John Winkler

John Richard Winkler, age 84, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 21, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Harold Winkler and Mary (Skinner) Winkler John graduated from Indiana Central College in 1963 and began his career teaching choral music at several schools on the south side of Indianapolis. In 1977, John transitioned to the banking industry, beginning with Indiana National Bank. He continued his career through the bank's transition to Chase and retired from there in 1999.

On October 29, 1966, John married Carol (Payne) Winkler. Together they shared nearly 59 years of marriage and raised two children, Lauri (Thomas) Piskorowski and John R. Winkler II. John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his three grandchildren: Jordan Piskorowski, Tyler Piskorowski, and Garrett Winkler. John was a longtime member of the American Guild of Organists. He faithfully served as a church organist and choir director for 35 years, spending most of those years at Greenwood Presbyterian Church. After retiring from his position at Greenwood Presbyterian Church, John enjoyed being a substitute organist for many years at various churches around Indianapolis. John was a proud 32° member of the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Award (Red Hat) in 2011 for his service. He served as Organist for the Scottish Rite, and also played the Carillon there. He volunteered as a Tour Guide and enjoyed leading groups through the building and sharing its history. Deeply involved with the Scottish Rite and the Grand Lodge, John traveled throughout Indiana while serving as the Grand Organist of the Grand Lodge, sharing his gift of music with Masons across the state. John was a 61-year member of the Southport Masonic Lodge No. 270 F & A.M. and also served as the organist there. John had a lifelong appreciation for craftsmanship and history. He enjoyed refinishing furniture, attending auctions, and collecting antiques. His passion for giving new life to old treasures reflected the care and dedication he showed in all areas of his life. He is survived by his wife Carol, his children, Lauri and John, his grandchildren, and his sister, Catherine (Winkler) Burns, as well as several nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mary Winkler. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

Services will be held on Monday, October 6, at Singleton & St. Pierre Funeral and Cremation Services in Indianapolis. Visitation from 11:00AM-1:00PM with a service beginning at 1:00PM. A private family burial will follow the service.

The family invites friends and loved ones to gather in celebration of John's life and the many memories he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Franciscan Hospice House, where John received exceptional care in the last weeks of his life, or to The Scottish Rite of Indianapolis.

To donate to hospice care through Franciscan, go to -

Franciscan Health Foundation

To donate to the Scottish Rite of Indianapolis, go to -

Scottish Rite of Indianapolis