Elden Charles Winchell

Elden Charles Winchell, 91, of Homer, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on August 27, 1932 to Glenn and Marie (Pittelkow) Winchell in Jackson, Michigan.

Elden graduated from Homer High School in 1950 and in 1951 he became employed by J. Miller Machine Company in Homer as a machinist. On February 17, 1953 Elden entered the United States Army, he earned the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Ribbon and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, he was honorably discharged as a Pvt-1 on December 17, 1954. Upon returning home he rejoined J. Miller Machine Company in Homer and retired after 42 years in 1994.

Elden was united in marriage to Shirley Radee on November 30, 1957, sadly she passed away on September 12, 2023.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Homer and the Homer VFW of which he was active with their honor guard. He was a longtime volunteer at the Recycle Center in Homer. As a young man, Elden enjoyed boat racing on Devil's Lake. He was an active bowler and also a fast pitch softball player on the Homer Merchants team. Elden was a do-it-yourself kind of guy; he was usually remodeling something around the house whether it needed it or not. He enjoyed being outside in the garden or riding on the tractor. Elden was the ice cream maker for family get together's and always had a story to share. Elden's favorite hobby was fishing. He knew Homer Lake like the back of his hand and passed his knowledge down to his children. Using his original bamboo rod was the only way to fish even after getting new fishing rods as gifts. They were just not the same. Above all else he loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren and attending their sporting or school events. 

Elden is survived by his loving children, Doran (Tammy) Winchell, Kelly (fiance, Jeff Johnston) Renfroe, Brent (Cindi) Winchell, Aaron Winchell; his grandchildren, Kody (Heather) Renfroe, Brock (Chelsea) Winchell, Kyrie (Chris) Hernandez, Cheyenne (Cameron) Barrett, Paige (Dale) Cornstubble, Devan Winchell and Wyatt Winchell; his great grandchildren, Blake, Tessa and Avery Renfroe, Kneco, Chris and Rae Hernandez, Piper and Sawyer Cornstubble and Finley Barrett; his sisters, Rose Marie Butler and Marjean (Andy) Sikkema; his half-brother, Vance Larder, his half-sisters, Sharon (Jeff) Kreger and Sherry (Howard) Trader. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Robert Larder, his son-in-law, Kevin Renfroe, his brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Irene) Winchell and his brother-in-law, David Butler.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm at Kempf's of Homer 303 S. Hillsdale St. Homer, Michigan 49245 with the funeral service to follow at 12:30 pm at Kempf's of Homer with Pastor Steve Kazar, officiating.

Interment will take place at later date at Fairview Cemetery in Homer, Michigan. 

Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of Homer (309 S. Sophia St. Homer, MI 49245).

Arrangements are by Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, MI 49068.

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.