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Edward Winkler Obituary
Pastor Edward Thomas Winkler passed away on August 18, 2013, Ruth (Leatherman) Winkler passed away August 16, 2013.
They will be missed and remembered by their children James E. Winkler of Howard, Ohio, Jerry D. Winkler of San Antonio, TX, Karolyn Via (Dale, deceased) of Pleasant Hill; grandchildren Jason Via (Amanda) of Pleasant Hill, Joel Via (Michelle) of Pleasant Hill, Jenelle Brown (Dave) of Pleasant Hill, Jillian Grace Winkler; great grandchildren Owen Via and Ethan Via.
Memorial services will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, August 25, at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9282 Acme Rd, Seville, Ohio, 44237.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Seminary, 2199 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43209, or a to church where they served or were a member of in continuation of their ministry.
Online memories may be left for the family at www.jackson-sarver.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Winkler
August 26, 2013
We give thanks to God for their lives and ministry, and for the gift they were to their family, friends and the Church. Paul and Betty Swartz
John Morrow
August 26, 2013
Jim, and the Winkler Family, very hard to find the words to express the depth of sympathy on the loss of your mom and dad. All I can think to say is I pray your strength of faith and family will help you through this time of sorrow. I only saw your parents a few times, so can't say I knew them well, but I saw the fine young man they raised, a man I still consider family. Carla and I still have a time share at Apple Valley. Call or text me your address at 614/286-3512 as we would like to call on you when we next visit, in September or October.
Dave Fisher
August 25, 2013
Jim, Jerry, Karolyn, and family,
First, my heart goes out to you all. I can't even imagine the sense of loss you have experienced. You have been in my prayers this past week.
Since I can't be at the memorial service on the 25th, I want to share a few memories of your parents and you. I was in your Dad's first confirmation class in Crestline, and still have the New Testament (with his inscription inside) that I received that confirmation day in 1961. I have to say that your Dad helped my faith grow and mature more than any other person besides my parents. By his example and teaching, God's love became real, and loving others was the essential response. Besides all that, church became “fun.” Christians could smile, laugh, and love! Our Luther League group in Crestline was very active and your Dad was an exceptional leader, along with the Sheehans and Gehrisches. We had serious discussions about life, love, growing up, and faith, along with lots of food and games. Pastor's infectious smile was still evident in the 1980s when he led some workshops at our church in Hilliard; he encouraged us to share our stories of faith that have drawn us close to God and each other. Then, recently, at Zion in Jelloway, I was privileged to attend the 50th anniversary of his ordination.
I remember once back in Crestline when I looked out the front window of our house on Wiley Street and saw this big green station wagon drive right up into the yard. Not the driveway, but into the grass. Nobody ever did that! Yes, it was Pastor Winkler, just delivering my older sister after a Luther League outing. Another memory is that sometime during those years, your parents gave us a huge window fan that my Dad still uses to cool off the whole house. It was actually a trade: the window fan for a dog house that we no longer needed! And, oh, the famous “Winkler's fudge” was a special treat.
You know what a special person your mother was. I always got the impression that she was the rock of the family, the one who was always there for you. Out of the spotlight, but deeply loving, and ready to listen. I remember babysitting for you three kids in that brick parsonage. Karolyn, you were probably a pre-schooler and Jim and Jerrry, you were in elementary school. It was a regular Tuesday evening (I think) when your Dad had council and your Mom had missionary circle. Of course, none of you really wanted to go to bed at the appointed time! You were “ornery” but lots of fun. And it was always your mother who called to make the arrangements for the sitter. Your mother's faith was immense, and her influence so positive!
I was privileged to have attended your Dad's ordination back at the Jerusalem church; at the time, I didn't know what a blessing was in store. God works in marvelous ways. I was one of countless people over many times and places who have been blessed by knowing both your parents.
Steve & Nancy Frank
August 24, 2013
We were very sorry to hear about the sudden death of your parents and grandparents, Pastor Winkler and his wife Ruth. He had preached several times over the years at our church in Loveland, OH and he presided at my Father's and uncle's funeral services several years ago at Zion Lutheran Church in Jellowway. We appreciated his humor, his energy, his words of comfort. Our prayers go out to all the family in this time of grief, especially hard when it comes so unexpectedly.
Janet "Leas" Watson
August 24, 2013
Winkler Family
My sympathy and prayers are with you in the loss of your parents. They meant a lot to my family -- Forest and Nellie Leas in Greenville. Later as we each moved away they kept up with us -- returning for their funerals and then going to Utica, Ohio to visit and even going to Newark, Ohio to do the marriage ceremony for my niece.
Their commitment to God and their church families was truly a blessing to so many. They are now reaping their rewards with Jesus.
Hold on to your good memories to ease your grief now and know that God is with you always.
Joan Groll
August 24, 2013
My sincere sympathy to your entire family. We at (Christ Lutheran Church) came to love both of your parents years ago, when he was a fill-in pastor at a time when we were without pastoral leadership. I will always remember his many kindnesses during that time, and her beautiful smile as she worshipped with us. You were blessed to have such wonderful parents!
August 24, 2013
Jim, Jerry and Karolyn, can't begin to imagine how difficult this must be for you. Your parents certainly were servants of the Lord in every sense of the word. I was blessed to visit with them in Apple V. God be with you and comfort you as only He can. I'll always remember that twinkle and wink in Pastor Ed's eye. Ted & Barb Stamper/Mt.Gilead
Vic & Kathy Farmer
August 23, 2013
Our lives have been enriched by knowing Ed & Ruth.
Gregory Frye
August 23, 2013
Jim,
So sorry for you and your family's loss. Your Dad and Mom were exceptional people, and godly lives who touched many others. Thank you for introducing them to me.
God Bless,
Greg and Barb Frye
August 23, 2013
Our sincere sympathy to the Winkler family. Ed & Ruth were a very special couple who brought joy to everyone who knew them. They will be missed by many. May God comfort you & grant you peace. Dan & Sue Cochran, Danville,OH.
CARL & MARGIE WATT
August 23, 2013
WE EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF THE WINKLERS. WE WERE MEMBERS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH IN CRESTLINE OH WHEN PASTOR WINKLER WAS SERVING AS OUR PASTOR. PASTOR WINKLER BAPTIZED OUR YOUNGEST DAUGHTER KRISTINE.WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE YOUR MOM AND DAD HAD TOGETHER BEING SERVANTS OF THE GOSPEL. AGAIN WE SEND OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO ALL OF YOU AND YOURS.
Rosemary Puglia
August 23, 2013
Jim - I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Karen Burchett
August 22, 2013
Dear Jim, Jerry, and Karolyn,
May God keep all of you and your families in his loving arms and comfort you as you go through this time of loss of both of your parents.
Ed and Ruth were a blessing to our Coppess family when we moved to Greenville in 1969 and joined St. Paul's Lutheran Church. You have our deepest thoughts and prayers for your families as you go through this emotional time. They are now in heaven together and with God our Father.
In Christian Love, Karen Coppess Burchett
August 22, 2013
Jim, Jerry, Karolyn and families. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your parents. Your Dad has always been my favorite pastor, and that was in Crestline. He and your Mom have certainly touched a lot of lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fran Theller Son
Mary (Rohrer) Hickernell
August 22, 2013
Jim, Jerry, and Karolyn and families. I knew your mom and dad from Rocky Point Chapel, Springfield, Ohio MANY years ago when you were toddlers. They were dear people. My condolences on your losses.
Vicki Lash
August 22, 2013
So sorry for your loss. I dont know if you will remeber me I was in school with Karolyn. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Vicki (Kemle) Lash
Miriam Kettlehake
August 22, 2013
My memories go back to seminary when we lived on Park Place in Springfield and were all young and eager to get into the field of God's service. He answered the Call and served till the end. Miriam Kettlehake
Jennifer Roberts
August 22, 2013
So very sorry for the loss of your parents! I am so thankful for the many lives that they touched at Zion, including my families. Thoughts & prayers are with you all!
Jen Roberts & family
Rittenhouse Family
August 22, 2013
Jim,jillian, We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your parents,(Grandparents) I cant imagine how difficult this may be.Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
Gene Canestraro
August 22, 2013
Jim, et al.,
So saddened to hear of the news, I am sure they were great parents - guideposts which provided the strength, insight and character they leave behind within you; the prayers of the entire Canestraro Clan are with them and you at this time. YBIC & Pax Vobiscum
Hien Nguyen
August 21, 2013
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I am sending my deepest sympathy to the Winkler family.
Good bless you and comfort you.
With love,
Hien Nguyen
August 21, 2013
Jim, Jerry, and Karolyn,
So many wonderful memories that your parents and you children gave us at St. Paul's. Ed baptized all three of our children and Ruth was such a dear friend to my mother Ellen Nealeigh. One comforting thought: Their last hours on this earth were spent in the company of loving friends and laughter at St. Paul's. Our sincere sympathy to you and your families. Gerald and Betsy Miller
August 21, 2013
Jillian,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family and you are in my thoughts.
Love,
Tiffany Kauffman
Jane (Light) Tester
August 21, 2013
Jerry, I've been trying to locate you through Facebook, etc. just to say , "hi"', but I didn't expect to find you this way. So sorry to hear about your loss. I have great memories of how nice your folks were to me when you gave me bass lessons in the summer. Take care.
August 21, 2013
We knew the Winklers for many years. So sorry for your loss and the shock it must be to all you children and grandchildren to have lost them both at once. God bless you now and in the following days of grief. Sincerely, Joyce and Pastor Richard F. Faust, Sr. of West Carrollton, OH.
August 21, 2013
Hi This is Sandy and Judy Mitchell who knew Ed from the old Ohio Synod days and from being at Apple Valley lake these last number of years.
Ed got our newsletter so each year as we fished we could talk church. He was devoted to the Lord and His church and rejoiced in all congregations that were doing well. He rooted for and encouraged congregations all his ministry.
We only knew Ruth as his faithful partner but rejoiced in the two of them. He was a good, faithful servant of the Lord.
Sandy and Judy
August 21, 2013
So sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.
RoseAnn Knight
August 21, 2013
He was one of my all time favorite pastors, so kind and friendly with a good sense of humor. She was a lovely person as well.
Gary & Grace Tortorella
August 20, 2013
We will always remember him walking by the house each morning with a big smile and his little dog saying "Good Morning Lady and "Lucy" and giving them a pet. He comforted me during a major loss.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Cheryl Poppel
August 20, 2013
How wonderful that your parents got to go to heaven together. But, how terrible for you that you had to lose them both. I hope you are able to find comfort in the wonderful memories that you must have.
Robin & Neil Wenger
August 20, 2013
Dear Cousins - we were so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your parents. They were wonderful people full of love and laughter and will be greatly missed. They touched the lives of many. I always cherished the fact that my two Uncles (Ed and Rudy) were able to marry us.
Uncle Bob and Aunt Phyllis Leatherman
August 20, 2013
Jim, Jere, and Karolyn, we are so sorry for your loss. We have so many precious memories of the fun we had with your parents. We will cherish the times of family together and the fun and laughter that was always present.
Keith Quick
August 20, 2013
My sincere sympathy in this challenging time.
Brenda (Burkhart) Tompkins
August 20, 2013
to Jim Winkler and family, so sorry for your tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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