John Winchester

John Winchester, age 82, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 28. John was born in Kansas City, MO to his parents Joseph and Olive Winchester. He earned a Chemical Engineering degree at Kansas State University while playing football for the Wildcats, and later added a MBA degree at Central Michigan University. John worked with Dow Chemical Company for 37 years, retiring in 1998 as a Capital Planning Manager in the Corporate Product Department. Actively involved in the First United Methodist Church, John chaired the board of trustees and the finance committee for several years and participated in multiple mission trips to Louisiana and Mexico. John’s volunteer contributions as Treasurer with Michigan Trout Unlimited served to revitalize streams and enhance his catch and release fly fishing skills achieving a Master Angler award in 1999. He savored time with his family, sharing many of his passions including camping, downhill and cross-country skiing, and playing tennis. John loved traveling to fun destinations for special family vacations. In his retirement years, he enjoyed biking and hiking with his wife Jo, as well as traveling the world together while capturing their vacation memories as an amateur photographer. John also relished a good round of golf with his league friends. Survived by Jo, his wife of 60 years, and his three children, Jill (Jim) Koepke, Lori (Nick) Landwer, and Scott (Nikki) Winchester; and six grandchildren: Jack Landwer, Noah Landwer, John Koepke, Jeff Koepke, London Winchester, and Lyla Winchester. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 28 starting with visitation from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, service at 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm, and post service visitation 3:45pm - 4:15pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered in John’s name to the First United Methodist Church, 315 W. Larkin St., Midland, MI, 48640.