Watch Ted's Funeral Mass

Theodore "Ted" Winter, age 98, of Callaway, MN, died Friday, October 15, 2021, at Ecumen in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Ted requested that the history of his life be recorded on paper for all to read. Dictated by Sarah Winter Helm.

Ted was born on February 9, 1923, to Adam and Amelia (Orth) Winter in Beaulieu, MN. He attended the Ahmann School in Beaulieu and later finished grade school in Waubun, MN. Ted farmed with his brother, Herman until April 18, 1945, when he married Alta Delores Rogers at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Waubun. The honeymooners resided at Brandt Farms east of Waubun, now known as the Schermerhorn Farms, while working as a Herd Dairyman.

Together they had three children: Roger born in 1946, Darrell born in 1948, and Charlene born in 1949. In order to provide for his young family, Ted worked many jobs and farmed for many years. He did some truck driving while farming for various farmers in the area and in 1948 Ted and his family moved to the Brunner Farm outside of Callaway.

In 1951, Ted and Alta bought the Spry Farm outside of Callaway, where his son Roger and wife Sharon still reside. Alta passed away on October 18, 1953, after having kidney failure. Ted's mom and dad, living in the town of Callaway, then became a vital part in helping to raise the three young children as Ted was farming after Alta passed away.

Then in 1958, Ted began to sell the Successful Farming Magazine. This job he excelled at and toured every county in Minnesota, with the exception of ten, as he sold farmers the livestock and soil editions of Successful Farming. Finally, Ted sold his milk cows in 1959, but continued farming while picking up another job as a doorman/bouncer for Hank's Club-Shoreham in Detroit Lakes.

On January 10, 1961, Ted married Esther Peterson of Detroit Lakes. Shortly thereafter, in 1962 he started the first chapter of National Farmers Organization (NFO) for Becker County and became the first Chairman. Four years later in 1966, Ted started, owned, and operated "Ted's Bar" in Callaway. In 1968, he stopped farming due to health concerns, and continued his sales of Successful Farming and moved from the farm into the city of Callaway. After 30 years of being a salesman for Successful Farming, Ted became a bartender-two stints the mid 1980's for Myron Lhotka's Bar in Stephens, MN.

Ted was involved in many organizations and assisted at church with the Knights of Columbus dinners. He was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus as he was a member for over 80 years. In his later years, Ted helped start Horizons, a non-profit organization for the betterment of Callaway and its citizens. As the Horizons' Chairman, he built and organized the building of an ice rink and warming house which he personally took care of and helped warm children's cold feet after ice skating. Many days, Ted would bring snacks and hotdogs for the kids at the warming house. He also started and commanded the Farmers Market in Callaway out of his own car garage.

Ted was a consummate worker, even when most people would be retired at his age. In his 60's and through his late 70's, Ted kept himself busy with four different jobs. In addition to the work mentioned above, Ted started his own Chauffer/Shuttle Service business catering to customers who wanted a ride to the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen and other places.

Ted was known for his gift to gab and loud thunderous voice, so he thought he may as well put it to use as an auctioneer. He performed many auctions in the area and did many charity auctions for clubs, churches, fairs, and even auctioned for the Detroit Lakes Democratic Delegation Party. Ted was also the auctioneer for the charity event that St. Mary's Hospital matched funds for towards the first kidney dialysis machine in Detroit Lakes. Ted was known throughout the local area as the "Colonel" as he spoke with someone of authority.

During this time, he also started working at Super Walmart in Detroit Lakes where the store manager personally asked Ted to be the first greeter at the brand new store. Ted never applied for the job, his charisma and personal charm were evident to those who knew him. The manager chose him for this very important position at Walmart.

Ted's personal doctor became concerned that he was working too hard and involved in too many activities. His doctor informed him he had a heart condition. Ted, however, was determined not to let that slow him down. In his later years, his doctor told him, "Ted you're 80 years old and you have four jobs, I want you to put it in second gear." So, Ted put it in second gear and left it there.

To those who knew Ted and came to his house in the morning, he was known for his warm welcome, great breakfast with homemade jelly, and his competitive spirit as he played Pinochle with his guests. As he was trying to keep it in "second gear " he had many hobbies including gardening, cooking, flowers, storytelling with friends, and of course playing Pinochle. He was famous for cooking sauerkraut and ribs as he did for the Knights of Columbus dinner in Callaway on occasions. In addition, Ted's pickled horseradish and homemade jelly were very much appreciated by his family and friends as he freely gave them as gifts during Christmas and other times throughout the year.

Words and quotes his family and friends will remember Ted by include: "You Pot Licker", "You got that right", "Thank you very kindly", "Really!", "Let's put it this way", "And that's no Bull Shit", "That's a fact", "And that's the way it is", "Cards have turned", "Yep, he's got the power".

Ted will also be remembered by his devotion to prayer and in his later years daily reading of the Bible. Ted would often quote verses and provide positive direction, despite having what most people would describe him as being a tough German. He also treasured his family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. They all work hard, have good jobs and haven't caused anyone an ounce of trouble. His family and friends, grandkids, and great-grandkids will remember him for many things as he was a person who left an impression with all those he met.

"Let him rest in peace!" - spoken by Ted

He is survived by his two sons, Roger (Sharon) of Callaway and Darrell (Linda) of Detroit Lakes. Ted was also blessed with eight grandchildren: Stephanie (Sam) Secrist of Otsego, MN, Sarah (Gary) Helm of Burnsville, MN, John (Rhonda) Winter of Glyndon, MN, Amy (Matt) Lammers of Moorhead, MN, Brian (Jessica) Winter of Cottage Grove, MN, Krista (Matt) Larson of Fargo, ND, Karla (Joe) Cummings of Frazee, MN, Elizabeth Winter of Thousand Oaks, CA; and 21 great- grandchildren.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Alta Rogers; his second wife, Esther; his daughter, Charlene; his parents; three brothers: Milo (Lucille), Herman (Lillian), and Lloyd; and one sister, Veronica "Girlie" (Gordon) Haverkamp.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Assumption Catholic Church, Callaway, MN.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 20 ^th from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a KC Rosary and Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 pm at the church and continue one hour prior to Mass.  Burial will take place in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Callaway.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, and CDC guidelines, social distancing will be practiced. Masks are strongly encouraged.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available.