Morris TeWinkel, 91

Morris TeWinkel, age 91, of River Falls, passed away Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, at Kinnic Long Term Care in River Falls.

Morris was born at home on a small farm outside of Baldwin, the fourth of nine children. He attended school, farmed and helped his father haul milk through his youth. The family moved to River Falls for his senior year of high school, from where he graduated in 1936. After high school, he worked for his uncle’s River Falls store, where he learned his electrical skills. During this time he met, courted, and married Margaret Ward of St. Paul. They together moved to Long Beach, Calif., where he worked for Douglas Aircraft as an aircraft instrument repairman. They lived there until he joined the Navy as an aviation electrician’s mate, third class. Morris and Margaret lived in Wichita, Kan., where he was stationed during WWII. During this time they were blessed with a son, Ward. As the war drew to a close, he was released from service on Feb. 23, 1946. The loving couple returned to River Falls, where he worked as an electrician and later started his own electrical business, TeWinkel Electric. Their family continued to grow, adding three daughters, Janice, Jill and Jennifer. He lived the remainder of his life in River Falls.

Morris loved water sports in both the solid and liquid forms. He could be found on ski slopes all winter skiing locally, but also in the mountains on both sides of the country and in Canada. In the summer, he was drawn to lakes and rivers, boating, camping and water skiing. He also had an interest in any sort of engine, which drew to him to cars, motorcycles and antique gas engines, which he collected. He was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees. Morris and Margaret also cared for numerous foster children, impacting their lives forever. He was loved by many in the community and will be dearly missed.

Morris is survived by his four children, Ward (Kathy) TeWinkel of River Falls, Janice (Scott) Gaalaas of Loudon, Tenn., Jill (Dan) Fahs of Hayward, Wis., Jennifer (Craig) Smith of Hudson; 11 grandchildren, Bret (Mercedes) TeWinkel, Kurt (Heidi) TeWinkel, Eric (Kim) Gaalaas, Kevin Gaalaas, Noel Anderson, Dana (Burke) Worrick, Emily Smith, Charles Smith, Caroline Smith, Hannah Fahs, and Naomi (Nick) Shapro; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, Donald TeWinkel of Sheboygan, Wis., two sisters, Iolean Johnson of St. Paul and Betty (Richard) Hartenstein of River Falls; and further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret; four brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at United Methodist Church in River Falls with Reverend Janet Ellinger officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at Cashman-Hill Funeral Home and again on Friday one hour prior to the funeral at church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cashmanhillfuneralservice.com.

Cashman-Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Services of River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.