Michelle Winker
Michelle Winker, 51 of Issaquah, WA passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2010 in Seattle, WA.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 22nd at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD.
Michelle Ann (Kinnunen) Winker, the daughter of Charles and Darlene Kinnunen, was born on February 15, 1959 in Watertown, SD. She spent her childhood years growing up in Watertown, Huron, and Sioux Falls, SD. Graduating from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD in 1977. She attended South Dakota State University for two years, and then received her Legal Secretarial degree from Nettleton Business College. Later in life she continued her college education, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business, graduating Cum Laude in April 2009. To celebrate her accomplishment, her husband surprised her with a trip to Paris, France.
Michelle always enjoyed music in her life. She played violin and piano when she was young, continued with band and orchestra in high school, and marching band in college.
Michelle married Greg Winker on August 29, 1981. During their marriage, they lived in Denver, Colorado; Minneapolis, Minnesota and Austin, Texas before they finally settled in Seattle, Washington. They shared an interest in the outdoors, hot air ballooning, traveling and sailing. Michelle always maintained an interest in running and finally completed her first full marathon in Austin. In her quiet time, Michelle would read, knit and spend time with her friends and family over a cup of coffee. But what Michelle was most passionate about was raising her two daughters. She participated in their education and as many of their activities as she could find time for. In the process, she created a close and loving family.
Even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she continued to stay active, participating in the first annual Puget Sound Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Walk in Bellevue, Washington.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband Greg, daughters Gabrielle and Alexandra (all of Issaquah), parents Charles and Darlene Kinnunen (Sioux Falls, SD), sister Pamela (James) Vasgaard (Brookings, SD), father and mother-in-law Jim and Marlene Winker (Sioux Falls, SD), and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Michelle’s name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network www.pancan.org
Michelle will certainly be missed. We remember with fondness the opportunities to be with her and family when they were in Texas.
Dean and Zelda
Peace, Prayers and blessings to you and your family.
With Deepest Sympathy.
For the short time that we knew Michelle it was a delight to be with her
With love and light to your family
Aroha
Sam and I feel priviledged to have known Michelle. We shared so many funny, happy and serious moments with you all. I loved her determination to run, finish school, and make the best of difficult situations with a gentle smile. We are going to miss her.
Hugs to all.
Sam and I feel priviledged to have known Michelle. We shared so many funny, happy and serious moments with you all. I will always remember her determination to run, finish school and make the best of difficult situations with a gentle smile. We will miss her.
Hugs to all.