Rev. Edith Winter

Edith (Lambers) Winter served her Lord and Savior as a faithful servant, and her family as a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Edie knew that there was nothing more valuable, more lasting or more rewarding in life than giving all you can possibly give of yourself to your family, your friends and to the Lord.

Edie was born on July 25, 1933, a time when the world was recovering from the ravages of The Great Recession. When her father brought Edie and her mother to her grandfather’s home, there was waiting a four year old sister, Kay. They lived with her grandfather until her father found a position and moved them to their new home in the south part of Oak Park, Illinois. Edie spent her elementary and high school days in Oak Park, Illinois. Edie was eligible to graduate in January, but wanted to stay until the spring graduation so that she could carry the red rose of graduation.

Following high school graduation, she attended a small Presbyterian school, Monmouth College, located in Monmouth Illinois. While at Monmouth, she sang in the college choir and enjoyed being a member of the synchronized swim team. Edie majored in vocal music, English and went on to teach school in a small central Illinois school district. After a year of teaching, she moved to her parents’ home in Saugatuck, Michigan.

Edie taught school for two years in Saugatuck and married Dale Winter on July 23, 1960. Following teaching, her varied interests included, teaching piano, consultant for Campfire International, served on The Communication Commission of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, also known as NACCC. While serving on the commission, she also served as interim editor of the NACCC magazine. At this point in time, she made a life changing decision to attend Western Theological Seminary. Edie was graduated with a degree of Master of Divinity and was ordained as a minister in The First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, where she served as interim pastor for two years. After serving the Saugatuck Church, her calling took her to Grand Junction, Michigan where she served her parishioners for 25 years. She was proud of many things at the church. One of the most trying times was the reconstruction after a devastating fire destroyed the historical church. Edie oversaw the construction of the new church and was proud to serve her congregation for several years after its completion.

During her time on earth, nothing was more important to Edie than her family. She was always very proud of her children and spouses, Bill and Kathy, Bob and Stephanie and Bruce and Alicia and her eight grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 2:00PM at The Community Church of Douglas, 6780 Wiley Road, Douglas, Michigan.

Visitation will be Friday 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 188 West 32nd St. Holland.

Burial will take place at Douglas Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland, First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, or Renew Therapeutic Riding Center.