Larry Joseph Winkler

Obituary Larry went to live with Jesus on August 1, 2015 in Colorado Springs at the age of 74. Larry was born in Petersburg, NE on March 18, 2941, to Henry and Helen (Traham) Winkler. When he was 18, he and his parents and five siblings moved to Valley, NE shortly after Larry and his twin sister, Leah, graduated from high school. He enlisted in the Army later that year. After 2 years and 3 months, he was honorably discharged at the rank of E5 and returned home. He married Diane Napier in 1962. They were blessed with 3 children, Todd, Tim and Anne. The family moved to Omaha in 1967 where they raised their children. Larry enjoyed coaching all of his children in their Little League games and was always so proud of each of them. He coached other neighborhood teams as well and enjoyed playing softball himself. He planted and tended a huge garden every year. His yard, garage and cars were always immaculately kept. Larry spent his career of 25 years as a trainman with the Union Pacific Railroad, working between Council Bluffs, Iowa and North Platte, NE. After retiring from the railroad, he and Diane moved to Colorado, which had been their lifelong wish. They lived in Estes Park for 3 years where he was in corporate sales. They then moved to Colorado Springs in 1993, where he was the manager over three Ace Hardware stores. He eventually returned to corporate sales for a lumber business until Parkinsons disease forced him to retire in 1998. He bravely battled the disease for 25 years and was an amazing, strong fighter. He asked Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Saviour while in his 40s and began a new journey of growing in a personal relationship with Him. He acquired a love for the Word, and as he grew in the Lord he eventually led a dynamic Bible study for men. He ministered in prisons in Lincoln, NE, with Prison Fellowship, and in Canon City with Good News Ministry as well as other ministries there. In the 90s, Larry was very involved in the small group ministry at our church. He began as a co-leader with a friend and four people attended the first meeting. It quickly exploded to so many people, they couldnt all fit into one house. They began branching out to other homes, overtime resulting in 45 small groups around the city stemming from that original first meeting. Eventually, Larry was asked to oversee several group leaders and he poured his heart and soul into it. Larry worked extremely hard at everything he did and always provided for his family. He was a kind and generous man who loved people and everyone loved him. He had an infectious smiles that would light up a room. He loved his family dearly and his grandchildren were the highlight of his golden years. He was a shining testimony of Gods life-saving power. He is and will always be greatly missed. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and twin sister, Leah. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 53 years, Diane; and his children, Todd, Tim and Anne; and a daughter-in-law, Deborah. Also, his six grandchildren, Mitchell, Baleigh, Carson, Abby, Emily, and Katy; four siblings, Roxie Lewis, Don (Shirley)Winkler, Terry (Connie) Winkler, and Sheila Winkler and many nieces and nephews. Larrys family would like to thank you all for you many prayers and wonderful, generous support. Memoriams can be sent to: The Church on The Ranch PO Box 50857 Colorado Springs, CO 80949 OR The Jeanne Taylor Parkinson's Support Group 1155 kelly Johnson Blvd. Ste. 111 Colorado Springs , CO 80920 Services Harvest Downtown 411 N Weber St Colorado Springs, CO. 80903