Joan M. "JoAnn" WinterJoan M. "JoAnn" Winter, Age 71, of Kettle River, MN, passed away Feb. 15, 2013, with her family by her side. She was an inspiration and a fighter, who lived with the uncertainly of cancer for over 21 years. Joan was born June 13, 1941, to Joseph D. and Ann (Simon) Trnka. Her childhood in rural Lonsdale was filled with farm work, fishing on Circle Lake, the Bohemian language, and walking to a one-room country school. She graduated from Bethlehem Academy in Faribault and worked at the local bank until marrying Gerald Fink of Northfield. They had two daughters, Laureen and Stacia. In the early '70s, she moved to Kettle River, MN, with her second husband, Bill Winter. They worked side-by-side for many years, eventually – and proudly -- owning their own gas station/grocery store; Joan was the impeccable bookkeeper. After selling the gas station, Joan worked various part-time jobs in the area. She was Bill's loyal fishing companion, and enjoyed her family, friends, gardening, baking, crafts and her faith. She will be dearly remembered by her husband of over 40 years, Bill; daughters Laureen Carlson and Stacia (Len) Goodman; grandkids Ezra, Petrona and Simon; Bill's four children Billy, Laura, Mark and Patrick, their spouses and children; sister Elaine (Joe) Herda; brother Ellard (Marion) Trnka; brother Joe (Nancy) Trnka; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Memorial mass 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 2, at Holy Angels Church, 60 Hartman Drive, Moose Lake, MN, 55767.
Read More
