Janet A. Winkler

Janet A. Winkler, 88, of Traverse City passed away at her home on April 22, 2018. Janet was born on August 11, 1929 to Glenn and Arlene Hazel of Lake Odessa, Michigan. She graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design. In 1954 she married Norbert “Wink” Winkler, her husband of 62 years. Wink started Traverse Saw Service with Jan as his business partner at the front desk and she became an accomplished chain sharpener. Family was at the center of Jan's life. She cared for her parents until their passing. She also cared for her husband Wink at home until he passed away in June of 2016. Jan would show up willing to help, whether that meant to help move, renovate a home, split wood, put up siding, bale trees, paint from scaffolding, knit a sweater or make a wedding dress. She welcomed the chance to watch, transport or house her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and whenever she was asked to she always said, “I’ll be glad to have them.” Family, friend, neighbor—it was impossible to know Jan and not be helped by her. Although she preferred to stay near home and was reluctant to see her children travel, she always encouraged them to visit the places they wanted to go. Jan found time to be an avid reader even while she sanctioned her large family’s many varied interests. Jan supported school sports, sailing, hockey, canoeing, boat building, camping with family, keeping horses, and raising Portuguese water dogs, as well as musical theater, band, quilting, canning, and preparing gifts and meals for 50+ people when the whole group got together! From martial arts and old engine renovation to entomology, taxidermy, sea lamprey control, and genetics, Jan was there to encourage her loved ones in whatever they enjoyed. Jan created an incredible flower garden every summer in her backyard even before she graduated from the MSU Master Gardener class. She walked the flea market every year at the Buckley Old Engine Show, cross-country skied as much as possible each winter, frequented the NMC Barbecue and always surveyed the floats and savored the Very Cherry Luncheon during Cherry Festival week. She was a member at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City, sewing weekly with the group that recently produced its 12,000th quilt to send overseas. Janet knew how to be present in each moment, thinking always of others and how she could help. She will be greatly missed. Janet is survived by her children Virginia Schafer of Tennessee Colony, Texas; Cynthia Bates of Summertown, Tennessee; Stephen Winkler of Traverse City; Deborah Winkler of Marquette; Dr. Michael (Cathy) Winkler of Traverse City; Jane Winkler of Traverse City; Mark Winkler of Dallas, Texas; Ann (Mark) Pytell of Clinton Township; Jeffrey (Janine) Winkler of Traverse City; brother Wayne (Gaye) Hazel of Lake Odessa, sister Marjorie (Larry) Wichern of Cedar; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her grandson, Curtis Pytell. Memorials in Janet’s name may be directed to the Northwestern Michigan College Foundation, 1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, Michigan, 49686. The service celebrating Janet's life will be held on Wednesday, June 20, 10 a.m., at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3575 Veterans Drive, Traverse City, Michigan, 49684.

Janet A. Winkler

August 11, 1929 - April 22, 2018