David R. Winter

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David R. Winter passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at his home after a short illness, with his family present.

He was the son of Attorney Douglas Winter and Ruth (Reichmann) Winter, Shawano-Gresham School District educator. His progenitors included early 17th century New England immigrants, Revolutionary War veterans and some of Shawano County’s earliest settlers. He graduated from Shawano High School and received degrees from University of Wisconsin-Madison undergraduate and UW Law schools.

He was an attorney, practicing in Shawano for nearly 40 years, during which time he had been municipal judge, assistant district attorney, United Way president, Shawano County Bar Association president, State Bar Association general practice section chairman, Shawano County Republican Party chairman, Eighth Congressional District chairman, State Republican Party executive committee member, 1999 state convention chairman, alternate delegate to the national convention in Houston, assistant scoutmaster, youth soccer league coach, Rotary president, Presbyterian church clerk of session and elder, administration commission member, tourism development fund committee member, and police and fire commission vice chairman.

David was an avid outdoorsman, fly-fisherman, progressive conservationist, and taught his son to appreciate nature as he did. He never regretted his years of very successful hunting, but later converted to competitive marksmanship, earning expert classification at state competitions. He rode in 100-mile bicycle events, ran in community races and earned many NASTAR medals in downhill skiing.

He valiantly pursued excellence in golf, and persistently coached his daughter, a Shawano Lake Golf Course club champion, all the way to the WIAA State Championship and a college golf scholarship, but he would be the first to tell you he was a good coach for everybody but himself.

He is survived by his children, Allison Winter, of Madison, and Patrick (Kaela) Winter, of Lake Mills; their mother, Lauren Winter, of Scottsdale, Arizona; grandchildren, Tristan Douglas and James David Winter; and siblings, Richard Winter (Kim Schmidt), of Appleton, Victoria Winter (Philip Ramlet), of Appleton, and Karla Winter, of San Diego, California.

David was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Douglas Winter.

He was a great father and grandfather, and he will be missed by many.

A public outdoor service will be held in front of the Chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m., followed by a private family gathering. Out of respect for the family and children, we ask that those not vaccinated please send their condolences by mail.

David Winter was an ardent reader who was often known to ban television, putting books in the hands of his children. An annual Shawano Elementary School Memorial Book Fund is being established in David R. Winter’s name. In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to the Winter family toward the establishment of that fund.

Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

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