Obituary of Carl Leonard Winterrose Jr.
Carl L. Winterrose, Jr., age 96, a former longtime resident of Joliet passed away peacefully Friday morning, May 10, 2024, after a brief stay in the hospice unit of Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, New York. Carl resided in the Knolls Retirement Community in Valhalla NY for 20 years and loved the NY area but very much considered Joliet his adopted hometown.
Carl was born in Oak Park, IL, on November 11, 1927, to Marguerite (Lawrence) and Carl L. Winterrose. He was raised and educated in Springfield, Illinois. After graduating from high school, Carl joined the Navy. Following his discharge from the Navy, he enrolled in Springfield Junior College before attending Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Carl then entered the Army, proudly serving his country from 1950 to 1952 and continued in the Army reserve until 1957. He worked as Editor of the Hinsdale Doings Newspaper until 1960. Carl then relocated to Peoria Illinois to begin working for Caterpillar Tractor Co. Carl held several management positions in Human Resources, Labor Relations and Plant Management across multiple Caterpillar facilities in Illinois until he retired from Caterpillar’s Joliet facility in 1987.
Upon his retirement and having served on countless civic and community boards, Carl was persuaded to throw his hat into local politics. He was successfully elected to 2 terms as Joliet City Councilman from 1989 to 1997. He volunteered countless hours of his time to support Joliet, a community he loved so very much.
He married Mary Katherine Lock in Springfield, Illinois, in June of 1953. They were happily married for 48 years, raising three children Doug, Becky and David. Carl was a loving husband and father who cared deeply for his family and his faith. He was a devoted long-time parishioner of St Paul the Apostle. Carl and Mary were extremely active in the Joliet community, but they loved their annual get away trips to Florida, which afforded them time to rest and relax each winter. During their trip in 2002, Mary passed away suddenly, and it was an exceptionally challenging time.
Carl, always an avid reader and book collector, never stopped reading and writing and learning new things. Even with his many hobbies and loves, including his grandchildren, Chicago Cubs, golf, Kiwanis and Rotary, there was still a void in Carl’s life. He still loved to travel and signed up for a trip to Normandy France with the Northwestern Alumni Association. It was on this trip that he met Lois Lindberg, also a Northwestern Alum, who had recently experienced the passing of her first husband. The two ultimately married and enjoyed each other’s love and affection until Lois passed away in January 2023.
Carl was always passionate about his Cubbies. He would tell stories of teams and players from long ago. He loved to go to Wrigley Field and keep score during each game. He watched most games on TV, no matter their won/loss record. Being a Cub fan in NY was not easy but he remained a faithful Cubs fan his entire life. He passed this love affair on to his children and grandchildren. Getting to watch a World Series victory in 2016 was something he cherished.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Diane (Jack) Cook, and Dorothy Sofield, and wives Mary Winterrose and Lois Lindberg,
Carl is survived by his son, Douglas (Maureen) of Addison, IL; daughter, Rebecca (Dave) Magner of Ninety-Six, South Carolina; son, David Winterrose; grandchildren Brian (Katie) Winterrose, Eric Winterrose, Dan (Tori) Winterrose, Brandon (Corrinne) Magner, Andy Magner and Sarah Magner; as well as numerous stepchildren, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Visitation for Carl Winterrose will be held at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet on Thursday May 16, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to a local hospice organization of your choosing.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence
