Lester William Winius, Little Chute, age 94, was released from his contract with God, six years early, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 with his family at his side.  He was born in Little Chute, the 12th of 13 children, on May 11, 1930 to the late Henry and Bertha (Driessen) Winius.  Les served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  On February 13, 1954 he was united in marriage to Patricia Alger, who preceded him in death on November 25, 2016.  Together, they raised seven children and owned and operated several businesses, including Morning Glory Dairy and Village Lanes, both in Little Chute.  Les was an avid bowler.  He was a member and Past Commander of the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 and heavily involved with the Little Chute Kiwanis Club.  Les was also on the Little Chute Windmill Committee, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a former President of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce.  He tended bar well into his 80's, enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, and playing cards, especially CRIBBAGE!  Les also enjoyed doing his weekly sign-ins at a few local taverns in Little Chute and sharing a good joke.  He was definitely one of a kind!

Les is survived by his children:  daughter-in-law, Darlene (Joe) Winius-Gries; daughter, Vicky (Joe) Ratzman; son, Scott Winius; daughter, Kim (Steve) Sturm; and daughter, Shelly (Tom) Evers; grandchildren:  Brent (Shana) Winius, Chris (TeeJay), and Erika Vandenberg; Jenny (Jason) Munson, Rachel (Dennis) Andreev; Kevin (Ashley) Sturm; Kelly (Dan) Maloney; Whitney (Jeff) Evers, Skyler (Theresa) Evers; and great grandchildren:  William, Thea, and Seth Winius; Ezra Winius and Kohen and Talon Vega; Aubrey Vandenberg; Mackenzie and Zach Munson, Elliot Andreev; Dakota (Emilie) Schuh and Tytan and Taz Sturm; Monroe Maloney; Ajax and Lumi Colbi, Lillian, Eleanor and Alice Evers.  Les is further survived by his sister-in-law, Dot Alger; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

In addition to his wife, Pat, he was preceded in death by his sons:  Albert Winius, Brian Winius, and Todd Winius; his grandson, Cory Sturm; and his siblings:  Bill (Pearl) Winius, Anna (Clem Van Zeeland Sr. and Paul) Dercks, Martha (Joe) Haupt, Albert Winius, Harriet (Bob) Masch, Agnes (Len) Sparkowski, Joe (Anna Mae) Winius, Alma (Gilbert) Doerschner, Ray (Elaine) Winius, Harold (Isie) Winius, Alice (John) Hermes, and Harry (Claire) Winius; and in-laws:  George (Gladys) Alger, Archie (Lorraine) Alger, Joyce (Robert) Schmidt, Bernard (Gloria) Alger, Robert (Bernadette "Cricket") Alger, June (Jake) Weber, John (Mary) Alger, Ron Alger, and Carol (David "Mickey") Elmergreen.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024 at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute) beginning at 1:00 p.m. until 3:45 p.m.  His funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., officiated by Deacon David Van Eperen.  Military honors, conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258, will immediately follow. Committal St. John Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice and the nurses and staff at Country Villa Assisted Living in Freedom.

Dad, rest easy.  We will miss you!                                                                                                                                                                          Love, your kids and grandkids