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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

“He was probably the most patient, understanding, and honest person I have ever known. I remember his words on the way to a new project. He said, ‘I want you to be superintendent on this job, do a good job, give the owner everything the plans and specs call for.’ It impressed me an awful lot because what more could you ask for? He was the most honest man I could imagine working for. He was honest to his employees. He was honest to his patrons.”

Paul Frair, former V.P. of Herman Gundlach Inc. and lifelong friend