The Vigil Service for Don will be broadcasted Live. The video feed will open 15 minutes prior at 5:45PM
Donald E Winfield passed away peacefully the evening of February 4th, 2023. Don sustained injuries from falling a couple of weeks earlier but made it home to be surrounded by family in his final days. Don now joins the Lord and a loving family that await his arrival. Don was an amazing husband, father and grandfather, brother, and loyal friend to many.
Don was born March 25th, 1933, to Joseph and Katherine Winfield in Helena MT. He was the youngest of four children. He grew up at the residence of 312 13th Ave in Helena. He loved to roam the neighborhood when young with his older brothers Fuzz and Joe. That eventually led to him following in his brothers’ footsteps and getting his first job as a paperboy.
Don and his family grew up during the Great Depression. His family instilled the values of hard work, loyalty and respect for others. They prevailed through hard times with their faith in family and the Catholic church.
Don graduated from Helena High in 1951. He attended Carroll College and the University of Montana for one year. He worked a short stint for the railroad as a Gandy Dancer laying and maintaining the railroad tracks by hand.
Don enlisted in the Navy and served as a Corpsman from 1953-55. He was stationed in both San Diego and Oakland, California. He enjoyed his stay in San Diego immensely.
Don began working for the Montana Department of Transportation in 1956. He was a Draftsman in the Planning department. He spent the next 33 years there where he developed many great friendships and acquaintances. He retired in 1989.
Don met the love of his life while playing pool at the original Yacht Basin on Canyon Ferry Lake. Fuzz, Don’s older brother introduced him to Patricia Christiansen. After a short courtship they were married September 10, 1960. Don and Pat spent the next 62 years together side by side. Don and Pat were blessed with four children: Scott, Tom, Karen and John “Bucket”.
The family bought a home at 1038 Missoula Ave but grew out of the residence quickly. Don designed and assisted in constructing their new home at 1530 Stuart on the westside of Helena. Don and Pat would reside there for the next 55 years. Their residence would be the site of numerous family gatherings during holidays and special occasions.
Don loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman throughout his life. He also enjoyed hunting and cutting meat in his garage after a family harvest. A couple of his favorite’s places were Canyon Ferry Lake and the Gates of the Mountains where he and Mom spent time camping and boating. Don docked his boat at the Gates for years and loved to go to the Indian Trail Lodge for a burger and a cold one. He taught his children how to shoot, hunt and fish, and the tradition has been passed on with enthusiasm to his grandchildren. Don loved old cars and trucks and could tell you the make and model in an instant.
Don and Pat loved to dance. They would be out when they had the chance to shake a leg with the group of cohorts they hung with. The local Elk’s Club was a popular destination. This eventually led them to get involved in square dancing. They participated with the local square-dancing club for many years and would attend the State Square Dance Festival on a yearly basis taking them all over the state of Montana.
Don was very dedicated to his family. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren. He never missed a local sporting event or activity that they participated in. He and mom traveled great lengths to watch the grandkids participate. Benefitting from his wit and dry sense of humor were Zack, Colton, Nick, and Darby Winfield along with JD, Jacob Murphy and Caley Willrich. Great grand children Maevery Winfield, Landyn Murphy, and Elliana Willrich.
Don was a lifelong member of the St. Helena Cathedral. He also attended services at St. Mary’s and St. Cyril’s in East Helena throughout the years. Don and Pat were very active in the church community and many of their lifelong friendships were established there.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Winfield, mother Katherine Winfield, brother Joe Winfield, brother Harold (Fuzz) Winfield, and his grandson Colton Winfield.
Don is survived by his wife Pat Winfield, sister Lois Phernetton, children Scott Winfield, Tom (Jacki) Winfield, Karen (Vance) Murphy, John (Tammy) Winfield. Grandchildren Zack (Megan) Winfield, Nick Winfield, Darby Winfield, JD (Gabby) Murphy, Jacob Murphy, Caley (Aaron) Willrich. Great grandchildren Maevery Winfield, Landyn Murphy and Elliana Willrich. Don is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and in laws. Don will be clearly missed but his character and strength will remain with the family and friends he touched.
Thursday, February 23 from 5-7 pm, a Gathering will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a Vigil/Rosary beginning at 6p.m. The following day, a Funeral Mass will be held at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena at Noon, with a Graveside Committal directly following at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena, where Don will receive Military Honors. Please join the family across the street at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in the Social Hall, for a Reception, following the burial.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Thursday February 23, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena,
Funeral Mass
Noon to 1:00 PM
Friday February 24, 2023
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena,
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday February 24, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke in the Social Hall
,
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Thursday February 23, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena,
Funeral Mass
Noon to 1:00 PM
Friday February 24, 2023
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St
East Helena,
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday February 24, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke in the Social Hall
,
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Jim Wilcox and Sally Russell says
We are so sorry to hear. Don was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Vonnie Jenkins says
So sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb Kralicek says
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Rest in peace. Prayers to Pat and family.
Kevin Bartsch says
Winfield Family- I was sorry to see of Don’s passing. I know my parents always enjoyed the friendships they had and I recall more than a few evenings spent in our driveway/garage with Don as my Dad worked on a few of the Windfield cars! Our thoughts are with your family at this time.
Mary Spaulding says
Mary Spaulding
I’m so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. We worked together at the Highway Department, Planning and Research and shared the same birthday, March 25th. He was such a great guy and I always enjoyed catching up with him when ever we ran into each other.
Sending prayers to Pat and the family.
Dela Chatriand says
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Susan Gordon says
Scotty, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I know how much he meant to you and your family. He raised a great family. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
With sympathy
Susan & Jim Gordon
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars & Jim DeMars says
Sending thoughts and prayers for peace to the Winfield family during this difficult time.