Michael Winans

Michael David Winans, 24, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, February 5, 2009, at his home.  He was born May 29, 1984, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of David and Teresa (Kunkel) Winans. He grew up in Fergus Falls where he attended elementary school at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 2003. He graduated from NDSU in 2007 with a major in Computer Engineering and a minor in Computer Science. After graduation he moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he worked for Rockwell Collins as an Engineer. Anyone who knew Michael knew him as a gifted and talented scientist and inventor. This was evident at an early age, where his creativity earned him the recognition of teachers, peers, and family. He was involved with Boy Scouts throughout his youth and his many trips to Camp Wilderness were highlights in his life. He loved to hunt and fish with his father and brother. Michael deeply valued his relationships with his friends and family. In the last six months Michael developed a close and personal relationship with theLord. He was an active member of Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids and Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls. He was very passionate about Bible studies and prayer and greatly enjoyed volunteering and participating in church activities. Michael was in the preliminary stages of entering Seminary school and truly felt he had a calling to help others. Michael will be remembered for his bright mind and sharp wit, his good sense of humor, his loyalty to his friends, and his deep love for his family. Survivors include his parents, David and Teresa Winans of Fergus Falls; his sister, Emily Winans of St. Cloud, and his brother, Matthew Winans of Moorhead; his grandparents: Russell and Jean Winans of Park Rapids, and Harvey and Mona Kunkel of Beardsley; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and his special friends, Barry and Judy Burnes of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Visitation:          4-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Mass of Christian Burial: 1 p.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:      Father Greg Paffel and Father LeRoy Schik Interment:          St. Otto’s Cemetery in Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls