Kristi A. Winrich, 66 of Eau Claire passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire.
Kristi was born on July 10, 1949 to Melvin and Leone (Tollefson) Wathke in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She graduated from Memorial High School in 1967. She married her best friend and the love of her life, James Winrich on April 19, 1969 at Hope Lutheran Church. Kristi loved spending time with her grandchildren and her pets. She liked to collect porcelain dolls, crochet, attend stock car races, and visit with her friends up north in Brule. She was also an avid Packer and Brewers fan. Kristi enjoyed watching her sons, Chad ski jump and Jimmy wrestle. She also enjoyed deer and bear hunting and fishing with her husband and four wheeling with her family and grandkids. After her sons grew up and left home, she would tell people, “I’ve raised my three boys,” and was always ready to party.
Kristi is survived by her husband, James Winrich of Eau Claire; two children, James Christopher Winrich of Minneapolis, MN and Chad Michael Winrich of Eau Claire; five grandchildren, Andrew, Justin, Jordan, James Logan, and Joseph; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Vicki (Rick) Walker of Eau Claire; and sister-in-law, Sally Bell.
Kristi was preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Winifred Winrich; twin brother, Michael Wathke; brother, Greg Wathke; and sister-in-laws, Mary Kragness and Kathy Wright.
Memorial services will be on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services on Tuesday at the funeral home.
My deepest sympathies to Jim and the two boys. Kristi was a friend in school, but didn’t have much connection once we graduated. My heart goes out to you at this most difficult time. She was such a nice person!
Our sincere condolences to the Winrich family and friends. The death of a loved one is extremely painful but have faith in Gods promise of seeing your love one again though the resurrection. (Acts 24:15) In the difficult days to come, may the wonderful memories of Kristi give you comfort until the words of Isaiah 35:5,6 are fulfilled.