Nancy June Winder, 82, passed away the evening of November 23rd, 2021 at Edgewood Vista while holding the hand of her daughter.
Nancy was born in Ely on August 17th, 1939, the daughter of Andrew and Eleanor (Maki) Toutloff. She was the fourth of seven children and was a member of the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe. She graduated from Ely High School in 1957 and played the flute in the Drum and Bugle Corps. After high school, Nancy trained to be a medical technician at the Duluth Clinic and worked at the Virginia Hospital and Adam’s Clinic in Hibbing. Nancy married Wayne Meyer in December of 1967 and a year later, they welcomed their daughter Kim into their family. Two years later they built their home and farm and raised Kim in rural Hibbing, MN. Nancy later discovered her passion for golf and was a member of Mesaba Country Club.
Nancy moved to Arizona in 1991, and on April 6th, 1992 married Jay Winder. They lived on the golf course at Happy Trails Resort in Surprise, AZ and enjoyed golfing several days a week along with bowling, bocce ball, entertaining friends and traveling around the country during the summer months. Nancy also enjoyed reading and painting beautiful art with water colors. Nancy and Jay had 24 wonderful years together. She spent the last 3 years back in Minnesota living at Edgewood Vista and enjoyed the friends she made along with visits, licks and snuggles from her four grand puppies.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jay; her brother-in-law, Elden Milbridge and her brother-in-law, David Baxter.
Nancy is survived by her daughter, Kim (Dean) Forsythe; siblings, Andrew (Kuni) Toutloff, Roger (Gloria) Toutloff, Sharon Milbridge, Patti (Robert) Annette, Ray (Victoria) Toutloff, Debra Baxter; sister-in-law Sharon (Jim) Postance; step-grandson Ken (Heidi) Zinn; step-granddaughter Jerre (Ben) Mauer; step-great grandsons, Dallas and Drake Zinn, and Walker and Sawyer Mauer; numerous nieces and nephews and of course her beloved grand puppies Lucy, Faith, Jersey and Teddi Forsythe.
Nancy made many wonderful friends during her lifetime as she had a truly special spark that drew people to her. Her family would like to thank the wonderful caring staff of Essentia Hospice and Edgewood Vista for everything.
A Celebration of Nancy’s life and her Heavenly 83rd birthday party will be held on August 17th at Pike Lake Golf Course from 11am-2pm. Family and friends are welcome to attend this celebration.