Hildegard "Hilde" Winter

Hildegard V. “Hilde” Winter, age 96 of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at her home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Mitchell Bechtold officiating. Inurnment will be held in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Hildegard Veronica Winter was born December 3, 1929 in Millwood Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to William and Mary (Kerfeld) Boeckermann. She was united in marriage to P. George Winter on October 13, 1952.

Hilde had a strong work ethic throughout her life. She worked in many of the downtown stores and as a dispatcher for Stearns Electric. She later worked alongside her daughter, Jean, at McDonald Realty for more than 20 years. Hilde was known for her beautiful handwriting, especially in the cards and notes she sent to family and friends. She had an incredible memory and a quick wit and will be remembered for her funny, feisty personality and familiar sayings, including “Good stuff, Maynard!” and “Guten Himmel!” Hilde took great pride in mowing and caring for her lawn, and KASM radio was a familiar sound in her home. She was always one of the best-dressed people in the room and, even at 96, still had her eye on a new sweater she wanted to buy. Above all, Hilde loved her family, and they always knew how much they were loved by her. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose and a life member of the VFW Auxiliary. She was a proud spouse of Melrose firefighter P. George Winter.

Survivors include her daughter, Jean (Bob) McDonald; six grandchildren, Allison (Pete) Norgren, Matthew (Brittany) McDonald, Gannon (Kristine) O’Meara, Clara Winter, Henry Winter, and Owen Winter; and great-grandchildren, Chris, Jacob, June, Lewis, Vincent, Stella, Emma, and Graysen.

Hilde was preceded in death by her husband, P. George Winter on April 15, 1984; siblings Norb Boeckermann, Ray Boeckermann, Al Boeckermann, Walter (Wimpy) Boeckermann, Leona Kemper and an infant brother; sons, Patrick O’Meara and George Winter; granddaughter, Katie O’Meara; and parents, William and Mary Boeckermann.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Melrose Fire Department Relief Association or Melrose VFW Auxiliary.