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Walter Winzen Obituary

Winzen, Walter James Walter (Bud) Winzen passed away peacefully on January 19, 2018. He lived a robust and full life for 75 years enjoying the things he loved most: Family, Friends, Business, Golf, Movies, Sports and Travel. He'll forever be lovingly remembered for his gregarious personality, generosity, humor, praise, and sincerity. His dedication and care of family members, friends and business associates was truly remarkable. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Debra; dear daughters Laura and Kimberlee Winzen; dear sons David (Meghan) Winzen and Christopher Winzen; dear stepsons Lyle (Sarah) Monzyk and Carl (Erica) Monzyk; dear stepdaughter Lauren (Berto) Garcia; dear brother, Ken Winzen and his late dear brother Donald Winzen. Adored by his 10 grandchildren, Papa Bud loved to joke around with them and never hesitated to get down on the floor when they beckoned for him to play with them. His big heart will further be missed by numerous brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and their children across the country. He had a huge extended family and he worked hard to stay in touch with everyone. Walter, a gifted storyteller would entertain friends and family about tales of mischief with his loving brothers during his early years in south St. Louis City. Walter graduated in 1961 from St Mary's High School. He served in the US Army (19621964) as a Staff Sergeant E/6 and received the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding service as Communications N.C.O. for the 7th Armor Battalion, 35th Division. After his military service, he attended Washington University, studying Electrical Engineering and Business while concurrently working at McDonald Douglas (1964-1965) and Sherwood Medical (1965-1971). At McDonald Douglas Aircraft, he proudly worked on the Gemini spacecraft, NASA's second human spaceflight program conducted between projects Mercury and Apollo. During his five years in the Health and Science Division of Sherwood Medical, his leadership and technical skills were quickly recognized, and he was promoted numerous times. Ultimately, he was assigned to their Precision Systems Division and made Production Manager over their groundbreaking Digecon System that allowed hospitals and medical centers to perform multiple tests and analysis of patient blood samples in minutes rather than requiring days of laboratory work. In 1971 he began working in the railroad industry for St. Louis Railway Supply, and over the course of the next three decades founded three successful companies that continue to operate and serve the railroad industry across North America: Transportation Products Sales Company (TPSC) in 1986; Automated Railroad Maintenance Systems (ARMS) in 1990; and Railroad Battery Services (RBS) in 2006. Walter was unwavering in his belief that these companies' sole mission was to solve customer problems and advance the rail industry. Walter contributed heavily to rail industry associations including AREMA, RSI, and RSSI over the past 37 years. He most recently served as President of the RSSI Board of Directors. Walter cherished his many relationships in the rail industry and worked hard to make everyone around him feel important. Around his employees, Walter wasn't known as simply the manager/owner; he was referred to as a friend and an overall genuine person who was filled with experience, advice, praise, humility, kindness, and respect. Roaming the hallways during the workday, Walter greeted every employee warmly and connected with everyone on a personal level. He always lent an ear and supported employees going through a difficult time. To the very end, he remained a champion of others, praising and encouraging each person to succeed at whatever mattered most to him/her. Walter was an A-plus human being and a shining example of what it is to be a leader in this world. Services: A celebration of his life is being planned for a later date, to be announced to family, friends and business associates. Memorials may be given to the Arthritis Foundation. ST. LOUIS CREMATORY

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Jan. 23 to Jan. 28, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Winzen

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Beth Wright

February 8, 2018

Debra- I am so sorry to hear of this loss. May God bless you during this time.

Glenda Harms

February 5, 2018

Sending my heartfelt sympathy to you Debra and family. Bud was such a wonderful man and I know he will be SO missed. Thinking of you at this sad time and sending my love.

John Borri

February 5, 2018

No words can describe how sorry I am for your loss. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. May your memories give you peace and comfort

Sandi Hoekstra

February 5, 2018

Debra - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

Phyllis and Gene Bates

January 26, 2018

The bright candle will light your way.

Ken Winzen, Jr.

January 26, 2018

My Uncle Bud, one of the best men I have ever known for many reasons. Can't really believe it; don't want to believe it. This man is already missed by so many. Love you Uncle Bud.

Lou Foc

January 25, 2018

I remember him when we attend St. Mary's and had fun in and out of the Brothers classes. Your in a higher place!

Patti Goff

January 25, 2018

My heart just aches for his family and his TPSC family members. Walter was a class act. A remarkable man - he touched many lives. What a great loss of all of us.

Tricia Jarvis

January 25, 2018

When I think of Bud, what I will always remember is infectious laugh and his 500.00 of wine
A lot of great memories

Melissa T. Guz

January 25, 2018

Dearest Debra,
Such a sad day in all of our lives. Bud was a great husband, father and friend to many. I remember going to your wedding and thinking what a perfect couple, how lucky you were to have found each other. The quote from Jerry McGuire is so true of your relationship" You complete me". Since then together you and Bud have constantly and consistently looked up and moved forward as one.
Please find comfort in the memory of such an accomplished life, and his ever giving spirit.

Rose Gonos

January 24, 2018

Debra, I truly believe only the good die young and Bud was one of the best. I envy the love you two so obviously shared, it was always shining in your eyes together. Bud has given us all times to remember through all his fabulous stories that always made one smile. He will be missed by all.

January 24, 2018

Mr.Bud, how we miss you already. All of the superb words written about you are certainly true and you will always be fondly remembered.

My husband, Gene Bates, and I were so fortunate to be able to participate in many trips, in the U.S. and Europe, with Bud and his wife, Debra. Debra was so wonderfully paired with Bud. They loved each other with the kindest, most beautiful union that we have ever seen. She always seemed to be his champion and he hers.

We attended the couple's wedding which we still talk about to this day. A loving relationship did then begin and to see them interact was truly a blessing.

Our upmost love and condolences are offered up to Bud's extended family and friends galore. Of course, you all are experiencing such grief but we pray that you will always remember his wonderful ways, his ability to always make a person feel important and never miss a chance to sneak in one of his humorous stories as well as showing his emotion through his hugs and shaking of hands that went for what seemed to be forever.

I will close this tribute to Bud Winzen with special love and never-ending respect for the wonderful woman who always felt blessed to be his wife. Let us all hold her up in the spirit of positive love and grace as she will experience such sad feelings. We do and always will consider her a special friend whom may call upon us at any time and for any reason.

Mr. Bud, as you make this last journey may you feel the Love we feel for you always and we will carry on your legacy with conversation of your stellar life as you were always sought out to have fun with or be serious with. The Lord has his work cut out for him because Bud will arrive with a story to tell. May God bless you and keep you in his care.

Phyllis and Gene Bates
On the eve of January 24, 2018

Larry Luzynski

January 24, 2018

Debra, I am so sorry to hear that Walter is no longer with you, your family and the many, many friends and acquaintances that Walter had. I have known Walter since the St. Louis Railway Supply days and through the years as a customer and most importantly as a friend.I always enjoyed conversation with Walter at the many meetings we attended and especially working with him on the Southwest Signal Engineers Meeting.He will be missed. Take care.

Craig Conway

January 23, 2018

Budrow, I'm going to miss you and your long, long, long stories. Also, thanks for helping to make me a better gin player. To Debra, you made Bud a better man by being his partner in business and life.

Janey Brewen

January 23, 2018

Debra, the last time I saw the two of you at Silver Ball you were being so sweet to your husband I could see the love emanating from your eyes when you looked at him. I know you will miss him greatly, as we all will at all the Arthritis Foundation events that the two of you devoted so much of your time. I salute the memory of a wonderful man.

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