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This website was created to preserve the legacy of Herman “Winks” and Barbara Kettle Gundlach, maintain the history of our community, and to inspire the next generation of activists, feminists, and philanthropists.

From captain of the Houghton High School and Harvard University football teams to a captain of industry, Herman “Winks” Gundlach Jr. was a man of many passions. From 1946 until he retired in 1988, his Gundlach Construction company built many of the major structures in the Upper Peninsula. A humble man, Winks gave credit for many of his accomplishments to others. He revered the tradesmen of the area, and Winks stayed up late looking over his payroll, knowing that these names didn’t just represent employees, but local families.

A housewife, a mother, a Harvard alum, a feminist. These are all labels that could describe Barbara Kettle Gundlach. She was an able, intelligent woman whose competence covered a broad range of interests, including music, art, literature, religion, social ethics, and philosophy. You can read much more about her HERE.

“I saw Winks at the golf course one day and admired his golf cap because it was labeled for his company and had such a beautiful braid on the bill.  He accepted my admiration but said little else. We continued with our golf games. However, a few hours later, when I was sitting at home, there was a knock at my door. There appeared Winks’ house-keeper, Marie Savela, who said, ‘Mr. Gundlach asked me to give you this hat.’ I still cherish that hat to this day.”

James Spain, Houghton Rotarian

“Winks Gundlach was one of my Father’s best friends. They were one year apart and grew up together in Houghton going to the same schools. When Winks got the idea in his head to let women in to Rotary, my Dad was very much against it. He voted no and our club missed being the 1st club in the country by a couple of weeks or months because of this ongoing battle between Winks and my Dad.

“When I moved back to Houghton from being gone for 20 years, Winks would ask me every year if I would join Rotary? I would always say, ‘Well, You know how my Dad feels about that!’

“Finally in 2003, I asked my dad about me joining Houghton Rotary and he said, ‘I don’t care, I’m not a member anymore!’ So the day of my first Rotary meeting, Dad came to it and of course we sat with Winks. He introduced me to the club and told wonderful stories about my Dad and his Father before him that had been Houghton Rotarians and he was so grateful that Dad had let me become a 3rd generation Rotarian.

“One of the things that I remember most about Winks was his story telling and his generosity. He could always tell the best stories, but he would always ask everyone in the room to share their experiences and not take the spotlight himself. He always showed interest in the least likely of people. He was so sincere all the time.

“I used to take many photos at family and social gatherings that he would be at. He made sure that he would grab my camera and take pictures with me in the photos also. Just a fine and generous gentleman. I would probably not be a Houghton Rotarian if it weren’t for Winks. I think of him often, he is surely missed.”

Marilyn Swift, Houghton Rotarian