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Hermann Winkelmann Obituary
HERMANN WINKELMANN
AGE: 67 LAKEWOOD
Hermann Winkelmann passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, in Lakewood, NJ. Born in Todesfelde, Germany on March 19, 1942, Hermann immigrated to NJ at the age of 19. Trained as a butcher and proving himself to be a savvy entrepreneur early on, Hermann opened his own butcher shop on Rt. 9 in Lakewood at the age of 22. His career as a restauranteur began in 1974 with the establishment of Winkelmann's German-American Restaurant, which expanded in 1986 to facilities with a seating capacity of over 800. Sponsoring the annual Elks' Club Handicapped Children's Dinner, Hermann was actively engaged in his community in different roles and was regularly involved in many charitable and civic organizations. Though hardship was certainly not unknown to the young Hermann, he would ultimately face his greatest challenge at the end of the 1980s: he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder- an affliction that would tragically determine his last 21 years personally and professionally.
He is survived by a daughter, Cathrin, a son, Christoph, a daughter-in-law, Jennifer, a former wife, Rita, as well as one sister and two brothers in Germany. His family remembers him best as a jovial and gentle soul and as a man of great integrity, whose giving knew no bounds.
A gathering will be held at the D'Elia Funeral Home on Rt. 70 in Lakewood on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with a service at 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at nami.org or 3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 100, Arlington, VA 22203.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hermann Winkelmann
Jeff Cutler
April 18, 2010
I worked for Mr Winkelmann as a teenager in the 1970's. It was one of the first jobs I ever had.I remember Mr Winkelmann as being a very pleasant person to work for. His resteraunt had the best German food Ive ever eaten in my entire life and I still tell people about it and brag about it to this day. He fed his employees and didnt take anything out of their pay for it and was very liberal with all of the great German beer that was on tap. I still remember that kitchen employees had their choice of light or dark and trays full of frosted mugs came back to the kitchen at regular intervals throughout the course of the evening. I left Lakewood many years ago and have wondered from time to time if Winkelmanns was still in business. I was extremely saddened when I read about Mr Winkelmanns misfortunes. Very, very sad. Hopefully he is in a much better place now. Rest in peace Mr Winkelmann.
Lisbeth Gunderson-Swertfeger
October 20, 2009
To the Winkelmann Family - I was truely sorry to hear of your loss. My parents both worked for Hermann many years ago (Barbel and Andy Gunderson) My mother would occassionaly hear from Hermann through letters. My brother Andrew and I spent many of nights playing in the upstairs apartment at Winkelmanns. We have many fond memories of Winkelmanns - RIP Hermann you can now visit my parents -
eileen mack
September 17, 2009
Hermann
I was very touched by all of the beautiful stories I've heard about you.
You sounded like a wonderful man...May you rest in peace, and may we find more kind souls like you in our journey here on earth...Rest in peace, I know you will...
Linda
September 16, 2009
Rest in peace now Mr. Winkelmann. You gave me one of my first jobs and taught me many values in working that still hold true today. I will never forget my times with you. Thanks!
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Everything Shop
September 15, 2009
Hermann was a good man I only wish I could have got to know him better! He was always good for a story and a smile. I will miss him
James Whelan
September 15, 2009
Christoff, Cathrin, Rita
I mourn with you. I worked for Hermann for almost 20 years A tough boss, but a good and honest man. I had not seen your Dad in the last few years. And I'm sorry for that. He is at peace now.
Jim Whelan
Lisa Caputo
September 15, 2009
Hermann, I will forever remember your stories. Some really made me chuckle, and some made me sad. I know you are resting in peace and will be watching over all of us. You would always leave me a final saying when leaving a voice mail. I will now say it to you. GOD BLESS YOU!!!
Reggie and Ila Forster
September 14, 2009
Sorry for your loss Christoph and family. May he rest in peace.
John Webster
September 14, 2009
I was working in a Lakewood sign shop in the 80's when Hermann came in dressed in a suit and tie to see the boss. Our shop Doberman "Brandy" saw him first and stood up. He yelled "Grab that dog! I'm a butcher and I smell like lunchmeat! " I quickly snatched her collar and we both had a good laugh...
Christopher Nauss
September 13, 2009
I didn't know Hermann, but I went to High School with his son and daughter. To Catherine and Chris, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Ihr Vater ist mit Gott.
September 13, 2009
Hermann was a gentleman and a true friend. Jim and Pat Grandinetti Johns Island,SC
Dorothy Strohm
September 13, 2009
May Hermann Winkelmann rest in peace.
September 13, 2009
May Hermann Winkelmann rest in peace. God Bless you and your children. Dotty Strohm
September 13, 2009
you were a good man herman i'll never forgrt you. rest in peace amen a friend
September 13, 2009
My daughter and I met Hermann on Thanksgiving when we went to share our dinner with him...my daughter saw him every day on her way to work at his "home" He was so thankful for the dinner and dessert and we stayed talking with him for hours, as he shared his life mixed with joy, pain and tragedies..thru it all he never gave up hope in himself or the goodness of humanity...He gave us copies of his personal paperwork where we got to witness what his life was all about...We went home that night that God had put us across this gentle mans path...we went back several times but never got to see him again...we were happy to read in the paper that he had gotten a "real home"the paper showed him smiling sitting on his front porch..He touched SO MANY lives in his short life...I have testimony upon testimony of his kindness and compassion to many people..was he perfect? NO...but who among us is...only JESUS but as HE say Let him who has not sinned cast the first stone! we are saddened to hear of his death, the world will not be the same without him..Our deepest condolences to his family. May God comfort you at this time. Shalom Hermann!
Carol & Jillian Adamczyk
howard moshinsky
September 13, 2009
rest in peace hermann a true gentleman who treatyed customers like family howard moshinsky
howell n.j
wonder if lawrence bathgate remembers him
anonymous
September 13, 2009
How sad!
R.I.P. Mr Winklemann!
Gary DalCorso
September 13, 2009
Mr. Winkelmann is truly now with God.
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