Joan Winter, 71

Joan M. “JoAnn” Winter, 71, of Kettle River, formerly of Lonsdale, died Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, with her family by her side.

Joan was born June 13, 1941, a daughter of Joseph D. and Ann ( S i m o n ) Trnka. Her childhood in rural Lonsdale was filled with farm work, fishing on Circle Lake, the Bohemian language, and walking to a oneroom country school. She graduated from Bethlehem Academy in Faribault and worked at the local bank until marrying Gerald Fink of Northfield. In the early 1970’s, she moved to Kettle River with her second husband, Bill Winter. They worked side-by-side for many years, eventually owning their own gas station/grocery store, with Joan being the bookkeeper. After selling the gas station, she worked various part time jobs in the area. She was a loyal fishing companion, and enjoyed her family, friends, gardening, baking, crafts and her faith.

She is survived by her husband of over 40 years; daughters Laureen Carlson and Stacia (Len) Goodman; grandchildren Ezra, Petrona and Simon; Bill's four children Billy, Laura, Mark and Patrick, their spouses and children; siblings Elaine (Joe) Herda, Ellard (Marion) Trnka, and Joe (Nancy) Trnka; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 2, at Holy Angels Church, 60 Hartman Drive, in Moose Lake.

Arrangements are with the Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home.