Robert Winter

June 3rd, 1941 - February 13th, 2011

Robert 's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Robert here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Joanna, you have our extreme sympathy and love for your loss of Bob. He was the one that was always there for us or anyone who was doing anything to see if he could help. When Bud retired and were led by Don and Jan, Bob and Don were the backbone of getting things accomplished. With Vandenboschs departure, with Dick and Cathy, Bob kept us all going, our road (all seasons) and all the equipment, it took to do this. Carol and I loved him and you Joanna, and pray that he departed in peace in the arms of our Lord and that the Lord would strengthen you in the true faith unto life eternal.

Our love,
Bill and Carol

You don't know how much we wish we could be there with you in your time

Bill & Carol Bahlmann

DEAR JOANNA & FAMILY ~ WE WERE SO SADDENED WHEN WE RECEIVED YOUR EARLY MORNING CALL ON THE 13TH TELLING US THAT BOB HAD PASSED AWAY. WE KNEW IT WAS INEVITABLE, BUT IT IS STILL DIFFICULT WHEN THE "INEVITAGLE" COMES. WE BOTH LOVED BOB - HE WAS ALWAYS THERE, DAY AFTER DAY. BOB WAS THE ISLAND "HELPER" & PROVIDED AN ENDLESS SUPPLY OF ANY TOOL IMAGINEABLE & THE WISDOM TO USE THEM FOR ANY PROJECT. OUR LAST IMAGE OF BOB WAS WHEN WE LEFT THE ISLAND TO COME TO FL FOR THE WINTER. HE WAS ON HIS RIDING MOWER, A BIG SMILE, & A WAVE. WE JUST CAN'T IMAGINE OUR LIFE ON THE ISLAND WITHOUT HIM! WE KNOW HE IS AT PEACE WITH NO PAIN, & HAVING EVERLASTING LIFE WITH OUR LOVING GOD. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY WITH WE WILL ALL BE REUNITED IN THAT PLACE WE CALL HEAVEN. GOD BLESS YOU, JOANNA.
LOVE, JUDY & TOM

Judy & Tom Jung

Joanna, we had so much fun with Bob, Bill, Tom, Dick, and many others on the island. We remember the many carefree evening boat rides with Bob, the amazing fish fries, Bob's immediate help when the tree fell on our roof, his pleasure in building the new house, his joy in having his own work space, and on and on. We depended on him for plowing snow, for grading the road, for his help in organizing the Saddle Lake Owners Association, etc. What a huge vacuum he leaves on the island. He was a very talented and compassionate man. May God ease the life you now face without him.

Don & Jan VandenBosch

Mrs. Winter, Troy, Kelly, Stacy & families. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Bob. He was such a kind man & I thank God for having had the opportunity to have known him, however briefly. May the happy memories you have of your dad/your husband, be a source of comfort in this most sad & difficult time. Don't think of him as gone away--his journey's just begun, for life holds so many facets--this earth is only one. Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears, in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days or years. Think of how he must be wishing that we could know today, how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched...for nothing loved is ever lost---and Bob was loved so much. With sympathy, Judy Lonergan

Judy Lonergan

Where do you begin to say goodbye to such a good friend. Bob will be missed so very much. I never felt alone when I was on the island alone, I always knew if I needed anything, He would be there. He always was, THERE for any and all of us on the Island. I will miss our talks by the barn, the teasing. Al and I feel the Island will never be the same. I pray for you Joanna, I know the days ahead will be hard for you. May you find comfort in knowing that he is with Jesus now.

Rosemarie and Al Rabiola

Dear Bob,
I'm going to miss you very much you were my best friend and like a brother to me. I will miss all the memories as well as the good and bad times. We have been through alot all the fishing, hunting and travels were highlights of our friendship. The start of it all was fulfilling our dreams by helping each other built our lake houses on the island. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to enjoy our retirement together. But now that you are in a better place save some fish for me. And like we have said before it not the length of your rod but its how wiggle your worm. God bless!!
Bill Krolak

Bill Krolak

Yesterday I had to say good bye to you daddy, but I still am not ready to let you go. It still does not seem real to me. I am expecting you to walk into the room with your arms wide open so I can hug you one last time. I know that you are in a better place and no longer in pain, and I know that grandma and grandpa were ready for you with open arms to welcome you home. Make sure when your up there playing UNO, you show them your winning game dance. Haley will miss your fight about who is "uglier". She said she wishes she could have told you that one more time. And I can't forget Papi, he is going to miss the treats you gave him and all the love he got from you. He loved when you came to the house, he was on spolied little dog! I miss you so much dad, you and I have gotten so close over the years, you were such a great Grandpa to the girls and they love you so much and were so proud to have you in their lives. We all love you so much and will miss you!

Kelly Winter

Dear Grandpa,
I didn't write anything on here for awhile because i would just break down & cry, but now i think i can do this. You we're my biggest hero, you always made sure i was getting treated right by guys, You also always told me i never needed anybody but my grandpa, which is true life hasn't been the same . 4th of july just passed, i went to ribfest in naperville and when the fireworks came on , i broke down & cried at told my friend that last 4th of july i was with my grandpa on the boat watching fireworks. I miss you . I miss you taking us tubing , always had to make sure you had your tanning oil & sunglasses on. Rest in peace grandpa , you'll forever be my guardian angel , my favorite grandpa and my hero . Rest in peace !
I love you .
- Courtney