Dean Winter

Dallas “Dean” Winter, 83, of Mishawaka died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home Saturday, February 7, 2026.

He was born February 21, 1942 in Goshen, Indiana to George Winter and Mandilla Maria (Chapman)Winter.

He is survived by seven children, Chyrll McDonald, James (Elizabeth) Winter, Michael (Wendy) Winter, John (Jennifer) Ruple, Matthew (Stephenie) Ruple, Daniel Winter and David (Kelly) Winter;16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and former wives, Retha Burkey Owen, Diane Carpenter Wynn and Kathee Keller Kiesselbach .

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Dallas “Little Dean” Winter; and his siblings, Douglas, Barbara and Patricia.

Dean was a U.S. Army veteran and member of the Queen of Peace Parish in Mishawaka. He worked for the University of Notre Dame for 37 years as the director of operations in food service, vending, and concessions.

Dean found great joy and camaraderie through the game of billiards. As a dedicated member of the APA of St. Joseph County for nearly three decades, he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of fellow players through his skill, sportsmanship, and genuine love of the game. Beyond the pool table Dean had a deep appreciation for genealogy, spending countless hours researching and preserving his family history.

The family is planning a grave side service on Monday, February 23rd at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Goshen at 11:00am with a celebration of life at the Goshen VFW to follow from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.

Memorial gifts in memory of Dean may be directed to ASPCA, American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.