It is with great sadness that I must report that Mike Winter passed away in a car wreck this morning. As many know Mike hauled bikes and was returning from a haul, fell asleep, and crashed. Mike loved Pentons and helped many here. He will be missed! Prayers please for Madison and his family. RIP Brother!
Larry P
Sad, sad so very sad news about Mike. Godspeed Mike, prayers and thoughts for him and to his family and friends.
Mike
wow. so sad. rip mr winter..
RIP, brother and good friend. One of the nicest guys around that would give you the shirt of off his back if you needed one. Hauled many a bike for me and nothing but first class service from a first class friend. Will be truly missed.
Very Sad. Mike and I had been Friends for many years and was always honored to visit with him Great loss. Prayers forhis Family..
Ron Carbaugh
Rest In Peace my friend. He will be missed. A really great person.
1976 250 MC5 Original Owner
1976 Penton 175 XC
Mike just picked up a Hare Scrambler for me in May and moved it to Alabama for me . The first time I meet him and we hit off over these machines. Very sorry to here this . Seems to never end! 2020 ????
Horrible news...
Thomas Brosius
Got to know Mike this past winter at the York meet. He willingly brought in bikes for the Penton display. He was always helpful to many of us on this forum. He will be deeply missed. RIP
Lee
I had the pleasure of going on a few adventures with Mike, and he was a great help to me as I got into Penton acquisitions and looking for parts and such. This is a real shock. It might be a shorter list of people that didn't know Mike. Don't what else to say.
Rest in peace my friend,
Dan McEntee
Fellow Road Warrior, I'm on the road right now, will dedicate the rest of my trip to Safe Travel and Mike Winter. You are missed already,
Mick
Very sad news about a wonderful gentleman. RIP
Paul
Knew Mike for years via this site and finally had an opportunity to meet him in person this past January. Wonderful guy who will be truly missed. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Kevin
Exactly 1 year ago, I was racing at Wauseon (alone), and Mike went out of his way to come watch me, and sat with me in the pits, the entire day. It was a uncomfortably very hot day. I remember thinking to myself that I was grateful for his friendship. That it was so much more enjoyable to be with a friend. That all "this" is not about ourselves, but really about the people we meet, and friends we make. My condolences to all of Mike's friends and family.
Bob Wardlow
I see Mike and his family surrounded in Love and Light.
He was a wonderful friend, customer, and fellow POG member.
I will always remember him for his kindness and willingness to help others that I witnessed at all of the events we were at.
Alan Buehner
Very said to here of Mike passing. Friends for many years. We will meet again. Will miss the Penton Central Illinois meetings. Prayers to Madison and Family.
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Funeral information [V]
https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/17519636/Michael-R-Winter
Dale Fisher
Mudlark Registry
Thanks Dale.
I found this link through your link.
Thanks again Dale.
https://www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com/obituary/Michael-Winter
Mike was one of the nicest people I have met through all of the motorcycle community. He delivered a '76 Penton 125 MX to me that I had purchased from him a few years back without even asking. I would have gladly driven out to get it but he went out of his way to bring it to me. He arrived a little later than when he was hoping to arrive at KTM but that was no problem for me as I was used to staying late into the evenings there. We had a great time as we spent several hours with me giving him the $1.50 tour of every part of KTM and just talking Penton, KTM and just everything motorcycle and vintage cars. We closed up KTM well after midnight and I offered to find a motel or if he wanted to stay at KTM but he just wanted to get back on the road heading home. A great time we had and I always remembered that over the years and had that little internal smile when he posted or members spoke about him. When I get the 125 finished I will probably have a MRW decal made for it, may even run number 454. GODSPEED Mike.
Mike
Very sad to hear the tragic news of Mike's untimely passing. My deepest sympathy to Madison and all of Mike's family. Over the years, he had helped me more times than I can count and I will always be grateful for that. You're in my thoughts and prayers my friend so godspeed.
Dave McC
So tragic. Mike was such helping person. Many bikes have traded hands out of his Mid-Ohio swap meet spot.
Dennis Jones
Bye Mike [V]
Very Sad News. One of the best guys out there.
Rest in peace our friend[V]
Mike was really helpful with my rookie efforts to save Pentons. He brought my Jackpiner from Michigan. He delivered many parts for my continual projects. He has contributed in some way to almost every Penton that I own. Lori and I had dinner with Mike and Madison when we picked up a fork set for my Six Day. Great couple. Hearing their story and listening to their faith was a rare treasure in today's world.
Mike will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
RIP
John
His passing is such very sad news to hear. Mike helped out me with several projects over the years and I am grateful that I had the pleasure of meeting him several years back at the York Swapmeet He was a gracious, kind and humble man -- and a great POG member who will be sorely missed.