Meredith Louise Winchel

Meredith Louise Winchel, age 86 of Janesville, WI passed away on January 1, 2026, at Javon Bea Hospital, Rockford, IL. Meredith was born in Saint Paul, MN on May 21, 1939, the daughter of David Ross and Elizabeth (Knight) Ross. She graduated from Hastings, MN High School in 1957 and furthered her education in Saint Paul to become a registered nurse. Meredith married John Engstrom on June 5, 1965. She later married Walter Winchel on September 12, 1975.

After moving to Janesville, Meredith was employed as a registered nurse by the Mercy Health System, General Motors, Interim Home Health and Parkside Lodge over the years. She was a member of Foundation Bible Church. She spent many years playing piano and organ and singing in church choirs. She raised lots of fun chihuahua puppies. She also loved traveling to Florida and spending time in an RV by the ocean, having grown up loving the water. She passed on her medical compassion and knowledge to Brian. And she passed along her love of Jesus to all of us!

Meredith’s survivors include her children; Vernon (Ilse) Engstrom of Janesville, Kimberly (Timothy) Williamson of Christiansburg, VA, Brian (Jennifer) Winchel of Calhan, CO; stepchildren, Amy (Karl) Allen of Janesville, Jeffrey (Erika) Winchel of Brooklyn, WI; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Dibble; brother-in-law Robert Green; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Winchel on December 8, 2025. Her parents and her sister, Carolyn Green also preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at FOUNDATION BIBLE CHURCH, 1805 Foster Avenue, Janesville. Pastor Dan Wolf will officiate. The family will meet friends in the church fellowship hall following the services for a time of fellowship and refreshments.

The Winchel family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences may be made to www.henkeclarson.com.