Dennis R. Winkler

Dennis Roger Winkler, age 82, of Lakota, ND, passed away Sunday, September 26, 2021 at the NCHS Care Center in McVille, ND.

Dennis was born in Neche, ND, to Gustov and Hulda Winkler on February 22, 1939, the youngest of six children.  He attended Neche public schools and graduated from Mayville State University in 1960.  He married Janet Skaro on August 19, 1962; they recently celebrated 59 years of marriage.  His teaching career started in Badger, MN, where he taught for two years.  The remainder of his career was spent at Lakota High School, where he began as a math and science teacher and then became principal in 1979.  Dennis also coached high school baseball at Lakota for many years.  One of the highlights of his coaching career was when the Lakota baseball team won the state championship in 1987.  Besides coaching baseball, Dennis enjoyed golf and was a member of the local golf club for many years.  He also worked as a house painter in the summers and he served one term as the mayor of Lakota.  After retiring in 1994, Dennis enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and having morning coffee with his friends.  Dennis also was a devoted caregiver to his wife Janet, who resides in the McVille Care Center.  In recent years, Dennis has enjoyed visiting his son Darin’s garden and helping him make garden soup and sauerkraut every summer.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Lloyd and Lawrence Winkler; and his sister, Leora Feick.

He is survived by his sisters, Beatrice Anderson of Saint Paul, MN, and Doris Kassenborg of Moorhead, MN; his children, Andrea Nock (Tim) of Westminister, CO, and Darin Winkler (Lisa) of Grand Forks, ND; his grandchildren, Kelsey Kubat, Justin Kubat, Zachary Winkler, Alexis Winkler, and Maximus Winkler; and great-grandson, Daxton Winkler.

The family of Dennis Winkler wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Nelson County Health System Care Center, Fargo Hospice, Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, and all friends and family, especially Neil Dardis, who supported Dennis through his difficult time.

Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 4, 2021, at the Lakota Lutheran Church, with Funeral Services at 2:00 p.m.  Interment will be at the Lakota Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at Lakota Lutheran Church.

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