Warren Winterhof

Warren Edgar Winterhof, age 84, of Walnut, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2026, in Marion, Iowa, after courageously living with Parkinson’s disease for many years.

Warren was born on August 2, 1942, in Alta, Iowa, to Edgar and Irene (Brown) Winterhof. On December 22, 1962, he married Nancy Coalter, with whom he shared 63 years. Together they raised four wonderful children: Brent, JoDee, Chad, and Adam.

A 1960 graduate of Galva High School, Warren excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, and was honored to be named Homecoming King in 1959. He went on to attend Wayne State College in Nebraska, earning his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1964 with a major in science and a minor in social studies. That same year, he began his teaching career at Willow Community School in Quimby, Iowa.

Warren’s passion for education led him to pursue graduate studies in school administration at University of South Dakota. In 1971, he and his family moved to Walnut, Iowa, where he served as high school principal. He later completed his superintendent’s certification at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1980, the same year he became superintendent of the Walnut Community School District. Warren faithfully served in this role until his retirement in 2000. Among his many accomplishments, he was especially proud of leading the 1998 school addition project, which was part of extending the longevity of the district. Warren also had children in the school system for 29 years. His decades of leadership left a lasting legacy on the Walnut school and community.

After retiring from education, Warren remained active as a charter bus driver and continued his longtime work as a hail and multi-peril crop loss adjuster, a role he began in the late 1960s. He traveled many backroads across Iowa.

Beyond his professional life, Warren was deeply committed to his community and faith. He was part of the group that brought a Lutheran church to Walnut in 1982, later serving on the building committee for Our Savior Lutheran Church in 1986. Over the years, he held many roles within the congregation. He also played a key role in founding the Optimist Club in Walnut, dedicating countless hours to organizing and volunteering to serve the youth of Walnut.

Warren’s greatest joy was his family. He cherished time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and took pride in supporting their many activities. A devoted sports fan, he was a lifelong supporter of the Walnut Warriors, the Chicago Cubs, and the Iowa State Cyclones. He also enjoyed participating in the Avoca and Harlan Newspaper Football Contests and was especially proud of submitting a perfect entry in 2022.

Warren is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; children Brent (Theresa) Winterhof of Center Point, IA, JoDee (Deena Fidas) Winterhof of Chevy Chase, MD, and Adam (Katie) Winterhof of Cedar Rapids, IA; daughter-in-law Jennifer Winterhof of Cedar Rapids, IA; ten grandchildren—Gavin (Libby), Colin (Jourdan), Logan, Lux, Grace, Will, Carolyn, Brenna, Lillah, and James; and six great-grandchildren—Emmet, Lilly, Bella, Hobbes, Murray, and Leo. He is also remembered by many extended family members, colleagues, friends, and by three international exchange students who became like family: Willie Toivola of Finland, Marlene Rapp of Switzerland, and Sarah Krause of Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law James and Persis Coalter; brothers Gordon, Kenny, and Ron; sisters-in-law Judy Winterhof and Jan Winterhof; brother-in-law Joe Gregor; beloved son, Chad; and his faithful dog, Rambo.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Salem Lutheran Home (Elk Horn), Terrace Glen Village (Marion), and St. Croix Hospice in Hiawatha for their compassionate care in Warren’s final years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Our Savior Lutheran Church Box 344, Walnut, IA 51577 or the Walnut Community Center Foundation Box 544, Walnut, IA 51577. Condolences may be shared at www.pauleyjones.com.