Bernie passed away peacefully on Monday, December 21, 2020 in her home at The Fountains in Kalamazoo.
She was born August 23, 1924 in Caseville to Elvia and Myrtle (Parks) Nicholl. In her teenage years, she worked with her father and brothers at her family’s Caseville Lumberyard. At age 16 she met Ray Winkel at a dance, and they married 5 years to the day after that on March 30, 1946. In 1956 Bernie and Ray moved to Otsego where they owned and operated Winkel Funeral Home together until their retirement in 1984.
Bernie was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and was active in the Ladies Guild. She was also a member of the Pipp Hospital Board for many years. In her free time Bernie enjoyed reading, playing cards, sewing and doing needlepoint. She spent many hours on the dance floor with Ray, square dancing and dancing polkas at weddings. Bernie was happiest when surrounded by her family. She loved spending time at Pine Lake and helped to organize WinkelFest, a gathering of her family for the past 37 years.
Surviving are her husband of 74 years, Ray; children, Carol (Don) Wuebbling of Ohio, Judy (Tim) Conroy of Connecticut, Jim (Jo Ann) Winkel of Pine Lake and Tom (Carol) Winkel of Grand Rapids; 9 grandchildren, Matt (Leighton) Wuebbling, Monica (Hayle) Chun, Kelwin (Paul) Newman, Kaitlin (Michael) Ervin, Erin (Eric) Nordstrom, Adam (Abby) Winkel, Eric (Jen) Winkel, Andy (Erin) Winkel and Stephanie Ryan; 21 great-grandchildren who lovingly referred to her as Grandma Bernie; sister-in-law, Barbara Schmidt; several nieces and nephews. Over the past 8 years at The Fountains they have welcomed caregivers, Sandy, Crystal, Naomi, Tobi, Lindsey and Tequila into their family and hearts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Bob and Max Nicholl and by in-laws, Keith and Fran Winkel, Joe Schmidt, Gin Nicholl and Doris Nicholl.
Friends may meet with Bernie’s family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., December 24, 2020 at Peace Lutheran Church in Otsego, with Pastor Nathaniel Timmermann officiating.
Those wishing to attend are asked to pre-register by calling 269-694-6104 or at
peaceotsego.org.
A live stream and archived copy of the service will be available at
peaceotsego.org.
Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
In accordance with Covid -19 guidelines capacity limits, masks and social distancing will be required.
Contributions in memory of Bernie may be made to Peace Lutheran Church of Otsego or charity of your choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Bernadine M. Winkel
Condolence Messages
Tammy Bailey
December 21, 2020 at 3:35 pm
Our sincere condolences at the loss of this amazing woman! Such a blessed life!
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Joyce Kruithoff
December 21, 2020 at 4:04 pm
It is difficult to lose a loved one, especially, during the holidays. Bernadine lived an active life and great example to others in values, her activities and a long marriage. Not many can say they have been married 74 years to one person! My prayers are with Ray & the family during this time. She will be missed!
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carol Wuebbling
December 23, 2020 at 5:43 am
My dear, dear friend. Thank you for your condolences and for recognizing Mom’s long and active life and marriage. She’ll be missed, for sure, but Christmas was her favorite time, and we were all here with her because of the season, so it’ll be a comfort.
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Sherry Schumaker
December 21, 2020 at 4:07 pm
This community has lost such a great lady and your family has lost a great wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Our heartfelt sympathies to all of you. May God be with you as you grieve your loss.
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Sherry Hanson
December 21, 2020 at 4:36 pm
Jim & Jo Ann, our thoughts & prayers for you and your entire family in the loss of your mom . No matter the age, losing a parent is not easy.
God Bless!
Mike & Sherry Hanson
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Jerry and Dinah Howrigon
December 21, 2020 at 4:57 pm
Sorry to hear of mrs. Winkels’ passing. They both have been an inspiration for years. All our prayers for the whole family.
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Mark and Brenda Adams
December 21, 2020 at 5:31 pm
So sorry for your loss prayers for the family and friends
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Judith Hiemstra-Bronson
December 21, 2020 at 5:37 pm
Carol and family. So very sorry for your loss.
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carol Wuebbling
December 23, 2020 at 5:45 am
Thanks, Judy. Mom had a long and joyous life, and we were all together because of Christmas, so it’s going to be hard, but we will hold her close no matter what.
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Cheryl Case
December 21, 2020 at 5:49 pm
Jim and JoAnn, Winkel family, So sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Winkel. Over the years the Winkel family has provided help and comfort to so many families. May all of that be returned now in your time of mourning. God Bless you all.
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Dave and Joy Perricone
December 21, 2020 at 6:30 pm
Jim, JoAnn and Winkle Family we are so sorry for your loss. The passing of a loved one especially at the holidays is so very hard. May you feel comfort from all those who care about you as you have cared for so many over the years. Prayers for you all.
