Neil S. Winkler (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Neil S. Winkler, son of George Andrew and Mary Minnie Smith Winkler, was born August 19, 1939, in Burke, South Dakota. He departed this life Saturday, July 12, 2014, in Mercy Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-four years, ten months, and twenty-three days.
On June 19, 1959, he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Johnson, and to this union one daughter and one son were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Gary, Floyd, Dean, Ralph, and Marvin Winkler; and two sisters, Gayle T. Winkler, and Gloria Stroup.
Neil is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Mary, of the home; a daughter, Vicki Canon, and her husband, Paul, of Ventura, California; a son, Ron Winkler, of Bakersfield, California; a granddaughter, Ashley Eide, and her husband, Josh, of Silverdale, Washington; a great-granddaughter, Hayden; a brother, Wesley Winkler, of Competition, Missouri; a sister, Patricia Fenwick, and her husband, Clyde, of Lebanon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in South Dakota, and then made his home in California for many years. After he and Mary were married, they lovingly raised their family. Throughout the years, Neil worked as a farmer, a repairman, a fabricator, and an inventor. He could fix or build most anything and was always fair when he charged for his services, because he believed that he didn’t need to earn more than his friends could afford to pay. He repaired automobiles, appliances, and tractors among other things. Neil and Mary moved near Lebanon, Missouri, about twenty years ago.
Neil was a very kind and giving man, who made a friend with everyone he met. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and enjoyed watching western movies. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter and great-granddaughter. He was ready to pass on and reunite with his friends and relatives that had gone before him. Because of this, we can be comforted in our loss.
Neil was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments, and know that he will be fondly remembered as a devoted family man, a hard worker, and a best friend and favorite uncle to many people.
Memorial donations to the McBride Cemetery may be made through the funeral home.
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