Obituary: Tony “Butch” Winterbauer

Formerly of St. Louis, Florissant

Anthony “Tony” or “Butch” James Winterbauer was born in St. Louis, MO on August 1, 1946, to William Joseph Winterbauer and Dorothy Roehr Winterbauer. He passed away peacefully on December 10, 2023, at home in Anaheim, CA.

Tony grew up in St. Louis with his older brother Bill Winterbauer, where he became a lifelong Cardinals baseball fan. He attended St. John the Baptist School and high school in the Bevo Mill neighborhood. Tony’s Catholic education served as a foundation for his strong faith in the Lord, which he would carry with him throughout his life.

Inspired by his father’s WWII and other relatives’ military service, Tony enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 1964, several months before his 18th birthday. He took his first plane flight to California where he completed boot camp at Camp Pendleton. Then, as a member of the 1st Battalion 3rd Marines, Headquarters and Service Company, he underwent cold weather training at Mount Fuji, Japan before serving as a mortarman in Da Nang, Vietnam in 1965.

Following 13 months of service overseas, Tony returned to Camp Pendleton to work in the Military Police division at the base’s front gate. There, he met Rosa Guerrero, who was working at the front office. In his own telling of the story, Tony was instantly smitten while Rosa took longer to return his affection. Nevertheless, since their marriage in 1967, Tony and Rose were inseparable for 56 loving years.

In 1968, Tony moved his family to Florissant, MO where he began a decades-long career as a truck driver and raised his two children, Theresa and Anthony. In 1984, the family returned to California, making their home in Anaheim. He counted sending both children to college amongst his greatest accomplishments.

Tony was an extremely proud father and grandfather. He attended countless games and performances put on by his grandchildren, and he told anyone who would listen about what they were up to at the time.

Loved ones often commented that Tony never met a stranger. Warm, inquisitive, and charming, Tony would strike up conversations with anyone he met. He saw the good in people and believed in their kindness. He also used his skill for building connections to uplift others. He drew from his experiences as a veteran and a cancer survivor to encourage and foster relationships with those facing similar challenges. In retirement, he continued to serve his community as a courtesy shuttle golf cart driver for patients at St. Jude Medical Center and as a volunteer for veterans’ mental health initiatives.

Tony’s retirement years were also shaped by his curiosity and zeal for life. He and Rose drove across the country several times to attend Marine Corps reunions, exploring new states and visiting friends along the way. Every few years they would return to St. Louis to visit friends and relatives. He would often keep his St. Louis connections informed by sending information and stories about his home town that   they didn’t know about. Tony was an avid reader and took classes at the local community college.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Dorothy and his brother Bill. He is survived by his daughter Theresa (Fred Martinez); his son Tony (Tricia); his grandchildren Sol and Luke Martinez and Kate, Jack, and Grayson Winterbauer; his godchildren Tina Winterbauer and Steve Roehr; many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless dear friends.

A graveside service will be held at the Riverside National Cemetery on December 30, 2023, at 9 a.m. in Riverside, CA, followed by a celebration of life reception at the American Legion Post 72 at 936 North Lemon Street, Anaheim, CA at noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.

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