Mac Winkel

Francis Mckay "Mac" Winkel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 16, 2025, in Orem, Utah. He was 81 years old.

Mac was born on August 9, 1944, in Oakland, California, to Francis and Rose Winkel. A gifted athlete, he excelled in high school sports with his brother and best friend, Rich, and became a standout in basketball, football, and baseball-with basketball holding a special place in his heart. Mac was recruited to play professionally, but in a decision that reflected what he loved most, he chose to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Argentina North Mission. His love for the people and the work he did there became one of the defining experiences of his life.

Following his mission, Mac briefly attended Ricks College before transferring to Brigham Young University, where he played on the BYU basketball team. Before leaving for podiatry school in California, he met Gloria Bailey, with whom he built and raised a beautiful family. Together they welcomed seven children: Warren Winkel (Molly), Janna Thomas (Chris), Emily Sessions (Landon), Maria Call (Matt), Elizabeth Lohner (Matt), Mckay Winkel (Karisa), and Gavin Winkel (Lacey)-each one made to feel like his favorite.

Mac served his community for many years as a podiatrist, practicing with compassion, skill, and genuine concern for each patient. He later transitioned into real estate investment, a career that he loved so much that he never really retired. After stepping back from medicine, and while still working in real estate, Mac and Gloria served as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Substance Abuse Recovery Program, where his deep love for lifting and encouraging others made a meaningful impact. They later also accepted a call to serve in the Ventura California Mission.

Mac lived a life defined by humility, love, service, and laughter. He had a deep commitment to helping those who needed it most. At different points in their lives, he and his family spent time living in places such as Tonga, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, where Mac enjoyed volunteering in hospitals while his kids attended school. These experiences became treasured family memories that shaped his children's lives.

Mac also possessed a playful and creative spirit. He had a rare gift for writing poems and songs-"Mac's ditties"-usually funny and always heartfelt. Whether for a birthday, a family trip, or simply a moment in which someone needed a smile, Mac could turn anything into a rhyme. One funny note came after one of his children wrecked the family car and was demoted to driving the junky Isuzu Trooper with mismatched door panels and a permanently attached snowplow. Mac simply left a note that read: "So sor (short for 'sorry') you wrecked the car, what a pooper, how about the Trooper."

Later in life, Mac married Glaumeire, his loving companion for the last eight years of his life, and together they served a mission in the New Hampshire Manchester Mission. Their time together was a blessing to them both.

Mac was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Linda; and his brother, Jan Paul, who passed away in infancy. He is survived by his wife, Glaumeire; his seven children; and his siblings Richard Winkel, Nancy Trythall, Rosemarie Evans, Becky Peterson, and Debbie Christensen.

Mac will be remembered for his generosity, his humor, his love of Jesus Christ, and his ability to turn even life's hardest moments into something bright. He taught his family, and all who knew him, the quiet power of love, service, humility, laughter, and joy. His influence will be felt for generations.

In Lou if flowers, please donate to: https://hopefordiabetes.org/

Mac loved the Tongan people.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 23, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at

Nelson Mortuary located at:

4780 N University Ave

Provo, Utah 84604

A Memorial Service in his honor will be held the following day, Monday, November 24th, at 11:00 am. There will be a brief visitation before from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the LDS Chapel located at:

1810 W Springwater Dr

Orem, Utah 84058

The interment services will follow at East Lawn Memorial

4800 N East Lawn Dr

Provo, Utah 84604