Obituaries

Charles E. “Chuck” Winkler, age 84, of Montrose, Colo., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011 at the Montrose Memorial Hospital following a heart attack.  Chuck was born Apr. 19, 1927 to Elmer and Evelyn (Winchester) Winkler in Colorado Springs, Colo.  He spent his childhood and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Colorado Springs.  At the age of 22, he married Frances Mitchell on Feb. 28, 1949 in Colorado Springs.  Chuck enlisted in the United States Air Force, and upon his honorable discharge was a Senior Master Sgt. His family moved to Victorville, Calif., until his retirement in 1989 and relocated to Montrose, Colo., where he made his home until his time of death.

Chuck worked at building maintenance and also as an instructor for school bus drivers and training drivers within the school district prior to his retirement.  Chuck enjoyed laughing with friends, the outdoors, camping and playing cards.  In lieu of flowers, Chuck’s wishes would be for you to do something nice for someone.

Surviving family members include his wife, Frances of the family home in Montrose; his children, Kay (John) Whitaker of Flagstaff, Ariz., Mark (Katie) Winkler of Redwood Valley, Calif; brothers and sisters, Paula LeBaron of Colorado Springs, Colo; Richard (Sue) Winkler of Colorado Springs, Colo; two grandchildren, Benjamin and Emily Winkler. Chuck was preceded in death by his son, Donald Winkler.  At Chuck’s request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.  Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Co