Winton Gackstetter, 83, died peacefully at his home in Red Lake Falls, on Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Visitation will be 5 " 8 PM, Saturday, May 30, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church, Red Lake Falls, MN with a 7 PM prayer service. Funeral service will be 1 PM, Sunday, May 31, 2009 with visitation one hour prior, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Red Lake Falls, MN. Pastor Tom Potter will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Red Lake Falls, MN.

Winton Weeks Gackstetter was born September 10, 1925 in Lincoln County, MN, the son of Will and Lora (Weeks) Gackstetter. He graduated from high school in Laporte, MN in 1943 and in the fall of that year, he entered the United States Navy, serving his country from 1943-1946. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Bemidji State College, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Industrial Arts and Sciences Education. He taught Industrial Arts in Red Lake Falls and later returned to Bemidji State College to obtain his Masters Degree in Education.

On December 18, 1949, Winton was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Morrissey at the home place on Steamboat Lake, Laporte, MN. In the fall of 1950, the couple moved to Red Lake Falls, where they have since resided. He was the Shop teacher until 1972, then became the vocational education instructor, working with building trades. To ensure that all children would get an education, he went to work for the Regional Interdistrict Council for handicapped students, later becoming the director of the program, retiring in 1984.

Winton was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Red Lake Falls, MN, a member of the American Legion Post # 22, Red Lake Falls, Past Commander, a member of the Masonic Lodge, Thief River Falls, MN and also belonged to the National Education Association and other teacher organizations. He was an avid volunteer in the community.

Winton said, Once a teacher, always a teacher. He continued to teach those around him all of his life. Winton was a man of faith and integrity. His work ethic was of utmost importance and something he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He worked hard at his hobbies too, excelling in photography and woodworking. He always enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf - the camaraderie as much as the sport. Winton realized a life long dream of becoming a pilot, flying solo on September 7, 1977, 3 days shy of his fifty-second birthday. His interest in aviation continued even when he could no longer fly. Winton always enjoyed traveling and after retiring, he and Ruth put on many miles visiting family and exploring our great land.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Gackstetter, Red Lake Falls, MN; children: Shelley (Kent) Spears, Baudette, MN, Lynette Lyndi (Bill) Krause, Fairbanks, AK, Melani (Chad) Beckel, Baudette, MN and Randal (Connie) Gackstetter, Mendota Heights, MN; 6 grandchildren: Karl (Lura) Spears, Bismarck, ND, Jennifer (Tony) Brouse, Williams, MN, Anna Krause, Fairbanks, AK, Will (Amanda) Krause, Fairbanks, AK, Cole (Stacy) Beckel, Grand Forks, ND and Jake Beckel, Baudette, MN; 4 great grandchildren: Aidan Krause, Andrew Krause, Mason Krause and Zackary Brouse; a brother, Curwood (Betty) Gackstetter, East Wenatchee, WA, along with several nieces and nephews.

Winton was preceded in death by parents and nephew, Kerry Gackstetter.

ORGANIST: Carol Thompson
SPECIAL MUSIC: Kathy Vatthauer and JoAnn Zutz
SELECTION: On Eagles Wings, You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Amazing Grace, Here I am Lord, Precious Lord
CASKETBEARERS: Karl Spears, Jennifer Brouse, Tony Brouse, Cole Beckel, Jake Beckel, Cameron Gackstetter
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Will Krause and Anna Krause
MILITARY HONORS: Red Lake Falls American Legion Post # 22