Daniel James Winter
Daniel James Winter left this earthly existence around 10am and was legally pronounced dead at noon on May 14, 2024 at the age of 72. He was born in Decatur Illinois at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was among the first graduating class of the new Champaign Illinois high school in 1970. Predeceased by: His father James Everett Winter and his mother Leah Virginia (Heneghan )Winter.
Survived by his loving wife, Mary Kathryn (Herbst) Winter of 40 years. Lovingly remembered by 5 Sons (Samuel James, Josiah Matthew, Andrew David, Noah Daniel and Matthew Paul); 4 daughters in love (Heather, Stephanie, Shannon and Monika); 7 grandchildren (Evie Alice, Calla Mae, Lucy Rose, Elsie Marie, Henry Joseph, Silas James and at 6 weeks, Levi Dorian); 5 ‘bonus’ grandchildren (Elijah, Abbi, Churchill, Edison and Theodore); 1 brother, David Andrew Winter, and 2 sisters Mary Ellen Goldsmith and Barb Stansbury, and many many nieces and nephews.
Daniel loved God and Country; he loved the United States Constitution and prayed that it never perishes from this land; he was amazed by the founding fathers and their thought that gave us the Constitution. Written in the law of the land that we are one nation under GOD, that all are created by God, and that we all have rights given to us by God that we the people and God will defend. Dan loved, loved loved to read. One of his favorite books he read over and over (besides the Bible) was “The Last Centurian” by John Ringo, one of his most favorite authors. Dan said that John Ringo really impressed him because the pulp fiction author showed the best side of humanity.
He loved his family very much and knew that we were a gift to his life and he treasured us as a gift from God. He was a lay-minister, that met his wife at a Bible College, and they home-schooled and raised their family on the truth from God’s Word. They ran home family fellowships their whole married life and taught many others to do the same – “This is the strength of America”- the church (ekklesia) in the home, as it was in the book of Acts, and he was our principal, our pastor, our teacher. His favorite verse is from the book of Daniel 12:1. And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust shall awake….
The Winter Family had a living memorial at his home in Fenton Missouri for 5 days before his passing at home.
Could you insert Centennial after Champaign for his high school – so…Champaign Centennial High School
Beautiful obituary.
Mary, you have a beautiful family. You all have our deepest sympathies. George and I will pray for comfort at this time.