Donald K. Winrich

Donald “Don” K. Winrich, age 84 of Appleton, WI joined the embrace of his Lord and Savior on April 7, 2023.  He was born to Kenneth and Myrtle (Kraege) Winrich on October 4, 1938 in Tomahawk, WI.  Don graduated from Cornell High School with the class of 1956 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.  Don married Joyce Strupp in March of 1996 and blended their families from their previous relationships to create one big, beautiful family.  

Don was quite the community leader.  He was involved in a few different organizations, including Ducks Unlimited and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.  Don was always a curious man, spending large amounts of time learning all he could, often while wrapped up in a book.  He enjoyed much of his free time, golfing, skiing or fishing.  Don was also a faithful converted Catholic and had a deep love for God and the Church.  More than anything, though, Don was a family man.  He was so proud of his kids, his grandkids, and his great-grandkids and spent as much time as he possibly could with everyone in his family.  

Don will be greatly missed by his wife, Joyce; his children, Kent (Donna) Winrich, and Kurt (Jennifer) Winrich; his step-daughters, Julie (Rich) Buss and Jennifer (Charlie) Esp; his grandchildren, Nathan (Christine) Winrich, Alex (Alex) Winrich, Evan and Cooper Winrich, Mitch (friend - Madison) Buss, Nic (Kaitlyn) Buss, Haley (friend - Billy) DeKeyser and Hannah DeKeyser, Alahna Esp, Shannon (Gerry) Marengo, and Tori Mann; his great-grandchildren, Freya and Finn Winrich, Cece and Madelynn Buss, and Caroline Marengo; his siblings, Karen (Doug) Todd, Ralph Winrich; his siblings-in-law, Charlotte (Wally) Nelson, Joan (Joe) Dautermann, Carol (Mic) LaCrosse, and Randy (Mary) Strupp; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends. 

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Myrtle Winrich.  

A funeral visitation will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 9-11 AM at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine St, Appleton, WI with a funeral mass to follow at 11 AM.  Don will be laid to rest in West Bend, WI.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Bernard Parish in honor of Don’s wishes.  

The family would like to extend a special thanks to First Responders and the staff in the ER and the ICU at Theda Clark Regional Medical Center.