Norman (Norm) Lee Wineholt, 66, of LaPorte, IN passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family, Wednesday night, April 25, 2012. He had fought cancer bravely and with dignity for the past 8 months. Born June 27, 1945 with his twin sister Norma Jean (Wineholt) Meyer, Norm was the son of Russell and Hazel (Tryon) Wineholt. Growing up in the family farmhouse in LaPorte, he worked on the Wineholt farm milking cows. He graduated from South Central High School, where he had been an athlete, as part of its first graduating class in 1963. Studies at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN were interrupted in March, 1967 by a call from the Army. Norm spent the next three years serving his country, including duty in Vietnam where he was an Aircraft Electrician, working on Chinook helicopters. After his discharge, he returned to Purdue to earn his degree in Agricultural Economics in May, 1971, and his dedication to his alma mater had begun. Always a hard worker, Norm held many and varied jobs. At Purdue he worked several jobs to help defray costs including bus boy and dishwasher at his dormitory, Carey Hall, Co-Rec Supervisor and Purdue Campus Police at the Purdue Airport-Hanger 4. His work history also includes serving as a Purdue Extension Agent in Connersville, IN, and working for Wickes Buildings in Fairmont, IN. In February, 1978, Norm began what his name has come to be synonymous with, Wineholt Construction, Inc., in Anderson, IN. After suffering a serious accident on the job in 1982, Norm relocated Wineholt Construction back home to LaPorte where it has remained to this day. Norm's life became complete when he married Kathryn Carol Rosander on October 13, 1984. Ever since, they have lived and worked side by side, with Kathy operating the office for Wineholt Construction. In 2009 they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Hawaii. They have two daughters, Lindsey Lee Marie Wineholt (Austin, TX) and Carlee Rachel Ruth Wineholt (LaPorte, IN). For Norm, an avid Boilermaker fan, the sun rose and set in the faces of his daughters, despite them both being I.U. students. His greatest joys included traveling with Kathy and his girls, Purdue football and basketball (Norm attended many football and basketball games and other alumni events including both Boilermaker appearances in the Rose Bowl, 1967 and 2001 with Kathy, a converted Boiler fan), golf (he could swing a mean left-handed golf club), and a bowl of popcorn and milk. Proud of the many building projects within his community, Norm would take the girls on drives past his completed projects. Many of his buildings won recognition as Building of the Year from Borkholder's Buildings including the years 1996 thru 2001, 2006 and 2007. Pleased to have worked with brother-in-law Lloyd Rosander for 22 years, he was greatly appreciative of Lloyd assuming the day-to-day operation of the business for Norm. Well known and thought of throughout the community, Norm tried to begin most days with a donut and coffee at the coffee shop just down the road from home, talking to neighbors and friends. He took an interest in local affairs, such as 4-H, and served as President of the Kingsbury Cemetery Association. Norm is survived by wife Kathy, daughters Lindsey and Carlee, cousins Dan (Susan) Wineholt and Tom Wineholt, both of LaPorte and numerous brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, business associates and countless friends, as Norm made all who met him feel like a friend. Preceding in death were his sister Norma Jean (1986), parents Hazel (1989) and Russell (2004) and Uncle George and Aunt Marie Wineholt.
A Celebration of Life Service for Norm will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Service with Rev. John Beehler officiating. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 3-7PM and on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Kingsbury Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Hansen Life Sciences Research Building, Room 141, 201 S. University Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2064, VNA Hospice of LaPorte or Donor's Choice.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com