Gene A. Winkler

Gene Allen Winkler, 69, Green Valley, passed away Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, at his home. The son of Edwin Sr. and Mildred (Christensen) Winkler was born May 18, 1952, in Oconto Falls.

Gene graduated from Gillett High School with the class of 1970. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Dec. 29, 1970, and served until his honorable discharge on Sept. 23, 1977. He married the former Ellen Wilson in 1976, in Michigan. Gene was an electrician for Georgia Pacific for 18 years. He was a life member of the DAV and an active member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, Post #178, Krakow. Gene was also a member of the Iron Brigade Civil War reenactment.

Gene loved to travel, learn history, and fish in Canada. He was a very humble man who would help anyone in need. Family was very important to him and he also loved his pets. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife Ellen, he is survived by his four children: Brian (Dana) Winkler, Crivitz; Kevin (Jennifer) Winkler, Green Valley; James Winkler, De Pere; and Katheryn (Robin) Baxter, Hortonville; his grandchildren: Codie, Dakota, Kylie, Elijah, Caleb, Abby, Maddie, Laney, Benjamin (Karlie), McKayla and Owen; his siblings: Shirley Lusk, Florida; Helen Smith, Wauwatosa; Edwin Jr. (Joyce) Winkler, Gillett; Randy (Peggy) Winkler, Gillett; Rick (Sandy) Winkler, Muskego; Judy Wagner, Gillett; Bonnie (Ken) Juza, Suamico; and Debbie (Bryon) Huffman, Wausau.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Dorothy (Hoyt) Blanchard; Robert (Barbara) Winkler and MaryAnn Sell; and brothers-in-law, Donald Wagner and John Smith.

Friends are invited to gather with the family on Friday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. until noon, at St. John Lutheran Church, 910 S. St. Augustine St., Pulaski. The funeral service will follow at noon at the church with Pastor Larry Yaw officiating. Military honors immediately following the service will be rendered in the church parking lot by the Pulaski Area Veterans. Burial will take place in the Morgan Town Cemetery, Morgan.

Gene’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Gillett Area Ambulance and to Pastor Yaw for guiding them spiritually.

Online condolences may be offered to the Winkler family at www.marnochafuneralhome.com