Robert "Bob" J. Winterle

Robert Jay Winterle (Bob), most loving husband, beloved father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his home, entering eternal life on January 31, 2026.

Born on July 30, 1938, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Reinhard and Meta (née Schlei) Winterle, Bob lived his entire life in the community he loved. He attended St. John’s Lutheran Elementary School and graduated from Racine Lutheran High School in 1956, forming the Christian foundation that guided his life and his family.

In early adulthood, Bob served in the Army Reserve and began his nearly 40 year career at Western Publishing Company, moving from manufacturing into Computer Operations. He continued his career at Fiserv in Brookfield before retiring in May 2005.

On October 12, 1968, Bob married Birgit J. Larsen, the love of his life and forever companion. Introduced via blind date arranged by his sister, Marge, they would go on to share 56 wonderful years together. Their love was deep and enduring, growing stronger through each season of life.

Through Birgit, Bob embraced Danish culture with pride and a deep sense of belonging. Sunday dinners with the Larsen’s full of story-telling, a family trip to Denmark to meet Birgit’s cousins and celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Door County created lifelong memories.

Bob loved nature, gardening, and Lake Michigan, and never missed a day of the Journal Times. He enjoyed mystery novels, opera, and trips to New York City exploring art museums, Central Park and Broadway shows. A devoted family man with a gift for dad jokes, he happily helped with school projects, Brian’s early morning paper route, and walking the family dogs. A true “Father Christmas,” he delighted in decorating trees, wrapping gifts, delivering Birgit’s Christmas cookies and giving generously.

Bob was a devoted member of Pentecost Lutheran Church, serving on Church Council, assisting with communion, ushering and volunteering wherever needed.

Bob found special joy in being “Farfar,” reveling in his grandchildren’s vibrant personalities, laughter and antics, which filled him with pride and endless happiness.

Bob’s wit and humor never faded. He recognized God in the wonders of the world and carried a quiet enthusiasm for family, faith and the simple rhythms of daily life. His legacy lives on in the love he gave, the faith he modeled and the quiet reassurance he brought to all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his son Brian (Sarah) Winterle, and daughter Tina Winterle (Jed) Alpert. He was "Farfar" to his five grandchildren, Lars Jacob and Soren Juhl Winterle, and Nolan Ace, Caleb Henning, and Lilah Eve Alpert. Also survived by his siblings, Donald, Wally, and Marge Merrill. Sisters-in-law Carol Winterle and Inger Penner, numerous nieces and nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Birgit, grandson Gabriel David Winterle, Father and Mother-In-Law Einer and Marthine Larsen (who treated Bob like their own son), Siblings: Reinhard (Bud), Richard, Harold (Butch), and Lawrence. In-laws: Ove and Henning Larsen, Marlene, Clariss, Anne, Cathy, and Betty Jo Winterle, Marshall (Jerry) Merrill, Charles Penner, and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Pentecost Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held at Pentecost Lutheran Church, 2213 Coolidge Ave. with Rev. Brady Retzlaff officiating at 12 pm, on Monday, February 16th, 2026, with visitation from 11 am until time of service. A private burial will be at Graceland Cemetery.