Winquist, Paul 1927-1980

Paul Winquist
Sept. 26, 1927-Nov. 11, 1980

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Wednesday, November 12, 1980, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

Veteran Niles officer is dead

Captain Paul Winquist , chief of detectives for the City's Police Department, was fatally injured early Tuesday afternoon when his care which was eastbound on on M-60, east of Oak Grove Rd. in Cass County, drifted across the road and rolled over. Winquist, 53, of 825 Federal ct., was pronounced dead at the scene by Dr. Thomas Rea of Edwardsburg. The 23-year veteran was alone in the car at the time of the accident. An autopsy was to be performed today and the investigation is still pending, according to Cass County Sheriff Dept authorities.

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, November 13, 1980, page 1, col. 7-8, microfilm Niles District Library

Winquist rites Friday

Funeral services will take place at 3 p.m. Friday for Detective Capt. Paul H. Winquist, 53, of 825 Federal Court, who died at 1:24 p.m. Tuesday in a car accident.

The Niles City Police Department said the death of Capt. Winquist leaves a vacancy with int the Niles Police Department which can never be totally filled.

“Captain Winquist constantly strived to do his very best for the citizens of Niles and always responded with the profession of a truly dedicated law enforcement officer. He will be dearly missed by all members of the Niles Police Department and the members of the department extend their deepest sympathy to the family.”

Capt. Winquist began his career in Niles on August 1, 1957 and was assigned to the Detective Bureau on Sept. 9, 1962. Hew as promoted to Detective Sgt. In 1964 followed by a promotion to Detective Lt. In 1965.

On August 1, 1968, he earned the rank of Detective Captain and served as acting chief from Jan 4, 1974 to June 9, 1974.

He also received numerous commendations from the department and attended several advanced law enforcement schools.

Winquist was born Sept. 26, 1927 in South Bend and had lived in Niles since 1942. He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, the Niles Optimist Club and the Fraternal Order of Police.

On Dec. 9, 1972, he married B. Jeanie Negal in Niles.

She survives along with his mother, Mrs. Alice Winquist of Osceola, Ind.; two sons, Stephen Paul of Marquette and Timothy H. of Niles; three daughters Lisa of Niles and Michelle R. And Melissa K, both at home; two brothers, John of Indianapolis and Robert of Osceola; three sisters, Mrs. Dorothy Hill of Lafayette, Ill., Mrs Mary Seamon of Osceola and Shirley Winquist of Elkhart and four grandchildren.

Rev. Mark D. Graham of Wesley United Methodist Church will officiate at the church for the 3 p.m. services with burial taking place in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. today at the Halbritter Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church or Fraternal Order of Police.