Dr. Edward A. Winiecke, M.D.

Dr. Edward A. Winiecke, M.D., dedicated husband and father, passed away on Tuesday, March 12th surrounded by his loving family.

Ed began his journey as an entrepreneurial youngster (age seven) who caught frogs and sold them to his friends, charging extra for “special food (aka grass from his backyard)” then “swimming lessons (aka frog camp)”, to his neighbors’ annoyance and parents’ amusement. He wanted to be a doctor since he was a boy, always looking up to his grandfathers, one a dentist and the other an ophthalmologist. Ed also had a strong sense of justice, and while he didn’t ultimately pursue law, he spent years on honor code councils ensuring fellow students and residents adhered to medical ethics codes.

Ed was as smart as he was selfless. A top graduate of St. John’s Military Academy he opted to join the U.S Army Special Forces as a Light Weapons Specialist, Medic, and Paratrooper before earning a BS in Biochemistry & Analytical Chemistry, BS in Human Anatomical Biology, and finally an MD with residencies focused in Internal Medicine and Anesthesiology. He also studied to become a chiropractor for 2 years before ultimately wanting to focus on internal medicine and anesthesiology. He cared for patients for more than 20 years—from helping expectant mothers bring life into the world, to stabilizing patients in emergency care, to caring for those undergoing major operations. He spent 15 of those years in Muskegon, working tirelessly in Michigan while simultaneously being a devoted husband and father to his wife and children who resided in Oconomowoc, WI. Recently, he had been lending his expertise to other hospitals throughout the country as a locum tenens doctor. Ed was a licensed aviator, beekeeper, fly fisherman, marksman, and avid reader who drew inspiration from works like The Fountainhead, emulating the book’s protagonist in his dedication to lifelong learning and a strong moral compass.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Faith, their children Lexie, Brittany, Benjamin, Sophie, Emory, and loyal companion Achilles, his Belgian Malinois. He is now reunited with his mother, Mary Ann Storey, and father, Emory Lloyd Winiecke. Ed served his country, his family, and his community, raising children with the same devotion to protecting the lives and health of those around them. His loving presence lives on in them. In death, Ed continues to show up for his family-in the beautiful sunrise on the morning he passed; in the dreams of his loved ones; in the first purple flowers of spring pushing through winter’s grass. May he rest in peace.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at AngelsGrace Hospice for their unwavering support during Ed's final days. In honor of Ed's memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in lieu of flowers.

To honor his remarkable life, a visitation will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (new location, 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066), from 4:00pm-6:00pm. The celebration of Edward's life will continue on Friday, March 22, 2024, at St. Jerome Catholic Church (995 S. Silver Lake Street, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) from 11:00am to 12:00pm, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial.

(Location of Pagenkopf Funeral Home: We are located just South of Aurora Summit Hospital, east on Delafield Road)