Karen Lee (Amundson) Winter

It’s impossible to put into words the impact that Karen Winter had on her family and friends. To say that the world is a meaningfully smaller place today than it was on November 6th when she passed, is an understatement.

For those who were lucky enough to know and be loved by Karen, we understand. We feel it profoundly. She was our angel. She was our hero. She was our gift. She was our bright light. She was our center. A selfless heart who gave all of herself unconditionally to any-and-all who needed a hand, a hug or a minute.

Our hearts are broken. But in a strange way, there is comfort in that. The hurt will gradually subside, but the love she had for so many will forever be a reminder and lesson of how one person can impact so many people’s lives so profoundly.

Karen was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 3, 1943. She married the love of her life Richard Don “Dick” Winter on November 23, 1962 and lived with him in a small home in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. They moved to Grand Blanc, Michigan in 1972 where they raised their three children. In 1986 they moved to Grand Rapids and later retired in Punta Gorda, Florida in 2001. Karen and Dick were world travelers. Together they explored every continent and visited more than 35 countries around the world. They were an incredible and loving team embracing their family, friends, church and community at every opportunity. Dick passed away far too early on September 26, 2008. Karen kept a photo of him alligator clipped to the visor in her car for 16 years. Faded by the sun and curled at the edges, it was her visual reminder of the impact that one special person had on her life.

An engaged mother, proud grandmother, doting great grandmother and loyal friend, Karen’s love language was quilting. She was creative and an active member of the Peace River Quilters Guild where she curated beautiful works of art and an intricate “patchwork” of deep friendships and relationships. Her calendar was anchored by weekly events, quarterly retreats, annual shows and spending time behind her sewing machine.

Karen was blessed to have amazing friends. Each fall, she would count the days until the snowbirds would return so that her tribe would be once again complete. Together they lunched several times a week, bragged about their kids, grandkids and great grandkids, dished the latest stories and discussed strategies to solve the world’s problems.

Finally reunited with the love of her life, we know that she is safe and at peace. Our hearts are with her, and we wish Karen godspeed in quickly finding Birkenstock sandals, sewing machines, Kindles and Amazon Books in Heaven.

Karen leaves behind an indelible legacy of love, family, tight hugs, bright smiles, holiday traditions, comfy quilts, Sunday dinners, giving back and deep friendships. Her energy and spirit will be forever in our memories and branded in our hearts.

Family members celebrating Karen’s impact on their lives are her brother Don (Bonnie) Amundson, sister-in-law Connie (Ray) Reidel, children Kurt (Shelley) Winter, Mark (Carman) Winter and Elizabeth (Kent) Peterson, grandchildren Megan Winter, Cody Fordham, Matt Winter, Sydney Winter, Kate Winter, Zach Peterson and Cody Peterson and great granddaughter Lainey Fordham.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the New Life Church in Punta Gorda, Florida. All are welcome to stay for lunch immediately following the service. For those wishing to make a gift in Karen’s honor, please consider supporting the hurricane restoration fund at the New Life Church. The sanctuary and common areas suffered significant damage this fall from back-to-back hurricanes. Please designate that your donation is to support the restoration fund. The address is 507 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Memories can be shared through the Kays-Ponger & Uselton website at DignityMemorial.com.