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Joel M Thompson
December 21, 2020 at 6:34 pm
Jim and Jo Ann, Karla and I are so sorry for your loss. Please let your dad know we will be praying for the entire Winkel family during this difficult time. I will not be able to attend any visitation but you are in our thoughts. It has been a privilege to have a long friendship with your family. Joel & Karla Thompson
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Kathi Fuss
December 21, 2020 at 7:08 pm
So sorry to read of Mrs. Winkle’s passing! My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this hard time❤️
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Kathi Fuss
December 21, 2020 at 7:13 pm
Sorry to read of Mrs. Winkel’ passing! My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time❤️
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Tony Gless
December 21, 2020 at 7:29 pm
Tennis buddy , Jim, my thoughts and prayers are with you in the lose of your mother.
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Doug and Judy Scheppelman
December 21, 2020 at 7:32 pm
Jim and Tom, we’re sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Praying God will surround you and your family with love and see you through this difficult time.
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Colleen (Kelsey) Ziemer
December 21, 2020 at 7:34 pm
Jim, JoAnn, Tom and Carol, So sorry to hear about you Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Terri Gott
December 21, 2020 at 7:34 pm
The winkel Family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy to the whole family for the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. She was a wonderful women.
May she RIP Terri Gott
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Mrs. Jim Hewitt (Patti Khodl)
December 22, 2020 at 3:11 am
To the Winkel family,
Sorry to learn of your loss. What longevity! The few times I was around Mrs. Winkel she struck me as a kind and sweet person. Losing a loved one is never easy, no matter the age nor season. Be kind and gentle with yourselves as you navigate this unwanted path of grief. Hugs go out to you.
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Jan Jameson
December 21, 2020 at 7:35 pm
My love and sincere condolences to the Winkle family. Heaven has gained another Angel.
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Joan Walters
December 21, 2020 at 8:15 pm
Tom and Carol, Jim and Joann, I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your dad and Winkle family. Cherish your memories.
Joan Walters
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Thuy Martin
December 21, 2020 at 9:47 pm
Dear Jim, Jo Ann and Winkel family… Our condolences for your loss of Bernie… Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Mike and Thuy Martin
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Rev Dan & Jolene Minor
December 21, 2020 at 9:57 pm
Our sincere condolences to the Winkel family with prayers for comfort and peace.
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Dale & Vicki Eickhoff
December 22, 2020 at 7:24 am
Condolences to Ray, Jim, and the entire Winkel family from a fellow
MFDA District 3 member.
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The Keith family
December 22, 2020 at 8:25 am
So sorry to here of Bernie’s passing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Dave and Jeanne Myers
December 22, 2020 at 9:51 am
We are so sad to hear of Bernie’s passing. She was a wonderful lady! I always looked up to her, her style, her poise, and her smile for everyone! She will be greatly missed. We do praise God that she is in the arms of her Savior. Praying for you all. This is such a hard time, but your memories will be your blessing. Love, Dave and Jeanne Myers
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Candy Gray
December 22, 2020 at 11:44 am
So sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The Gray Family
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bill sigler
December 22, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Carol et Don..
Sorry to read about your mom’s passing.
Worked in a lumberyard as a young woman.. How lucky. !!!
I bet she told some great stories Thinking about you guys
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carol Wuebbling
December 23, 2020 at 5:48 am
Bill, you astound me…finding our funeral home site and writing here, too. You’ve got it right, Mom told some great stories, and she was spunky. We’ll be sharing those quips of her forever. I’m giving the eulogy tomorrow, and I will hope to gain inspiration from the great one you gave your mom. Hugs!
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Dave and Jane Kling
December 22, 2020 at 1:02 pm
Jim and Joann,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. May the memories of your wonderful times together bring you peace and comfort as the days go by.
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Robert Galloway
December 22, 2020 at 2:09 pm
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Bob and Teresa Galloway
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Naomi Flores
December 22, 2020 at 2:50 pm
It was an absolute pleasure working with you Mrs. Winkel These past eight years and I am so grateful for the times we shared and all of the great memories we have together..I will forever cherish them❤️ My thoughts and prayers are with your husband and your children at this time Fly high MY LOVE Mrs.Winkel
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Diane Boysen
December 22, 2020 at 3:51 pm
Jim and families. Very sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your family was a big part of the Otsego community for many years. Now, it’s our turn to send support to your family.
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Jerry and Marilyn Koenig
December 22, 2020 at 6:35 pm
Prayers for all the Winkel family on the passing of dear Bernie. We will remember her fondly. May God comfort you.
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Wendy Hendricks Moyer
December 22, 2020 at 6:54 pm
Winkel Family- my very heartfelt condolences to you all . Your family was so cherished in Otsego, especially by my own family who were blessed to be served by you in times of loss and the wonderful friendship between dearest Carol and my late sister Pam. I send all my love and prayers to you all at this difficult time.
