Harold George Winkelman, age 96, of Dalton, NE passed away, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday October 16, 2024. A memorial has been established for the Dalton Volunteer Fire Department through the family.  A celebration of life for both Wink and Lenore will be scheduled in June of 2025.  A farmer to the end, Wink chose June as a time when the spring work was done and harvest had not yet started.  May he rest in peace.  

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel to leave condolences for the Winkelman Family.

You may view Harold’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.  Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Harold’s care and funeral arrangements.

Harold “Wink” was a loving husband to his wife Lenore of 72 years, spending most of their life on the family farm west of Dalton, NE.  They raised two sons Randy and Jimmy in a home full of love.  The boys felt fortunate to have Wink as their father and being able to grow up on the family farm near a large extended family.  Wink taught the boys many skills: farming, mechanics, electrical and plumbing, and most important of all what being a good person is and what it looks like to have a good life.  Wink was always involved in the community, he served on the Dalton Volunteer Fire Department, a County Commissioner, and served on numerous boards in the community.  The repetitive message was always serving the community is an important contribution and in some small way makes the community a better place to live and raise a family.

Wink wasn't a person driven to accumulate financial wealth during his life, however, the impact he had on the community, his family and the number of true friends he accumulated during his life made him a rich man.

After Lenore passed in November of 2020, his one goal was to continue to live on the farm and age in place.  It took a village of supporters and with the considerable help of his extended family, friends, his brown dog and special care givers he was able to do just that. His sons are very proud of him and loved the opportunity to be his sons. 

Wink is survived by his two sons Randy (wife Vicki) of Rapid City, SD and Jimmy (wife Linda) of Brownville, NE. Grandchildren Brandt (wife Loy) of Bozeman, MT, Brekkan (husband Cordaro) of Healy, AK , Luke (wife Cailyn) of Peru, Tim (wife Arlene) of Durham, NC, Angela (husband Sam) of Lincoln, NE, David (wife Susan) of Chicago IL,  Jessica (husband Casey) of Omaha, NE, Libby (husband Brandan) of Beaver Lake, IA, brother Lloyd (wife Johnidean), sister Darlene, sister-law Connie, brother-in-law Kayo, 13 grandchildren, one great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wink is preceded in death by parents George and Ruth, brother Donald, sisters Evelyn and Carol.