Arthur Winkelstern

Arthur Winkelstern, age 95 of New Milford, died suddenly on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at Maplewood at Newtown Assisted Living Home. Arthur was a resident there for the past three years. Arthur was born on March 24, 1915 in Middle Village, New York, the youngest child of Rudolph and Emma (Humann) Winkelstern. He attended public schools in New York and began his working career with the American Machine and Foundry Co. in Bay Ridge, N.Y. where he became a quality control representative for the company on many complex automatic manufacturing machines and government defense contracts. With the closing of the Bay Ridge Plant, he later worked for the Bulova Watch Company in quality control inspecting vendor facilities. Prior to his retirement, he last worked for A.C.M.I. in Stamford as head of quality control in the manufacture of medical and fiber optic instruments and devises. In retirement, Arthur enjoyed doing very detailed and precise woodworking projects which won him many ribbons at the Bridgewater Fair. He also enjoyed drawing both in pen and ink and also chalks. His great-grandchildren loved the wooden toys he would make for them at Christmas. Arthur also belonged to bowling leagues and was a life-long Mason. He enjoyed trips with family and friends to Alaska, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and especially weeks in New Hampshire on the lake fishing. Arthur enjoyed excellent health and remained active well into his 90s. Arthur lived with his wife, Helen (Kessel), in Glendale N.Y. until 1976 when they moved to New Milford. Arthur was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Helen, who died in 2002, and also by five brothers, George, Philip, Rudolph, Walter, and Alfred, and a sister, Emma Kapplemann. He is survived by his son, Robert Winkelstern and his wife, Phyllis of New Milford; grandson, Kenneth and his wife, Alexandra of New Milford; and granddaughter, Kristin Bramble and her husband, Kevin of New Milford. Of special significance are his great-grandchildren, Eric and Gregory Winkelstern and Emily and Grace Bramble who he loved each day and gave him the reason to live a long life. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 27 at 2 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Brookfield. Burial will follow at Center Cemetery, New Milford. There are no calling hours. Contributions in his memory may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Brookfield. Funeral arrangements by the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT.