Mina Helena Winter

Mina Helena Winter, 99, of Kalkaska passed peacefully on July 27, 2013. Born in Suttons Bay, on Nov. 7, 1913, to the late Louis and Caroline (Gellness) Solem, she was the youngest daughter in her family of 12 children. She attended primary school in Suttons Bay, later graduating from Flint Northern High School, where she met her future husband, Russell. After high school, she attended Western State Teachers College in Kalamazoo where she graduated with a teaching degree in 1940. She married the late Russell James Winter on April 3, 1942, in Wheaton, Ill., in a small country church on their way to work at General Motors in support of the war effort. She moved with Russell to Kalkaska in 1946 and began their lives as proud members of the community. Mrs. Winter taught second grade at Kalkaska Public Schools for 29 years. She was remembered as a strict but caring teacher who made sure her students knew that she was proud of their successes. She was a member of the Academia Club of Kalkaska for 49 years and a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She has enjoyed cheering on the Blazer Basketball teams every season since the 1960s. She attended every National Trout Festival since 1947, collecting pins from each one. She was an avid golfer, most days walking 36 holes. She recorded a hole-in-one at age 78 and was a member of a weekly golf league until she was 90 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Winter enjoyed traveling, visiting most states and attending numerous World Fairs. Together Mina and Russell raised two devoted sons, Ronald (Barbara) Winter of Kalamazoo and Michael (Connie) Winter of Kalkaska. who both survive. She is also survived by her five precious grandchildren, Kristie (Clay) Swikoski of Kalkaska, Kate (Kier) Parrish of Kalkaska, Jamie Winter of Scottsdale, Ariz., Stacy (Randy) Bell of Milwaukee, Wis., and Ross (Laura) Winter of East Lansing. She thoroughly enjoyed her time spent with her four great-grandchildren and was looking forward to the birth of her fifth great-grandchild this fall. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial donations to be directed to the Kalkaska Athletic Boosters. Visitation will be held today, July 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kalkaska Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., with final visitation beginning at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, July 30, in the Chapel of Kalkaska Funeral Home, 152 S. Cedar St., Kalkaska. Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Mina Helena Winter

November 7, 1913 - July 27, 2013