Mildred Henrietta (Christensen) Winker, “the Strawberry Lady”, age 97, formerly of Gillett, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at Woodlands of Suring with family at her side.
Mildred was born in Suring on March 14, 1920, a daughter of the late Christ and Barbara (Holl) Christensen. She attended local schools and was married to Edwin Winkler, Sr. Together they raised a family of twelve children which eventually came to include spouses, 67 grandchildren, 90 great-grandchildren, 37 great-great grandchildren and even a great-great-great grandchild.
Mildred was well knows as “the Strawberry Lady”, something she cherished for over 63 years. She loved babies! She also enjoyed making hangers for family and friends, baking and travelling. Mildred always took time to visit with friends and neighbors, something she greatly enjoyed. She loved travelling with her family and took her first plane ride with her son, Gene. Mildred was a longtime and faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed.
Mildred is survived by her children: Shirley Lusk of Florida, Helen (the late Buddy) Smith of Wauwatosa, WI, Edwin, Jr. (Joyce) Winkler of Gillett, Gene (Ellen) Winkler of Krakow, Randy (Peggy) Winkler of Gillett, Ricky (Sandy) Winkler of Muskego, Judy (the late Don) Wagner of Gillett, Bonnie (Ken) Juza of Suamico and Debbie (Bryon) Huffman of Wausau. She is also survived by her son-in-law Hoyt Blanchard of Dalton, GA and her daughter-in-law Barbara Winkler of Omro. She also leaves her sisters: Lois Helms of Seymour and Iola Schwab of Menasha, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and great-great-great grandchild; many nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband and her children: Mary Ann Sell, Dorothy Blanchard and Robert Winkler. She was also preceded in death by her brothers: Milton and Russell Christensen and her sisters: Florence Christensen and Orpha Bublitz.
Friends and relatives may call on the family on Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 4 to 8 PM at LEGACY FUNERAL CHAPELS (108 East Main Street, Gillett, WI 54124). Visitation continues on Monday, December 4, 2017 from 9:30 to 10:45 AM at ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH (101 W. Main Street, Gillett, WI 54124). A funeral service will be held at 11 AM with Reverend Kent Wallace officiating. Interment will follow in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to either Heartland Hospice who provided Mildred with such exceptional care and compassion or to St. John’s Lutheran Church. The family sends special thanks to the staff of Woodlands of Suring as well.
Services
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Visitation
Sunday, December 3, 2017
4 to 8 PM
Legacy Funeral Chapels
108 E. Main Street
Gillett, WI 54124
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Visitation
Monday, December 4, 2017
9:30 to 10:45 AM
St. John’s Lutheran Church
101 W. Main Street
Gillett, WI 54124
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Funeral Service
Monday, December 4, 2017
11 AM
St. John’s Lutheran Church
101 W. Main Street
Gillett, WI 54124
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Graveside Service
Monday, December 4, 2017
12:15 PM
St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery
Old 22
Gillett, WI 54124
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