Winifred 'Winnie' I. (Roest) Dahnert

Winifred “Winnie” I. (Nee: Roest) Dahnert, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital, Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at the age of 90. Winnie was born in Racine, September 19, 1920, daughter of the late Henry and Goldie (Nee: Tuttle) Roest.

Winnie was a graduate of Washington Park High School. She was a member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church (formerly Evangelical United Brethren) and on June 22, 1940, at the church she was united in marriage to Howard Lawrence Dahnert. Howard preceded her in death this past January 23rd. She was employed at Park-In drive-in as a teenager, J.I. Case as Rosie the Riveter making airplane wings, Western Publishing, and Lincoln Lutheran, retiring in 1974. She also assisted with teaching children to read at Janes Elementary School.

Winnie's main focus was on the family. She always looked for ways to bring family together. Helping others had also been a top priority for Winnie, as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Cub Scout Den mother, Sunday school teacher and food bank volunteer for many years at EUM.

Winnie loved anything related to art, such as crafts, painting, drawing and clay figures to name a few. She especially enjoyed art projects that included her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every piece of art they created was a treasure.

Beyond her devotion to her family, Winnie also enjoyed traveling with Howard on vacations, through Racine Scout Drum Corps trips, rock-hounding with the Racine Geological Society and outings with the Holiday Rambler Club. She was a member of the Racine Elks Club.

Her happiest moments were getting together with family, and being with the love of her life, Howard.

Survivors include her children, Janice Nelmark, Robert Dahnert, James (Cynthia) Dahnert; her grandchildren, Robin Nelmark, Tammy (Ruben) Mendoza, Daniel (Terri) Nelmark, Debra (Steve) Radwill, Wendy (Rob) Siegel, Matthew Dahnert (fiancé, Cammi), Jonathon Dahnert, Kimberly (Chris) James, Nicholas Dahnert, Lisa (Chris) Przekurat; her great-grandchildren, Christopher (Megan) Mendoza, Michael Nelmark, Brendon Mendoza, Abigail Radwill, Emmit Radwill, Ashley James, Isabella Radwill, Ethan Fabian, Owen Radwill, Emily Nelmark, Christopher Przekurat, Chasity James, Utah Radwill, Carson Siegel, Jasmine Przekurat, Missy Doepke, Nick Doepke, Ryan Dahnert, Caleb Dahnert; brother, Calvin Roest of Richmond, VA; sister, Sue (Art) Webb of Rockford, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Arthur Siegel.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the Evangelical United Methodist Church, 212 11th St., with Rev. John Fleming officiating. Entombment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Evangelical United Methodist Church have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to all of Winnie’s caregivers and the staff of the Med 3 unit at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888