Cathryne "Kay" J. Winberg, age 92, passed away on Friday, December 30, 2022, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Duluth, Minnesota to John and Irene (Newquist) Johnson. She is survived by her daughter, Karla (Edward) Salo, and her grandchildren, Kathryne and Carl Salo who were very special to her. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Clyde Winberg, and infant daughter, Jennifer. Kay moved to Carlshend, Michigan in 1940 and graduated Graveraet High School in Marquette, Michigan in 1948. During high school, she was crowned Potato Queen of Skandia Township. After high school she was employed by the Marquette Board of Education in the Veterans' Institute and later by the North Michigan Agency.

Kay married her childhood sweetheart, Clyde, in 1950, at the Covenant Church in Carlshend. She then accompanied Clyde to F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming where she began her career in civil service in 1952. She was secretary to the commander of the maintenance and supply group at Warren AFB until 1955 when her husband was transferred to Denver. At Denver, Kay was a civil service stenographer in the Air Reserve Records Center, working there until her husband was discharged in December of 1955 and they returned to Marquette. Kay was the first civilian hired at K.I. Sawyer AFB just outside of Marquette in February of 1956 as secretary to the base commander and executive officer, until just before her daughter was born in 1963.

Kay was a lifetime member of the Swedish American Heritage Society of West Michigan and a member of the General Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Presque Isle #403. She and Clyde were members of Trinity United Methodist Church since moving to Grand Rapids in 1970. She served in various ministries, was a Stephen Minister and active in United Methodist Women. Kay had a love for Jesus which she carried throughout her life. She enjoyed serving the residents of Clark Home and Welcome Home for the Blind. She met with residents weekly who always had their shopping lists ready, and she would shop for them.

Kay's hobbies were known for taking the time to read a good book, bake, and garden. Kay loved to pick wild blueberries along the runway at K.I. Sawyer AFB. She would bake blueberry muffins to bring into the office, especially for visiting officers which they enjoyed and appreciated. She had an eye for color and loved interior design. Kay enjoyed her years at Beacon Hill at Eastgate, where she met so many wonderful people with such interesting and blessed lives.

The family wishes to thank Faith Hospice for their kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, March of Dimes, or Faith Hospice. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, the 12th of January 2023 at 11am at the Community House of Beacon Hill at Eastgate, 1919 Boston St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. A visitation at 11am and a service to follow at 12pm will be held Monday, January 16, 2023, at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral Home in Marquette (926 N. Third Street, Marquette, MI 49855). A graveside service will be at Northland Chapel Gardens in Negaunee, Michigan at 1:30pm following the service.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen. (Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.)