Ernest A. Winter

Ernest Albert Winter went to be with our Heavenly Father on September 26, 2007, at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, September 29, 2007, at Christ Lutheran Church, 4333 Cleveland, in Stevensville. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held Friday evening from 4:00 to 8:00 at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph and Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 at the church. Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, Christ Lutheran School, or to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on November 17, 1926. He grew up in Bay City, Michigan, where he attended St. Paul Lutheran School and the Bay City Public Schools. Ernest taught at Trinity Lutheran School in Sawyer, Michigan, in 1947. After graduation, he accepted a call to St. John Lutheran School in Forest Park, Illinois. On December 29, 1951, he married Louise Schoech. At the same time, he accepted a call to be teacher and principal at St. Paul Lutheran School in Farmington, Michigan. In 1963, Winter accepted the call as teacher and principal of Christ Lutheran School. In 1982, he continued as principal, but gave up the classroom to assume the role of Family Life Minister at Christ Lutheran. He performed these duties until his retirement in 1989. Additionally he directed the school choir, played the organ, worked with the youth, and coached some athletic teams. He started a school newspaper and a student government. Ernie was called on to serve as chairman of the Michigan Lutheran Principals Conference. He also served the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as a member of the Evangelism Board and also the Stewardship Board His entire professional career was dedicated to working in Lutheran schools and churches. Ernest was presented with the “Teacher of The Year” award in 1980. His wife has given immeasurable assistance and encouragement throughout his career. The Winters are grateful to God for the very many blessing that He has given them in both family and career. Ernie also enjoyed antique cars, humorous stories, and writing. Ernie is survived by his beloved wife, Louise; sister, Marion Bishop of Minneapolis; two sons: Timothy (Gaylin) Winter of St. Joseph and Rev. Thomas Winter of Pearsall, Texas; two daughters: Deborah (Klaus) Nixdorf of Stevensville and Rebecca (Jeffrey) Eminger of Grand Haven; grandchildren: Micah and Ethan Winter, Heidi (Bryan) Sorensen, Eric Nixdorf, Sarah and Elisabeth Eminger; and one great-grandchild, Emily Sorensen. Three children, David, Susannah, and Elizabeth, preceded him in death.