For John and Katie Winkel, Koochiching County is more than a place; it is home. John graduated from Littlefork-Big Falls High School in 2005, then went on to Bemidji State University and The College of St. Scholastica where he earned a degree in Business Administration. Following his college graduation in 2009, John moved to International Falls and began his career at TruStar Federal Credit Union. There John worked for 12 years as a loan officer and established wonderful relationships in the community. In 2021, John became a financial advisor with Edward Jones and began his practice in downtown International Falls.
Katie, a 2008 graduate of Falls High School, graduated from Bemidji State University in 2011 with a degree in Elementary Education. That same summer, Katie was thrilled to accept a teaching position in International Falls. She continues to teach at Falls Elementary School and she also teaches dance classes through the Dancin’ with Darcie program. The care and compassion that Katie gives to the community’s youth is evident when you see children surround her with excitement inside and outside of the classroom.
International Falls has been an ideal place for the couple to grow professionally, but also to raise a family. Having a safe and close community to have their daughters Maggie (8), and Jane (5) grow up in is super important. Katie and John love the small-town life and everything that surrounds it. As the seasons change, so does their families activities. They are fortunate to spend summers on Rainy Lake with family and friends. During the fall you’ll find the couple and their kids adventuring in the woods south of Littlefork. During the winter there is no shortage of activities that keep them busy including: dance classes, gymnastics, basketball, piano lessons, cross country skiing, sliding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, curling and more. The spring is filled with excitement about warmer weather and summer just around the corner.
Outside of Dancin’ with Darcie and rec sports, the couple is also very involved with other activities within the community including: The Elks Lodge 1599, Sunday School, The Falls Education Foundation, Purple Pride, The International Falls Fire Department, and the Rainy Lake Medical Center. There are so many simple joys of living in Northern Minnesota. The Winkel family believes that growing up in a small town surrounded by friends and family is one of the greatest gifts they can give their children.
