A Celebration of Life Service for Anita Winkel, age 81, of Windom, will be held at LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Windom, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM, with a time of visitation and gathering from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM.

Anita Winkel passed away February 18, 2026, at Windom Area Health with her son by her side.

Born April 26, 1944, in New Ulm, MN, to Howard and Esther (Wingerberg) Schoberg. Anita spent her childhood growing up in Worthington, graduating from Worthington High School in 1962.

She met the love of her life, Wesley Winkel, on a blind date set up by her sister. After having dated for 4 years, and facing being stationed in Germany with the Army, Wes proposed, they married at the Army base Chapel in Fort Lee, Virginia, and they set off for Germany to begin their life together. Their first child, Wayne, was born while stationed in Germany, sparking a deep personal gratitude for their time spent there. Once stateside again, they continued to grow their family, welcoming 3 girls to complete their family. In 1982-83, the family hosted a foreign exchange student, Lars Robenhagen, who fit into the family as if it were a birthright. The family relationship has been maintained across the miles and the years, with visits back and forth across continents and Anita never being Anita, but always 'mom'. Anita, like her father, prided herself in seeing any place her children or grandchildren resided, always setting off on cross-country excursions to check out their new surroundings. Once the 'mom/grandma approved' review was done, she returned home and could rest easy knowing that they were safe and happy.

Residing in or around the Windom area for her entire adult life, Anita first stayed at home with 4 small children, eventually joining Windom State Bank (Bank Midwest) in 1968, where she enjoyed a long career, retiring in 2006. Her work not only provided for her family but spurred some cherished friendships which lasted through her retirement years. Her 'coffee girls group' brought her much joy in her retirement years, right up until her passing. Weekly Sunday morning coffee with her sister, Carol, was also a bright spot in her week and something she prioritized being home for. Around this table many cups of coffee (and water) were consumed over the years along with much love and laughter shared.

During her retirement Anita remained busy serving as a board member for the Windom Public Library, a regional board member for the Plum Creek Library System and was a faithful volunteer driver for United Community Transit for many years.

Anita is survived by her 5 children, Wayne, Minneapolis, MN; Paula (Bret) Kruthoff, Charles City, IA; Cheryl (Justin) Keyser, Brookings, SD; Kris (Lance) Rininger, Champlin, MN; Lars Robenhagen (Helga) Austria; 4 cherished grandchildren, Chris (Kelsey), Bryson (Emily), Ashlee (Lucas), Tayler (Josh); 3 great-grandchildren, Hudson, Posie and William; sister, Carol (Leo) Appel; brother and sisters in law, Warren (Sandy) Winkel, Sheila (Clare) Luxford; along with several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was her husband of 39 years Wes, her parents, Howard and Esther Schoberg; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lester and Viola Winkel and niece, Diane Appel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made to the Windom Public Library.

A special thank you to the staff at Windom Area Health for their care and compassion in her final days and to Pine View Assisted Living for their care and welcoming her if only for a few days there before her passing.

Blessed by the memory of Anita Winkel