Career
Windingstad lived his entire life on his family"s farm in Providence Township in Lac qui Parle County. A populist, he had grass roots political experience and an "uncanny sense of community." He was considered the man in southwestern Minnesota to whom candidates turned for advice, fundraising and get-out-the-vote efforts. His knowledge of the political landscape defined strategies for many local and state-wide races through the years.
Windingstad served as chair of the 2nd Congressional District DFL for nearly twenty years, and was a delegate to two Democratic national conventions.
He might go someplace." After handing his 2nd District chair position over to Jonette Engan in 1989, the district chose to honor him by establishing an annual golf tournament in Willmar known as the Windingstad Open. The event attracted golfers and political leaders from throughout the region each August.
He served on the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWHP) Board from its inception in 1992 until his death, and also served four terms on the Minnesota Board on Aging.
