Mildred Mae Winkler, 93, of DeMotte, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home with her loving husband of 74 years by her side. She is survived by her husband, Robert H.G. Winkler, sons Michael Winkler of Lafayette and Richard (Patricia) Winkler of Loganville, Georgia; grandchildren Tammy (Craig) Synder, Joann (Doug) Anderson, Alec Chase, Rebecca (Anthony) Baronie, Christin (Daniel) Arrendale, Michelle (Jose’) Concepcion, Jennifer Winkler, Shane Winkler, Nicole Winkler, Eric Winkler and Matthew (Nicole) Winkler, and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Rhonda, her daughter Nancy Chase, her son-in-law, Edward Chase, her brother Robert Ziegler, and her parents Walter and Carrie Ziegler.
Mildred was born on February 13, 1928, in Champaign County IL. She graduated from Champaign High School in 1946. On June 1, 1947, she married Robert HG Winkler in Bondville, IL. Throughout their marriage, they lived in various places in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. Her first job was making doughnuts at a local bakery, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She also worked as a sales clerk in different five-and-dime stores which only increased her love of arts and crafts. She was also deeply religious. Even when she was unable to attend church in person, she and Robert would hold church in their home. Music was an important part of her life; not only listening to it, but singing it as well. Before making the decision to marry the love of her life, she had aspirations to pursue a career in opera.
Millie, as she was known to most, was one of the most selfless, caring, and loving people to walk this earth. She had a smile that made everyone feel at ease and her hugs and sweet kisses made every day a better one. She baked the most amazing cookies! She baked them for family, friends, and students of her granddaughters and even actors on Broadway! Her talents did not end with baking. She was a wonderful seamstress and designer of plastic canvas creations. She made many costumes, prom dresses, and outfits. Her plastic canvas creations were indeed a love language as she made them for all family members, students of her granddaughters, local nursing homes and churches, and so many more. It was such a part of her giving nature.
Millie loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother and she was amazing at it! Not a day went by when she wasn’t helping someone, writing a card or letter to someone, or simply calling to say “I love you.” Millie loved to laugh and even get in on the occasional practical joke. She was so proud of all her children, grandchildren, and great grands, they truly were the light of her life.
To know her was to love her and we did – with all our hearts. We will miss our Millie, Gram, GiGi every day, but we are so thankful that our lives and so many others were touched so deeply by such an amazing human being. As one of her favorite songs states “I’ll be loving you always, ALWAYS!”
A memorial service celebrating Mildred’s life will take place at a later date. Condolences and correspondence may be sent to: The Family of Mildred Winkler, 169 Lee Drive Kouts, IN 46347.