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Matthew Winkler Obituary
May 24, 1994 - January 7, 2025
Matthew was the first-born child of Tony and Rhonda Winkler. He arrived into this world two minutes before his twin sister, at a healthy 7.1 pounds. From the moment he was born, he loved being cuddled. When not wrapped in our arms, he was content to snuggle up next to his sister.
From birth, Matt was a sweet, loving child with a warm, tender heart. He loved goofy bedtime stories with his Dad and brothers, movie/popcorn nights with the family, organizing countless wiffle ball games and putting on "Boxelder Boys" concerts for the neighbors. We were very proud that he always made sure to pay attention to kids that were often left out by others.
Matthew was passionate about sports. He played baseball and soccer into his teenage years, while also participating in basketball and football. His greatest athletic gift was his speed, and he excelled in Track at Vista del Lago High School and American River College. His record in the 1500 still stands at Vista. He followed the SF 49ers, SF Giants and was an avid Sacramento Kings fan. He loved attending live games whenever possible.
At home, Matt was the silly one amongst his siblings. He loved making his family smile. He had a special bond with his maternal grandmother, Thelma. He enjoyed sitting with her at the kitchen table, listening to stories of her childhood and the love story between she and Grandpa.
Family gatherings with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins were special, as were Winkler family vacations in Santa Cruz and Tahoe . . . body surfing the waves, scouting for dolphins, long walks on the beach collecting shells and boogey-boarding were some of Matt's favorite things to do.
Matthew is survived by his parents, Tony and Rhonda, his twin sister Mikayla (Tommy) Wieser and niece Olivia, his brothers Jacob (Noelle) and Joshua (Meghan), his Grandpa Phil Liberti and numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. We will miss our beautiful boy, but cherished memories will live in our hearts forever.
Matthew's life will be honored with a Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Folsom. The service will be held on February 6th, at 11:00 a.m.
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Sheila and Ron Creel
February 23, 2025
Dear Rhonda, Tony and family -
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Matthew -
In catching up with our daughters Caroline and Mary recently we learned of this unthinkable loss. We have loved seeing our children´s Folsom peers grow into such accomplished adults over the years, and have wonderful memories of how devoted the Winklers were to supporting their children. Please know you are all in our prayers.
Sheila and Ron Creel
Steven White
February 7, 2025
I ran XC and track with Matthew Winkler during his freshman year at ARC. He was deeply loved by everyone on the team and was a fantastic teammate -always supportive, never one to put others down or seek to "one-up" anyone. He was a genuinely kind and easygoing person who never spoke negatively about anyone.
Matt was also a talented runner. Even as a freshman, he could keep up with the top competitors in the 1500m. He had a true passion for the sport and took it seriously, yet he remained humble, never boasting about his strong performances.
Losing someone who was part of those special ARC years is heartbreaking. Ask anyone on the team - those were precious times that we all cherish and look back on fondly. Matt was an integral part of that brotherhood, and the memories we shared with him will never be forgotten.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. The world was a better place with him in it, and I´m grateful for the wonderful person he was during those years at ARC.
Rest in peace Matthew "Winky" Winkler.
Trevor Merris-Coots
February 7, 2025
I ran track and field with Matt in jr college at ARC. He was a favorite on the team. Always upbeat and supportive to his teammates. It brings all of us great sadness to hear he passed.
Jeff Dewitt
February 6, 2025
Mechelle and I (and Weston) send many thoughts and prayers your way in this difficult time. Even though Matthew was a few years older than Wes those youth baseball days were magical. I remember when Josh was on the many teams that I coached and older brother Matthew would always stop by and help with practices and just be there to support and cheer on younger brother Josh and his teammates. I can honestly say that we all were blessed any time we could be around any of the Winkler family members. There was much laughter, many smiling faces and always a joy to be around. Those memories and joyful days will always be in our hearts forever. Big hugs to you all
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Janet Aguilar
February 5, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Teri Fields
February 4, 2025
We send our deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Winkler family and friends of Matthew. His light and memories will live on in those who had the opportunity to know him. Peace and blessings, The Fields’ Family Ken, Teri, Carly, and Sam
Teri Fields
February 3, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of great sadness. We just found out about your loss of your beautiful son. We send our deepest condolences.
The Fields´ Family
Ken, Teri, Carly, and Sam
Hayden Platt
January 29, 2025
I was incredibly lucky to grow up down the street from Matt, who quickly became one of my best buds. We played sports together, sang Backstreet Boys together, carpooled to school together, and so much more. One year, we even combined our birthday parties into an epic pool party with a huge inflatable water slide, culminating in a birthday I'll never forget.
Matt was always such a warm presence, with his goofy attitude keeping everyone around him smiling and laughing. I'm deeply sorry to hear of his passing, and deeply thankful for all of the time I was able to spend with him growing up. Sending lots of love to the Winkler family.
Coach Mike Livingston
January 28, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to the Winkler family. Matt will always hold a special place in my heart. He was one of our best athletes, but more importantly he was a stand up guy Who was a joy to coach and be around.
Katie Peterson
January 25, 2025
I was fortunate enough to grow up across the street from Matt. I have countless memories of playing basketball, kickball and epic water balloon fights that are some of my most cherished childhood memories. Matt always had a great sense of humor and could always make you laugh or smile. He was so naturally athletic even as a little kid. He will be missed. Praying for peace for your entire family during this unimaginable time
Judy Jansen
January 25, 2025
Rhonda and family my heart breaks for you. Such a beautiful family you have.
Judy Jansen & family
Steve Emily Smith
January 25, 2025
Our prayers go out to you at this difficult time. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Matthew, but will always remember Matt and the boys playing baseball in the street, and losing the long fly balls in our roof gutters. We have very fond memories of all the Winklers.
Steve & Emily Smith
Gregg Heberling
January 24, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John Moore
January 23, 2025
Matt was such a wonderful young man. I knew him best when he was about 10-12 years old. He played on our baseball team and was a great TEAM player doing whatever we needed. As I recall, Matt was especially fast and worked very hard to contribute. Matt was low-key and never sought out the limelight, he preferred to let others get the accolades but his teammates always knew that Matt was a quiet leader by his actions. Matt, we love you and pray for you.
Sylvia and John Compton
January 22, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jacob Gudino
January 22, 2025
I´m so sorry for your guys loss, I was so sad to find out about Matt. I still remember the day Steven introduced me to Matt at ccd at St. John´s in second grade, at the time I would have never guessed that would lead to such a great friendship later on in life. I have some really great memories with him, like playing Jr Eagles football, or when would play 2 hand touch in front of your guys house and Mr. Winkler would be all time qb, to going down to the river during the summers in high school. He also helped me out with getting a job at Sam´s club when I had move back from the Bay Area and was struggling to find a job, still one of my favorite jobs till this day. Matt was always a really good friend and help me through a pretty tough time in my life after high school and I will always be grateful for that.
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