Obituary: Keith Winter

Dr. Keith P. Winter was born on May 24, 1946 in rural Fulda, Minnesota to George A. and Yvonne "Sissy" Gerber Winter. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Wilmont until the sixth grade. He moved with his family to Worthington where he attended school, graduating from Worthington High School in 1964. Keith graduated from Worthington Junior College then attended Illinois College of Optometry where he graduated in 1969. Keith was united in marriage to Constance "Connie" Strouth on May 16, 1970 at St. Mary's Church in Worthington. After their marriage they made their home in Slayton where they lived their entire married lives. Keith worked as an Optometrist in Slayton for 40 years. Keith passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at the Murray County Medical Center at the age of 63. He was a member of the St. Ann's Catholic Church where he had served on the Church Council. Keith was a past president of the Slayton Jaycees in 1972 and was instrumental in purchasing, developing and maintaining the property that became the Bi-Centennial Softball Complex and was also a past president of the Slayton Optimist Club. He was a member of the Southwest Minnesota Optometric Society where he served as treasurer for 25 years and the Minnesota Optometric Association where he served as president from 1978 to 1979 and Knights of Columbus. Keith was a member of the Slayton City Council from 1980 until 1990 and was Mayor of Slayton from 1990 to 1994. He enjoyed playing softball, bowling, golfing and spending time with his boys and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Winter of Slayton, MN; three sons, Patrick (Mary Jo) Winter of Blaine, MN, Trevor (Heidi) Winter of Lakeville, MN and Brennan Winter of Minneapolis, MN; four grandchildren, Erica, Pierce, Macy and Nolan Winter; mother, Yvonne "Sissy" Winter of Worthington, MN; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gene and Phyllis Strouth of Strandburg, SD; one brother, Daniel (Doris) Winter of Wakeman, OH and their children, Merissa, Tate and Kimberly. He is preceded in death by his father, George Winter and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Funeral services will be at St. Ann's Catholic Church Slayton, MN on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. with the Fr. Patrick Arens celebrating. The organist is Judy Andrews. The song leader is Tom Andrews. Special music by Robert Dawson. The pallbearers are Chris Lewis, Benjamin Lewis, Mitchell Johnson, Tyler Johnson, John Stern and Dave Brown. Honorary pallbearers are Darwin and Pam Johnson, Jonath "Jack" and Barb Lewis and Edward and Mary Ann Suedbeck. Interment is at St. Ann's Cemetery, Slayton, MN.

Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 7 PM at St. Ann's Church in Slayton with a 7 PM prayer service and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. The Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton is assisting the family with arrangements. Sign guestbook online at www.totzkefuneralhome.com.

Tags: keith winter, obituaries

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