Lawrence Winter

Lawrence Bernard Winter passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2019, surrounded by love and with family present. Larry spent the last few weeks of his life being cared for by the staff at CentraCare Health Nursing Home and CentraCare Health Hospice.

Larry was born on September 8, 1942 in Spring Hill, Minnesota to Richard and Marcella (Ostendorf) Winter. He graduated from the Sauk Centre Public Schools in 1960. Larry served in the Army National Guard of Minnesota for six years beginning in 1962. After graduating high school, he was given many opportunities to try different occupations before landing the job where he spent 38 years in the Meter Department at Stearns Electric Association located in Melrose.

Larry married Rosie (Hinnenkamp) in 1967. They remained living in Sauk Centre where they raised their three children.

Larry was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight in 1979-1980. He was also a member of the St. Joseph’s Society and the Catholic Aid Association. He was affiliated with and supported many other organizations such as those that promoted pro-life, funded medical research aimed to help young children, and used organic products and pure distilled water to improve overall health and well-being.

Larry had a soft spot for cars, especially the classics. When he was younger, he was fascinated by the speed and handling of cars and even helped on the pit crew for Gamradt Construction when races were held at the county fairgrounds. As he aged, his passion for the older car was more about style, restoration, and creating a comfortable and smooth ride. Larry was a member of the Vintage Car Club of Alexandria for many years. He attended many car shows and enjoyed summer cruises with other members of the car club. Cruising with the club was not the only driving that Larry did. He spent many hours driving through the country and into small cities to search out unique antique stores and find the best “Mom and Pop” cafés. Larry also found joy in listening to music. He loved to play guitar and sing along to the songs of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and many more country and early rock music legends.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Donna Hoeschen; nieces, Sandy Hoeschen and Shannon Winter; nephew, Kenneth Hoeschen; and brother-in-law, Delbert Doubrava.

He is survived by his children, Pam (Joseph) McCoy of Bowlus, Brad (Amy) Winter of Plymouth, Michelle (Brian) Kuhlmann of Sauk Centre; his spouse, Rosie; his siblings, Gerald (Marge) Winter of Gilman, Richard (Kathy) Winter of St. Cloud, Judy Doubrava of Sauk Centre, Dennis (Nancy) Winter of Sauk Centre, and brother-in-law, Bob Hoeschen of Freeport; 9 grandchildren, 5 great grandsons, and many nieces and nephews.

A private service was held for Larry on June 22, 2019. A Mass will be held Wednesday, July 3rd at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Sauk Centre. Bring your own chair, and if inclement weather, the service will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. A reception will be held in the church basement following the Mass.

The family would like to ask anyone that knew Larry to remember the wonderful times they had with him; his laugh, his humor, his wit, and his tenacity. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all those that cared for Larry over the past year. A special and heartfelt gratitude to the CentraCare Health Home Care and Hospice staff; Alternative Senior Care of Sauk Centre; Lisa Henry; Cedar Cove Assisted Living near Little Sauk; Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services; Father Greg Paffel and Father Eberhard Schefers. Also, thank you to all the amazing people who helped in any way: neighbors, family, friends, extended family, and prayer warriors...your gifts of love and time will never be forgotten.