top of page

World War II

World War II impacted the small town of Winnebago, Minnesota, primarily through its residents' contributions to the military and the home front, reflecting the state's broader involvement. Key aspects include military service, home front efforts, and memorialization. 

Military service

  • Virginia Mae "Ginny" Hope: A native of Winnebago, Hope was a Women's Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) who ferried warplanes to military bases during the war. She was one of many Minnesotan women to join the armed forces. Her flight suit is part of the Minnesota Historical Society's collection.

  • George Pettit: Pettit left his family's farm near Winnebago in 1942 to join the Army, serving as a medic and a lab technician aboard a ship.

  • Merlyn Huset: After the war ended in 1945, Huset enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Snelling and served in occupied Japan, even acting as a chauffeur for General Douglas MacArthur. 

Home front efforts

  • War relief fund: Residents in Winnebago supported the war effort by contributing to the Winnebago Patriots Fund, a war relief initiative. An original pin from this fund is considered a collector's item.

  • Statewide contributions: Like other Minnesotans, Winnebago's citizens participated in home front activities such as collecting materials for military repair, recycling, and planting "victory gardens". The state's agricultural industry also played a key role in feeding troops and allies.

  • Labor shortages: With many men leaving for military service, Minnesota faced labor shortages. German prisoners of war were brought in to fill this need, particularly for agricultural work, though none were documented in Winnebago itself. 

Memorialization

  • Veterans monuments: Winnebago is home to a Freedom Rock that honors Faribault County veterans who served in World War II and other wars. This was installed in 2022 after local fundraising efforts.

  • Winnebago Area Museum: The local museum has an extensive military display that includes the period of World War II.

  • Veterans sober house: In 2025, a veterans-exclusive sober house was opened in Winnebago. Its creation was inspired in part by the need for a community where veterans could talk about their experiences, similar to how soldiers returning from WWII shared their stories. 

bottom of page