William Winters

Winters, William MCFARLAND-Bill Winters was happiest with Shirley on his farm near McFarland, and this is where he passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009. His wife of 61 years cared for him until the end. Bill was born on the family farm in Montfort, Grant County, to his parents, Fanny and Tom Winters, on Nov. 9, 1923. His older brothers, John, Joe and Wilfred, all passed on before Bill. Wilfred remained Bills best friend, fishing buddy and haircut partner throughout their adult life. Bills early years were spent on the farm in Montfort and he eventually graduated from Montfort High School in 1941, and was the captain of his basketball team. His high grades admitted him to the School of Engineering, UW-Madison. Although Bill did not earn his degree, his engineering mind was his lifelong tool. He married Shirley Palan, of Highland, on June 2, 1947. After a few years of farming in Montfort, Bill and Shirley moved to Madison where Bill began his 20 year career at Gisholt Machine Company. Bill was a wizard with machines and tooling, and eventually became supervisor of the gear production department. In 1960, Bill and Shirley moved to their farm near McFarland. This was Bills favorite place where he could relax, farm, be outside and use his mechanical skills. The welder was always sparking, new parts were being fabricated and in between, he would relax on his riding lawnmower. Of course the whole family shared the work and learning. Eventually, Bill finished his career at Monona Tube and Welding in McFarland, retiring in 1986. He then built his lifelong dream, a cottage on the lake in St. Germain and this is one of the gifts he leaves to his children and grandchildren. Bill loved hunting, fishing and farming. He loved woodworking and working with metal, and all who knew him were amazed that he could fix absolutely anything, from a transmission to a refrigerator, to an electric motor. Bill was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church in McFarland, where his woodworking projects still grace the church. All who knew Bill will remember his integrity, kindness and willingness to help anyone. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Alice, Dr. Tom (June), and Jim; and grandchildren, Nick, Mandy, Elizabeth and Mike. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5306 Main St., McFarland, at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, with Father D. Stephen Smith presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, American Heart Association or the Parkinsons Disease Foundation. A special thanks to HospiceCare for their care to Bill and his family these past weeks.