God Bless,
Wendy
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carol Wuebbling
December 22, 2020 at 10:35 pm
My dear Sista-Wendy, I thank you for your sweet condolences and remarks about our family and for your love. You are the best!
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Tim Kling
December 22, 2020 at 7:24 pm
This fills my heart with sadness. Mrs. Winkel was the matriarch of an iconic family in our community and truly lived life the right way. She made many contributions along side her husband Ray, and left a tremendous legacy in all that her children accomplished. My sincere condolences to the entire Winkel clan.
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Judy Chybik
December 22, 2020 at 8:37 pm
Ray, Jim, Judy, Carol, Tom, and Family so sorry to hear of your Moms passing. Bernie will always be in your Hearts and Memories.
God Bless
Judy (Rockwell) and Mike Chybik
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Abby, Charlotte and Sophie Winkel
December 23, 2020 at 7:40 am
We wish we could be with all of the Winkels this week, and send Adam there with his mask and baskets of love. Grandma Bernie brought a joyful family into the world and we can’t wait to celebrate her memory on Pine Lake with all of you at the next Winkelfest. Much love to Grandpa Ray especially, and to all of her children and the rest of the family as we say goodbye. Merry Christmas in Heaven, Grandma.
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Irv and Judy Bolenbaugh
December 23, 2020 at 10:08 am
To all of Bernie’s beloved family, we cherish all of our memories of such a good and dear friend. We will miss her sense of humor and good times. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at heavens gain and our loss.
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Julie (Winkel) Lovelace
December 23, 2020 at 11:29 am
Our entire family sends love and support. We are with you in spirit. We know the 2 sister in laws are rejoicing together. God’s timing and plans are wondrous. Prayers and love to each one of you, please hug uncle Ray for us. xo Julie n all
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Al and Betty Lacoste
December 23, 2020 at 11:50 am
Carol Judy Jim TomRay.
Sorry to hear of your mother and wife and grandmother’s passing. May the love of God surround you all and help you through this sad time.
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Clara Howrigon
December 23, 2020 at 12:05 pm
Winkel family prayers to all of you in your loss of such a dear lady. May God bless you with Peace and Comfort.
Clara Howrigon
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Taquila Rimpson
December 23, 2020 at 6:14 pm
I’d like to send my deepest condolences to Mr. Winkle and the rest of the family I am truly sorry and hurt by the home going of Ms Winkle! She was almost like a grand mother to me and I’m dropping tears just writing this paragraph. You all will be in my prayers and I love and appreciate the family for accepting me into their home giving me the opportunity to be apart of the Winkles foundation! I am truly sorry! When I just had my last child His dad named him Réason and I told her I hated the name but his dad insisted. Ms. Winkle would tell me every morning when we talked about my kids that she loved the name because he for sure had a reason and purpose here on earth. Long story short you could talk to Ms. Winkle about anything and she’d be totally honest with you I loved that about her she will truly be missed.
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Sherry Hurlbut
December 24, 2020 at 7:12 am
Dear Carol, Jim, Judy, Tom and families: I am so sorry for your loss! How fortunate you had such a long time to enjoy your Mom! There’s never a good time to pass, but if your Mom loved Christmas, how touching that she has one last time at Christmas time with the family this year! With 74 years of marriage, the family has to have lots of stories to tell! It’s difficult to lose your Mom, but you really can’t be sad because she had a great life! You all can be proud of your wonderful Mom and the great family she created! Love to all of you, and Carol you’ve been a wonderful Friend to me! Sending love to all!
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Paul &Marie Scheppelman
December 24, 2020 at 1:55 pm
We e are so sorry for your loss, she will be really missed by all.
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David Crawford
December 25, 2020 at 9:36 am
So sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
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Beverly Langston
December 25, 2020 at 4:06 pm
To the family of Bernie Winkel: I am so sorry to hear I the passing of Ms Bernie. My deepest and sincere condolences to Mr. Ray and the rest of the Winkel Family
Sincerely,
Beverly A Langston
(ex-care giver)
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Jim Winkel
December 27, 2020 at 10:37 pm
Beverly, thank you so much for your sympathies and for all the care you gave Mom and Dad.
I know they appreciated your extra efforts in making them comfortable and safe.
Jim and Jo Ann
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John and Diane Glessner
January 5, 2021 at 3:27 pm
Dear Ray, Jim, Carol, Judy and Tom and families, We are just reading this for the first time. We are so sad for your loss! Your family has been such an inspiration to so many people in the Otsego/Plainwell area snd beyond. Please know we are lifting you in prayer. We are in Florida and haven’t been getting notices from Winkels so decided to go on and check. God be with you!
With Love, John and Diane Glessner
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Susan (Jerrett) and Tom Sawasky
January 28, 2021 at 3:03 pm
To all of the Winkel family, Tom and I are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. It is so difficult to lose a parent. We were so Blessed to have such good care at those difficult times. May your beautiful memories help with your sorrow.
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