Dr. Joseph D. "Doc Joe" Winterhalter, 85, of Rockton, passed away Friday, October 5, peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. Born on June 19, 1933 in Reading, PA. Son of Raymond and Dorothy (Borst) Winterhalter. Graduate of St Joseph University in Philadelphia and Northwestern University in Evanston. He served his internship at Rockford Memorial Hospital. United in marriage to Loretta Lazzaro on February 1, 1974. Employed as the Staff Physician at Rockford Memorial until 1978 and then went to Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville, IL where he trained paramedics. Chief Physician for the Emergency Room for 19 years. In his younger years he found enjoyment in sailing and flying his single engine Cessna planes. He enjoyed reading and was forever learning. Together with Lory they traveled across Europe and drove the historic Route 66 to Arizona.
Survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Lory; children, David (Jan) Winterhalter, Sharon (Ralph) Mahoney, Dirk Wickens, Paul (Susan) Winterhalter, John Winterhalter, Betsy (Tony) Berkman; grandchildren, Matt (Melissa) Winterhalter, Lucas Winterhalter, Jennifer (Kris Fador) Beightley, Rachel (Adam) Moore, Holly (Mike) Bolhm, Nicholas Winterhalter, Rylee Berkman, Tara Wydra, Chelsea (TJ) Fisker, Carl Wydra, AJ Muto, Shane (Veronica) Muto; great-grandchildren, Ryan Winterhalter, Tyler Winterhalter, Addison Moore, Oliver Muto. Predeceased by his parents; first wife, Phoebe; sons, Michael and Jeffrey.
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday October 13 at 11 a.m. at St Peters Catholic Church, 620 Blackhawk Blvd, South Beloit. Visitation at 10 a.m. until time of services. Entombment at a later date in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in his name to Heartland Hospice, 6000 E State St 1st Floor, Rockford, IL 61108. To share a condolence www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com
