Obituary of Joseph John Wincheski

JOSEPH J. WINCHESKI June 19, 1927 - March 24, 2023 It is with deep sadness that we announce the heavenly passing of Joseph John Wincheski beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather on Friday, March 24, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona. He will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Joseph was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois where he spent much of his younger years. After he graduated from high school in 1945, he registered for the draft and was inducted into the Army/Air Force and stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. In 1947, he was discharged from the military and returned to Chicago, Illinois. After a few years, he re-enlisted back into the military and served with the 101st Airborne Division. The Air Force separated from the Army and they were looking for volunteers to enlist with the same rank and job description, so he signed up! With the Korean War starting, President Truman gave every serviceman one more year added on to their enlistment…The Truman Year. By 1952, he was given an honorable discharge from the military and his last duty station was at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. His dedicated military service along with his fellow soldiers always had a special place close to his heart.

Over a few years, he performed different types of jobs and even worked on B-52 bombers in Chicago. In 1954, he moved to the Washington, DC area and after dating several years, married Helen Lebeck on November 15, 1954. His daughter, Catherine Marie was born on December 20, 1955 and his son, Joseph John was born on July 13, 1960.

In 1960, he accepted a government civil service job at Walter Reed Army Medical Center working in the Orthopedic Brace & Limb Shop. For many long years, he worked with the military aiding wounded soldiers and their families with his utmost respect. In November 1969, The United States Patent Office awarded Joseph a patent for his invention of a Clubfoot Splint. He retired from Walter Reed Army Medical Center after 34 years of civil service as a supervisor of the Brace Shop.

After retirement, he worked part time as a prototype machinist at Pulse Electronics in Rockville, Maryland. A few years later, he and his wife moved to beautiful Hagerstown, Maryland for the next seventeen years. In 2006, they both moved to Southern Arizona to be closer to their daughter and son.

Joseph enjoyed his many hobbies over the years along with his love of World War II planes. Back in his younger years in Chicago, he would save up a dollar and ride his bike to Midway Airport to fly in a small plane around the area… his family never knew! He finally got his wish when he flew in a float plane during his Alaskan adventure many years ago!

His all-time favorite hobby was fishing whether it was fresh or salt water, he always enjoyed the relaxing sport and shared many of his incredible stories! While living in Maryland, he would venture to his favorite fishing hole along the C&O Canal National Historical Park near the area known as ‘Widewater” close to the Potomac River.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Helen and is survived by his daughter, Catherine Wilson (Doug) and son, Joseph Wincheski (Alison); nephew, Scott Conrad (Clara); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Mae Winchester; sister, Rose Marie Conrad and brother, Frank Winchester, Jr.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held on June 14, 2023 at 12:00 pm at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery located in Cumberland, Maryland.

The family would like to thank Catalina Hospice, Tucson, AZ for their compassionate care of Joseph during his final days with us.