Michael D. Winstead

WELLS, Minn. – Michael Dean Winstead, 57, of Wells, died Sunday, July 15, 2018, at his home.

Michael Dean was born Oct. 21, 1960, in Clinton, Illinois, the son of Richard Gene and Shirley Louise (Rhodes) Winstead. The family later moved to Dixon, where Mike attended grade school. They then moved to Sterling, where he attended high school. Mike enlisted in the Army, where he honorably served for 4 years. He was working at Winstead Pallet Salvage when he met his wife, Tammy Muntean. They were united in marriage on Oct. 13, 1984, in Sterling. In 1989, he began working at Byron Nuclear Station, before getting a job with the Department of Corrections, working at Dixon Correctional Center, going on to be a tactical commander, and a sergeant. Mike also worked part time for the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. He retired in 2014 from the Department of Corrections, after 25 years, and then in 2015 from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department, after 15 years. After retirement, he joined the Dixon Masonic Lodge and the Polo Lodge, which he enjoyed.

He is survived his wife, Tammy Winstead of Wells; three sons, Benjamin of Wells, Cody (Laura) of Wells, and Caleb (Kymberly Coffee) of Sterling; five grandchildren, Brody, Bryce, and Brandley Winstead of Wells, and Cheyenne and Maximus Winstead of Sterling; siblings, Steven Douglas Winstead, Anthony Winstead, Daniel Winstead, and Christina Hargis; and several nieces and nephews. Mike also is survived by his many brothers and sisters in blue.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Winstead.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Aug. 4, 2018, at New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling. Military honors will be accorded by the Illinois Department of Corrections. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is handling arrangements.

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