Charles E. Wintermantel

Charles Elmer Wintermantel died on June 7th after a prolonged and frustrating battle with COPD. Born on March 26, 1939 in Lawrence, KS, the son of Elmer J. and Dorothy Marie Breithaupt Wintermantel. He was a near lifelong resident of Douglas County. His job with the DuPont Company transferred him to Louisiana for a few years until his early retirement in 1985. When he returned to Kansas he resumed his favorite occupation of farming, enjoying a partnership with his youngest son Michael. He could proudly throw hay bales while simultaneously sipping his cup of coffee.

Charles was a great friend of the community. He served on the USD #348 school board, various church committees, the Douglas County Extension Council and the Willow Springs Township Trustees. He had an obvious love for young people and was infamous for supporting their endeavors with his “highdollar handshakes.” In his retirement he delivered machinery for Heritage Tractor. He also added his nonprofit tractor service; mowing what needed to mowed, scooping what needed scooped and blading snow out of driveways so family and neighbors could get to work. He got extra excited if you were stuck in a ditch and needed to be pulled out. In the snowy months he became a skilled woodworker, building toy farm implements, construction equipment, and rolling pins.

He is survived by his incredible wife and caregiver of 57 years Louise (Anderson), and four children: Steven (Gina), Loretto, MN; Amy, Baldwin; Michael, (Kelly) Baldwin; and Ellen Peterson (Steve), South Asia. The above average grandchildren include: Clayton, Carter, Caden, Hazel, Abraham, Josiah and Cyrus Wintermantel and Anjali and Jaiya Peterson. He had one lovely sister, Marilyn Good of Baldwin, scores of cousins worth writing home about, better than average inlaws and a host of nieces and nephews who all helped out in our time of need.

Funeral service will be 10 am Monday, June 12, at Worden United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Worden Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5 to 7:30 pm at the church. Friends may call Saturday 3 pm to 8 pm and Sunday 9 am to 3 pm at RumseyYost Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in his name to Worden United Methodist Church in care of RumseyYost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044. Online condolences may be made at rumsey-yost.com.

Messages & Condolences

From Sheri Flory...

Louise and family. Our deepest sympathy in the passing of Charles. Lifting your family in our thoughts and prayers. Paul and Sheri Flory

From Mary F. Lee (formally, Davis)...

Louise, So sorry to hear about Charles. I fondly remember all of you from when I lived next door. My deepest sympathies to your whole family.

From Tisha Conard...

Amy, I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss. I’m thinking of you today as you celebrate your father’s life and legacy that he leaves behind. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers….love and hugs!

From George & Cheryl Hunsinger...

We were saddened when reading about Charlie’s passing. He was one of the best. Always had a smile, and could put a smile on your face if you needed one. Heaven has gained a truly great man. I hope St. Peter makes him the greeter at the gates, because he could make friends very quickly and could make you feel welcome very easy. Wintermantle family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

From Cliff and Sandra hadl...

So sorry for your loss, you are in our prayers

From Roger A Dressler...

I can’t begin to say all that I’d like to about Charles! A Christian man , a roll model, a friend, he gave my boys opportunity to experience the farm, they would always choose to work for him because Louise would fix such wonderful meals, when my oldest boy J.D. headed off to college, Charles put a 100.00 dollar bill in his hand, I found my self wishing I could do that and that inspiration has led me to help young folks and hurting people in every way I can. Charles was a patriarch in our church and community, we will all miss him but as someone else said the world is a better place because of the life he lived, I love him and his family, I am a better person because he cared, thank you Charles!

From Deana Smith...

My sincere condolences. Charles was a very fun “young” man. He will be missed.

From Nate Perry...

I loved hearing him say “good gravy”, a handshake full of candy at vacation bible school and a contagious laugh!! To all the Wintermantels, thank you for your friendship!

From Dwayne and Kay McCune...

We are so sorry and grieve with you on losing such a wonderful man, who made such an impression on so many people. He is already in Heaven and meeting Jesus! Dwayne and I will never forget his kindness towards our newly adopted son who did not want to come to church, and it was Charles that gave him a wink, and a candy and told him-Hi Son. After that he wanted to come every Sunday just to see Charles, and before you know he looked forward to church! Just a wink and a candy changed our sons attitude, Thank you Charles. Take care Louise and praise God for the loving care you gave your husband. We are gone for the first time in six months and will miss the funeral but praying for everyone.

From Margaret Oliver...

You are in our prayers. He was such an incredible person to know and will be deeply missed. A great confidence builder for young people.

From Grant Hutchens...

So Sorry for you loss. I have many memories of Charles from my younger days in the early 80’s. I recall many times how outgoing and kind he was to me and others. He loved the kids! Great man, he will be missed.

From Alden and Mariann Bradley...

Just got word of Charles passing. Prayers for your family and all the friends that loved Charles. He will truly be missed and never forgotten because of his humor and his love of family, friends and just life.

From Mary Demeritt Gordon...

