Mike Winzer
Mike Winzer, 65 years of age, from Winnie, died Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at Riceland Medical Center. He was born January 12, 1955, in Beaumont, to Helen Dee Harrison Winzer and W.J. Winzer.
Mike was an honest, loving, and great person. He believed in honesty, happiness, patience, and being humble. He stood for what was right and good for our community and the world. The last gift he gave to this world was what was left of his body so that they could have a better life. He understood that most people were good in their hearts and once wrote, “to hold on to our optimism in life is keeping the darkness at bay and that the true test of our worth is the service to others”.
Mike loved his family; his children were his world until God gave him his grandchildren. His oldest grandchild, Jonah, is in college and he called his Pawpaw about every three days just to talk. These small conversations were the highlight of Mike’s day. They discussed Jonah’s world and the problems he faced. They would talk about love, life, and women. They were more than grandfather and grandson; they were best friends.
Jenny, his second grandchild, was his love. They enjoyed horses, hunting, and just being together. Mike helped her to enjoy living and she helped him work cows. They raised several horses together and he was teaching her to break them. They would go almost every day to get a chicken basket from Dairy Queen and the employees knew them by name. They would talk often about how she saved his life when a horse fell on Mike and broke his arm. She was his hero, but he was her hero too. Together, they lived in a world that was their own and it was always full of wonder and love.
Then there was his third and last grandchild, Miss Vivien. He was teaching her to ride on a big girl bike that she was a little afraid of. Mike and Vivien loved the woods and their new hobby was watching birds. They had a book on the porch at all times with field glasses and bird feed. They would sit and watch trying to find new birds. They had their special time on Sundays and that meant strawberry ice cream and just time together.
He loved his two daughters, Amanda Lee and Samantha Lee. He prayed that they would grow into to strong independent women, who would conquer the world in their own way. He gave them words of wisdom and taught them to look at the world not how it was, but how it should be. He gave them the motivation to be just not part of the world, but part of life. His words showed them that this one life was precious, and they needed to look at the sunrise and not the darkness.
He loved Bubba Cathey who was more than a nephew but also a son and a friend. He loved the fact that he could take what he had learned in life and mentor him. He could share their love for horses and cattle. But most of all, he loved teaching him about what it takes to be a good man.
Mike loved his horses and he said he accomplished his dreams when he raised Sonny. Together, they won the World Palomino Show four times. They became partners and took on each other’s personality. Mike and his horse became companions.
Mike’s dad asked Mike to take care of his Mom and he did until now. He took such good care of all of us, but mostly me. He has been my best friend for 47 years, my lover, my confidante, my everything, but most of all my husband. I am so proud of the man he has always been. He tried to give us everything, but the most important thing he gave us was his heart. I will miss not seeing his beautiful blue eyes and planning our life together. I will miss touching his strong hands and physical body. But he will always be with me. We are one.
I know that his body is not here, but he will always be with us. He tried to do what was right and we need to continue to believe and work towards how he saw the world. He was a great man and believed in God and love. Mike wrote a poem for me and I wanted to share it with you.
To my Love and my Life
Man must leave his footprints in the shifting sands of time,
But he should never walk through the world alone.
He needs someone special just to call his own and his girl.
You have been that someone for me.
To love and understand me when I am down and sad.
To pick me up and make me feel
Thank God that he sent you to me
You have been the best thing for my heart
Together we will walk this world and leave a set of footprints in the sand
Always together
Mike Winzer
I do not know how our world will continue without him in it. – Patty Winzer
Survivors include his wife of forty-seven years, Patty Winzer; mother, Helen Winzer; daughters, Amanda Lee Way and her husband, Chris and Samantha Lee Winzer; nephew, Bubba Cathey, all from Winnie; grandchildren, Jonah Michael Lofton; Jennifer Lane Way; and Vivien Rose Winzer; brother, Larry G. Winzer and his wife, La’Nell, from Houston; sister, Becky Hungerford and her husband, Richard, from Winnie; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, W.J. Winzer; daughter, Jennifer Lynn Winzer; and niece, Kristy Cathey.
A gathering of Mr. Winzer’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m., with his funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at First Baptist Church, 25304 TX-124, Hamshire. A family committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 12345 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78753.
