William Henry "Bill" Winker

William Henry Winker III, 81, passed away peacefully from esophageal cancer on Sunday, June 22, 2025, with his wife and family by his side.
Bill was born July 7, 1943, to William and Florence Winker in Lewistown, Mont. After the passing of his parents, Bill and his siblings moved from Lewistown to Lewiston in 1959 to live with an aunt and uncle.
Bill worked mechanical jobs at: Automotive Rebuilders, Orofino Machine, Willett Brothers, G&R Automotive and Schwab's Screw Machine Products.
Bill married Florence Bauman in 1963. They were blessed with three children: Billy, Gail and Glenna. After Bill and Florence divorced, Bill met and married Terry Thompson. Although they had completely different backgrounds, interests and abilities, their love story was unparalleled. They were truly compatible, inseparable and cherished every moment together.
Bill had rheumatic fever as a young boy which ultimately led to several heart procedures. His heart condition kept him from driving competitively, it didn't keep him from much else. He built and drove motorcycles at high speed (on the rear wheel), tested drag cars, snowmobiles, stock cars, etc. Bill's legendary engines always dominated, acquiring hundreds of trophies and accolades.
At Schwab's Screw Machine Products Bill completely rebuilt post-war screw machines as well as mills, lathes and CNC machines. Bill worked with family to successfully make millions of parts that went all over the world, including prototype wheels for the Mars Rover.
He was a mechanic, machinist, engineer and fabricator (all self-taught). More than that he was a great husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
When it came down to it, there wasn't much wrong with his heart at all.
Bill is survived by his wife Terry, son Billy, daughters Gail and Glenna, granddaughter Cassandra, her husband Galvin, their son Treyshawn, grandson Terrence and fiancée Dani, grandson Jor-El and partner Shannon, their children Jasper and Ophelia, and grandson Cal-El and wife Araceli.
In addition Bill is survived by sister Ginger and husband Joe, brother Bob as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends.
A celebration of life for Bill will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at Kiwanis Park in Lewiston.