Louise Caroline Winter

Just after sunrise on Easter morning, April 12, 2020, Louise Caroline Winter, age 95 of Sterling Heights, was freed from her earthly battle with Alzheimer’s disease and entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith had become sight and her hope had become a glorious reality.

Louise was born on October 13, 1924 in Detroit to John and Katherine (Rooke) Emmert. On February 21, 1948, she married Carl Frederick Winter in Detroit. Louise was preceded in death by her husband Carl (November 11, 1996) and two of her sons, William (June 12, 2010) and Timothy (September 10, 2004). She is survived by three of her children, Robert (Anne), Richard (Karen) and Debbie (Jeff) VanEvery; her daughter-in-law Marge Winter; her eight grandchildren, Elisabeth, Kathy (Jonathan) DeRuischer, Suzanne, Jeremiah (Dorothy), Haleigh (Peter) Nelson, Chris, Michael (Merrill) Hull, Melissa (Austin) Rummel; and seven great-grandchildren, Jackson, Noah, Grace, Judah, Faith DeRuischer and Emily and William Winter.

In her childhood, Louise understood her need to be saved from the penalty of sin and placed her trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ whom she loved and served for the rest of her earthly life. As a child she attended Birkett Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Oak Park for many years before her family moved to Sterling Heights and joined Bethany Baptist Church of Clinton Township.

One of Louise’s many loves was music. She used her vocal talent and sang in the choir at both churches for many years. She did her best to encourage her children to learn and love music as much as she did. Even as her mind began to deteriorate, she was still able to sing some of her favorite old hymns and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” She served on the music committee at Bethany for several years. Another one of Louise’s great passions was missions. She served on the missions committee at both churches and enjoyed entertaining missionaries in her home.

Her greatest contribution was to her family. She exemplified the love of Christ to her husband, children and grandchildren. She made sure her children did their Sunday School lessons and learned their memory verses—and also their homework! She prayed that they would come to faith in Jesus Christ. She was the “glue” that kept the family together in times of difficulty.

After her children were grown, Louise worked for the city of Sterling Heights for many years. She was the main caregiver for her husband for many years who also suffered from Alzheimer’s. This led her to spend several more years as a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family is deeply appreciative of the love and quality care given to Louise the last few years at Devonshire Retirement Home in Lapeer, MI.

Due to the present situation, there will be a private service held at Kaul Funeral Home, Clinton Township. Her son, Pastor Robert Winter will officiate. The family requests that memorial gifts be directed to Horizon Education Network, a missionary organization where Robert serves as a curriculum developer. Horizon is involved in helping international schools to provide theological education to train leaders around the world. Contributions in Louise’s honor can be mailed to Horizon Education Network at 2450 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512.