Nena M. (Revels) Winchell, 92 of Watertown, WI, passed away at Marquart Village on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 with family by her side.
Born on Oct. 31, 1923 in Forest Township, Vernon County, WI. She was the youngest of 14 children, born to James Merrit and Ruth Adeline (Winchel) Revels. She graduated from Salem School.
Nena married Delos E. Winchell on May 19, 1944 in New York City, before his deployment in World War II. Upon his return, they built their home in Hillsboro, WI and started their family. Family was of utmost importance to her.
When Carnation Company closed in the mid-1950’s, the Winchell family transferred to Oconomowoc, WI. She had been employed at Oscar Mayer and Catherine Clark’s Brownberry Ovens, but the work that meant the most to Nena was childcare.
She was as an Avon representative for over 40 years. Through Avon, Nena was recognized and received awards for sales and will be fondly remembered as the “the Avon lady.”
Nena attended what she referred to as “the little white church” as a child, and as an adult joined the First Congregational Church UCC in Oconomowoc, WI. Nena served on several committees and fundraisers, but preferred to work with the children in the nursery. She later transferred to First Congregational Church in Watertown.
She is survived by daughters Janice (Les) Heiman, Delores E. Winchell, and Sharon Y. Winchell; grandchildren Jody (Bob) Peterson, Kevin (Cassie) Winchell, Nicole (Jim) Visoky, Ben (Lisa) Winchell, Andy (Wendy) Molzner, Russell Winchell, Cassandra Molzner, Angeline (Saxon) Savath, Flora St. John, Seraphin St. John, and Tony VanHoosen; also 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 13 brothers and sisters; her husband; a son, David A. Winchell; a grandson, Jeffery M. St. John II; and a granddaughter, Wendy S. Heiman.
Visitation was Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015 at 3 p.m., followed by funeral service at 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Watertown. Visitation was Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015 at 1 p.m., followed by funeral service at 2 p.m. at Picha Funeral Home, Hillsboro. Interment was at Forest Burr Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the family or First Congregational Church. A special thanks to Pastor Bunny Winchell for his exceptional care of the family.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro assisted the family. For online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
