Charles William Winkels

In Loving Memory of Charles Winkels

Charles William Winkels passed away to his heavenly Father on January 12, 2024, at his home
surrounded by his loving family.

Charlie was born on June 6, 1952, to Herman M. Winkels and Elena B. Winkels. In his early days he had
more questions than answers. What’s the meaning of life? What is Love? Who loves me? What am I to
do?
Charlie graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1970. On December 30, 1972, he married Marlys
Elaine Hovland; a strong Christian woman who prayed that he would come to know the Lord. In the
1970s, while he was pursuing a degree in Animal Science at the University of Minnesota, the Gideons did
their 1st Bible blitz and gave him a little green testament; the first bible he read.

In Charlie’s words: “Having Marlys and the Word to guide me, I gave my life to the Lord. All the answers
to my questions, the strength and power to save is in Jesus, in His Word. Standing firm in the Truth
(Truth is Truth, not a consensus of people) that Bible, and seeing it lived out especially by Marlys,
created Love. Marlys and I are truly one. Together we grow in Love, experiencing all the blessings of the
Lord. Each of our 5 children: Chase, Travis, Sally, Suzy, and Jill are true wonders. Each one walks a slightly
different path, but they all know there is only one way, Jesus Christ. First, we must be saved, then we
are called to share the Word; wherever we are at and whatever we are doing. I am so proud of every
one of them who loves Jesus, loves family, and is a witness to others. I received so many other blessingsgrandchildren,
great grandchildren, close lifelong friends and being part of the Body to serve and be
served. May our lives bring Glory and Honor to Him, and we will join Him in Eternal Life. I can’t even
imagine what that will be like but now I see! Read the Word, live the Word, be the Word to others and
we will all be together forever and ever. Amen.”

Charlie graduated from the U of M in 1973. He then worked in dairy farming for many years in
Minnesota and Wisconsin, after which he worked at SunOpta in Breckenridge until retiring. Retirement
did not slow him down, as he worked as a handyman sharing his skills and lending a helping hand to
those in need.

Faith played a central role in Charlie's life, evident in his membership in the Gideons and serving as an
elder and chairman of Hope Lutheran Brethren Church until his passing.
Beyond his dedication to work and faith, Charlie had a lifelong love of horses. He also enjoyed the
outdoors- deer hunting, playing golf, and gardening (especially his roses).

Charles Winkels is survived by his beloved wife, Marlys Elaine Winkels, his children: Chase (Julie)
Winkels, Travis (Mary) Winkels, Sally (Denny) Jensen, Suzy (Daniel) Heikes, and Jill (Josh) Hough. He was
a devoted son to his mother Elena Winkels. Charles leaves a beautiful legacy in his 15 grandchildren and
9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 3 siblings, 7 in-laws, and many beloved nephews and
nieces.

In this time of grief, let us come together to celebrate the life of Charles Winkels, blessed be his
memory.  John 14:6 “I am the way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Memorial Services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Hope Lutheran Brethren Church in
Barnesville, MN with Rev. Kevin Skaret officiating.

Visitation will be 5-7 Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Dobmeier Funeral Home with a Prayer Service at 7:00
pm. Visitation will also continue for one hour prior to the memorial service at the church on
Wednesday.