Joel Leonard Winter

Joel Leonard Winter, age 86, of Swartz Creek, our patient and loyal husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Springvale Assisted Living.

He was born on October 1, 1939, in Okeene, Oklahoma, the son of the late Herman and Lena (Kuxhaus) Winter. Joel graduated from Flint Northern High School and continued his education at the University of Michigan-Flint, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. In 1963, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army National Guard. During his service he was drafted into active duty, and he later received an honorable discharge in 1969.

Joel was united in marriage to Virginia Webster Hyatt on April 23, 1965, in Flint. He worked as an accountant in the financial department at General Motors, retiring after 36 years. He enjoyed time with his family above all and became an avid golfer following his retirement.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years; two sons, Jeffrey (Kimberly) Winter and Robert (Angela) Winter; daughter, Wendy (Kenneth) Malone; seven grandchildren, Jacob and Sadie Winter, Ellie and Cole Winter, and Abigail, Katherine, and Alexander Malone; two sisters, Shirley Spaeth and Peggie (Brent) Gibson; and nieces and nephews in Oklahoma. Joel was preceded in death by his parents.

Private arrangements were entrusted to Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions in Joel's name to Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s, 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 185, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.