Monday, January 20, 2025
Jan Ernest Winter, age 93, of Eagle River, WI, and formerly of St. Paul, MN, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving daughters.
He was a man of immense humor and wisdom, possessing a youthful spirit throughout his life.
Born on July 28, 1931, in Cologne, Germany, Jan moved to the United States at the age of eight, settling in Milwaukee, WI. He attended St. Andrew’s-Sewanee Military Academy, a private Episcopal boarding school in Tennessee.
Jan served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953, working in Germany and managing railroad stations.
On May 27, 1960, he met and married Elizabeth (Betsy) Menrath at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Milwaukee, WI. They later moved to St. Paul, MN, where they had two daughters, Susan Winter and Heidi (Jeff) Dunn. Jan was a proud grandfather to two grandchildren, Parker Dunn and Morgan (Connor) Showalter, and great grandfather to Olivia Showalter.
Jan had a successful career as a business development manager, specializing in the sale of desalination machines, which took him on travels across the United States. With his delightful sense of fun and intelligence, he embraced life and certainly never met a stranger.
In 1998, Jan retired and moved to Eagle River, WI, where he continued to chase his dreams and stay active through snow skiing, golf, tennis, squash, and snowmobiling, among other activities.
He cherished the warmth of winters in Florida and dedicated many summers to working on the golf course as a starter and ranger until the age of 91. Known for his engaging conversations, he always kept himself informed about the latest world news.
Our father was like the mayor of his community; it wasn’t about the number of people he knew, but rather the way he made them feel after spending time with him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Hans Winter, as well as his sister, Margaret, and wife, Elizabeth Winter.
A celebration of his remarkable life will be held in the summer of 2025.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com
