Walter Winkler , December 15, 1948 — October 18, 2018

Walter Winkler, 69, was at home, surrounded by family as he entered eternity on October 18, 2018. A true testament to Walt’s strength and determination is that he fought multiple myeloma for the last 13 years with dignity, a smile and scarcely a complaint. Walt was born on December 15, 1948 in Reading Pennsylvania, the son of the late Josef and Erna Winkler.

He was a loving husband to Karen, a devoted father to his sons, Gregory and Stephen, an engaged grandfather to Ryan, Nathaniel and Lilly. He was a friend to many. Walt was a farmer his entire life, from his first steps on the family farm in Pennsylvania, through the last 50 years on his farm in Waynesboro.

He graduated from Kutztown Area High School, and then earned his Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry from Delaware Valley College. His journey brought him to Colonial Farms, in Virginia. Walt was a longtime member of Stuarts Draft Ruritans club, where, among his many responsibilities he was one of the organizers of the yearly Ham, Oyster, and Turkey dinners as well as the Sweet Dreams breakfasts.

Walt received the distinct honor of becoming a Ruritan Forever in September 2018. He was an active member at Expo, the Virginia Charolais Association, and Calvary United Methodist Church. Walt is survived by his wife Karen, son Gregory and his wife, Niki and their three children, Ryan, Nathaniel, and Lillian; and his son Stephen and his partner Viki.

He is also survived by his mother in law, “Mumzie”, brothers Gerhard (Carol), Rudy (Jean), Hermann (Brenda), sister Irmgard (Charles), as well as many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 10:00am until 11:00am on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2179 Stuarts Draft Highway, Stuarts Draft. VA.

A service of celebration will be held at 11:30am with Pastor David Vaughan officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the MCV hospitality house- The Doorways: Between Healing & Home, 612 East Marshall Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 or Stuarts Draft Ruritan Club Charities Scholarship Fund, PO Box 881, Stuarts Draft, Virginia 24477.

The family wishes to thank the Oncology Center at Augusta Health and the UVA Dialysis Unit at Augusta Health for the care, love and support they offered. Share memories and condolences at www. charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.

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