We have all lost a man who could bring light into every room. Charlie’s smile, his ornery sayings, and contagious happiness brought joy to everyone fortunate enough to know him. I am so glad that I got to see him at the services at Clinton Cemetery on Memorial Day. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. My love to you, Louise, and your beautiful, wonderful family. Your children are blessed to have been raised by two dedicated, loving parents.

From Patti Broyles Harper...

I am so sad for our world that Charles has gone to heaven. Enjoyed being in Sunday School classes with him and always appreciated his wonderful sense of humor, his stories, his hugs and his genuine smile that always seemed meant just for me. Harriet House gave me one of his handmade rolling pins and I am so happy to have it.

From Bud Spear...

I send my sympathies to Charlie’s family and to his sister Marilyn. We all had great times in high school together, and it sounds like Charlie ended up living an amazing life! Reading his obituary made me smile at the joy he gave to everyone who knew him! Bud Spear

From Rachelle and John Romano...

We were so sorry to hear of Charles passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to your family! We all remember his great smile and loved seeing him when your family came to Colorado! We also loved to hear his stories and from a young age I thought of him as a gentle giant! I know my Dad –Ed always spoke of him about all their shared memories growing up and I know he loved him like a brother! We know he is smiling down from Heaven at your wonderful family!
Love and Hugs to all!

From Lew and Gloria Hinshaw...

Amy, Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family.

From Martha Brohammer...

Prayers for peace for Louise and family. Charles will be sorely missed. So many memories…

From Janet Stouppe Payne...

Was so sorry to learn of the death of Charles. He was a high school and life long friend. It was always fun to see him and laugh together. He was ornery throughout his life. Good for him.. Now begins the journey of trying to continue without the most important person in your lives. Thinking of all the Wintermantels and Marilyn and her family.

From Rosamond Breithaupt...

Louise and family… Charles was everything the rest of us aspire to be. He made the world around him a better place in every way each day! I know there’s a big celebration in heaven right now. Much love to you all … Rosamond Breithaupt and family

From Mikel Wintermantel...

Sorry to hear of Charles passing. Although we are not related, sharing such a unique name is a connection. Godspeed and peace to his family. From the New York Wintermantels.

From Mike and Lisa Pattrick...

Charles will be greatly missed by all of us. My greatest memory of him was his contagious smile, even when he wasn’t feeling up to par. We have a Charles wooden truck given to the kids and Katie has a beautifully hand crafted rolling pin made by Charles. And of course the strong handshake to the kids with that “little bit of extra” will never be forgotten. Mike and I are sorry we will miss the service but Charles and I did share a cup hot tea this morning at Mesa Verde National Park. ? We love you.

From Moe and Fran Dressler...

So sorry for your loss. Loved him and enjoyed seeing him when we got back there. He was onery but loved his smile and hugs. He will be missed greatly.

From Vicki and Marshall Ulrich...

Wintermantel Family, We are so saddened by Charles’ passing. We always enjoyed his smile and “orneriness”. Always a quick comment and a wink and that wonderful handshake. Marshall enjoyed their “excursions” to get parts for “whatever”. He always looked forward to having conversations after church or when ever they ran into each other-not certain who could out talk who. I’m certain he is smiling, talking, and shaking hands in Heaven. God Bless!

From Vicki and Marshall Ulrich...

Wintermantel Family, We have dreaded this news now for some time and am so sorry for the man you have lost. He was always so “ornery” with a quick joke and a wink. He was always so proud and eager to share his “yearly corn crop”. He delighted the VBS kids with his tractor train rides. Marshall so delighted in the excursions that Charles and Kennith took and talks about the fun they had. Marshall so enjoyed their talks about “who knows what”-could out talk each other. So proud to have known him and his smile and call him a friend.

From Roy & Jane...

Amy & family, Sending love & sympathy to all of you. Peace… Roy & Jane Baker

From Lester & Carolyn Edgecomb...

Prayers to the family. He will be missed, but his legacy will carry on.

From Lyle and Paula Bowlin...

Our community has certainly lost a huge part of our foundation. We are all so sorry for your family’s loss. We will all miss him.

From Dorothy Martin...

Charles was special and will be missed by all who knew him. Sending my love to all the family at this sad time.

From Claudia and Bob Hey...

Anybody who ever interacted with Charles Wintermantel came away the better for it. What a wonderful man! Our sincere sympathy to his family.

From Dorothy Drum Pritchard....

So many memories dating back over 75 years. I couldn’t have a better boyfriend at age 5!!!

From Marilee Valentine Beins...

My daughter, Corey, was a recipient of the “high-dollar handshakes!” We all admired Charles so much as an amazing role model for the community. Corey is out of the country and we will be out of state so unable to attend the services. Our condolences and prayers are with all of you.

From Lisa and Alan Myers...

My children were blessed to be the recipients of some of those “high dollar handshakes”, which they looked forward to each Sunday morning during their childhood. I don’t think I ever saw Charles without a smile on his face. He was a charismatic man. We are sending prayers, love and blessings to his family today.

From Sandy and Don Johnson...

You’re on our minds this morning and in our hearts. So sorry for your loss.

Messages are closed.