Kobe Steakhouse chef Fred Winter dies after liver cancer battle

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Kobe Japanese Steakhouse shared that Chef Fred Winter died Saturday morning.

Winter was diagnosed with late stage liver cancer in April.

On Wednesday, the restaurant posted an update on Winter’s condition. After experiencing a severe allergic reaction to his chemotherapy treatments, he took a short break from them. During that time, his cancer became more aggressive.

Winter made the decision to discontinue chemotherapy and transition to in-home hospice care. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him when he was diagnosed.

Related Story: Update: Beloved Wichita chef transitioning to hospice care, Kobe Steakhouse community rallying support for family

Winter was a veteran chef at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, spending over 20 years with the company. The restaurant owners, Shane and Lisa Davis, said in May that they saw him as a brother.

A GoFundMe that was set up back in May raised thousands of dollars to help pay for Winter’s medical bills, cancer treatments, and loss of income from unemployment.

Following the announcement of Winter’s death, the restaurant shared the GoFundMe again. All donations will be used to prepare for Winter’s funeral and support his family. You can find the GoFundMe here.

The restaurant said that it is thankful for the community’s support.