Elaine A. Winter

Elaine A. Winter, age 98, of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, danced her way into heaven on March 16, 2025, likely to the sound of a lively polka and with a deck of cards in her pocket.
Born at home in February 13, 1927 in East Union, Carver County, Minnesota, to Charles and Irene Strobel, Elaine was baptized and confirmed at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church in Chaska. She graduated from Guardian Angels High School in 1945 and soon after married the handsome and hardworking Leonard Winter on May 22, 1946, at Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Jessenland, Sibley County. Together, they raised seven wonderful children—and if you asked her, she’d tell you they all turned out pretty darn good (mostly).
Elaine was a woman of many talents. She baked legendary bread and pies, played a mean hand of cards, and never turned down a chance to hit the dance floor. She tickled the ivories on the piano for years and later in life worked as a nurse’s aide, proving that her gift for taking care of others extended well beyond her own bustling household.
Always ahead of her time, Elaine was also a key participant in the RhoGAM Research Program in the 1970s, helping to save the lives of RH-negative babies. She would probably tell you she didn’t do anything special, but let’s be honest—she helped science change the world.
She is survived by her children, Carol (James) Loso, Mary Hoeschen, James (Marcia) Winter, Barbara (Jay) Keller, Diane Winter, and Pamela (Mark) Kieser, as well as 38 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom have undoubtedly inherited some of her sass, skill, and stubborn streak. She is also survived by her brother, Donald (Betty) Strobel, who can surely attest to her no-nonsense approach to sibling rivalry.
Waiting to greet her in heaven with a deck of cards and a fresh-baked pie are her beloved husband, Leonard; her parents, Charles and Irene; her son, Keith; five RH-negative factor babies; son-in-law, James Hoeschen; siblings, Francis Strobel, Helen Moehring, Jean Leonhardt, and Marion Helget; and many dear in-laws who have probably already organized a heavenly family reunion.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 10, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior at Good Shepherd Nursing Home Chapel in Sauk Rapids, officiated by Fr. Thomas Knoblach (who hopefully appreciates a good polka).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Star Legacy Foundation (400 Flying Cloud Drive, Suite 225, Eden Prairie, MN 55344) to support research and families who have experienced loss.
Elaine lived a full life filled with laughter, love, and just the right amount of mischief. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her humor, warmth, and the unbeatable aroma of fresh bread coming out of the oven. If heaven didn’t have a good bakery before, it certainly does now.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the love, support, and generosity shown during this time of loss. Your kind words, prayers, and shared memories have been a source of great comfort. We are especially grateful to the caregivers, friends, and extended family who have been a part of Elaine’s journey, offering their time, compassion, and unwavering support. Your kindness is a testament to the love she gave so freely throughout her life, and we are deeply thankful to each of you.