Gary Allen “Windy” Windhorst, 75, of Wanamingo, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus in Rochester. He was born in Red Wing on July 29, 1947, to Melroy and Verona (Post) Windhorst. He graduated from Wanamingo High School in 1965 and served honorably in the National Guard. On August 16, 1969 he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Susan Broin, at Holden Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in Wanamingo and were blessed with two daughters, Jodie and Jamie. Windy worked for Maple Island and then for the Wanamingo Elevator/Ag Partners for many years until his retirement. He also enjoyed farming corn and beans on his 40 acres of land and raising calves. He was a longtime member of Wanamingo Lutheran Church and board member of the Wanamingo Lutheran Cemetery Association. Windy enjoyed playing various card games and basketball. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic and his great skill and luck at playing six-handed 500.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sue Windhorst of Wanamingo; two daughters, Jodie (Chad) Blakstad of Zumbrota and Jamie (Bradley) Quam of Zumbrota; seven grandchildren, Dana and Danielle Blakstad, Brandi (Kelby) O’Reilly, Tyler (Shelby) Quam, Alyssa (Marshall) Friese, and Lyndsey and Natalye Quam; five great-grandchildren, Serenity, Noah, Gabriella, Liam, and Kinsley; one sister, Joan (Jon) Swanson; one sister-in-law, Kathy (Rod) Nardinger; and many first cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Melroy and Verona and his in-laws, Garvin and Helen Broin.
Memorial service was at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Wanamingo Lutheran Church. Reverend Kris Ferkin officiated. Visitation was from 5 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Burial was at the Wanamingo Lutheran Church Cemetery.
