Obit: Winger, Jean D. (1939 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Winger, Mattes, Kuester, Price, Flashinski, Szabla, Schleicher

----Source: THORP COURIER 15 Apr 2020

Winger, Jean D. (21 AUG 1939 – 5 APR 2020)

Jean D. Winger, age 80, Cadott, WI, died on Sunday, April 5, 2020, in Surprise, Arizona.

Jean Dawn Mattes was born August 21, 1939 in the Town of Reseburg, rural Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.), to Philip C. and Elmira (Kuester) Mattes. She was raised on the family farm, attended Reseburg School, and graduated from Thorp High School in 1957. Jean then went on to the University of Wisconsin, Madison and Kansas State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She married Dr. Daniel Mead Winger on June 27, 1959, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Thorp, WI. Together they established the Cadott Animal Clinic, where Jean was a surgical assistant, dog groomer, and inventory clerk. She was also a teacher, horse woman, gourmet cook, and mother to Michele and Paul. In retirement, the couple became snowbirds, splitting their time between Cadott, WI and Surprise, Arizona.

Jean was a world traveler, who accomplished her life goal of visiting the seven wonders of the modern world: Machu Picchu, Chechen Itza, the Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, Petra in Jordan, Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil, and the Roman Colosseum. She was a devout member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cadott, WI, and Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Sun City Grand, Arizona. Jean was also a member of Bridge Club, Women’s Club, and the library board.

She was a loving, generous, and beautiful person, who inspired her children and grandchildren to earn advanced degrees. She was there for every one of their graduations. Life was a challenge. She had polio in the 1950’s and later developed Crohn’s Disease, which contributed to her passing. She lived by the five L’s of Life, which are Live, Learn, Love Laugh, and always reminded her husband to “listen.”

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Daniel Mead Winger; her children: Michel (Richard) Price of Stanley and Paul Winger of Chippewa Falls; her grandchildren: Victoria (Jeff) Flashinski of Thorp, Alexandra (Jamy) Szabla of New Hope, Minnesota, and Dr. Nathan Price of Le Sueur, Minnesota; her great-grandchildren: Azaylea Price, Bradley, Clayton and Lucas Flashinski, Audrina, Ava Leigh, and baby Szabla; and one niece, Laura (Thomas) Schleicher of Oconomowoc, WI.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Philip “Fibber”, Marlyn, and Donald Mattes; and one nephew, Fred Mattes.

She will be laid to rest in Sylvan Cemetery in the Town of Reseburg, rural Thorp, WI. The family will hold a memorial service to be announced at a later date. God Bless.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.