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Roger Dale Winter, 86, passed on November 3, 2023. He was born on October 18, 1937 in Colfax, WA to Ralph “Mike” and Charlotte Winter. The family moved to Toole County where he was raised and graduated from Sunburst High School in 1956. Right after graduation, Roger enlisted into the US Navy in June 1956 and served most of his time in Japan.

Upon discharge Roger traveled and worked at various locations until landing in Klickitat, WA where he met Lila Simmons in 1961. They married in March of 1962 and began their adventures in Montana. In 1966 the couple would travel to Alaska and Roger worked in the oilfields until his retirement in 2000.

After Lila’s death in 2005, Roger remarried to Sharon Schackman in 2008. They were introduced by Sharon’s son, that was in a local motorcycle club. Her 6 sons embraced him as a stepfather.

Roger was a big man with a big heart. He was well known for his love of children and babies. When “new arrivals” visited his house, you had to beat Roger to the baby, or you wouldn’t get a chance to hold the baby. He was not a procrastinator and could fix anything. Roger was often “voluntold” by Lila and later Sharon to perform handyman duties for friends and family.

He was self-educated and would completely research a topic of interest. If others asked a question, he thought they should know his response would be, “Did you read the manual?” Roger was generous with hugs and an “I love you.” His family was disciplined to know when he spoke, they listened.

Roger would tell detailed stories from his childhood through adulthood. He would pull up names, dates, and events like it was yesterday. He could tell some tall tales. He made friends fast over a few beers and a good BS session. The family witnessed at many random places, someone would yell “Hey, Rog!”

The family enjoyed many camping and road trips which Roger continued to enjoy. He is loved and will be missed by all who know him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph “Mike” and Charlotte Winter; stepfather, Henry “Gink” McDermott; son, Michael; wife, Lila Simmons Winter; second wife, Sharon Schackman Winter; and brother-in-law, Roger Linnell.

Survivors include children, Dan Winter, Colleen (Ernie) Crane, Roger (Brigette) Winter, and JoAnn (Bud) Frohling; siblings, Dennis (Doris) Winter, Sharon Linnell, and Steve (Nancy) McDermott; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; four nieces and their families; and the beloved extended family of wife, Sharon Schackman.

No services are scheduled but the family hopes to have a gathering in Montana in Spring 2024.

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

Funeral Services Provided By

Asper Funeral Home

225 Sixth Ave South P.O. Box 721, Shelby, MT 59474