Elnora Louisa Winkel

Elnora Louisa (Wilson) Winkel died Sunday, July 22, 2007 in Green Acres Retirement Home in Ionia, Michigan of natural causes. Elnora was born on May 3, 1912 in Sand Beach Township, near Harbor Beach, Michigan, the daughter of John F. and Essie L. (Toner) Wilson. Elnora graduated from Harbor Beach High School in 1930. After graduating from County Normal School in Bad Axe, Michigan, she began her teaching career at several one-room schoolhouses in the Harbor Beach area. She taught in the middle and high schools, then became the principal at Harbor Beach Middle School. She attended Central Michigan University on the weekends and graduated in 1957 with her Bachelor`s Degree in Education. She retired from teaching in 1973. Elnora married Julius R. Winkel of Harbor Beach on August 19, 1934. They had one daughter, Barbara. Julius preceded her in death on July 15, 1995 Elnora was a member for most of her life of the First United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. She was President of the Harbor Beach Women`s Club, participated in the Huron County Historical Society, and was a member of the Huron County Chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. As President of the Harbor Beach Branch of the Women`s National Farm and Garden Association, she instituted a scholarship program for Harbor Beach High School graduates. In 1980, she was one of the founders of The Grice House Museum in Harbor Beach. During her years as curator, she helped expand the museum to include a one-room schoolhouse and a large display of agricultural equipment. She loved to travel the world and enjoyed sewing, quilting, reading, and baking. Elnora is survived by her Son-In-Law, John Longstreth of Portland, MI; Grandson Christopher (Sharon) Longstreth of Grand Rapids, MI; Granddaughter Julie (Thomas) Tkach of Portland, MI; Great-grandchildren Samuel and Emily Longstreth; Sister-In-Law Betty Jo Wilson; several nieces and nephews; and grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Barbara, her parents, her brothers Robert and Ferris, and her sister Frances. The funeral will be held at First United Methodist Church in Harbor Beach at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 26 with burial to follow in Rock Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 7-9pm in the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach and at the church from noon until service time at 1pm.

Elnora Louisa Winkel

May 3, 1912 - July 21, 2007