BENTON CITY - Harold Martin Winckler, 80, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went home peacefully to meet his Lord Saturday, September 12, 2009, at his home in Benton City, Washington with his family at his side. Harold was born November 30, 1928 in Harrold, South Dakota to Gottlieb and Christina (Hieb) Winckler. He was baptized in Emmanuel Lutheran Church on March 17, 1929.
The youngest of 8 children, Harold moved west with his family during the Great Depression, eventually settling in Zillah, Washington in 1933. He grew up in Zillah working with his brothers and father on the family farm. Harold was confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Zillah on August 1, 1943 by Pastor Edward F. Kirst. He was raised in God's Word and lived his life according to the way of the Lord.
In 1951, Harold entered the United States Army as a Private in the Ordinance Corps and served in the Korean War building roads. He returned home to the family farm in 1953, remaining in the Army Reserves until being discharged in 1956.
On November 15, 1964 Harold married Myra Joyce Burril. In 1968, he decided to leave the family farm, moving to Naches, Washington in 1969 and settling in Mattawa, Washington in January of 1970. Harold was the first farmer on the Wahluke Slope. Harold and Myra remained in Mattawa, farming and raising their 5 children, until 1989. They traveled to Missouri, returning to Washington in 1990, temporarily managing a farm in Paterson before settling in Sunnyside in March of 1992. Here he operated a mechanic shop and apple orchard until retiring to Benton City in 2003.
Harold loved farming and spending time with his family. He believed strongly in God's Word and would regularly travel the sixty miles from Mattawa to Grace Lutheran Church in Yakima. Making sure the Christian faith was instilled in his children was very important. There were many memorable family outings to Mt. Rainier, many Winckler family gatherings, evenings in the garden, and Saturday night popcorn. God allowed Harold many trials and tests of faith over the years but also provided him with many blessings. Harold was well known for his strong will, determination, family devotion, dependability, and sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him.
Harold is survived by his loving and devoted wife of nearly 45 years, Myra (Burril), his 5 children, Lee (Barb) Winckler of Kennewick, Louise Boss of Yakima, Lewis (Kellie) Winckler of Mesa, Lance Winckler of Kennewick, and Lora Winckler of Benton City, 6 grandchildren, Deanna, Jason, Zach, Jordan, Dean, and Linnsey, 2 step-grandsons, Travis and Darron, and 1 beloved daughter by acquaintance, Nikki Winckler of Kennewick. He's also survived by 1 sister, Marie Ravine, and 2 brothers, Leonard (Olive) Winckler and Reinhold Winckler, all of Zillah.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents, Gottlieb and Christina Winckler, 3 sisters, Elsie Dewald, Emma Moser, and Katherine Kunnanz, and 1 brother, Oscar Winckler.
The family would like to thank the wonderful hospice workers of Hospice at The Chaplaincy for all their kindness and support. A very special heart-felt thank you to Nikki Winckler for her devoted and compassionate care of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather. We couldn't have done it without you, Nikki.
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 1:00 pm at Zillah City Cemetery in Zillah, Washington. Donations may be made in Harold's honor to Grace Lutheran School by contacting Matt Fager at 509-457-6611. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.valleyhillsfh.com.
|
|
