Birgit Juhl Winterle

Birgit Juhl Winterle, most loving wife, beloved mother and grandmother passed away in her home with family by her side on March 29, 2025. Born on October 22, 1939, to Einer and Marthine (nee: Madsen) Larsen in Arhus, Denmark, Birgit would spend her youth in Silkeborg, growing up with sister, Inger, and brothers, Henning and Ove, where Danish traditions and culture took hold in her heart. In 1955 on her 16th birthday, Birgit and her family immigrated to the United States destined for Racine, Wisconsin to begin their new lives. Birgit was thrilled and honored the day she became a naturalized citizen.

After graduating from Park High School, Birgit began her working years at Webster Electric and later Mamco. A co-worker (matchmaker and future sister-in-law) would introduce Birgit to her lifelong partner and true love, Robert Jay Winterle, via blind date. Birgit’s life would soon shift to focus on her greatest passion, starting a family of her own.

Birgit and Robert married on October 12th, 1968. A natural caregiver, Birgit would become a stay-at-home mother blessed with two children. Birgit and Robert celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Door County together with their children and grandchildren. Birgit and Robert enjoyed Lake Michigan, entertaining friends and family in their home for 56 wonderful years together.

Birgit was a fantastic baker and gourmet cook, sometimes giving her dad, founder of Larsen’s Bakery, some tips on baking. If you knew Birgit, you knew her Christmas cookies that she baked with love for family and friends. She was an avid book reader and other interests included needle point, home renovation projects, feeding the neighborhood birds, gardening and flowers. Birgit’s grandchildren were her greatest joy, their interests and escapades held dear to her heart.

With her Danish heritage deeply imprinted on her heart, Birgit made it her mission to return to Denmark with her family, a once in a lifetime excursion. A visit to her hometown of Silkeborg sharing her family home and father’s bakery, visiting with distant relatives, attending the church where she was baptized and confirmed, and exploring Copenhagen created lifelong memories for her family.

Birgit was a longtime and active member of Pentecost Lutheran Church. She and her friend Ellen hosted many coffee hours during Advent and Lent with their various desserts.

She is survived by her loving husband Bob, her son Brian (Sarah) Winterle, and her daughter Tina Winterle (Jed) Alpert. She was “Farmor” to her grandsons Lars Jacob and Soren Juhl Winterle, and “Mormor” to Nolan Ace, Caleb Henning, and Lilah Eve Alpert. Also survived by her sister Inger Penner, nephews, nieces, and In-laws: Donald and Wally Winterle, Marge Merrill and Carol Winterle and other relatives in the U.S. and Denmark.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Ove and Henning Larsen, her Father and Mother In-Law Reinhard and Meta Winterle, her grandson Gabriel Winterle, and In-Laws: Reinhard, Richard, Harold, Lawrence, Marlene, Clariss, Anne, Cathy, and Betty Jo Winterle, Marshal (Jerry) Merrill, Charles Penner, and other relatives in the U.S. and Denmark.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Pentecost Lutheran Church, https://www.pentecost-racine.org/offerings. Memorial Funeral services will be held at Pentecost Lutheran Church, 2213 Coolidge Ave. with Rev. Brady Retzlaff officiating at 11 AM on April 16th. Visitation to commence at 10:00 AM. A private burial was held at Graceland Cemetery on April 4th.