"Our sympathy goes out to the Winter family. I remember growing up and going to the Winter home in Algona to play with Deb. We all also loved the beautiful home Bob built by the Algona Country Club. I remember his reel to reel sound system and sunked bathtub too - so ahead of the times. He raised a great family and I know will be missed."
In loving memory of
Robert D. "Bob" Winter
October 9, 2009
Interment: Calvary Cemetery ~ Algona, Iowa
Robert Dale Winter was born June 15, 1928, in Rolfe, Iowa, the son of William and Grace (Benoit) Winter. In 1934, the family moved to Algona where he attended and later graduated from St. Cecelia's Academy. After his schooling Bob began working at Robinson Construction.
On November 17, 1948, Robert was united in marriage to Ruth Forsberg at St. Cecelia's Catholic Church in Algona. They made their home in Algona for 38 years. Bob served in the United States Army during the Korean War and upon honorable discharge returned to work in Algona. In 1969, Bob started Winter Construction Company which he ran until 1986, when they moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he started Roberts Construction. He ran his business in Texas until 1997, when health issues forced him to retire.
Bob enjoyed hunting, woodworking, fishing, camping, cooking and gardening. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines and a past member of St. Cecelia Parish.
Robert died Thursday, October 8, 2009, at Hospice of Central Iowa - Kavanagh House on 56th Street in Des Moines, Iowa. He was 81.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth of West Des Moines; children, Marsha and Thomas Tubbs of Coon Rapids, MN; Diane Murphy of Mason City; William and Rose Winter of Springfield, MO; Cynthia and John Dybsky of Downers Grove, IL; Deborah and John Besch of Oakdale, MN; Bruce and Heidi Winter of Lakeville, MN; Steven and Deb Winter of Bettendorf; Jennifer and Tim Jameson of Waukee; 18 grandchildren; one great-grandson; one brother, Richard Winter of Fort Dodge and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Jim, William and Clarence Winter and a sister, Evon Cook.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa - Kavanagh House on 56th Street in Des Moines, 900 56th Street, Des Moines, IA 50312-1806.
Tributes
"I subscribe to the Algona paper from the Twin Cities and was saddened to read this evening of Bob's passing. My sympathy to the Winter family. Bob hired me as a summer laborer in June 1972 (at $2.00 per hour!) and I worked for Bob Winter's Construction for the next four summers. We built some great houses in Algona such as the Preibe and Williams homes during a period when agriculture and rural America were doing OK. I grew up on a farm and thought I knew what hard work was all about, but Bob intensified the lesson. Mike Salz and I still have caluses from digging all the post holes through that packed clay pad for the Hormel buying station that sits next to the river! It couldn't have cost THAT much to rent an auger! Nevertheless, I have nothing but great memories of my summer construction experience. Bob was not the greatest communicator -- he kind of grunted at his peon laborers -- but I carried in my wallet for many years a note he included in my last paycheck. It said something like 'Mike, you were a great employee -- keep up the hard work and you will go a long way in this world.' I thought that was very nice and it motivated me for many years. And I think it captured the real Bob Winter. Bob was a good man and I'm sure he will be missed by the Winter's family. Again, my deepest sympathy."
"I'm really sorry to hear of this death. My condolances go out to your family. sincerely, Danielle Wilson (Nikki)"
"Dear Ruth and family, When I was 18 years old, Bob gave me my first job in 1979 in Algona following the tornado. He was a good man to work for and I have thought about him often throughout the years. May God bless your family. He will be missed. Kevin Bruhn"
"Marsha Tubbs and Family: My sincere sympathy to all of you in your loss. I know this is the sad ending to a long and difficult time for all of you. I hope that good memories and time will heal the sadness you all must feel for the pain and suffering that has taken place. My thoughts and prayers are with you today. Nancy "
"Ruth & family Our sympathy to you on the death of Bob. In the time at Robinson Construction, Bob was a great craftsman and set an example to others to do their job. We will keep Bob and the family in our prayers Paul & Mary Jane Haverly"
"Love you Tim & Jen. We're there for you if you need anything. We won't be able to make it to the funeral, but will be there Sunday."