INSLEE, Winston "Win"

INSLEE, OPPELT, WELDON, WIGHT

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 12/3/2015 at 05:33:21

BIOGRAPHY ~ WINSTON EARL "WIN" INSLEE
Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa

Winston Earl "Win" Inslee helped define, shape and create Graceland's theatre department and major during this 30-year carrer at the college.
He was born in Seattle, Washington, on April 17, 1921. While he was a student at Graceland, he was a one-time Yellowjacket cheerleader. He obtained his A.A. degree at Graceland in 1942, then joined the Navy. Upon his discharge, Win continued his education at the University of Washington, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. He taught at Snohomish High School [Washington] for seven years. In 1955 Win accepted President Edmund "Ed" Gleazer's invitation to join Graceland's faculty as an instructor of theatre, speech and English. He taught acting and mime classes, developed courses in scene construction, and was known as a demanding instructor who expected the best from his students.

Win also originated the Gagets drill team and briefly worked in the college's public relations office. During the 1970's, he became one of the founding promoters of clown ministry in the RLDS Church.

Win performed in many of the more than 60 theatrical productions he directed at Graceland. His last directed play was Teahouse of the August Moon, staged just before he retired as professor emeritus in 1985.

Win moved back to Washington, but made a few return appearances to assist in campus work and performed in the 1987 homecoming play Wild Oats.

SOURCES:
Edwards, Paul M. "The Hilltop Where . . . An Informal History of Graceland College." p. 39. Venture Foundation. Lamoni IA. 1972.

Goehner, David. “The Graceland College Book of Knowledge: From A To Z.” Pp. 418-19. Herald House. Independence MO. 1997.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2016

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Horizons
Graceland University, Lamoni, Decatur County, Iowa
Summer, 2011, Vol. 30, No. 1, Page 22

“Walk Straight” with one of Win’s Sticks

From childhood beginnings in the boisterous world of Vaudeville, to a stellar career as a respected theatre educator, always seeking precision in endeavors spanning many decades, Winston Inslee ’41 successfully made the transition from ‘shtick’ to ‘stick.’

His Vaudeville shtick was surely wonderful. Hollywood scouts tried to woo him away in those early days, and again when he was a student at the University of Washington, Seattle, but his passions were guided not by glitz and glamour. He loved the theatre, everything about it, especially imbuing his knowledge of the stage upon young people. That was the work he took up at Graceland in 1955. Then President Edmund Gleazer ‘36 invited ‘Win,’ as he is known, to teach theatre, English and speech. He spent the next 30 years on “the Hill,” helping create, define and shape Graceland’s theatre department, directing 70 productions, acting in many of them, inspiring two generations of young Gracelanders, many of whom remain in touch.

Win and the love of his life, Nedra Oppelt ’43 Inslee have lived in the Seattle area since his retirement in 1985. Nedra passed away in 2010. They were married for 67 years. Win turned 90 in April.

Son-in-law Steve Weldon ’65, married to Win’s daughter, Francine Inslee ’67 Weldon, reports that in retirement Win began combing the nearby and far-away beaches for driftwood to carve. Walking sticks soon became his favorites. Over the years his creations evolved into wonderful examples of folk art, greatly coveted by those who see them. They are intricately carved and wood burned with scenes and symbols. They are often inlaid with coral, turquoise, other semi-precious stones and bits of sea shells, silver, copper and leather. In recent years he has added paint to the mix.

With the passing of Nedra, Win has moved in with son-in-law Dean ‘68 and daughter Susi Inslee ’69 Wight. He shares a work shop with Susi, great fortune for Win, where she makes jewelry and collects, cuts and polishes her own stones. He stays active and continues perfecting his art. If you are fortunate enough to own one of Win’s “Walk Straight” with one of Win’s Sticks “Sticks,” says Steve, somewhere on it you will find the phrase ‘walk straight’. “It is a message from someone who has walked that walk.”

If you would like to reconnect with Win, or explore the possibility of obtaining one of his remarkable walking sticks, email him at sewwight@aol.com or call his cell at 360.420.6099.

From shtick to stick, in just 90 years. Few can make that claim.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2015

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