Marie Wintergerst, 93, of Cleveland, OH, and Huntley, IL, passed away peacefully in her home on January 31, 2023, with her two children by her side. She was pre-deceased by her devoted husband, Fred. She is survived by her daughter, Claudia Wintergerst (Manfred Herrmann) of Chicago, IL, and Asheville, NC, and her son Frederick Wintergerst (Rick Kack) of Delavan, WI. Previously, Marie, along with her husband, Fred, raised their two children in Lakewood, OH, a suburb of Cleveland. They resided in the western suburbs for nearly 50 years.
Marie was born in Stanischitsch, Yugoslavia, a village in Slovenia in a region known as “The Batschka.” Of German descent and near the Danube River, her heritage was known as “Danube Swabian” or “Donauschwaben.”
In 1944 during World War II, Russian troops moved into the Batschka and forced German citizens into concentration camps. Everything was lost including friends and relatives. Fortunately, Marie and her family escaped into Austria. Two years later, her family made their way to America where she began a new life with her mother and father, Thomas and Katharina Bohner.
Marie met her husband, Fred (born in Marienfeld, Romania, also within the Batschka) in Cleveland, Ohio, and they married on July 5, 1952. She worked in Ohio Bell’s accounting office while her husband attended classes at Case Western Reserve Academy. Once her husband’s CPA firm was established, Marie worked tirelessly alongside him during tax season.
It was both Marie and Fred’s desire to ensure early on that their two children acquire the skills necessary to receive a solid higher education. Based on their World War II experience, they astutely said, “Everything can be taken away from you except your education.” “I would scrub floors for my children’s future,” Marie often said.
She had a daily “chauffeur schedule” transporting one or both of her children to piano and ballet lessons, gymnastics and swimming, horseback riding, tennis, Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls and more. Marie was an extremely devoted mother and wife. She was also a tremendous chef, cooking with delicious Hungarian, German and Austrian influences. Her Chicken Kiev, Chicken Cordon Bleu and Beef Wellington were unsurpassed. Marie was also an amazing baker making the finest of European tortes and cakes. Everything was blue ribbon worthy! She was an amazing hostess who held countless dinner parties - even for German movie stars on one occasion!
After her husband’s retirement, Fred and Marie spent their winters in Florida until his untimely death in 1993. In 2002, Marie left Cleveland and moved to Del Webb’s “Sun City” in Huntley, IL, to be closer to her children. Those years were filled doting on her grown kids, playing bridge with friends, taking watercolor and ceramic classes (she was an extremely talented water color artist) and being an avid cruiser. She even sailed around the world on Cunard Line’s Seabourn Sun!
In lieu of flowers, in Marie’s honor, we would welcome donations to a charity of your choice. Acknowledgments are not necessary.
Services will be private at DeFiore Funeral Home.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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So sorry, our thoughts are with you.
Mrs. Wintergerst was a lady of Regal beauty and presence. We send our love, and sincere condolences to Fred and Claudia, her loving and caring family. She was truly blessed to have them be her guardian angels.
Freddie, Claudia and family. We are very sad to hear of these events. We are however grateful for the love and care you were able to provide in her final years. You were a great comfort to her. What an incredible story and life she led, she has left her indelible mark upon the world in her beautiful children, for which I am forever grateful to her. Michael and I send you our heartfelt and loving condolences and should you need us, we are here for you.
It sounds like she led an amazing and fulfilled life. Greatest sympathies to the entire family, but especially Claudia whom I met walking a week or two ago. Prayers are with you.
As a relatively recent resident of Sun City, I missed the opportunity to get to know Marie, which I regret. She sounds like a lovely person and a wonderful parent and friend. Rest in peace Marie.
My wife and I send our condolences for your loss Wayne and apathy karg
My wife and I send our condolences for your loss Wayne and Kathy Karg
What a beautiful obituary. So sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your mom. She was an exceptional person and we have the fondest memories of her.
I'm so sorry to learn of Marie's passing - but what an incredible life! I will always cherish some great memories of happy time spent with the Wintergerst family. She was rightfully so proud of her family, and I know that she will live on through Fred and Claudia.
We are the longest caregivers of Marie FOR 3 &1/2 YRS. she is loved by her children & us. We pray our beloved Marie be welcomed into the company oF the saints, where there is great joy, abundant life & peaceful rest in your gracious presence. AMEN. Love & miss you HONEY.
What a wonderful lady your mom was Claudia and Freddie! She was always filled with kind words. It was so nice to see the friendship between my mom and yours! Very happy she lived such a full life.