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Timothy Winter

Timothy Ernest “Tim” Winter

April 20th, 1953 - June 18th, 2022

Tim's Obituary

Timothy Ernest Winter, devoted husband and father went to be with his Lord on Saturday, June 18, following a brief illness. He was sixty-nine.

A beloved educator of over 42 years, 29 of which were spent at St. Joseph Public Schools. Timothy touched countless lives. His family is devastated by his passing.

Born in April 20, 1953 in Detroit to Ernest and Louise Winter, Timothy moved with his family to St. Joseph at age 10. He graduated from Christ Lutheran School and St. Joseph Senior High School with honors. He attended Concordia College-Ann Arbor & Concordia Lutheran Teachers College, Seward, Nebraska, graduating summa cum laude from both. Tim served as class president at each school. He later earned his Master’s degree, again summa cum laude, in Education Administration from Eastern Michigan University. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, served on numerous community boards, and was awarded the 1985 Concordia College-Ann Arbor Outstanding Alumnus.

Timothy devoted his life to the service of others, teaching and serving in school administration his entire career. He shared his talent for teaching, administration, and enthusiastic sense of humor at Hosanna-Tabor Lutheran School, Concordia University-Ann Arbor, Saginaw Valley Lutheran High School, Trinity Lutheran School in Traverse City, and both Brown School and Upton Middle School in St. Joseph.

As an educator, Tim served as assistant principal at Upton Middle School. He led the Chess club, soccer coach, Odessey of the Mind, and numerous other roles. (please add other positions).

In 1976, Timothy married the love of his life, Gaylin (Grebasch) Winter. They have two sons, Micah Winter of Kalamazoo, MI, and Ethan (Sarah) Winter of Portage, MI.

Tim had many passions in his life; foremost his family whom he loved deeply. Other passions included his friends, rescuing dogs, fine bourbons, mysteries, and antiques. A consummate host, Timothy and Gaylin enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their home in St. Joseph. He also enjoyed singing with the Christmas Cantata Choir at Trinity Lutheran Church in Glendora, MI. Known for his sense of humor and ability to tell hilarious stories, he lifted all those around him with laughter, comfort, and wisdom.

Throughout the years, Gaylin and Tim rescued and loved dogs, especially greyhounds. In retirement, they pursued their love of vintage and antique items by starting G&T Nostalgia, whereby they maintained antique markets in Coloma and South Haven, MI.

They are members of Christ Lutheran Church in Stevensville, MI.

Timothy is survived by his wife and sons; his beloved daughter-in-law, along with his mother, Louise Winter, of St. Joseph. He is also survived by his siblings: brother-in-law, Kenneth (Jan) Grebasch of Villa Park, IL; brother, Rev. Thomas Winter of Pearsall, TX; sisters, Deborah (Klaus) Nixdorf of Stevensville, and Rebecca (Jeff) Eminger of Grand Haven, MI. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and -nephew.

Timothy’s in-laws, Harold and Irma Grebasch; brother-in-law, Douglas Grebasch; father, Ernest Winter preceded him to the Lord.

There will be a private funeral service for the family on July 15 and a Celebration of Life will be forthcoming where friends and community are invited to join the family and share their remembrances of Tim. Memorials may be made to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, www.mottchildren.org. or ASPCA, www.secure.aspca.org. Those wishing to leave an online memory may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.



Memorial Contributions

Please click a link below to make a memorial contribution. Checks to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital should be made payable to University of Michigan with a note on the memo line to C.S Mott Children's Hospital.


Service Details

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