Jerry Winkler

Jerry Winkler, age 74, of Mahnomen, MN, passed away on Thursday, October 24th, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fosston, MN. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 2nd, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN with Father Andrew Obel presiding. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday morning. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Gerald Kenneth Winkler was born on March 23, 1950, in Fosston, Minnesota to parents Kenneth and Delores (Fisher) Winkler. He grew up in Heier Township in Mahnomen County and graduated from Fosston High School in 1968. After high school, he went to Moler Barber College in Fargo, North Dakota. He began his barber career in Wishek, North Dakota. He later returned to Fargo and worked at The Razor’s Edge there for several years. 

Jerry was united in marriage to Mary Bitz on April 28, 1973, in Fargo. They relocated to his roots in Heier Township and Jerry set up his barber shop in Fosston. Jerry owned and operated The Razor’s Edge in Fosston for over 40 years until his retirement. During his retirement years, he helped Ronnie Roed at his shop in McIntosh and helped during harvest time in North Dakota. 

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beaulieu and was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was active for many years with the Mahnomen Sportsman’s Club and volunteered for several years at Medora.

He liked hunting and fishing. Most of all, he enjoyed time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Jerry passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, October 24, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer. 

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Mary; son, Kenny (Chris) of Eveleth, MN; and two grandchildren, McCayla and Justin; brother, Randy (Gloria) Winkler of Fosston; and sister, Sherry (Steve) Miller of Thief River Falls, MN. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents.