RHODA WINKLER Obituary

WINKLER--Rhoda Mann,

chief puppeteer and exclusive operator of Howdy Doody, died of cancer at 87 on March 18, 2015 in Dobbs Ferry, New York. She performed for five and a half years with the Howdy Doody Show beginning with its premier on December 27, 1947. Rhoda also animated the puppet Princess Summerfall Winterspring. Rhoda later recorded more than 80 radio and TV commercials and performed character voices for children's animated TV. One of these, "The Year Without a Santa Claus," is still running. Rhoda was a passionate semi-professional dancer, loved tap dancing and won a silver medal for dance roller skating. Her husband of 62 years Robert Winkler of Dobbs Ferry, NY and their son Dean and his wife Shellie of New York City survive Rhoda. Contributions in her honor may be made to World Parrot Mission, 99150 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037.

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Published by New York Times on Mar. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for RHODA WINKLER

11 Entries

April 21, 2015

So sorry for your loss of your dear loved one. I remember The Howdy Doody Show as a little girl. I enjoyed it very much. Please accept my sincere condolences.

April 20, 2015

So sorry for your loss. May the peace of God comfort (Thessalonians 2:16,17) you at this difficult time.

Scott Chamberland

April 3, 2015

Rest in Peace

Jami Fields

March 31, 2015

Rhoda helped launch me show business when I was five years old, and have her to thank for a wonderful career in TV and theater. She was a great self- starter and delightful personality.

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pam roth

March 24, 2015

I first met Rhoda & her husband Bob, through my brother Jack. We shared a lovely dinner in their former home in Larchmont, NY. Bob and Rhoda lived a happy life and we are so glad to have been included. My brother's passion for Howdy Doody & puppets, lead him to meet the finest, most talented puppeteer; the lovely Rhoda Mann -Winkler. It was a dream come true for my brother and Rhoda properly taught him how to operate Howdy Doody, the RHODA MANN way. She was an inspiration to us all and a major catalyst in paving the way for the most memorable, enjoyable childhood show, HOWDY DOODY. Rhoda will be missed, yet not forgotten. She is a legend & an inspiration to us all. You live on in our hearts and left us with joy and taught us how to remember OUR CHILD WITHIN! God bless you Rhoda. Rest in peace. We are truly LUCKY to have been blessed, to call you friend. I love you.

March 24, 2015

I was one of the lucky few who got to see Rhoda perform her magical talent up-close and in person. As a TV producer at an Ad Agency, it was my good fortune to have the chance to produce live commercials on the Howdy show in the early 50's, and I got to see her perform her wizardry five times a week. Since it was "live" television, there were no retakes, and Rhoda never faltered once in all the years I watched her perform. In later years, I enjoyed the company of Rhoda and Bob on many social occasions, and never ceased to marvel at her wit, her talent, her fabulous sense
of humor, her rollicking laugh, her love and devotion towards her family and her fierce loyalty to her friends.
They stopped making people like Rhoda a long time ago, and I'll miss her forever.
Geoff Kelly

Molly & Jason Sackler Wulkowicz

March 23, 2015

We have lost a true pioneer with a unique place in TV history. Rhoda's participation enriches and enlivens our documentary, Missing in Action: The Women Behind Television's Golden Age. Rhoda was a gracious, knowledgeable subject, an amazing talent, and a witty, warm, generous friend. We will miss her. Our condolences to Bob Winkler and Rhoda's family.

Amy Katz

March 23, 2015

I never met Rhoda, but as a child of the 50's I certainly met her puppets, who lived for me because of her skill. RIP.

March 22, 2015

It will always be "Howdy Doody Time!"
Take your well deserved place in television history.

Jeff Judson, Founder Doodyville Historical Society
Founder, Doodyville Historical Society

Richard Liljeblad

March 22, 2015

A truly multitalented soul, who was so very generous in sharing her knowledge and skills as a professional puppeteer.

Rick Liljeblad

March 22, 2015

A good friend that I am going to miss alot. Rhoda was very helpful to me when we did some live Howdy Doody shows for the Doodyville Historical Society. She ALWAYS operated Howdy and other characters for us and was instrumental in teaching us the proper way to operate to an audience. God Bless, Rhoda.....we love you......Jack Roth, Mystery Puppeteers.

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