Winifred (Winnie) Jane (Lipski) Stretton of Lake City, Minnesota, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Hospital – St. Mary’s Campus. Winnie was born August 27, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Gardell and Winifred (McIntosh) Lipski of Westmont, Illinois. She graduated from Downers Grove North High School.
She married Robert F. Stretton III on July 12, 1969. Winnie and Bob resided in Savanna, Illinois for several years. They had no children but one day Bob, who worked for the Savanna PD, brought home a young boy for lunch. John Peterson became a regular visitor at the Stretton home. During tough times in his life he grew to rely on Winnie for support and she was there for him. He was her “Son” and she was his “Mom”.
In 1994 Bob and Winnie were divorced. Winnie moved to Lake City, Minnesota to be near her childhood friend, Darlene. Winnie and Darlene grew up next door to each other in Westmont, Illinois and have been friends since they were both a year old. Darlene convinced Winnie to go to nursing school. Winnie worked as an LPN at the Red Wing and Lake City Care Centers.
After retiring from health care Winnie volunteered her time at the Pass It On Thrift Shop, and served on the board of Pass It On and the church board for First Congregational Church of Lake City. She loved thrifting and garage sales and QVC home shopping network.
The last couple years Winnie struggled with health challenges. Several of her friends (Kathy, Audrey, the Kohrs family, Kristy, Shannon and others) stepped in to help her. In the end stages of liver and kidney failure, both John and Darlene flew to Minnesota to be with her. During that visit Winnie wanted to introduce her friends to John. This gathering, on a Saturday at the Lake City Care Center, ended up being a true ‘Celebration of Life’ and Winnie got to experience it. The following Tuesday John returned to South Carolina and just a few hours later she was at St Mary’s. She passed away peacefully with close friends at her side.
She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her son, John Peterson of Lyman, South Carolina, her ex-husband Robert Stretton of Savanna, Illinois, and many friends.
Winnie’s ashes traveled to South Carolina where she dreamed of one day traveling to visit John and his wife, Stacy and their three children, McKenna, McKay and Levi.
Memorials can be sent to First Congregational Church of Lake City or Pass It On Thrift Shop of Lake City. Memories and condolences can be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com.
I have thought about her many times over the years. She was good friends with my older brother, Jerry. I think they were even boyfriend/girlfriend when they were younger. I have some childhood pictures of her, at our house in Westmont. She was always so nice. My condolences to those that loved her. Feel free to reach out if you would like the pictures.
Winnie was a dear lady, a friend in high school. I confided in her several times regarding the traumatic relationship with my girl friend (it was high school so of course there was drama). Winnie was always supportive and I am sorry to hear of her passing.
I remember Winnie being such a sweetheart of a woman. Rest Easy Winnie and enjoy your visit to S. Carolina with son John! That’s so awesome! You were his rock and now he’s yours!
So sorry to hear of Winnie’s passing.
Sweet memories of her smile and kind nature.
Patty and Laurie Svien.