Milwaukee – Walter Eugene Winchell, age 81, passed away unexpectedly at Sunrise Care Assisted Living in Milwaukee on Friday, December 2, 2022.

Walter was born in Hardwood, MI on March 8, 1941 to the late Stuart and Arletta (nee: Frankie) Winchell.  On August 28, 1965, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Donna Mae Groy. In his younger years, Walter worked as a bellman for The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. For most of his career, he served in maintenance / painter for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. In retirement, Walter & Donna lived in Peshtigo, WI where he proudly served as a crossing guard for the local school system.

Among his interests, Walter was an avid fisherman & hand crafted special lures. He was also quite the artist – having completed many painting in his lifetime. Above all, Walter loved being in the surroundings of his entire family.

Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Donna; their children, Walter W. (Ronie) Winchell, Lisa (Michael) Swendrowski and Ted Winchell; grandchildren, Stevie (Mike), Sarh, Makenzie, Cody (Ellen), Caylee (Tony), Collin, Jessica, Jeremy & Machaela (Alex); great-grandchildren, Anthony, Aiden, Lorraine, Breille, Jada, Cade & EJ; sisters, Bonnie Fluegge and Barbara Schwartz; brothers, Ray (Peggy) Winchell, Richard Winchell & William (Diane) Winchell; brother-in-law, Lawrence Groy; sisters-in-law, Janice Groy, Carolyn (Clyde) Born and Pheris Groy; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his brother, Roy Winchell;  Donna's parents, Max and Dorothy (nee: Vankirk) Groy and by brother-in-law, James Groy.

In accordance with Walter's wishes, a private family gathering will be held to celebrate his life.