Kenneth B. Winkle

CONTINENTAL -  Kenneth B. Winkle, 92, of Continental went to his heavenly home surrounded by his family at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at his residence in Continental, Ohio  He was born in Continental, Ohio on May 6, 1924 to the late Eber and Mae (Schmidt) Winkle.   He married Mary Edith Unverferth on March 31, 1951.  She died November 10, 2011.

He is survived by three children: Tom (Vicki) Winkle of Defiance, Ron (Wanda) Winkle and Diane (Sam) Brown both of Continental; "Grandpa Barney" is also survived by seven grandchildren: Kristin Winkle Tacy of Charlotte, NC., Kelly (Anthony) Tegenkamp, Rob (Melissa) Winkle, Ryan (Katie) Winkle, Stacie Dirr, Kurtis (Chelsea) Brown and Jessica (Kyle) Vennekotter all of Continental; eight great-grandchildren: Quinn and Reid Tegenkamp, Addison and Aubrey Winkle, Ryley and Ryker Winkle, Grady Dirr and Emmy Vennekotter; one step-granddaughter, Jolene (Ben) Williams of Defiance and three step great-grandchildren: Alexi, Caden and Megan; a sister, Norma Jean Morgan of Continental; four sisters-in-law: Dorothy Winkle of Continental, Ruth Ann Horstman of Cloverdale, Julie (Harold) Selhorst and Irma (Ron) Kahle both of Kalida.  He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Mr. Winkle was also preceded in death by two great-grandsons: Cayden and Connor Winkle; his step-mother, Lucile Winkle; a brother, Joe Winkle; six brothers-in-law: Bob Horstman, David Morgan, Urban (Helen) Unverferth, Virgil (Virginia) Unverferth, Richard (Gladys) Unverferth and Donald "Jiggs" (Helen) Unverferth; one sister-in-law, Marietta 'Toots" (Harold) Smith.

Kenneth graduated from Continental High School in 1942 and served his country proudly in the US Navy as a radio operator aboard the USS Willis during World War II.  In 1960, he established H&K Motor Sales with his business partner the late Howard Halbgewoks, and was a Chevrolet dealer from 1960-2005.  He was a long standing member of Continental American Legion Post #541, Lima Elks, and the Lima and Cape Coral, FL Moose lodges.  He served on the board of directors for the Continental TDS, the Continental Bank, and the Continental Development Board.  He was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic church in Continental Ohio. He enjoyed spending his winters at his vacation home in Cape Coral, FL and his favorite pastimes included flying his Cessna airplane as a licensed pilot, landscaping, and spoiling his grandchildren. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Continental with Fr. Mark Hoying officiating.  Burial will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Continental with military rites by the Continental American Legion.  The family will receive visitors at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Continental from 2 to 8 pm on Monday and one hour prior to the mass at church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family would request that memorial contributions be made to St. John the Baptist Building Fund or Putnam County Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed to: www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com.