Mrs. Winona S. Navratil, 82 died peacefully at Minot ManorCare, Sunday, March 15, 2009.

Born Winona Sylvia Christen on September 20, 1926, to Wallace and Eileen (Wold) Christen in Plaza, North Dakota (after the tragic death of her father). Following high school, she dated Carroll A. Jensen of Makoti. Later, she temporarily resided in Seattle, Washington with her mother and sister. She and Mr. Jensen were married in Seattle January 28, 1947 and together they owned and operated a gas station in North Bend, Washington. After a time they sold the business and embarked on touring around the southern and western United States, pulling a travel trailer and visiting many places, eventually returning and settling in Minot. In 1961 they moved to Anchorage, Alaska and subsequently divorced in 1963. Mrs. Navratil moved back to Minot, met Fred Navratil of Velva in 1967, where they were married that same year.

As a young woman, Mrs. Navratil possessed a naturally beautiful singing voice and she would often visit the Veterans Hospital on 9th avenue in Minot to entertain the recovering war veterans. She loved children, flowers, enjoyed typing, and loved to go for drives on Sunday, spoke kindly of everyone, and loved North Dakota.

Mrs. Navratil worked for the Boeing Company, Sears, Roebuck and Co, in Seattle, and the municipal library in Anchorage, Alaska.

While Mrs. Navratil endured what many would consider personal hardship and challenges, she was genuinely content with her humble lifestyle, and, in fact, made it known that she preferred life with only the basics. She was genuinely appreciative of all generosity extended to her, loved her God, and instilled in her son that same love for God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Her son would like to acknowledge the following for the kindness and care extended to his mother over the many years, and recent months of illness:Dr. L Mark Bell and Kim Fiskum (and staff) of North Central Human Service Center, Dr. Howard Reeve, the staff at Manor Care, Trinity Hospital, Brenda Baylor of the Milton Young Towers, and close friend, Margaret Opp.

Winona is survived by Son, Curtis Jensen (Debra) of Las Vegas, grandson, Ron Jensen (Heather) of Anchorage, Alaska, great-grandson Kevin Jensen of Anchorage, Alaska, and sister, Elaine Larsson of Seattle, Washington.

Winona was preceded in death by her infant Son, Gary Mitchell Jensen, brother Duane Christen, and grandson Gary Douglas Jensen.

At the request of the family a memorial service will be held at a later date in Las Vegas, Nevada.