Eileen Josephine Winegard

Eileen Josephine Winegard, 99 years of age, passed away peacefully at her home at Miravilla in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Monday, December 6th, 2021.

Eileen was born on October 6th, 1922 in Lomax, Illinois to Dorothea Johanna Pence and Leroy Frederick Pence. She attended Lomax Grade School and one year at Lomax High School. For her sophomore and junior years, she attended St Paul’s Catholic High School in Burlington, Iowa. Eileen graduated from Burlington High School in 1940. Following graduation, she attended one year at Burlington Junior College. After school, she worked at the JC Penney’s Co, and then the Iowa Ordinance Plant in the personnel office.

Eileen married John Robert Winegard on May 1st, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, while John was serving in the Air Force. After John retired from the service, the couple returned to Burlington. Soon after, John started his career in electronics, and with the investment of $600 from Eileen, the Winegard Company was started. In Burlington they had two children. John Randall Winegard was born August 7th, 1947 and Nancy Eileen Winegard was born July 2nd, 1953.

While being a devoted mother and wife, Eileen also dedicated time to fundraising for her parish church, St. Patrick’s, and many times traveled to Chicago to purchase items from the Merchandise Market for the Burlington Hospital gift store, where she also volunteered her time. She later started her own business, The Gift Station, which she ran for several years.

In keeping with her independent nature, Eileen moved to Arizona in October of 1979. In Arizona, she seriously pursued her love of golf, often playing 18 holes, twice a week, and competing in tournaments until she was 94 years old.  Eileen became an active member of her parish church, Maria Goretti.

Eileen spent her summers in the mountains of Dillon, Colorado where she loved to horseback ride with friends and family. She is remembered for her wonderful cooking and baking, which she loved to share, over the years, with many family members, friends, and guests. Eileen was also known for her beautiful appearance and quiet, polite demeanor. Yet, those close to her, also knew her as a very strong, independent, and tenacious woman with a lot of grit. 

Eileen is preceded in death by her father; mother; her sisters, Lucille, Laura, Stella Mae, and Dorothy; as well as brothers, Fred and Jerry. 

She is survived by her sister Roberta; son, Randy, his wife, Heather; daughter, Nancy; granddaughters, Anna, Rachel, Rainie, and Rielle; grandson, Sam; and great-granddaughter, Menowaube.

The Memorial Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 21st, 2021, at Divine Mercy Parish, SS. Mary and Patrick's Catholic Church, in West Burlington, Iowa. A luncheon will follow at Catfish Bend Casino Events Center, in Burlington, Iowa. Private family inurnment will be held on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021 in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Eileen’s name for the Evans Scholarship Program. 

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