Pete Henry Winters, 95, went to be with the Lord surrounded by his loving family on January 20. Pete was born in Ripon on March 2, 1919 to parents Klaas and Adriaantje  (Pijl) Winters.  The youngest of sixchildren, he grew up in Ripon at the family farm on the corner of Robert Ave and Main Street, he attended Ripon Christian Schools.
   In 1947, he married his beautiful nurse, Florence Smith, who cared for him while he recovered at St. Joseph’s hospital after a serious car accident. They were married for 56 years before Florence’s passing on December 25, 2003.  Together, Pete and Florence created a legacy of faith, love, hard work, and hospitality – all traits they instilled in their children and grandchildren.
   Pete had many interests; which included hunting, fishing, rifle tournaments, bowling, and above all his love of car racing.  Everyone knew Pete as the proud owner of the Super Modified Pete Winters’ 1X, which received many track records at Stockton 99 Speedway among other Northern California tracks.  Everywhere Pete went he made a new friend, and left a lasting impression. He also always had almonds in his shirt pocket to share with others.
    Pete is preceded in death by his wife Florence, his parents Klaas and Adriaantje, his five siblings, and son-in-law Ronald Graham. He is survived by his children Robert (Denese) Winters of Ripon and Nancy Graham of Manteca.  He leaves behind four grandchildren; Altie Winters of Ripon, Jeremy (Krishan) Brouwer of Riverbank, Ryan (Janay) Winters of Ripon, and Nick Winters of Ripon.  He also leaves behind great grandchildren Taryn, Pete, Amari, TJ, and Nijah.
   Burial will take place at Ripon Cemetery (320 Stockton Ave) at 10:00 on Tuesday, January 27, service at Immanuel CRC (517 Orange Ave) at 11:00, followed by reception at the Ripon Community Center (610 S. Acacia Ave). 
    Memorial donations may be made to Bethany Home (930 W. Main St) or Ripon Christian Schools (435 Maple Ave).  

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, January 24, 2015