Ervin W. Winkler

He was born Dec. 26, 1926, in Peshtigo, Wis., son of the late Frederich and Rose (Kuntz) Winkler.

After graduation, Ervin proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, earning the Victory Ribbon, American Area Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon and Asiatic Pacific Ribbon.

Following his honorable discharge, he worked as a boiler operator for General Motors.

Ervin married Idelle Jaeger on March 21, 1997.

He loved spending time in the woods and was a true outdoorsman, using a muzzleloader even during the regular deer hunt. Over the course of his life, he hiked all of the 2,000-mile Georgia to Maine Appalachian Trail. Idelle joined him on some of those journeys.

Ervin cherished and celebrated American freedom. He was dedicated to veterans’ groups and causes, receiving recognition from Iron Mountain VFW Post 3674 for his service. Having lost a brother in World War II, he was thankful to participate in an Upper Peninsula Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

Survivors include his loving wife, Idelle Winkler of Foster City; his children, Gary Winkler, Cheryl Littmann, Pamela (Joe) Fugarino and Chris (Denise) Winkler; Idelle’s children, David (Darlene) Lueneburg, Carla (Tim) Tippett, Dale Lueneburg, Ellen Willingham, Tamara Sina, Tom Lueneburg, Christine (Jim) Anderson and Bonnie (Tom) Hacker; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean (Elias) Winkler on June 5, 1987; sisters, Lydia, Elsie, Viola, Freida, Ruth, Laura and Margarett; brothers, Emil and Adolph; a grandson, Gene Mathew Winkler; son-in-law John Littman; Idelle’s son, Richard Lueneburg; a great-granddaughter, Abbey Rose Gavin; Idelle’s grandsons, Todd Schuirmann and Travis and Keith Lueneburg; and Idelle’s granddaughter, Rebecca Lueneburg.

Visitation will be noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. James Danielson will officiate.

Burial will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain. The American Legion Uren-Cooper-Johnson Post 50, Iron Mountain, will accord military honors at graveside.

A gathering in celebration of Ervin’s life will follow at the American Legion Post.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Ervin’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, to honor Ervin’s legacy of life.