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Wayne Winkel Obituary
Wayne Louis Winkel, 83 passed away peacefully at St. Nicholas Hospital on Wednesday, May 11th, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Wayne was born on April 20th, 1933 to Henry and Albertine (Gerhardts) Winkel in Charlesburg, Wisconsin and moved to Sheboygan in 1949.
As a Sheboygan North High student, he was known as an avid history buff, an excellent journalist, and also played golf and football. During high school, Wayne also worked at his family grocery store as a stock and delivery boy. It was his grocery job at Bluff Avenue Food Market that brought him to the doorstep of Patricia Mary Loebbaka. A true romantic, Wayne loved to tell his children and grandchildren about the day he fell in love with the beautiful green-eyed blonde that stole his heart. On November 7th, 1953 at Holy Name Catholic Church, he married Patricia and started to raise a family.
He was a long-time employee at both American Chair and Kohler Company. While working full time, he also operated his own successful business out of his home as a tax accountant and small business bookkeeper. Wayne and Pat traveled extensively in their 63 years of marriage, including many trips with their children. Wayne had a gregarious personality and was truly loved by all.
He was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Parish.
He is survived by his wife Patricia, 7 children: Mark Winkel (Bonnie), Beth TenPas (Jim), Christine Widder (Carl), Jeffrey Winkel (Kelly), Gregg Winkel (Priscilla), Jennifer Smith (Scott),Timothy Winkel (Amy); 18 grandchildren: Jessica, Kristin, Patrick (Laura), Courtney (Matthew), Noel (Josh), Sarah, Adam (Alanna), Renee (Mark), Jeffrey (Jaime), Francine (James), Laurie, Kathryn (Ross), Alexandra, Collin, Keegan, Braden, Zachary (Margarita), and Claire; and 7 great-grandchildren: Emma, Olivia, Noah, Ella, Brady, Stone, and Blaise.
His 3 brothers: Ronald (Mari), Thomas (Fran), and Daniel Winkel and in-laws Agnes and Thomas Gruenke, Robert and Joanne Loebbaka, Karen Kromberg and Richard Kakita also survive.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Julie Loebbaka, and sister-in-law, Laura Kakita.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2016 at St. Clement Catholic Church by Rev. Matthew Widder, Pastor. A time of visitation and support will be held at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
A memorial fund has been established in his name.
To sign the guestbook, please visit: www.zimmerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Winkel
Sponsored by Zimmer-Westview Funeral & Cremation Care Center (Howards Grove).
Dad, Mom, and Mee
Jennifer Smith
May 6, 2019
My Wonderful Father passed away on May 11, 2016. I was given the extreme honor of eulogizing him at the funeral Mass. It's going on 3 years already since God guided him home. I miss you everyday. I know you and Mom are together with Jesus and you're free of all your Earthly illnesses and pain.
Eulogy, Ode to Dad
My father was a very quiet, shy man Oh wait, wrong speech!
Wayne Winkel
Wayne Winkel You cannot say his name without smiling.
Wayne Winkel was a multi-faceted man and as such, he embraced many roles in his life.
Wayne Winkel - was a son to Henry and Albertine Winkel.
He was born in Charlesburg and spent much of his childhood growing up in Kiel WI. When he was 16, his family moved to Sheboygan where Wayne attended North High School and worked at his family grocery store as a stock and delivery boy. It was his job as a delivery boy for Bluff Avenue Food Market that would bring him, as a very young man to his next life role.
Wayne Winkel -was a husband to Pat at the age of 20.
Throughout their 63 years of marriage, Wayne was a bit of a romantic. He loved to buy thoughtful gifts and cards for my mother. Just the other day we came across an entire album of greeting cards that he gave to Pat. Cards for her birthday, Valentines Day, Christmas, flower cards thanking her for each baby. This obviously was way before greeting cards were $9 each! When the youngest of the children were old enough to be left at home for an evening, he loved taking Mom out to dinner at Captains Steak Joint and many other restaurants and to Melody Top in Milwaukee to watch their favorite musicals.
Before they were married he was involved in a near fatal automobile accident with a train. He was in the hospital for an extended period of time while Mom kept vigil by his bedside. Just recently I learned he was given his last rites 3 times during his hospital stay I guess they didnt take! I loved to hear him tell me, As I hovered between life and death, it was her presence and beautiful face that kept me going. When he was out of the woods he, vowed he would spend a lifetime showing her my love and gratitude. And he did
Wayne Winkel- was a father to seven children! In this role he modeled behaviors that were instilled in all of his children. He was an extremely hard worker, instilling a like work ethic in all of us. There is not one lazy Winkel child. Throughout most of his life he worked the equivalent of two full time jobs. While working both at American Chair and at the Kohler Company he ran his own successful tax and bookkeeping business out of our home. Additionally, he was found to be a skilled carpenter. He built a garage, installed a landscaping wall in the front of our house remodeled just about room inside that house. Yes, we had many years in plaster dust! He wanted to provide a beautiful, safe home for his wife and children. And he did.
