Obituary for Roger Charles Winter

Roger Charles Winter, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, craftsman, and proud Iowan, passed away June 11, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, and quiet creativity.

Roger was born on July 27, 1941, son of Erwin and Henrietta Winter of Eldorado, Iowa. He attended the same country school as his parents and grandparents through the eighth grade, a reflection of his deep family roots. As Roger was the sole student in his class, he joked that he earned the distinction of being both the top student and the worst student in his class. He cherished those early years and the values they instilled.

On September 1, 1962, he married the love of his life, Bernice “Bernie” Gullickson, after the two met at Art’s Roller Rink in Ossian—a place that would forever hold special meaning in their story.

Roger graduated from North High School with the Class of 1959 and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964. In 2024, he was presented with the Quilt of Valor in recognition of his dedicated service and sacrifice.

Following his military service, Roger built a long and dedicated career with UPS, where his strong work ethic and reliability were hallmarks of his life.

Roger and Bernie shared 63 years together, cherishing their time spent in Calmar, Iowa during the summer months and in Mesa, Arizona during the winter. He was a devoted family man who found great joy in the love and companionship of those closest to him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bernie; his children, Valerie (Dave) Lechtenberg of West Union, Iowa, Craig Winter of Chandler, Arizona, and Vicki (Greg) Novak of Riverview, Florida; and his grandsons, Duane Lechtenberg and Eli Novak. He also held a special place in his heart for his honorary grandchildren, Emily (Dave) Casey, Ross (Cassie) Kurash, and Ashley (Cody) Greene, as well as his honorary great-grandchildren, Henry Roger, Ruthie Jean, and Betsy Ray Kurash.

Roger is further survived by his brother, Ronald (Ethel) Winter; his brothers-in-law, Lyle (Cheryl) Gullickson, Don (Linda) Gullickson, and Bruce (Marcia) Gullickson; his sisters-in-law, Jan (Ron) Helgerson and Marilyn (Tony) Brincks; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Henrietta Winter; his in-laws, Glen and Mabel Gullickson; his siblings, Gerald (Joann) Winter, Herbert (Jean) Winter, Delores (Duane) Pinney, and Carol Woodward; his grandchildren, Matthew and Nicole Winter; and his nephews, Adam Gullickson, Mitchell Brincks, and Brian Pinney.

Roger was known for his craftsmanship as an avid woodworker, creating treasured gifts and urns for family and friends—each piece made with care and love. He was a proud 50-year member of the Calmar Lions Club and gave generously of his time to his community. He also served as a past president of the South Winn Golf and Country Club, where he enjoyed many days on the course. His faith was important to him, and he was an active member and past president of Calmar Lutheran Church.

Roger had a passion for travel and embraced every opportunity to explore new places. He was well known for his sense of humor, always ready with a joke and a smile, bringing laughter to those around him. He also enjoyed golfing and time spent with friends, always bringing humor and a lighthearted spirit wherever he went. He was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan, rarely missing a chance to cheer on his team and sharing that passion with those around him.

Roger lived life with enthusiasm, always looking forward to the next challenge and the next step in life—and beyond.

Visitation for Roger C. Winter will be held at Calmar Lutheran Church in Calmar, Iowa, on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday, June 22. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church, with burial to follow at Calmar Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations may be directed to Calmar Lutheran Cemetery, Calmar Lutheran Christians in Action or WinnMed Hospice.