Violet Winske

Courageous, compassionate, and gracious, Violet Winske was a beautiful woman to know and love. She was accompanied by a quiet spirit and an unwavering faith that carried her through the storms of life that came her way. Violet was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who lived to nurture and serve the family she treasured more than life itself. She was a woman who was content in wherever life took her and could find the beauty in even the simplest of things. Violet will be deeply missed while her memory remains forever near and dear to those who were within her reach.

Nestled within the vibrant decade of the Roaring Twenties was the year 1924 that was colored with numerous noteworthy events. The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held while the IBM corporation was founded and the Wrigley Building in Chicago was completed. This same year was filled with great joy for one young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on May 20th. Born at Butterworth Hospital, Violet was one of two children born to her parents, Oscar and Nellie (DeKorne) Rountree. Her father worked as a streetcar conductor until graduating from MSSA a bit later and opening his own soda shop. Nellie was a homemaker, but tragedy struck early in Violet’s life with the death of her mother and younger brother who both died during childbirth.

Shortly thereafter, Violet was adopted out to her grandparents. She lived on Fennessy Lake to the west of Grand Rapids, and although her childhood was anything but easy she loved living on the lake. Violet always spoke fondly of summer activities on the lake and ice fishing during the winter. She was also a student at a local one-room schoolhouse.

Life was forever changed for Violet when she met a young man who stole her heart. His name was Herman DeHaan, and they married after he finished serving in Italy as a soldier in the United States Army during the days of WWII. Together they were blessed with two children, Herman and Nell. Violet’s husband worked as a truck driver while she was able to focus her attention at home. Their family was given a tough pill to swallow when her husband died in 1951.

Brighter days were on the horizon for Violet when she became better acquainted with their backyard neighbor, Leo Winske. Over the next several months they fell in love, and with a desire to build a life together they were married in the mid-fifties. Together they welcomed four children into their hearts and home: Edward, Karen, Karl, and Laura. Throughout her life Violet was protective of her family, and there was nothing that she wouldn’t do for her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren later in life. Her family looked forward to her sweet treats as she was an amazing baker whose peanut butter fudge has been called the best in the world. Violet lost her second husband in the mid-seventies, but she was independent and continued to draw strength from her faith and the love of her family. Her pets were always an important part of her life including her dog, Roman, who was very fond of her and loved her dearly. Roman was not so fond of everyone who entered the house, however.

In addition to being with her family, Violet’s life was enriched in so many other ways. Her faith was a cornerstone, and for several years Violet was a member of the American Bible Students and attended many of their annual gatherings. She loved gospel music, especially the Gaithers, and she also enjoyed country music. Violet loved spending time in her flower garden, crocheting, and doing various crafts. Violet looked forward to traveling with her family, and through the years they took several memorable vacations including trips around Lake Superior, ferry trips to Wisconsin, and camping, too. During her later years Violet traveled to Ireland, took bus trips, went on tours, took a cruise, and traveled to the West Coast. She loved going to local museums in her later years in addition to visiting Frederick Meijer Gardens during this time of the year when the butterflies were emerging. Violet loved just being outside doing things like walking and tending to her yard.

Through the life she lived each day, Violet Winske taught us that happiness is not found in what we have, but that it is in loving others that we are richly blessed. She encouraged everyone around her and had a natural way of making others feel at ease. Never one to let life get the best of her, Violet faced whatever trial came her way while never losing her hope in Jesus. She will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Winske, Mrs. Violet Winske, age 88, of Grand Rapids, went home to her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at her home. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Herman DeHaan and Leo Winske, and her grandson, Eric Zigmont. She is survived by her children, Herman J. and Janice DeHaan, Roger and Nell Zigmont, Edward and Luann Winske, Karen and John Baker, Karl and Vicki Winske, Laura Winske, numerous grandchildren and four great grandchildren, Funeral services for Mrs. Winske Saturday, March 30 at 2PM at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Homes, 851 Leonard NW with interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Visitation Friday, March 29th from 4-7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. You may read more of Violet’s life, sign the guestbook or make a contribution by visiting www.lifestorynet.com