Thomas Winsell
March 4, 1938 ~ October 19, 2018
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Thomas "Toad" Winsell, 80, of Miller, passed away Friday, October 19, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.
Memorial Service with military honors will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 26, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church in Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. A prayer service will be held 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church in Miller with visitation one hour prior.
Tom Winsell was born on March 4, 1938 in Miller, SD to Leslie and May (Casey) Winsell. He attended an elementary Catholic school in Faribault, MN before moving back to Miller and graduating from Miller High School in 1956.
Toad joined the Navy after high school and served at duty stations in Texas, Japan, Alaska, Italy, Illinois, California, and Hawaii. He also served on the USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War. Many of his Navy friends referred to him as “Sput” during his time of service.
On February 16, 1962, Toad married Carol Johnson in Gettysburg, SD. They were blessed with two children, Les and Tom. Toad was very proud of being part of four consecutive generations that served in the Navy, including Toad, his father, Leslie, his son, Les, and his grandson, Michael.
After Toad’s 24 years of service in the Navy, he owned and operated Toad’s Tavern, now known as the Turtle Creek Saloon. He spent the following 20 years as a mail route carrier for the Orient Postal Service.
In his free time, Toad enjoyed golfing, playing pool, fishing, and hunting. He spent time playing softball on a slow pitch league and was also part of a championship trap shooting team when he lived in Italy. Toad was a member of both the VFW and the American Legion.
Toad is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol; his sons, Les (Jennifer) of Pierre, SD and Tom (Kristina) of St. Peter, MN; and his grandchildren: Dominique Winsell of Miller, SD, Michael Winsell of Virginia Beach, VA, Troy Jensen of Pierre, SD, Kristopher Jensen of Gillette, WY, Madeline Winsell of St. Peter, MN, and Maya Winsell of St. Peter MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and May Winsell; and his brothers: Danny and Michael Winsell.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Toad's arrangements.
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So sorry for your loss
A great FRIEND,and classmate from MHS that will always be TOAD to US ! A TRUE USA Naval Vet.
RIP TOMMY
So very sorry for your loss. Our nought and prayers are with you and your family.
Sorry for you loss He will be missed by all and his joke telling. Our Deepest Sympathy Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
Sput Winsell was a wonderful man that I was lucky enough to have come into my life, he always found a way to enjoy life and made everyone around him better. To everyone that knew him he will be missed may he RIP, fair winds and following seas. So sorry for all of the family having to heal from this loss may the pain ease quickly and all the wonderful times spent with Supt be remembered.
Our deepest sympathies go out to all of Tom’s family. He will be missed by all. Tom was a great man, he always had a joke and humor at the ready. God Bless you all.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Oh how I loved coming home and running into Toad around town, getting a BIG huge and kiss are things I will always remember! He would always tell me a joke and off he would go…Prayers to you and your family. Aimee Anderberg-Jost
My sympathies to the Winsell family. "Toad" retired from the U.S. Navy and moved back to Miller when I was in high school. I had enlisted in the Air Force at the time although I had not yet left for basic training. He and I had numerous discussions about my future military service. Many consisted of his good natured ribbing of me about me choosing the Air Force instead of the Navy. He was a tremendous human being and looking back on it now I can see what a great Naval Non-Commissioned Office he must have been.
Sorry to hear of you loss and he will never be forgotten. He will live with us all forever in memories and in every ones hearts. Our Deepest Sympathy Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
Tom and Winsell family, Please accept our deepest condolences and sympathies for the loss of you father. We will not be able to attend the services but will keep you all in our prayers. 23 Psalm
A classmate and neighbor. Who could ever forget Tommy? RIP Tommy.
I am so sorry for your loss. I still miss my dad every day. Prayers to you and your family at this time.
Sput was a kind, generous, friendly man that always had time for his friends. He was a professional, NIS trained, (Naval Investigative Service, the current NCIS), detective on Midway Island when I met him and he served his country with distinction. I will miss him and his jovial wit.
Gregg and I were so sorry to hear the news about Tom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Our sympathy to Tommy’s family. His humor and quick wit kept us laughing, especially in MHS Study Hall. RIP.
Sorry to hear of "Toad"s passing. He was certainly an ‘encourager’ of MANY. We’re so glad we got to know him and enjoy his wild sense of humor. Miller is going to be pretty dull without this man! Our sincere condolances to his family and friends.
It has been our honor and privilege to care for Thomas. Thank you for allowing us to care and love on them. We hope you are finding peace and rest during this new transition. ~AseraCare Hospice Team