Andrew “Andy” Paul Winkels
Wednesday, August 17, 1955
Date of Death:
Friday, January 15, 2016
Age:
60 years old
Wednesday, August 17, 1955
Date of Death:
Friday, January 15, 2016
Age:
60 years old
Wednesday, August 17, 1955
Date of Death:
Friday, January 15, 2016
Age:
60 years old
Andrew “Andy” Paul Winkels
Andrew (Andy) Paul Winkels passed away on Friday, January 15, 2016 surrounded by family and friends at Season’s Hospice. He was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer and fought a short but valiant battle.
Andy was born in Osage, Iowa on August 17, 1955 to Angela and Sylvan (Zeke) Winkels. His family lived on a farm in Meyer, Iowa until he was eight years old at which time they moved to Rochester. Andy and his brothers grew up with a very close group of friends that shared all sorts of adventures that included fishing, hunting, and a variety of mischievous activities.
Andy married the love of his life, Ann Karin Espenes on April 9, 1988. They welcomed Kristin (Bug) Anne on June 4, 1992.
He was a custodial engineer in several schools in Rochester, transitioning over to the grounds crew until his retirement on June 30, 2015. However, his passion was Andy’s Small Engine City where many lifetime friendships and memories were made (if only the walls could talk).
Along the way Andy made many wonderful friends. He opened his heart and home to countless people. Andy was always the man to make anyone around him feel loved and welcomed. He wouldn’t want us to mourn his loss but rather to celebrate his memory and of course, try to catch a bigger fish every year.
Andy is survived by his wife of 27 years, Ann; daughter, Kristin; sons, Nathan (Amelia) and Tim; grandchildren, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Michael, and Cody; brothers, Ray (Sheri), Joe (Pat), Jim (Patty), sister Diana Brink, mother-in-law, Ruth “Irene” Espenes; sister-in-laws Aslaug (Jerry) Fallon, Judith (Kevin) Roney; 7 nephews and 7 nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, and nephew.
Condolences
The family of Andrew “Andy” Paul Winkels has received the following condolences.
I was so sorry to hear about Andy and his illness. His parents, Angela and Sylvan Winkels were my Aunt and Uncle. His Dad was my Mother's brother (Barbara Fritsch - Winkels). It was so much fun to visit his parents farm down in Osage, Iowa near my Grandfather Henry Winkels. I also remember visiting their home in Rochester, Minnesota out by St. Mary's Hospital. I left Rochester many years ago, however, I enjoyed all of our family visits and memories.
My Best to all of the family at this time;
Darlene Fritsch (Holmes)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Winkels Family and to my Cousins on the lost of their Husband, Father and Brother. Andy has always been a kind hearted person, he will be missed.
Mark Fritsch and Family
We have lost a wonderful neighbor. You are in my prayers.
Sorry to hear about Andy. I do know that he had many friends, was a nice guy, and will be missed by all.
Jim and Barb Clark (Charlie Clark Family)
Ann - Andy was a 'bud' - always made an effort to stop and say hello when he was in the building. (He could talk "tillers" like no one else!) My deepest, deepest sympathy at this most difficult time. It is heartbreaking to lose this kind and talented man so early in life. Our prayers are with you and your family. Deb and Ted
Very sorry to hear of your loss. You have a great group of family and friends to help you through difficult times like these.
Chris Stolp
Andy – a special neighbor and friend – passed through our lives, brightening our souls with his hearty welcome. Andy repaired our mowers and snow blowers well, but he’ll be remembered most for the mischievous twinkle in his eye, enthusiasm for life, deep love of family, and willingness to help others. May God comfort his loved ones as Andy basks in everlasting peace and joy.
I was so sorry to read that Andy passed away. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at Kristin at this most difficult time.
SORRY ABOUT PASSING THE OF ANDY DID GOOD JOB FIXTING LAWN MOWER ANGIE MACKEN6
I am so sorry for your loss! I know how much you loved him. I hope that your memories will help to ease your pain during this very difficult time! Hugs to you!
I will always have fond memories of Andy, He was always there to help, whether it was to fix our mower, or make a beer run even though he wasn't drinking (one year at our annual pig roast) He had a very kind, non-judgmental way about him. We will miss him. Best wishes to Ann and Kristen, long-time friends.
Rest in peace Andy
Though I never met Andy, I can't help to think that he was as wonderful as his wife Ann as I remember all the fun on Erin Court/Lane back in the day! Fond memories are still remembered...The ESPENES field of childhood dreams and fun were abundant as we picked our teams and played fair! My prayers and thoughts are with all of you! Thanks Ann, Judy, Irene and the Fallon's for all the laughter that we shared on Erin Court/Lane! With sincere condolences...Kelly Griffin
You will be missed by many uncle Andy.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during your time of loss. I remember Andy's Dad well from my years as a St. Plus student. He was always very kind to me.
Many blessings, prayers and hugs to your family. Andy was one of a kind and will be missed by so many!
Thoughts and prayers with you all at this time. I had the privilege to meet and be around Andy a few times and he is one of the most memorable people i have ever met! He always made me feel welcome and his personality was one for the books! I have often hoped over the years since camping with his family at Spider Lake a couple different times, that I would run into him sometime. What a great family and great man! I will be thinking off you all, may you find peace!
My prayers are with Andy's family. It's difficult to "celebrate" a person's life when it's so difficult to let go. But with Andy it's impossible not to smile and know how lucky I was to have known him. Some of the shit that guy could come up with, the stories he told and his laugh. All that makes it a little easier to celebrate him being here and me knowing him. Heaven is full of the laughter we all have to miss for now. Until we meet again...