Michael Joseph Winninger

Michael Joseph Winninger, 76, passed away on August 30, 2026.

Mike was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 10, 1950, to Richard E. Winninger and Jane M. Winninger, both of whom preceded him in death. He spent his early childhood in Peru, Indiana, before moving with his family to South Holland, Illinois, where he grew up. For more than 25 years, Mike called Indianapolis, Indiana, home.

Trying to describe Mike in just a few words is almost impossible. He was funny, stubborn, loyal, complicated, generous, and, in his own way, one of a kind. He was my brother, and no matter how many years pass, that is something that will never change.

Mike was a butcher by trade, a profession he took pride in and one that certainly left its mark—quite literally. After losing a finger while working, he adopted the memorable handle “ixfingers,” a nickname that captured his sense of humor and his ability to laugh at life, even when life handed him a difficult situation.

After settling in Indianapolis, Mike found a Christian church that became an important part of his life. His faith grew to become a central part of who he was, and he became very active within his church. Mike was a believer, and his faith was something he carried with him throughout his life.

Mike had a deep love for all things Western and country. He loved country music and 1960s rock, cowboy boots and hats, and, when he was younger, old-fashioned country shootout competitions. Although the guns eventually disappeared, the boots and hats never did. They remained part of the unmistakable Mike Winninger look.

Mike was also a lifelong sports fan. He loved football, baseball, NASCAR, and just about any kind of racing. He was a die-hard Chicago Bears fan—win or lose, he was a supporter. The same could be said of his beloved Chicago Cubs. Mike was definitely not a fair-weather fan. He stayed loyal through the good seasons, the bad seasons, and everything in between.

His love of football became even more personal through his family. Every fall, Mike looked forward to traveling to California to watch his great-nephews play football. Those trips meant more to him than simply watching a game. He loved being there for his family, cheering them on, and sharing in those moments with them. It was something he genuinely looked forward to every year.

Above all, Mike loved his family. He was the kind of person who helped whenever he could, wherever he could. If someone needed something and Mike was able to help, he did. His family knew they could count on him.

But perhaps nothing brought Mike more joy than being Santa Claus.

Mike absolutely loved playing Santa every year. He first began doing so at Walmart and continued bringing the magic of Christmas to children year after year. One year, he even wore a blue Santa suit for an event sponsored by the Indianapolis Colts. He would have his picture taken each year, but the photographs were never really about him. They were about the smiles on the children’s faces.

Bringing happiness to children brought Mike an incredible amount of joy. For those who encountered him as Santa, he wasn’t simply a man dressed in a red suit—he was someone who genuinely loved making children smile and helping create a little bit of Christmas magic.

Mike will be remembered for his faith, his love of family, his loyalty to his teams, his Western spirit, his country music, his cowboy boots and hats, his willingness to help others, his unique sense of humor, and most of all, the joy he found in making other people happy.

He is survived by his brother, Raymond Winninger, and his sister, Michelle “Shelly” Paholik. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard E. Winninger and Jane M. Winninger, and his sister, Jan M. Christensen.

Mike leaves behind memories that will not soon be forgotten. He leaves behind family who loved him, children who remember the Santa who made them smile, and countless people who experienced his kindness, humor, faith, and loyalty.

Rest in peace, Mike. Keep your boots on, your hat tipped just right, and save us a seat when we get there.