Christopher Michael Winkel

Christopher M. Winkel, age 53 of Coon Rapids/Blaine, MN, passed away at home Saturday, September 7, 2024. He was born October 12, 1970, in St. Paul, MN to Mary Thompson and Michael Winkel. Chris was especially close to his grandparents, Herb and Josephine Winkel. They were an important constant in his life. Chris grew up in Mounds View, MN and attended Irondale High School. He enjoyed playing and following many sports including baseball, football, and hockey. Chris formed many relationships in his youth who became his lifelong friends. Brett and Ryan, who Chris loved like brothers, were his high school buddies. Chris loved to reminisce about the antics from those high school days. The stories those guys could tell! Chris met some other lifelong friends, Jamie, Scott, and David, through his first job at Presbyterian Homes. He maintained contact with all of them throughout his life. David was even his best man at his wedding. Chris had such a kind and generous heart. His fun sense of humor made anyone smile and laugh. His calming hug made you know how much he truly cared. He had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. In 1996, Chris met the love of his life, Donna Foisy, while working at Augustana Home. Donna fell for this wonderful and kind man. They married February 27, 1997, at the Minneapolis Justice of the Peace. Chris adored Donna's son, Joshua Krautbauer, as if Josh was his own child. Their bond was inseparable. Chris and Joshua shared a love for all things sports. Chris was very involved in Joshua's youth sports. He was Joshua's hockey coach for many years. Chris' fun and caring personality gave him the ability to relate to young kids and they responded so well to his coaching. His care and coaching led them to win games and have fun too. Chris developed friendships with so many of the kids he coached. In 2006, Chris joined a few other dedicated people to help create what we now know as the MN Special Hockey Program. This hockey program was designed for athletes of all ages with special needs. In 2007, Chris was the first hockey coach in MN to coach Special Needs Hockey. Though Chris did not have his own child in the program, he was fully devoted and invested in the players of his team. He had a "gentle giant" way about him that helped the kids learn and respond so well to him. His kindness and patience showed through in his coaching. Chris was loved by many of the players and their families. MN Special Hockey is now supported by the MN Wild and the Hendrickson Foundation. It has blossomed into a national program. In addition to raising Joshua, the MN Special Needs Hockey program was one of his proudest achievements. Chris is survived by Donna Foisy, Joshua Krautbauer (Katie), Mary Thompson, Michael Winkel (Bonnie), siblings Angie and Trevis Winkel, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and so many friends. Funeral services will be held October 12, 2024, at Roseville Covenant Church, 2845 Hamline Avenue North, St. Paul, MN 55113. Visitation is 9-11am. Service will be at 11am. His burial will follow the service at Roselawn Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at the church after the burial.

Tributes

Christopher Michael Winkel

October 12, 1970 - September 7, 2024

Tributes

Christopher Michael Winkel

October 12, 1970 - September 7, 2024

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