Phoenix Aiden Winters (formerly Elizabeth K. Noeske)

    Phoenix Aiden Winters passed away at home in Milwaukee on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, at the age of 23.
    Phoenix was born Elizabeth K. Noeske on Jan. 19, 1997, the daughter of Jim and Kim Schultz Noeske.  
    Liz grew up in Belgium and attended local schools, graduating from Cedar Grove-Belgium High School, Class of 2015, before earning a degree in women’s and gender studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2018 and planning to work on a masters’ degree in social work.
     Phoenix was a residential support specialist at META House in Milwaukee and had a unique talent for finding resources and directing people towards them. Phoenix was very involved in the LGBTG+ community and was actively involved in the current political protests; always looking out for other people and helping them to fight their battles were very important facets of Phoenix’s life.  
    They harbored a deep love of music, writing poetry, drawing and art. One of Phoenix’s favorite things was attending concerts with friends and family.
     Survivors include Phoenix’s mother Kim Schultz (Chris Sargent) of Grafton, father Jim (Lisa Alvarado) Noeske of Beaver Dam, sister Allison Noeske of Grafton and stepsister Lateisha Alvarado of Beaver Dam.  
    Also surviving are grandmother Kathy Schultz of Grafton and aunts Karrie (Brian) Sanders of Oak Harbor, Wash., Kay (Drew) Holzer of Grafton and Sue (Todd) Brakob of Oregon, Wis. Further survivors include Phoenix’s cat Spangle, longtime friend Alex de Wilde, numerous cousins, other family members and many friends.  
    Phoenix was preceded in death by grandparents Ronald Schultz and Jim “Fuzzy” and Elenor “Velcro” Noeske.
     Visitation for Phoenix took place on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, from 4 to 6 p.m., and was followed by a brief service at 6 p.m.                                                                                                          
    Memorials are suggested to META House, 2625 N. Weil St., Milwaukee, WI 53212, https://www.metahouse.org/donate-index.
    Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.