Dolores “Winky” Andert, age 96 of rural Starbuck, passed peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026 into her Heavenly Fathers Arms. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15th at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 34241 Co. Rd. 18, Starbuck with Don Swenson officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, August 14th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home, 122 1st Avenue, NE, Glenwood, and will continue from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church prior to the service. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

Dolores Ann "Winky" Andert was born on January 31, 1930, in Watertown, Minnesota. She was the oldest of four children born to Helen and Ferdinand Winkel. When she was young, her family moved to Villard, and she graduated from Villard High School in 1948.

On May 17, 1950, Winky was united in marriage to Harold "Swede" Andert in Glenwood. Together they made their home in the Glenwood, Villard, Lowry, and Osakis areas before purchasing a farm near Starbuck in 1964. Farming became the center of their life together, and Winky embraced it with devotion and pride. She loved working side by side with Swede, pursuing their dreams together. Winky and Swede shared not only a home and livelihood, but also a deep partnership built on hard work, and raising three children.

After her children were grown, Winky continued to serve others through her work at Ostrom's Hardware. Winky and Swede owned and operated The Waters Edge, a Mexican shop, Cyrus Cafe, and Glenwood gas station. Through every season of life, Winky remained committed to her family and to the people around her.

Winky was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Starbuck. The church was adjacent to their home farm, where she was an active member of the Ladies Aid. Her faith was an important part of her life and was reflected in the way she cared for others.

Winky was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Villard, for over 47 years, receiving the honor of being "Poppy Queen" one year.

Winky loved to bake and was known for making meals for the men working in the fields, as well as bringing food for those in need. She was a gracious hostess, and took joy in entertaining, especially her love for the card game of whist.

Winky's kindness was shown in the simple, thoughtful acts that made a lasting difference in the lives of others, always to be remembered. Winky passed peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026 into her Heavenly Fathers Arms.

She is survived by her children, Doris (Ron) Engebretson, Linda (Roland) Olson, and James Andert, many grandchildren, her sister Margaret Laumeyer, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ferdinand and Helen Winkel; her husband, Harold "Swede" Andert; her grandson, Christopher Olson; longtime friend Francis Hargreaves; and her brothers, John and George Winkel.

Winky will be remembered as a loving, generous, faith-filled woman whose life was centered on family, service, and devotion. Winky's legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her warmth, work ethic, hospitality, and unwavering care for others.