Obituaries : Doris L. Winter

Doris L. Winter, 89, passed away Friday, September 12, 2025. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Vinton, with Father Jim Brokman as Celebrant. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, at the church. Burial will be in Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Doris and her family.

Doris was born October 12, 1935, in rural Benton County, the daughter of Donald and Lillian (Bauer) Burkhart. She attended grade school in Vinton and Garrison, graduated from Garrison High School, and then graduated from UNI where she received her degree in elementary education with an endorsement in reading. Fulfilling roles as a teacher, tutor, and teacher trainer, Doris was also proud of her involvement with the Iowa Branch of the International Dyslexia Society and the Slingerland Approach. On June 8, 1957, Doris was united in marriage to Linus Winter at St. Mary Catholic Church, Vinton. Linus preceded her in death in 2016.

Throughout the years, Doris found enjoyment in gardening, canning, sewing, reading, cooking, hosting large family meals, watching sports, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Vinton, as well as the Altar & Rosary Society. She also belonged to the Mt. Auburn American Legion Auxiliary, Partner in Service of Lions Clubs International for Past District Governor, and many education organizations where she served in numerous positions.

Doris is survived by her children: Denise (Michael) Holmes of Marion, Barbara (Daniel) Higdon of Vinton, Michael (Margaret) Winter of South Amana, and Mark (Molly) Winter of Minnetonka, MN; fourteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and sister, Karen McGuire of Arlington Heights, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 59 years, Linus; sister, Mardean Blocker; and brothers-in-law: Harold Blocker and Anthony McGuire.

Memorials may be directed to the family or the Cedar Mt. Auburn Fire Department, 203 2nd St., Mt. Auburn, IA, 52313.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.