John M. Waters

Winona, MN John Michael Waters, 60 of Winona, MN, died on February 28, 2009 at St. Michael's Lutheran Home in Fountain City, WI after a brief, but extremely courageous battle with cancer. Mike was born in Winona, MN on January 23, 1949 to John Raymond Waters and Dorothy Dean (McWain). He married the love of his life, Chris (Schneider), on July 15, 1972 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Winona, MN. Married for 36 years, they created three beautiful children whom he loved dearly. Mike met Chris working at Watkins Home, and later worked at the YMCA and Winona National bank. He was a graduate of Winona High School and Winona Technical College. He loved the outdoors, specifically catching sunfish with his fishing buddy, Chris, at the Minnesota City Boat Harbor, Prairie Island, and the steps and dock at the cottage. Many weekends were spent at the cottage laughing with family. He enjoyed trips to Trempealeau to hunt wild asparagus, Nelson for cheese curds, and the area apple orchards for HoneyCrisp. He also treasured spending time in the garden, cooking, reading, and relaxing with his family on the "dorch." Many men could not say this but Mike loved his in-laws, Betty and Bill Schneider. He enjoyed making them laugh and cooking Sunday dinners for them. Mike was an amazing husband and father. He was very accepting of everyone who came to the house and always lent an ear. He was non judge-mental and always gave the best advice. When no advice was necessary, there was always a cold beer. You never questioned where you stood with him, because he told you honestly and frankly. Mike was a man of his word and this you could count on. Above all, he was grateful for the little things in life and helped those around him understand these simple pleasures meant the most. As Mike would say, he lived a great 60 years and had a good life. Although it is heart wrenching to lose him, we find strength in the person that he was and our lives are greatly enriched because of the time we had to love, learn, and grow with him. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Chris of Winona, MN; children, Amy (Roger) Waters Colson of Long Island, NY, Jessica Waters of Columbus, GA, and John William Waters of LaCrosse, WI. He also had grandchildren that he adored: Amy's (Charlie and Sophie) and John William's (Willi and Isabela). A Celebration of Mike's Life will be held from 5-8pm on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Services - Hansen Goodview Chapel. Please feel free to share a memory of Mike with his family and sign the on-line guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com