Joanne Winter

George, IA

      Joanne Marie Winter, age 84 of Boyden, IA died Sunday, March 3, 2019 at the Orange City Hospital in Orange City, IA.

      The funeral service will be at 10:30 AM, Saturday, March 9^th at St. John Lutheran Church, rural Boyden, IA, with Rev. Mark Lund officiating. Burial to follow at the St. John church cemetery.

      Visitation will be Friday, March 8^th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church, rural Boyden, IA.

      Joanne Winter was born February 4, 1935 at home on a farm north of Boyden, Iowa, the daughter of Heinrich A. (Heine) and Elsie (Hundt) Kruse. Joanne was baptized on February 17, 1935 and confirmed on March 21, 1948.   Joanne was raised on the farm and attended school in Matlock, IA. Joanne graduated from Sheldon High School.

      Joanne was united in marriage to Elmer N. Winter on June 5, 1953 at St. John Lutheran Church north of Boyden, IA. Elmer served in the U.S. Army and together they lived in Manhattan, KS, El Paso, TX and Leesville, LA. After Elmer’s discharge from the service they returned to the Matlock area and they began farming. They moved to the Winter family homestead farm northwest of Boyden in the 60’s where they remained. Joanne was an integral part of the day to day operation of the family farm. Joanne also worked at Brinkman Egg Company, Sheldon Hotel and for the Lowell and Anne Woelber family.   In later years, Joanne was employed at Sudenga Industries, Inc. and at George Good Samaritan Nursing Home.

      Joanne was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church, rural Boyden, IA. Joanne was active as a Sunday School Teacher and served on the Altar Guild and in the Dorcus Society. Joanne was dedicated to her faith and her family.

Joanne enjoyed traveling with Elmer to visit their children and grandchildren. Joanne’s hugs were the best! Joanne also enjoyed gardening and canning especially the annual family sweet corn harvest. Joanne led by example. Joanne will be remembered as a strong woman whose actions spoke louder than her words.

     Joanne is survived by her husband of 65 years, Elmer N. Winter of Boyden, IA; three sons, James H. (Mary) Winter of George, IA, Donald E. (Mary Jo) Winter of Harrisburg, SD and Wayne A. Winter of Boyden, IA; six grandchildren, Pastor Jeremy (Liz) Winter of Perry, IA, Katie Winter of Sioux Falls, SD, Alan (Emily) Winter of Worthington, MN, Kyle (Krysta) Winter of Harrisburg, SD, Kristin Winter of Peachtree City, GA, and Kurt Winter (Erica Kroening) of Harrisburg, SD; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Roger (LaDonna) Kruse of Matlock, IA and Larry (Sherri) Kruse of Boyden, IA; two brothers-in-law, Lawrence Modder of George, IA and Erwin (Carol) Winter of Montevideo, MN; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

      Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Heine and Elsie Kruse; an infant brother, Donald Kruse; and a sister, Lorna Modder.