Kristine Lea Winneke passed away November 21, 2024 after a hard-fought battle with complications from her diabetes. Kristine was born on August 24, 1952 in San Bernadino, California. She was the daughter of Neva Jean Bartlett and Leighton Laverne Linn. As a young girl she attended school in San Bernadino and also in Manhattan, Kansas, while her father completed his doctorate in veterinary science and nutrition. The family then moved to South Dakota where her father established his veterinary practice. Young Kristine enjoyed accompanying her father to many farm locations during his practice. Kristine also worked in the veterinary office helping to keep records. It was during this time that Kristine developed a love of animals and an affinity for organizing and documenting. Kristine grew up with her black lab, Duke, and several ponies. Her administrative skills awarded her with a position of Page in the South Dakota House of Representatives during her senior year in high school.

Kristine graduated from Howard High School in Howard, South Dakota in the spring of 1970 and enrolled in Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa in the fall of 1970. Kristine graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in May, 1974. While at Morningside, she met her future husband, Greg Winneke, and shortly after graduation they were married on May 25, 1974. After graduation Kristine worked as assistant purchasing agent for Advance Industries. In 1978 the couple moved to Madison, Wisconsin where Kristine utilized her purchasing experience in University stores while Greg obtained a Master's of Science in finance. Upon Greg's graduation the couple moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan where Kristine worked for the University of Michigan. After three years they returned to Madison, Wisconsin and Kristine obtained a position in the Secretary of State Office. Uncomfortable with elections changing office conditions, Kristine resigned and took a position at the University of Wisconsin Department of Engineering in the continuing education office. While there Kristine achieved her CPS (Certified Professional Secretary) designation, won secretary of the year honors and was elected to be President of PSI (Professional Secretaries International). She enjoyed working with other administrative assistants, developing many friends. Kristine's responsibilities included organizing speakers, presentations, and travel arrangements for educational conferences on solid waste and landfill design. Kristine truly loved working with the professors, the speakers, and the attendees, even foreign attendees.

Kristine was predeceased by her parents and her in-laws. She is survived by her husband of fifty years, Greg Winneke, and many dear friends.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 10:00am, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church with interment in Sioux City, Iowa.