Mark L. Winterton

Byron – Mark L. Winterton, age 68, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, February 10, 2024. He was born in Dixon, IL on August 21, 1955 the son of Elliot and Clara (Toppe) Winterton. Mark graduated from Byron High School Class of 1974. He married the love of his life JoEllen Hemmersbach, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Stoughton, WI on August 6, 1988. Mark was a dedicated farmer for his entire life, working for the Rock River Farmer’s Co-op in the 70s, and eventually built a successful Holstein cattle business with his wife, JoEllen. Some of his hobbies included wood working, restoring tractors and antique farm machinery, and he loved collecting souvenir spoons and toy tractors. Mark took diesel engine repair classes at Kishwaukee College, and could always be found fixing just about anything. In his spare time, he loved to watch Westerns, especially Gunsmoke. He really enjoyed having a sweet treat. His kids always considered him to be the “fun parent” with his loving smile, big laugh, and even his dad jokes. He always had a variety of sayings that were classic for him including: “We’re not building pianos” and “Are you sittin' down?” when delivering important news. More than anything he was born to raise a family and cherished every moment with them. Mark was always supportive of any ideas his kids had and made sure they never went a day without knowing they were important to him. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Linda Mitchell. He is survived and missed by his wife JoEllen of Byron; sons, Shawn Winterton of Byron, Colton (Fiancée Pryia Evans) Winterton of Byron, Will Winterton of Byron; daughters, Kayla (Gene Park) Winterton of Brooklyn, NY, and Jenna Winterton of Byron; brother, Chuck (Sue) Winterton of Leaf River and sister, Wilma Fafnis of Little Chute, WI and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Ebenezer Reformed Church with Pastor Josiah Youngquist officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service. He will be laid to rest at Ebenezer Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Serenity Hospice and Home, St. Jude’s, or St. Joseph’s Indian School may be made in honor of Mark’s memory.