Beth Ann Windhorst passed away unexpectedly on July 2, 2023 at St. Mary's in Rochester, MN after suffering from an aneurysm. Always thinking of others, Beth's wishes to be an organ donor were honored by her family, and on July 5 she generously gave three individuals the gift of life. She was surrounded by her loving family those final days.
Born in Worcester, MA, daughter of the late Judith Reichel and Richard Zander, Beth graduated from Lyon County High School in Kentucky and was 1981 Valedictorian. She first attended Valparaiso University, finished her Bachelors at Western Kentucky University, and then continued on to University of Cincinnati for her Masters for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education. After receiving her teaching degree, she got a job and moved to Zumbrota, MN, pulling a U-Haul with a Subaru hatchback.
In 1988, she met a farmer named Mark on a blind date, and they were married six months later on December 26. This year they celebrated 34 years of marriage. Together they have two daughters, Lauren and Carleigh. Beth was selfless and creative and it showed in her passions for teaching, sewing, dancing, decorating, socializing and cooking. She owned and operated her own sewing business, Beth's in Stitches. She always had a joke and a smile to share with her customers. After retiring from 30 years of teaching, she moved her shop to main street in Wanamingo in 2021.
Beth was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, shortly after losing her mother to Alzheimer's disease. She put on her can-do-attitude and beat cancer that same year. A strong, independent woman, her greatest joy was raising her daughters. She was their biggest cheerleader, and taught them to live life to the fullest, to be clever and kind. A home economics extraordinaire, her love for her family was the driving force behind everything she did. Cooking with and for them was one of her favorite pastimes. She loved spending time at the pond, riding four wheelers on the 80 acre pasture, and grilling together. She always had the guest rooms ready at the farm, just in case.
Beth's vibrant presence, laughter and light will be forever cherished and missed.
Beth is preceded in death by her mother Judith Reichel Zander, father Richard Zander, and in-laws Mary and Jim Windhorst. She is survived by her devoted husband Mark Windhorst, daughters Lauren (Todd) Mielzarek of Apple Valley and Carleigh (Steven) Dueck of Maple Grove; brother Robert (Belinda) Zander of Grenada, MS; sister Rebecca (Joe) Zeipen of Jenison, MI; nephews AJ and Nick Zander, Jon Zeipen, and Baron Windhorst; and niece Anna Zeipen.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 14 from 4-7pm at Spring Garden Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls, MN. Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 15 at 3pm at Spring Garden with visitation one hour prior. This service will be livestreamed and available to watch below. Luncheon refreshments to follow.
