William Irwin Winchester

William Irwin Winchester, 75, of DeWitt, Iowa, died Friday afternoon, September 1, 2017, in his home.

He was born May 27, 1942 in East Cleveland, Ohio, to the late John and Mary Louise (Irwin) Winchester.  Bill lived in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, with his four brothers, John, Michael, David and James and favorite sister, Ann.  He attended St. Ann School and St. Ignatius High School.   Bill served his country in the United States Army from September of 1966 until January of 1968 in South Korea. He worked for an Adjutant General handling many personnel issues, and received an Army Commendation for Meritorious Service.  Bill then went to work for Cen-Pe-Co as office traffic manager in Cleveland which led to his moving to the Iowa headquarters as overall traffic manager.  Over the years he handled legal paper work, sales and many other important tasks.

While in Iowa Bill met his future wife Cathy and became a father figure to and helped raise Cathy's sons, Nate and Patrick Lester. Nate and his wife, Erin live in Alpha, Illinois, and Patrick and his wife, Jessica and their son, Jonas live in Elvira.  Bill became a proud grandfather to Jonas.  They would spend hours playing games, and Bill would read the comics and books to him and watch children's shows.

Family and friends all describe Bill as a fun, kind and loving man.  He generously spent many years as a football coach both in Cleveland and Durant.  He was very attached to his 62 nephews and nieces with two more on the way.  As Bill's health started to fail,and word got out, he received hundreds of emails, posts and phone calls from his friends and former players. The last thing he said to the love of his life Cathy was, “Do not take my ring off. I’ve had it on for 27 years, I’m not taking it off now!”

The family will receive friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt from 2:00 until 3:45 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017.  A service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home with The Rev. Jealaine Marple officiating.  A Celebration of Life will follow from 6:00 until 10:00 p.m. at The Filling Station, 305 East 35th Street, Davenport.  Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Cleveland.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt, and Communion of Saints Parish at St. Ann, Cleveland.