Gerald B. Winkler went home to his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, November 17, 2023 at Crestview Manor Nursing Home in Seneca, Kansas, where he had been a resident for the past 3 1/2 months. He was 95 years old.

Jerry was born on October 18, 1928, in the Sabetha Hospital to Leo L. & Agnes W. (Vondemkamp) Winkler. He grew up on the family farm south of Kelly. Jerry enjoyed playing baseball as did most boys in the Kelly area. Horses and rat terrier dogs were the other two things he really enjoyed; having a terrier, Nell, until he passed. He graduated from Kelly High School in 1946 and had the distinction of being the 2nd highest GPA in Nemaha County that year.

Service in the Korean Conflict was next on Uncle Sam's plan for Jerry. He was a member of the 25th Division, 69th Field Artillery Battalion. Jerry served from 1952 to 1953, being discharged at the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with Bronze Service Star. Korea was also where he met his life long friend, William Bernhard of Bancroft, Iowa. Virginia, Jerry, Bill & Marilyn spend many trips visiting each other. He was a member of the American Legion for 68 years.

Jerry was united in marriage with Virginia Dalinghaus on November 10, 1954, at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville, Kansas. Virginia and Jerry celebrated 62 years of marriage before her passing in 2016. They raised their 3 children on their dairy farm east of Centralia. After selling the dairy cows, Jerry drove semi-trucks across the country for many years. Jerry enjoyed fixing anything that needed fixing and he always got the job done! In his later years he developed a passion for growing evergreen trees around his property. He was a member of St. Bede's Catholic Church & also St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Left to cherish his memory are daughter; Carol (Randall) Tlachac, Plymouth, Minnesota, sons; Alan (Vicki) Winkler, Fort Worth, Texas and; Brian (Paula) Winkler, Marysville, Kansas. Grandchildren include, Stephen (Elizabeth) Tlachac, Erin (Chris) Musser, Jacob (Shannon) Winkler, Alex (Miranda) Winkler and Grace Winkler. Jerry was able to enjoy 6 great granddaughters; Everly, Charlea, Maggie, Josie, Lilly, and Maxine. Other survivors include Sister; Mary Jane (Jim) Boeding and Sister-in-law; Marilyn Winkler. Brother, Ray Winlker, passed away in June 2023.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 am, on Friday, December 29, 2023, at St. Bede- Catholic Church in Kelly, Kansas. A Rosary will be held at 9:30 am, just prior to the mass. Inurnment will follow at the Kelly Cemetery.