Andrew (Andy) Paul Winkels passed away on Friday, January 15, 2016 surrounded by family and friends at Season's Hospice.  He was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer and fought a short but valiant battle.

Andy was born in Osage, Iowa on August 17, 1955 to Angela and Sylvan (Zeke) Winkels.  His family lived on a farm in Meyer, Iowa until he was eight years old at which time they moved to Rochester.  Andy and his brothers grew up with a very close group of friends that shared all sorts of adventures that included fishing, hunting, and a variety of mischievous activities.

Andy married the love of his life, Ann Karin Espenes on April 9, 1988.  They welcomed Kristin (Bug) Anne on June 4, 1992.

He was a custodial engineer in several schools in Rochester, transitioning over to the grounds crew until his retirement on June 30, 2015.  However, his passion was Andy's Small Engine City where many lifetime friendships and memories were made (if only the walls could talk).

Along the way Andy made many wonderful friends.  He opened his heart and home to countless people.  Andy was always the man to make anyone around him feel loved and welcomed.  He wouldn't want us to mourn his loss but rather to celebrate his memory and of course, try to catch a bigger fish every year.

Andy is survived by his wife of 27 years, Ann; daughter, Kristin; sons, Nathan (Amelia) and Tim; grandchildren, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Michael, and Cody; brothers, Ray (Sheri), Joe (Pat), Jim (Patty), sister Diana Brink, mother-in-law, Ruth "Irene" Espenes; sister-in-laws Aslaug (Jerry) Fallon, Judith (Kevin) Roney; 7 nephews and 7 nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, and nephew.