Winifred Elaine O'Leary

Winifred Elaine O’Leary, age 93, of Danvers, MN, died Saturday , February 18, 2017, at   Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, MN. Visitation will be Monday, February 20, 2017, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson.  Visitation will continue on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at the Church Of The Visitation Catholic Church in Danvers. Interment will be in the Church Of The Visitation Catholic Church Cemetery in Danvers.

Winifred Elaine (Mortenson) O’Leary was born April 13, 1923, in Cashel Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the daughter of Christian Miller and Josephine Gerna (Brenden) Mortenson.  She was baptized in 1923 by Rev. Strand at Lutheran Immanuel Church and confirmed in 1937 by Rev. Kaatrud at the Lutheran Church in Benson.  She grew up in Cashel Township, attended country school, and graduated from Benson High School.  On July 28, 1942, Winifred was united in marriage to James Michael Bernard O’Leary by Father McCall at the Church of the Visitation in Danvers. This union was blessed with more than 39 years of marriage, 10 children, 36 grandchildren, and 54 great-grandchildren .  They farmed in Danvers and Winifred was a wonderful housewife.  She was a member of the Church Ladies Aid, Homemaker’s Club, and Mother’s Club.  Among the many things she enjoyed were gardening, golfing, dancing, bowling, and spending time with family and friends.

Winifred died peacefully on February 18, 2017, surrounded by family, at Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck, MN. She attained the age of 93 years, 10 months and 5 days .  She is survived by 9 children and their spouses: Michael (Nancy) O’Leary of Starbuck, Betty (Roger) Anderson of Camarillo, CA, Donald (Beth) O’Leary of Summerfield, FL, William (Kathy) O’Leary of Starbuck, Ann (Gary) Krueger of Willmar, Barb (Mark) Amundson of Ortonville, Karen (Dean) Hippen of Prior Lake, Kevin (Pam) O’Leary of Rice, and Kathy (Jason) Mikulski of Bloomington; 36 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Roger Thue;  one sister: Peggy Skarsten of Benson; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Winifred was preceded in death by her husband, James, on November 23, 1981; daughter, Patricia; a baby boy; her parents, Christ and Josie; brother, Lowell; sister, Barb Reil; and special friend, LeRoy Janssen.