John D. Meinke

John D. Meinke, age 83, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on October 15, 1941, in Winona, to Ervin and Dorothy (Volkart) Meinke, and was a graduate of Winona High School. John was united in marriage with Susan Kane on May 18, 1963, at Cedar Valley Lutheran Church.

He was a member of the Exchange Club, St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church, and he served as an officer on the Wilson Township Board.

John was employed with Knitcraft in Winona, and later owned and operated Formgraphics until his retirement.

John will be remembered for his enjoyment of elk and turkey hunting, his love of music of all kinds, and his willingness to always help others in need. An avid traveler, John took memorable trips across the globe, many with his brothers, and often spontaneously finding a good airfare and hopping on a plane.

He was famous for his totally homemade tacos (shells and all) which had to be constructed just right, and for his sweet tooth for anything chocolate, with his favorites being Fanny May Buttercreams and chocolate covered cherries.

John’s greatest joy in life was his family, and he especially cherished the time that he spent with his children and grandchildren. Together they enjoyed cruising on the Mississippi River in the houseboat, and for almost 20 years, the family trips in the motorhome.

He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him the most.

John is lovingly survived by his wife, Sue; children: Robin (Matthew) Moses and Lonnie (Toni) Meinke; grandchildren: Canaan (Alyssa) O’Connell, Kelly O’Connell, Hayden Meinke, Alec Meinke, Justine (Antonio) Idàrraga, Preston Meinke, and Isaac Meinke; a great-granddaughter who is expected in August; brothers: David Meinke and Timothy Meinke; sister-in-law: Nancy Flanagan; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 766 W. Wabasha St., Winona. The Reverend Winfried Schroeder will officiate. There will not be any visitation held prior to the service. Following the service, the family will greet relatives and friends during a luncheon and reception in the fellowship hall of the church.

John will be laid to rest in a family burial at the Witoka Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be John’s grandchildren.

Online condolences or memories may be left for John’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.