JUDY A. WINNER

June 17, 1952 ~ Feb. 24, 2011 

Judy A. Winner, age 58 of Akeley, MN, passed away at her home surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday, February 24, 2011 following a courageous battle against cancer.
Judy was born to William and Patricia (Hardy) Mulroyan in Geneva, Illinois on June 17, 1952. At a young age Judy moved with her family to St. Paul, MN to be near the University Hospital where her mother received treatment for a heart condition. She attended Central High School graduating with the class of 1970. Judy was employed at the Lexington Nursing Home in St. Paul while she was in high school. After graduation, she found employment at Regions Hospital working in the housekeeping department. She was united in marriage to Steve Hitchcock and their union was blessed with one son, Brian. It was during this time she gained employment with Brown-Bigelow publishing company, where she worked for over 13 years. While visiting at the home of a friend, Judy was introduced to Robert Winner. The two became fast friends and on May 2, 1984 Judy and Robert were united in marriage. Their lives were blessed once again with the birth of Anna. Judy found joy in making their St. Paul home warm and inviting for her growing family. Judy, Bob and other relatives often took their families on vacation to Pixie Point Resort near Akeley. Over the years, many extended family members moved to that area. In 1997, Judy and Bob followed suit moving to the Akeley area. They bought the Headwaters Restaurant renaming it Winner’s Family Restaurant, a name that never quite stuck, as the restaurant is still often referred to as Winner’s Headwaters or Headwaters Restaurant. Judy was the personality of the restaurant, waiting on customers and occasionally cooking. Judy was a very independent, strong willed and courageous person. She enjoyed being out doors watching wildlife, doing yard work or tending her chickens. She liked playing and working at Monday night bingo at the VFW Post #8508 in Akeley. Most of all, Judy was proud of her family and she loved her husband, children and grandchildren with all her heart.
Judy will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 26 years, Robert Winner of Akeley, MN; son, Brian (Lacey) Hitchcock of Akeley, MN; daughter, Anna (Shane Madson) of St. Cloud, MN; step-son, Jason Winner of Little Canada, MN; 14 grandchildren: Gavin, Sam, Paisly, Keagen, Leif, Robert, Autumn, Kayla, Kyle, Joclyn, Ransom, Timmy, Hunter and Heather; one brother William Mulroyan of Akeley; many nieces and nephews; as well as many more loving family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Donny Mulroyan.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M., with visitation one hour prior to services, on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Akeley, MN with Reverend Harvey Kietzman officiating. A luncheon will be provided by the Auxiliary at the VFW Post #8508 in Akeley following the service. The organist will be Christie Semmler. Congregational hymns will be “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art”. Special music will be “Goodbye’s (The Saddest Word)”. Honorary casketbearers will be Dick Wahlin, Chris Ricehill, Anne Fenzel, Sandy Knott, Betty Mulroyan, Mark Johnson, Steve Hitchcock, Dan Bronk, Phill Ales, Rick Leclaire and Ross Vanness. Interment will be made in the Akeley Cemetery at a later date.