Shelly Rae Windler

1959 - 2024

Shelly Windler, 65, of Houston, TX, and formerly of International Falls, MN, passed away peacefully on October 3rd, 2024. Shelly was born and raised in International Falls, where she graduated from Falls High School in 1977.

After graduation, she worked as a waitress and bartender at the Spot Supper Club, where she made many lasting memories and friendships. In 1993, Shelly moved to Houston, TX, where she continued working as a waitress at the Holiday Inn before advancing to a Purchasing Coordinator position at Long Lake LTD. She worked there until her retirement in 2022.

Shelly was best known for her love of cooking and making meals that brought people together. Some of her most beloved dishes included chicken wings, Swiss steak, and no peek chicken. She turned every dinner into an event, with guests always leaving raving about her meals.

Shelly married the love of her life, Dennis Windler, on June 19, 1993, in Houston, TX. The couple enjoyed spending time together traveling to their hunting land in Bass Trop, fishing on the Brazos River, and visiting Lake Charles, LA, for a little gambling. Shelly also loved spending time with her son Ryan, his family in International Falls, and her cousin Kallie Briggs, with whom she shared a sister-like bond. Her Terrier mix, Bella, was always by her side.

Though Shelly lived in Texas for many years, her heart remained in International Falls, MN. Her kind heart, infectious laugh, and devotion to her family and friends will be missed by all who knew her.

Shelly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis Windler, and her parents, Helen and Ray Maki.

She is survived by her son Ryan Thompson (Cassie Thompson), her cherished granddaughter Mila Thompson, cousin Kallie Briggs (Brian Briggs), good friend Mark Pechacek, and her brother Ray Steven Maki.

Per Shelly’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Shelly’s memory to a charity of your choice.