Video
Fairview Cemetery
Fairview Cemetery
- 223 cemetery dr winnie tx 77665
Funeral Service
Funeral Service
- 25304 highway 124 hamshire tx 77622
- 03/10/2020
- 2:00 pm
Gathering of Family and Friends
Gathering of Family and Friends
- 25304 highway 124 hamshire texas 77622
- 03/10/2020
- 4:13 am
Comments
Darlene
I'm am so sorry for your loss RIP Mike. I'm sending prayers for peace and comfort for the family. Mike was a good man. He will surely be missed by all his family and friends
Suzie Ortego
Mike was a great person and a great horse trainer. Our love and prayers to Patti and family. Love, Suzie and Kenny Ortego
Mary Sandlin
My deepest condolences and many prayers for Patty, Samantha, Amanda, grandchildren, Mrs. Winzer, and all the family. Mike was a good man and a good neighbor, always friendly and smiling with a kind word. Glenn and I always enjoyed seeing Mike and Patty. Patty, you are in my prayers especially as I have walked your road. May God give you His peace and comfort.
Kimberly Glenn
Patty and family I am so sorry about Mike. Yall are in my prayers and thoughts
Larynda Lewis
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you Patty and the rest of your family.
Kim Schexsnaider
So very sad to hear this. My heart goes out to your family, Ms Patty
ELLA KRAMER
patty im here
Melissa Devillier
Oh Patty,so sorry to hear. You describe him perfectly, guys like him are few and far between. Praying that God fill you with the peace that only He can give.
Tinker Adams
I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Louis Marceaux
I never met Mike, but thru the stories I have had the pleasure to hear from his son in law Chris Way I felt it would have been an honor to meet him.. Chris has told me many short stories of Mike and so many of them have made me laugh and amazed me. No I have never met him but I know I will one day and I will sit and listen to the him tell me about the family he loved.. My prayers and condolences to his family and friends,God bless.
Cory Mahon
Uncle Mike was one of the most honest and patient men in my life. He taught me to love, ride and respect horses and have me my love tractors. Uncle will be missed greatly! We Love you Aunt Patti, Amanda and Samantha, our prayers go out to you and the family.
Kimberly Glenn
Patty and girls y'all are in my prayers and thoughts
Jeanette & Roland Weekly
Our Sincere Condolences to the Winzer Family. God Bless You All!
Juanita Viator
Patty and family my thoughts and prayers are with you all Mike will be greatly missed.
Pierre and Brenda Lege'
Our deepest sympathy to Patti and the girls. Mike was such a good man. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers for all of you during this time of sorrow.. RIP Mike.
Bubba & Debra Andrus
We are so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Praying for God's peace and love during this difficult time.
Hazel Bennett
Patty and family I am so sorry for your loss. Hold on to the memories, and let them guide y’all during this time of sadness.
Corky and Betty Peebles
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerri Matlock McCown
Patty and family my thought and prayers are with you all.
Tylene Wilcox
Patty and family, I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all throughout the days and weeks ahead. Much love to you all.
Russell & Mary Simon
We are so sorry to hear about Mike. He was a great person always a smile on his face and a kind word to everyone.. We send our love and prayers to all of the family and we know Mike is happy in his heavenly home.
Carmen Henderson
Patti, I was so sad to hear about Mike. My heart goes out to you and the family. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet him. I hope the wonderful memories you all have of him will offer some peace and comfort. I will keep you all in my prayers.
David Murrell
Rest in peace, my friend. Sleep peacefully in the hands of God.
Jeff Burdick
Mike has always been a gentleman, very honest, and hard working. Going to miss our talks and his sense of humor. Praying for your family.
Dessie Bishoff
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of a great man!!!!! I'm sending prayers for comfort and peace for all of you... He will be greatly missed by so many!!!
Mary Taylor Goss
I’m so sorry for your loss I know that mike will be missed. My prayers are with all of you.
Rose George
Patty I just heard about Mike. My condolences to you and your Family. You and Mike had that "Special Love and Bond"that only GOD makes. I hope later we can keep in touch. It's been years. Praying ♥ï¸
Debra McBride
Condolences to family and friends
Nina Marceaux
My condolences to Patty and Family. Mike is now Gods Angel who flies high in heaven, and spreads his wings as he did in life. I will always be grateful I had the pleasure of knowing such an honorable man.