Winnifred “Winnie” Gillespie – Detroit Lakes Tribune

A memorial ceremony will take place at a later date. On March 20, 2022, Winnifred “Winnie” Mae (Halvorson) Gillespie passed away at her home, peacefully in her sleep surrounded by love. She was 90 years old. Born to Wallace and Blanche Halvorson in Milan Minnesota on February 7, 1932, second of 8 children. She spent her youthful years between Saskatchewan Canada and Minnesota. On February 4, 1951, Winnifred married her true love Allen D. Gillespie. They raised their family on a farm south of Audubon. Winnie was Master Gardner, beekeeper, mentor, home health care provider and founding member of the Community Alliance Church. As a lifelong learner, she freely shared her faith and knowledge through mentorship and counselling. She is active in her church, her community, her relationships and yearned to connect on a deep level with everyone. His interests were as broad as they were personal. As an eighth generation beekeeper, she mentored others and passed her skills on to her daughter. She was known for her passion for flowers and shared that passion by providing bouquets for morning church services, friends’ weddings and a local florist. Her faith carried her throughout her life and comforted her in her passing. She is survived by her 7 children, 3 sisters (Fern, Rose and Annette), 3 brothers (Wallace “Swede”, Christian “Chris” and John), 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Winnie was predeceased by her husband Allen D. Gillespie of 61 years and her brother Albert Halvorson. To all her friends, thank you for giving your love and support to her and her family.