Mary Winkelman

Mary Catherine Winkelman, 87, passed away on January 16, 2021 at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield MN. Born May 7, 1933 in Winona, MN to Catherine and Sylvester Meisch. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1951. In 1957, she married James Winkelman and they shared 41 years together, before his passing in 1998.
Over the many years, she worked various office positions with the last one being at the Sprint call center in Winona, MN. There she met and made many good friends. She was a member of St. Mary's Parish in Winona, MN. Mary enjoyed playing cards, bingo and watching game shows. Before health issues grounded her, she enjoyed traveling with her good friend and cousin Joan Lehnertz. While at St. Anne's, she had a beloved caregiver, Jim, who kept her in shape and made her laugh endlessly when they watched game shows together. One of Mary's many joys in life was keeping up-to-date with family and friends about their busy lives.
Mary will be remembered for her sweet personality, gentle demeanor and contagious smile. She was always willing to join in for a game of cards and over the many years was part of many card playing groups. Mary was always very meticulous about her appearance, especially her nails and hair. She loved bright colored clothes, had nails and jewelry to match, and everyone loved the holiday spirit in her outfits.
Mary is survived by her brother John (Pat) Meisch of Altura, MN, children Deb (Tom) Haugstad of Fountain, MN, Kate (Dan) Ristau of Chatfield, MN, and Wendy Winkelman (Mark Karow) of Tyler, MN. Her grandchildren, James Peck, Jeff (Erica) Peck, Maggie Haugstad, Dalton Ristau, Dakota (Brooke) Winkelman, Kaleb (Kelli Blaisdell) Lehnertz, Montanna Lehnertz and Jorja Karow, great grandchildren Brock, Mallory and Lauren Peck. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jim, and twin grandchildren, Shelby and Logan Ristau.
The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Hoff Funeral Home St. Charles, MN. A visitation will begin at 12:00 pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Please share a memory of Mary at her on-line guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com. Please send memorials to the charity of your choice or plant a tree in Mary's name.