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Winsome H. (Skog) Hawkinson, died peacefully in her sleep at the Margaret S. Parmly Residence, in Chisago City, Minn., Sept. 15, 2006, at the age of 94.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Minnie Skog; her brother, Carl (Margaret); sisters: Laura, Ruth, Melba and Grace (Dick) Stuck; and granddaughter, Kim Peterson.

She is survived by her husband, Carl; daughters: Grace (Dennis) Peterson and Carolyn (Dwane) Franklin; sons: Douglas (Margaret), John (La Dema), and Alan (Julie); nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

Winsome, known by most as “Winnie,” was born and raised on the east side of St. Paul. Her parents, Minnie and Charles, immigrated from Sweden. She was introduced to the Chisago City area as a child when her parents would bring her up by train to a cabin built by her father on Little Green Lake. When quite young, Winnie was struck by, and survived, the influenza epidemic of 1918 that killed 20 million people world-wide.

During her life she had many occupations, including working for Mayflower Donuts and Tasty Bread, waitressing at the Talk of the Town Restaurant, in St. Paul, operating her coffee shop at the Chisago Cooperative, helping to run the family farm, and providing loving day care for numerous children. In her younger years, she was active at Zion Lutheran Church in both Ladies Aid and Circle groups. She very possibly holds the record for the number of years served in the local PTA––29.

Winnie was eager to travel anywhere, but especially enjoyed going up north in the fall to see the colors. She loved flowers, birds and babies, and was well-known for her great sense of humor. Winnie was an avid Minnesota Twins and Gopher basketball fan, who agonized with them in their defeats and cheered their victories. Winnie was also very patriotic and lover her country and flag.

Life for Winnie revolved around her family. She remembered every birthday and anniversary with a card and was always interested in each detail of the lives of those she loved. She had countless friends of all ages. Winnie touched innumerable lives with her generous, loving and fun spirit, and she will be deeply missed by all who were blessed enough to know her. And, as Winnie, herself, often declared –– “You’re just saying that because it’s true!”

The funeral service is (today) Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006, 11 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, in Chisago City. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Grandstrand Funeral Home, in Lindstrom, and one hour prior to the church service. There will be a private family interment at the Union Cemetery in St. Paul. Memorials may be given to Special Olympics, Margaret S. Parmly Residence or Zion Lutheran Church.

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