Vernon L. Winter

**Vernon Lee Winter, 86, Remembered for Dedication, Generosity, and Deep Family Love** 

Vernon Lee Winter, son of John P. and Annie (Lowen), was of the first generation to be born in the U.S. (March 5, 1939) upon his grandparents (Karl and Wilhelminia) immigrating from Ukraine to the Hillsboro, KS area. Vern grew up a farm boy and attended Lehigh High School where he was a four-year letterman in fast-pitch softball, basketball, and baseball, earning recognition as a formidable pitcher with a feared curveball.

Vern married his high school sweetheart, Janice Elaine Warkentin, in 1959. Together, they navigated life for over six decades, raising two sons, Douglas and Bryce, and building a legacy of faith, family, hard work, service to others, and enjoyment of all that is good in life.

Vern and Janice started their working lives together by performing Civil Service for two years at Lincoln General Hospital in Nebraska. Upon returning to Kansas, Vern developed his expertise in auto body work. For over two decades, Vern managed shops in Hillsboro and McPherson. In 1985, Vern and Janice founded the Vern Winter Body Shop in McPherson. For more than 30 years, they used their business to support and serve others in the community, as well as travelers. He was always generous with his time and knowledge, helping people through the stressful challenges that come with car accidents. Vern's compassion, reliability, and hard work became a lifeline for many in their times of need.

Vern loved the outdoors, and he ensured that passion was passed on to his boys, providing them with many treasured memories. Summer weekends and vacations were filled with boating, skiing, fishing, running trot lines, and group camping at Kansas lakes and in Colorado with friends and family. With the coming of fall, sloughs and fields were walked with his dog to hunt for pheasant and quail.

With his first two grandchildren being boys, Clay and Zach, it was only natural that Vern would plan hunting, fishing, and camping trips with them as well. He was also their biggest, most loyal supporter in countless youth basketball games. Also leading the memories with Grampa will be the outlandish, fantastical “chicken stories” he told them. Vern finally got to have little girls in his life with the coming of Gabrielle and Aubrey. Grandpa was an enthusiastic hunter and fisherman, yet he could often be found playing with dolls alongside his two granddaughters. Vern and Janice were dedicated followers of the girls in their many sports and academic events.

When the girls stayed with them, he and Janice loved having the girls ‘help’ them at the body shop. He helped teach each girl how to drive. All the grandchildren were blessed to have grandpa get them their first car. He loved, cherished, and supported his grandchildren.

Known for his humor and light-hearted antics, Vern would always turn family gatherings into a memorable event, often teaming up with his beloved sister Genny for laughter-filled, boisterous celebrations. Those who knew Vern will remember both his fun-loving nature and his deep, abiding compassion.

A devout Christian, Vern was active in the Mennonite Brethren Church during his early years in Hillsboro and later in the First Baptist Church of McPherson, setting a lasting example of faith and service for all who knew him.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Genevieve Abrahams, Delford Winter, and Adella Geortzen. He is survived by his beloved wife Janice, sons Douglas (Pam) and Bryce (Amy), and his grandchildren (Clayton, Zachary, Gabrielle, and Aubrey) and great grandchildren (Ozzy, Colt, Nessa, Natalie, and Juliet) who will always cherish his legacy. Vern will be remembered as a man of honesty, compassion, and fun-loving spirit; a devoted husband, father, grandpa, friend, and neighbor. His loving presence and unfailing support will be missed by all who knew him. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” – Psalm 73:26

Burial will be at Lehigh Cemetery at 9:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 10:30 at First Baptist Church (FBC) of McPherson on Thursday, September 11. The family invites friends and loved ones to a Celebration of Life Luncheon at 11:30 in the FBC Fellowship Hall to honor Vern's memory by sharing stories and laughter as he would have wished.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McPherson First Baptist Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.