James D. "Wink" Winkler

James D. "Wink" Winkler, 82 of Iron Mountain, passed away on January 4, 2016 at HCR Manorcare in Kingsford. He was born on October 24, 1933 in Florence, son of the late Lester Edward and Nan Viola (Euers) Winkler. He graduated from Florence High School in 1951, during which time he played high school sports, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. Wink went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-White Water where he also lettered in basketball. He then enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. Wink was a lifelong resident of the area. After losing his parents at a young age, he maintained a close relationship with his Uncle Andrew & Aunt Harriet Witynski and their children. He was also very close with his Aunt Marge from Louisville, KY. As a young man Wink worked diligently in many positions including peeling pulp, power line construction, the CCC, and Kingsford Charcoal. Wink was a well-known friend to many over the years, always willing to lend a helping hand. He was one of the original crew at Four Season’s Distributing, then owned and operated “Wink's Place” tavern from 1968-72, before retiring as the Wine Manager at Four Season's, after 36 years. Wink remained a dedicated Packer fan throughout his life, frequently attending games. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and took great pride in establishing and caring for “Wink’s Place” family Camp. He married Barbara Miresse on February 4, 1961 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, and they have spent nearly 55 wonderful years together. Wink was a member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge 700 in Iron Mountain and a current member of the American Legion and U.P. Whitetails. Wink is survived by his loving wife; sons, Rudolph "Rudy" (Bonnita) Winkler of Iron Mountain and William (Deborah) Winkler and family of Dickinson, Texas; 3 grandchildren, Nickolas James, Alisann Ruth and Nathan Joseph-Rudolph Winkler. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis and Martha Winkler who were very instrumental in the logging and lumber camps as Pioneer residents of Florence. He was also preceded by 2 brothers, William and Todd; and 2 nephews Todd Jr. and Charles. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 15, 2016 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at the church. Rev. David Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park in the early summer. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of James D. "Wink" Winkler online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

James D. "Wink" Winkler

October 24, 1933 - January 4, 2016