Mass of Christian Burial for Ruth Winkels, age 102, will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2026 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby, MN. A Private family burial will be in the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Canby, MN. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Grieving never really ends…Because love doesn’t. It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beautiful mother, Ruth Winkels. She died in Omaha, Nebraska on April 15, 2026 after a long and blessed life. She had always wanted to live to be 100 years old and surprisingly she lived to be 102. Having lived through the Depression and WWII, she had many stories to share as there were many challenges and obstacles. She enjoyed playing bridge, reading (even listening to audio books when her vision was failing), golfing, cooking and baking, and visiting with everyone she met. ruth was born on May 22, 1923 to Jim and Agnes Fluttum in Canby, Minnesota. She graduated from Canby High School – followed by graduation from the Minnesota School of Business. She had an extensive career as Canby High School secretary. Mom loved her job! Upon retirement, she moved to Omaha, Nebraska. Ruth married Walt Winkels on March 2, 1946. Together they lived in Canby raising their three children. She always called Canby “Home”. Being a true Minnesotan, she always rooted for the Gophers and Vikings but grew to love the Nebraska sports teams – the Huskers and Creighton Bluejays. Golf was her passion! Mother had a good life! She was always very active into her later years. She was a woman of great strength and grace. Her family was everything to her and she loved us dearly. What great memories you gave us mom – we love you!
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Walt; her parents; sisters: Goldie and Lola; brothers: Elmer, Dewey, Iver and Roald; and granddaughter; Jennifer (Sherlock) Dameron. Ruth is survived by her daughters: Judy Fahey of Omaha, NE and Kathleen (John) Sherlock of Brookings, SD; son, Jim (Elaine) Winkels of Plymouth, MN; eight grandchildren: Michael, Ryan, Laura, Betsy, Jill, Alex, Brian and Joe; and 21 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
