Linn, Kan., died Sunday, December 2, 2018 at the Washington County Hospital.Visitation was Wednesday, December 5, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Ward Funeral Home in Linn.  The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m.A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 6, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Linn with Pastor David Gruoner officiating.  Eunice Beier was organist and the congregation sang “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,”  “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “How Great Thou Art.” Pallbearers were Brett Nutsch, Frank Nutsch, Logan Winter, Riley Winter, Austin Winter and Zach Winter. Burial was in Zion Lutheran Cemetery. On January 22, 1939, Don was born to Walter and Bertha (Dankenbring) Winter on the family farm Northwest of Linn.  He was baptized on January 29, 1939.   He graduated from Linn Rural High School in 1958.  Following High School Don joined the work force.  In October of 1961 Don was inducted into the U.S. Army.  He trained as a rocket crewman and later as a communications specialist.  While in the army he was recognized with a badge for sharp shooting.  He spent 13 months in Korea before returning to the States in 1963, and then served in the Army National Guards until being honorably discharged on September 30, 1967.  On May 16, 1965 Don was united in marriage to Shirley Ruth Boerger, daughter of Ervin and Martha Boerger.  They lived in Linn, KS for their entire 53 years of marriage.  Don worked for the Washington County Creamery, Singulars Furniture Store, The Bulldog Inn, USD 223, and Linn Post and Pipe.  He retired from Linn Post and Pipe in 2009 at the age of 70.  In addition to his work, Don enjoyed maintaining the lawns of many elderly Linn residents for over 20 years    Don was an active member in the Linn Community Booster Club and Zion Lutheran Church in many capacities.   He excelled at football in HS and always enjoyed watching football and other sports all of his life.  He coached his kids in summer baseball, attended every single one of their activities and worked on the Linn HS Football Chain Crew for 25 years.  He loved the Bulldogs, Wildcats, Chiefs, Royals, and spending time with his family.    Don was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Bertha, and brother Paul.  He is survived by his wife Shirley of Linn, daughter, Lori (Jim) Nutsch of Linn, son Kerry (Misty) Winter of Overland Park, son Tim (Kerri) Winter of Wamego, son Rick Winter of Edina, MO, sister Shirley (Loren) Knight of Wahoo, NE, 11 grandchildren, and two step-grandchildren A memorial fund has been established to Zion Lutheran Church.  Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald W. Winter, please visit our flower store.