Gilbert Winter

Gilbert A. Winter age 84 of New Hampton, IA, formerly of Waucoma, died Saturday, October 10, 2020, at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of natural causes. 

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, at St. Mary’s Catholic church, Waucoma, with Rev. Nick Radloff celebrating the Mass. 

Public graveside services were held at 11:15 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2020, at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Waucoma. 

Arrangements are entrusted with Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Waucoma. 

Gilbert was born July 22, 1936, in New Hampton, IA, the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Nolte) Winter, and along with his older brother, he grew up on the family’s farm, where both Winter boys helped their father with chores. 

Gilbert began his education at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Waucoma and then transferred to Waucoma High School, where he was the president of the Class of 1954. 

After graduating from high school, he continued to work on the family farm, and in his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, making numerous cedar chests for family and friends. 

In the early 1960s, Gilbert was partially paralyzed after a fall in a grainery, but he didn’t let it slow him down and he lived a long, active life. He moved to Key Largo, Florida, which is part of the upper Florida Keys. It was there that he developed a love for deep-sea fishing, and he caught his fair share of big fish. But his most prized catch was probably the trophy Atlantic Tarpon he caught years ago. 

Gilbert would return home, thanks to a custom-made car he drove, and he loved taking fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada with old friends. He was also always up for a game of cards; it didn’t matter the game, he was always ready to get the deck shuffled and ready to play. 

Gilbert lived a good life, and he kept his faith to the end, attending Mass whenever he could. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma and also had a church he regularly attended when he lived in Florida. 

Gilbert is survived by one brother, Eugene (Barbara) Winter of Hawkeye, IA; nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death.