Renata Rolf (Hertwig) Winsor

Renata Rolf Winsor passed away in Fort Myers, FL on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019. She was born in the parish house of St Mark’s Lutheran Church in New Germany, MN on March 29, 1921, the fourth child of Rev.Theodor Rolf and Clara Hertwig. She attended grade school in a one room school house and graduated from Norwood-Young America High School. A 4H club member, she sewed her complete wardrobe and won a ribbon as the “Style Queen of Carver County”. Renata attended Bethany Lutheran College, a two year college in Mankato, MN, and went on to the University of Minnesota where she earned a nursing degree. She loved her years as a nurse supervisor at Minneapolis General Hospital (now Hennepin County Medical Center). She often spoke of her involvement in the care of patients in 1946 during the polio epidemic. She and John Winsor met at the U. of M. and were married July 29, 1944 as he went off to war. They established their first home in South Minneapolis, moved to Deephaven in 1957, then to Wayzata in 1971. Here Renata realized her passion for gardening. She was a hands-on gardener and her gardens were frequently on tour. She also was a terrific gourmet cook and loved to entertain. John and Renata enjoyed skiing, golf and travel. John died in 2002. Renata continued to travel extensively around the world, play golf and bridge.  Always interested in history, she researched and wrote the histories of the Winsor, Ryan, Rolf and Hertwig families and the 50th anniversary history of St. Philip The Deacon Lutheran Church. Classes on art, bridge, gardening, golf, travel, Bible study and book clubs were always on her calendar. She had an interest in young people and funded many educational scholarships. Renata was a member of the Lake Minnetonka Garden Club for 40 years, serving on many committees and as President in 1988-1990. She received numerous awards, including the Garden Club of America Zone XI Director’s Award in 2014. She was a supporter of the Minnesota Orchestra, the Guthrie Theatre, the MIA, The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and always her church. Renata was predeceased by husband John Winsor and son David Winsor. She is survived by daughters Kitty (Barry) Petit, Mary (Jeff) Jenson, grandchildren Reid Petit (Sarah), Nils and Anna Jenson, and great-grandson Everett Winsor Petit. The family thanks the care staff at Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers, FL. We are especially indebted to Mom’s caregiver Cecelia Geddes who has become part of the family. Memorials in Renata’s name may be directed to St Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church Foundation, Plymouth, MN, and to The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. A memorial service will be held at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior.

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