June 11, 1929 - March 27, 2018
Earl Christensen Winther passed away at the age of 88 on March 27, 2018 in Spokane, Washington. Earl was born June 11, 1929 in Plentywood, Montana. His parents, Anton and Margrethe (Christensen) Winther welcomed Earl to the family of 2 sisters, Erlis and Gladys along with brother Arlie, then arrived beautiful baby sister Betty Lou. Earl grew up on “The Farm” in eastern Montana. He often spoke of cold winter nights huddled with his siblings under a heavy horse hide blanket to stay warm. Days on the farm were filled with hard work, but abundant with love for each other. Tragically his Mother Margrethe passed when he was a young boy. His father never remarried. As a teenager, Earl was off to Medicine Lake, Montana to attend and graduate high school. While living at the boarding house in town, big sister Gladys assured he was well fed with hearty meals in her restaurant. - Following graduation Earl made the move to Miles City, Montana, there he met a beautiful young women, Helen Hamre. He and Helen loved to dance and socialize. They married July 2nd 1950. Earl was drafted into the Korean War and honorably discharged a short time later, returning to Miles City. Earl was an active member and Esteemed Lecturing Knight with the Elks Lodge in Miles City. While in Miles City, Earl began his railroad career with the Milwaukee Railroad in Sales and marketing. Earl was a perfect fit for a job in marketing. He was a people person, articulate, ambitious, outgoing, organized and energized. - November of 1958 brought the birth of their only child Scott Jeffrey Winther. Shortly after, the young Winther family began the first of many relocations, with Earls employment in the railroad industry. His career led him to Spokane WA, San Francisco CA, Salt Lake City UT, Boise ID, Spokane WA (again), Potlatch ID and Vancouver WA. After over 30 years of entertaining customers he retired in 1987, he and Helen returned to make their home in Spokane. They enjoyed their home, yard and gardening. He spent time golfing, walking and visiting with neighbors. In December of 1998, his wife Helen passed away following a fall at the young age of 69. A short time later, he once again met a women who loved to dance. Earl remarried in July of 2000 to Dawn Robertson. They enjoyed their home, traveling in their RV and several summers at Long Lake. Dawn passed away in September 2013 succumbing to a battle with cancer. Adamant he needed more than his “big, lonely house”, he anxiously sold his home in 2014, moving to Affinity Senior Living. Affinity brought him more than just friendship - many neighbors were like family. A set back in his health brought him a few hours closer to his son and family, he stayed briefly at Bishop Place Senior Living in Pullman WA. Although Pullman is a college town, there was not just not enough action for Earl. He returned to Spokane as he missed special friends, The Eagles, Happy Hour, driving and more driving, dancing, dining out and most of all playing pool with his “pool buddies” many times a week. Earl always lived life to the fullest - he never slowed down. He wanted more time, but God had another plan. Earl is survived by his son Scott (Donna), grandsons; Tyrell (Meghan) and Travis (Katie), great-grandchildren Brieanna, Kyanna, Wyatt, Rory, Kinsley and Maverick, step-daughter Trina Starkey (Doug), step-grandsons Ian and Zach, sister Betty Lou James and many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wives; Helen and Dawn, brother, Arlie Winther, and sisters; Erlis Kleeman and Gladys York. A Graveside Service will be held at 12:30 pm, on Friday May 18th, Greenwood Memorial Terrace, 211 N. Government Way, Spokane, WA. Friends and family will gather for a celebration of Earl's life immediately following at Affinity Senior Living, 12710 Mill Road in Spokane. In memory of Earl, donations to sponsor summer camp for children with Type 1 diabetes may be made in his honor to CampStix, Cusick, WA.