As my father, he loved to, as he called it, weave a tale, or two. I think the most famous was about the alleged existence of a statue in his likeness that people from all over the world flock to, to bask in his glory. As children, and later his grandchildren, we begged him to visit his statue. As Im sure he would tell us today, Im sure word of my death has gotten out, so see ya later Baby! Sometimes air traffic even had to be diverted, multi -level parking structures had to be built, and freeways rerouted to accommodate the mobs. Of course this was just one of his stories.
Another favorite story from Kiel was about the day when he and his brother Ron went fishing and he somehow ended up with a fishhook in his finger. They did not have any high tech fishing equipment. Remember the long bamboo fishing pole? Had to be 12 feet long? I would giggle at the image he painted of these two little boys traipsing through downtown Kiel to the doctors office, up three flights of stairs, all while Ronnie held the fishing poles with Dads finger connected to the hook. They never thought to cut the line!
His stories included sneaking into the canning cellar and drinking entire jars of his Moms homemade ketchup and downing dill pickles, being thrown off a bridge by some babysitters so he would learn to swim, and many others. His stories were laced with hilarious embellishments and always left me with wanting to hear them again and again. He loved to make people laugh. And he did.
We were never RICH. But I didnt know that. My brave parents wanted us to travel. So, a few years in a row, they would pack up 7 children in the station wagon, hooked up to a pop-up camper and hit the road to Colorado. Keep in mind, this was well before the internet. It was Wayne Winkel that carefully mapped out these trips to include stops at historical sites and geographical landmarks, guided by his love of history and not by Google Maps! Other trips to Florida, the Grand Tetons, Niagara Falls, and Virginia were similarly planned out on the kitchen table with Rand McNally assisting Wayne Winkel.
Hot summer days in Sheboygan often ended up with an early evening swim at Elkhart Lake. Mom would pack the picnic basket with ham sandwiches and a pitcher of lemonade and as soon as Dad got home from work, we piled into the station wagon for a cool down at the lake. Hard to believe he used to be able to dunk us all, quite handedly. He would pretend to hold a court of sorts, out in the water. Holding the defendant, who really was a victim, he would poll the rest of the jury, Thumps up, or thumbs down? The child in his grasp is giggling and squirming as all the rest voted, with thumbs up. He would then yell out. Oh no, its a tie. Ill break the tieTHUMBS DOWN! Dunk! All of us were giggling and begging for more! Occasionally we would stop for a cone at the Dairy Queen in Plymouth on our way home. Licking my chocolate ice cream in the back of that station wagon, my grin was ear to ear and I thought to myself, Im the luckiest girl in the world. And I was.
Wayne Winkel -was a historian. A love of history, he loved to quiz us at the dinner table. What happened on this day 57 years ago? Me: Duh? Greg, show your sister up, 57 years ago today, you are there? Greg: Duh? But history lessons werent just for family. Poor Mr. Sorenson. This poor man was my teacher for 5th AND 6th grade. My dad would send me to school with historical trivia that would cross a rabbis eyes! What is Yassir Arafats middle name? Best trivia question EVER!
His love of history later channeled into a huge biographical interest in cemeteries, the resting places to movie stars and historical figures. We have boxes and boxes of graveyard pictures and he relished in telling the story of the deceased whose name was on the headstone or on the wall of the mortuary.
Wayne Winkel - embraced these roles and many more. Regardless of the role, Wayne Winkel was a GOOD man. His goodness permeated every aspect of his life. He was loyal and loving, supportive, and exceedingly generous! He was a man of high morals and old fashioned values. A twinkle in his eye and a spring in his step, he was a man who lived life to the fullest and showed unbridled love for his family and friends. He was my ROLE model.
Wayne Winkel - I could talk about him all day. But I will soon close.
Right now, my family thinks I will close with his favorite quotation by Martin Luther King, Jr. At the end of each tax season, he would come into the house after finishing that last tax return on April 15. Often times it was 9 or 10 oclock at night. He would lift his arms and look up to heaven and proclaim, Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, Im free at last! It was tradition. I looked forward to it every year and continued it after leaving the family home. Where ever I was, I would call him on April 15 and ask him if there was anything he had to tell me.
I could end here, but I dont like to be that predictable.
Wayne Winkel
If he were able to talk right now he would say, YOU BETCHA BABY, WAYNE WINKEL IS HOME! Rest peacefully Dad. I love you.
I miss you every single day...
