Elsa Winters, age 92, Appleton, passed away peacefully Monday evening, October 5th, 2026, at ThedaCare Hospital, Appleton, Wi. Elsa was born February 26, 1934, in Poland to the late Wilhelm and Alma (Winters) Gohl. In 1939, Elsa and her younger brother, the late Eddie Gohl, were smuggled across the border in a hidden compartment of a farmer’s wagon to waiting family members in northern Germany. Her parents, older brother and sister eventually joined them and they settled in the northern town of Ibbenburen, Germany. She met and married the late Manfred (Manny) Spielmann, in 1954. She welcomed her first son in 1955, the late Siegfried (Siegie) Spielmann. In 1956, with a one year old, they immigrated to the United States and settled in Appleton.

Over the years Elsa had several jobs but will be remembered mostly for being the last owner of Elsa’s Badger Bar on College ave in Appleton. Elsa’s true joy has always been for nature and her love of flowers. It was often said that, if she were to plant a tin can, it would grow. She moved to North Port, Florida, in 1997 to escape the Wisconsin winters. For the next 20 years she enjoyed the Florida sun and the ability to putter in her yard year-round growing and tending her flowers, orange and grapefruit trees. Advancing age necessitated her move back to Appleton in 2017 to be near her children.

Elsa is survived by her daughter, Sylvia (Chris) Schleicher, son Roland (Karen) Spielmann, grandchildren: Brian Baldock, Brenda (Matthew) Knepper, Megan Spielmann (fiancée Theo Buchanan), great-grandchildren: Audra, Aiden and Ella Knepper and Archibald Buchanan, as well as cousins and nephews in the US and Germany.

Elsa was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Erhardt and Edwin, sister Lilly Domschein, former husband Manfred and son Siegie.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt thanks to the staff at Ballard Glenn for their exceptional care of Elsa over the past year and to the 3rd Floor nurses, CNA’s and hospice staff at ThedaCare Appleton. Your dedication and loving care was truly amazing.