Edward Joseph Winter

Edward J. Winter, age 75, of Greenwald, died Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004, at his home in Greenwald. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Sept. 4 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Greenwald with Rev. Ronald Dockendorf officiating. Interment was in the parish cemetery.

Edward Winter was born on Dec. 22, 1928, in Spring Hill Township, Stearns County, Minn., to Joseph H. and Hedwig A. (Roering) Winter. He was united in marriage to LaVerne Haskamp on June 11, 1958, at St. John's Catholic Church in Meire Grove. Edward and LaVerne took over the family farm just south of Greenwald and raised a family of five children. While farming, he spent many hours in the Winter Repair Shop. He farmed until 1991 and never really retired. He helped with the farming operation whenever needed. Edward was very active in the community of Greenwald. He had been president of the Greenwald Lions, Greenwald Recreation Club, Melrose Men's Tuesday Night Bowling League and was still active as president of the Hindenburg Snowmobile Club. He was also a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Council #1633 and Central MN Umpires Association for many years. Edward loved to fish and hunt. He made many trips to Canada fishing and deer hunting to Hackensack. These trips always included his brothers, sons and friends. Edward made many lasting friendships during these hunting and fishing trips. Edward was always ready for a game of cards. If no one was available for cards, you could usually find him at the kitchen table playing his electronic solitaire or watching The Price is Right. Edward was always willing to lend a hand, anything from plumbing/electrical to hanging a shelf and any other odd tasks that needed to be done. Edward and LaVerne loved to travel together. They always enjoyed taking in shows as long as it was country, his favorite being Box Car Willie. Together they have visited nearly every state. Many of their trips would take them to family and friends living near and far. He also enjoyed cooking popcorn balls, peanut brittle and blood sausage for his children and grandchildren. He preferred them to stay and help just so he could enjoy their company. Every Christmas the grandchildren would be invited to help make a Gingerbread House with Grandpa. More recently, Edward became a baker making homemade buns, noodles and cookies. Edward was willing to drop everything when the grandchildren stopped by. You would find him beaming as he was giving his grandchildren a tractor or 4-wheeler ride. Grandpa enjoyed listening to his grandchildren try to speak the German words that he had taught them. As a grandparent he attended many of the grandchildren's school and church activities with many overlapping on the same day.

Survivors include his wife, LaVerne Winter of Greenwald; children and their families, Daniel Winter of Greenwald, David and Mary Winter, Grant, Brooke and Spencer of Grove Lake, Douglas and Teresa Winter, Travis, Brittany and Mackenzie of Belgrade, Dale and Kris Winter, Ashley and Jordan of Greenwald and Deanna and Steve Jenson and Samantha of Anoka; sister and brothers, Marilyn and Joseph Mergen of Farming, Norbert and Karen Winter of St. Louis Park, Norman and Sophie Winter of Loretto; and mother-in-law, Regina Haskamp of Meire Grove.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Hedwig Winter; infant son; brother, Lewis Winter; and father-in-law, Joseph Haskamp.

Serving as casket bearers were Daniel Winter, David Winter, Douglas Winter, Dale Winter, Steve Jenson and Tricia Thomas. Serving as cross bearers was Spencer Winter and Jordan Winter. Scripture bearer was Mackenzie Winter. Mass servers were Travis Winter and Grant Winter. Gift bearers were Brittany Winter, Brooke Winter and Ashley Winter. Marilyn Mergen was the reader. Honorary bearers were Cletus Meyer, Danny Eveslage, Ken Kulzer, Tony Kulzer, Vernon Welle, Ken Koester, Edward Schultingkemper, Linus Thull, Al Bertram, Bernard Nietfeld and Arnie Nietfeld. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services, Melrose.