Steven "Steve" James Winter

Steven “Steve” J. Winter, 75, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday evening, October 1, 2026, at his home in Hiawatha, Kansas. Steve passed away on his mother Betty’s birthday, a poignant connection that brought his life full circle.

Steve was born February 4, 1951, in Sabetha, Kansas, the first of three children born to Arthur and Betty (Strahan Winter). He attended elementary through high school in Hiawatha, proudly graduating with the Class of 1969.

Following high school, Steve enlisted in the United States Navy in 1971. He proudly served his country for four years, including overseas service aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt as an aviation ordnanceman, where he was trained in weapons systems. He was assigned to a 12-aircraft squadron stationed in Jacksonville, Florida.

After his time in the Navy, Steve returned to Brown County for a short time. A construction worker, tradesman, and classic car tinkerer from an early age, Steve spent periods of his life calling Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Las Vegas, Nevada, home. But no matter where life took him, Hiawatha was always home.

Steve returned to Hiawatha in 2010. It was after returning home that he met Lisa Woodruff Gaskell. They were united in marriage on November 22, 2019, and she survives at their home.

Steve quickly became an active and familiar presence in the Hiawatha community again. He enjoyed helping with the McCauley Farms operation and served on the cemetery board, helping maintain both of Hiawatha’s cemeteries. He was also involved with the Hiawatha High School Alumni Board and was the organizer of Cars and Coffee, a group that brought together his love of classic cars and the people who shared that passion.

Steve was a proud member of American Legion Homer White Post 66 and its Honor Guard. He previously served as Commander of the Post and was serving as Vice Commander at the time of his death. He took great pride in honoring veterans who had passed before him. Among his many contributions was taking on the responsibility of properly disposing of American flags, as well as greeting elementary school students each Veterans Day and helping them understand the meaning of service and sacrifice.

Steve could often be found at Hiawatha Redhawk games, proudly wearing the Red and Blue. He loudly cheered on the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs each year. But perhaps nowhere was Steve more devoted than in supporting his family. He could always be found at the sporting events and school activities of his nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, and, most recently, his great-nieces and great-nephews. He was their biggest supporter and a true example of what it means to show up for your people.

Steve had a gift for making people feel remembered, supported, and welcome. He gave his time freely, showed up for the people he loved, and found joy in being part of the lives of others. His presence in the lives of his family, friends, and community will be deeply missed.

Steve is survived by his wife, Lisa, of the home; his stepchildren, Karl (Pamela) Gaskell of Horton; Kristie (Cory) Baker of Everest; Chelsie (Jason) Rice of Horton; Lindsey (Ben) Hawk of Effingham; and Maren, Jay, and Tara Hilgert of Omaha; and his step-grandchildren, Isabelle, Austin, and Owen Gaskell; Emaleigh, Josie, and Ethan Baker; Ryder, Thayer, and Sawyer Rice; and Harper and Snyder Hawk.

He is also survived by his siblings, James (Lea) Winter of Lecompton and Nancy (John) Weingart of Hiawatha; sister-in-law, Lori May of Hiawatha; and his nieces and nephews, Elizabeth (Ryan) Olson; Emily Weingart; Sara (Brendon) Garrett; Annie (David) Bangert; Gina Hefner; Jerad (Ellie) Hefner; Jake (Emily) Winter; Sarah May; and Taylor (Daniel) Zimmerling.

Steve truly put the “great” in Great Uncle. He is survived by some of his favorite people—his great-nieces and great-nephews: Jax, Leo, and Ell Olson; Morgan and Carter Garrett; Teigan Moment; Keenan, Kierah, and Isaiah; Christian, Kaedon, Elaka, and Adrianna; and Easton, Harper, and Gauge.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother, Hazel Strahan; his uncle, Wilbur Winter; and his aunt, Louise Schwanke.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha. Reverend Kay Scarbrough will officiate. A private family interment will be held at a later date.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. The family will also greet friends at the church beginning at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the celebration of Steve’s life.

In true Steve fashion, the family invites anyone who owns a classic car or was part of his Cars and Coffee group to honor him by driving that car to the church. It would be a fitting tribute to a man who found so much joy in classic cars, friendship, and bringing people together.

Memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s memory to Cemetery District #14 or Homer White American Legion Post 66, in support of commissioning a Purple Heart mural to be painted on the side of a local building.