Services for Dennis Winkelmann
Mon, 07/13/2020 - 8:55am
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Dennis Winkelmann, age 77, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Tuesday, July 7th, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fosston. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15th, at Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. Alan Arneson officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Free Lutheran Cemetery, Fosston. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Tuesday, July 14th, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Mask wearing is recommended. Please bring your own mask if you have one. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.
Dennis Isidor Winkelmann was born in Sleepy Eye, MN on October 9, 1942, to Isidor and Dorothy (Melchert) Winkelmann. Until the age of seven, his family moved multiple times to communities in southern Minnesota, until the family moved to Fosston, MN to build their home and their farm. Dennis grew up feeling that farming was what he always wanted to do. He worked on the family farm, and took care of many of the day to day activities that were necessary. He also loved to hunt when he had time, and often went to the woods near the farm to hunt with his faithful dogs. Dennis graduated from Fosston High School in 1960 and attended a technical school in the Twin Cities for computers. However, farming still called to him. In Fosston, Dennis was an employee for LePier’s Oil Co. and worked with tire change and repair. He always enjoyed the opportunities to meet people as they were driving through town and be able to hear stories that they had to share. As time went on, some of Dennis’ cousins introduced him to a pretty laboratory technician named Naomi (Rokke) from Newfolden, MN. She just happened to be best friends with one of Dennis’ cousins. While it wasn’t a match made in heaven nor love at first sight, after knowing each other for years and a quick four months of dating, Dennis and Naomi were married at Bethania Lutheran Church of Newfolden on October 19, 1974. They moved to their home and farm three miles north of Fosston, where Dennis continued to work for LePier’s and farm. His love for farming the land and raising animals was always plain to see. The heart of a farmer is only understood by those willing to work from dawn until dusk, to stay with an expectant ewe in freezing cold temperatures late into the night, to combine as quickly as possible before the storm, and to never give up even when market prices barely support your efforts. Although Dennis was never trained as an engineer, he had an extremely sharp mind to build and repair machinery that would be most useful for him. He also used these skills when he worked for his brother for K & L Inc. for many years.
Dennis and Naomi also became members of Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Fosston, where he was involved in various roles. One of his favorite and challenging roles was teaching Sunday school. He taught senior high and adults, and loved most to teach of God’s creation of the world, the Flood, and also the book of Revelation. Many people can recall his preparation and thought-provoking questions that inspired them to learn more. He also loved music. He spent time in the church choir, enjoyed singing hymns and worship songs, and listening to the pianists as they played. Most of all, Dennis will be remembered for his love of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who took his sinful heart and changed and shaped it to one that would follow Jesus in spite of the discouragements and challenges of life. Dennis will also be remembered for his intense love of his wife, Naomi, and his two daughters, Katrin and Dulcie.
In the last few years, Dennis had been diagnosed with dementia. While there were aspects of the disease that were evident, there was never a day when he didn’t remain kind and still kept a smile on his face. His humor and kindness toward anyone and everyone won’t be forgotten. His laugh always rang clear as he made some joke. He also tried to show and express his thankfulness at every opportunity.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 45 years, Naomi. Daughters, Katrin and Dulcie Winkelmann. Sisters Donna Mae (Hank) Domek and Karen Gades, and brother Kerry (Cheryl) Winkelmann. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isidor and Dorothy, and brother-in-law, Jerome Gades.