April 9, 2018
Dear Dad, I was just looking at that sweet picture that I took of you and Mom holding hands and walking away after we spent an hour or two together on the beach. I had no way of knowing that you would be gone from us in less than 8 months. You have left such a void in my heart but I am comforted to know that you are home. I know that you will be there waiting with open arms when I am called as well. I hope I did you proud with the eulogy. I will always be my Father's Daughter. ♥ xoxojen
May 15, 2016
So sorry Jenny, we were both blessed with wonderful fathers and it is a great sadness when they are gone. My thoughts are with you and your family. Emily
Richard Bannier
May 15, 2016
RIP Mr. Winkel
Deepest Sympathy to all the family. I enjoyed your services and our relationship long ago - i.e. Lil' Flower - A.B.C. Auto Sales - Haven, WI
and a Fellow American Chair employee
Richard Bannier
Joan Kramer
May 14, 2016
Beth, may the peace in knowing Dad is in a better place console the ache gnawing at you heart. Blessings to you, family and friends.
Betsy Bie
May 14, 2016
To all the Winkles, Roger and I send our love and condolences for your loss.
May 14, 2016
How can one think of Wayne without a smile on your face? He had something to share on every subject, but especially his children and Pat. A kind and gentle man with a love for history and his love for the area he was born in....(holy land).....I never tired of his stories and truly appreciated his ability with my taxes..which always kept us up to date on the continuing saga.
We are all better people for having known him and you "kids" are a story onto yourselves. No one was more proud of each of you than your "papa".
Godspeed our friend,
Mary and Raymond Larson
Dick & Jean Yurk
May 13, 2016
Our sincere sympathy to all of you. Sending hugs to get through this trying time.
May 13, 2016
Lieber Vater,
Ich werde immer dein lebewesen sein.
Karl&Doris Roskosch
May 13, 2016
Our condolences to you Pat and your family, Wayne will me missed dearly,
Denise Dhein
May 13, 2016
Greg, Mark, Tim and families. My most sincere condolences for your loss. So sorry I can't attend funeral to pay my respects, I have a funeral in Madison of my cousin to attend. Gods blessings
May 13, 2016
Mark, Gregg and most recent acquaintance, Tim. To all of the Winkel family we extend our sympathy . Peace and comfort to you at this difficult time. Lee and Barb Gumm, Kohler
May 13, 2016
My condolences, Wayne and I had many pleasing talks. Lou M.
Barb Ziegelbauer
May 13, 2016
I am sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for your family.
Jackie and Charlie Gruenke
May 13, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Winkel family. We enjoyed our deep conversations with Wayne and his humor when we met at the KC Hall. God be with all of you.
May 13, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time. Deepest Sympathy.
Kent & Kelly Martin
Julie Meyer
May 13, 2016
"Beth, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time." - Julie
Eileen Diener
May 13, 2016
Our deepest sympathies to your family Mark. May God hold you in his arms and give you comfort and peace.
Dave and Eileen
Jayne List
May 13, 2016
Beth(Jim),We extend our sympathy to you and your family at this time with the loss of your Father.Out thoughts and prayers during this time .
Brian and Jayne
Jean and Jeff Craney
May 13, 2016
Dear Winkle Family, relatives and friends,
We are sincerely sorry for your loss and from what I've learned, being a dear friend to Jennifer and her family, Wayne was often mentioned with love and through funny stories (as we all know the Winkles have the comedic sense of humor). His legacy will be carried on through the fortunate family he and Patricia created! You all have been very blessed to have this wonderful man in your life for as long as you did. It is sad his health was so compromised in his later years, he however, was so blessed to have his loving family surround him and care for him like you all have.
Our condolences and sincere sympathies to you all.
Jean and Jeff Craney
Colleen (Wanezek) Koepsell
May 13, 2016
To the entire Winkel Family~ Beth, Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to your sweet mother-Pat, and to the entire family. Such an absolutely beautiful (and so loving!) 'tribute to your dads life, and love for all of you... esp. your sweet mom!'. Big families... ah, nothing better. May our Heavenly Father hold ALL of you Winkels so very 'close' in these days ahead. Our family will keep yours in deep Prayers. love, and please give your mom (Pat) a big hug from me~ your friends... Colleen, and all the Wanezek family!
Deborah Kuitert
May 13, 2016
So sorry for your loss. It's been many years since I attended the July 4th get-together, but remember your Dad as enjoying life. God bless and keep you all. Thoughts and prayers sent your way. Deb
Kim Canisius-Hemsing
May 13, 2016
My condolences to Wayne's family. I always enjoyed Wayne's stories. He was such a kind, gentle man and it was very clear that he adored his family. He is at peace now. Hold on to all the memories to give you strength.
Jim and Diane Roth
May 13, 2016
So sorry for your loss. With our deepest sympathy.
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