Daniel P. Winkelmann, Jr.
November 14, 1936-May 5, 2026
Age 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he lived a life rooted in service, generosity, and love for his community.
For decades, he served as President of Winkelmann Sons Drugs, where he practiced pharmacy with uncommon dedication and compassion. His customers were never just customers — they were neighbors, friends, and part of the extended family he cared for with steady hands and a generous heart. He was a selfless, unassuming, prayerful man who showed up for others and lived his faith through quiet acts of service, never seeking recognition.
To countless children across St. Louis — and to many adults who never stopped believing — he was Santa Claus. Whether visiting nursing homes, surprising family gatherings, or delighting neighborhood children, he embodied the spirit of Christmas. His kindness and twinkling eyes made every visit unforgettable. He lived a life praying with us and for us all the time with the Santa spirit.
Above all, he was a devoted husband and father. His family was the joy of his life, and he poured his whole heart into them — steady, loyal, and loving to the very end.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years Kathy Winkelmann (nee Straub); children Dan, III and Sandy Winkelmann, Sue (Michael) Schultz, Mary (Ian) Devers, Thomas (Carolyn) Winkelmann and Tracy (James) Mathia; grandchildren Brian (Lara) Schultz, Katie (Kevin) Brotherton, Emily (Adam) Frigerio, Bridget, Heidi and Andy Devers, Jimmy, Hannah and Henry Mathia; great grandchildren Peter and Hailey Schultz, Lucy and Rosie Brotherton; and a wide circle of relatives, friends, and neighbors who will carry his memory forward with gratitude.
His life was a gift to all who knew him — a life of service, faith, and love.
Services; Visitation at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church (9740 Sappington Rd. 63127) Saturday May 9th, 9:30 AM until funeral mass at 10:30 AM. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Sisters of St. Joseph Carondelet, 6400 Minnesota Ave. St Louis, MO 63111. https://www.csjsl.org/
Sounds like pop. Wonderful job!!! Love tom
I never met him but feel I knew him through countless stories while golfing with my precious friend, Sandy Winkelmann. Their love and admiration for each other was beautiful and their devotion to each other was always evident. Sending love and prayers to your family knowing the Lord will wrap you in His arms and give you peace and comfort.
Oh, God rest his soul! He was the best landlord ever, giving Twice Blessed Resale Shop a successful beginning right next door to the pharmacy. Mr. Winkelmann was a dear, kind soul and we already missed him since he retired after the pharmacy’s one hundredth anniversary. May he rest in peace.
So happy to have Dan as my big brother (in-law)Your spirit will live on in family and friends and all the neighbors whose life you touched with love. Will miss you so much.
The written tributes capture the essence of our brother, Dan. He was faithful, loving, supportive and ready. I thank God for him in my life and his caring love he shared.
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man!
I loved all of my time working at WSD… I (and my boys) have so many fond memories of time spent on Meramac. He was ring-leader to a whole cast of characters that showed compassion and kindness day in and day out. Most importantly, he was kind enough to drive hours to be Santa at our home for the boys and friends at Christmas. The twinkle in his eye when I told him that I was holding him to the promise of having a son on his birthday, was the best. Rest in peace a fine and faithful servant.
Uncle Dan – Thank you for your kindness…letting me work at the drugstore on Meramec, and for helping with mine and Chris’ wedding at St. Anthony’s. As kids, us Juddy’s loved coming to your and Aunt Kathy’s house for all of the holidays and for swimming. It was always a fun day when we got to go to the Winkelmann’s! You will be forever missed, a true patriarch for us all. Love from Seattle, Nancy ♥️
Kathy I am so sorry to hear about Dan. I know his health had deteriated. I’m sure all those St. Joseph nuns are sending prayers for you and your family and especially for Dan. I will try to make the funeral but may have some complications. Know our thoughts are with you. Carol Buck
Deepest sympathy to his family. It’s clear many happy memories of him fill their hearts. He leaves a loving, living legacy for us to cherish and emulate.
Deepest sympathy to his family.. May he rest in peace. Many happy memories from Meramec Street, St. Anthony of Padua Parish and Compton street.
Mr Winkelmann was everything Santa stands for- joyful, funny, generous, silly, warm, efficient and amazing. And he was like this all year. What a great, great guy. So sorry that he’s gone, but I am so grateful to have known him. May God continue to bless him and his family and may he rest in peace.
What a blessing he was to so many of us. His professionalism and devotion to his “friends”…i.e. customers was unparcelled. I am so sorry to miss his funeral liturgy, but I will be there in spirit. Kathy, be assured of my loving prayers.
Kathy – I was so saddened by the news about Dan. You both influenced my life more than you know. As a young teen you trusted me to watch your kids. As a naive 16 yr old you trusted me to work at the drugstore. Dan was patient and kind and I learned many valuable life lessons there that I carried with me all these years.
To Kathy & family & all my cousins – please accept my condolences and warmest wishes.
To Danny and family,
I just saw this. My sincere condolences. I lost my mom just before Christmas. I wish you love and healing.
We could look out our kitchen window and see the Winkelmann’s house – great memories growing up in the ole neighborhood, community and SCL parish with the W family – RIP.
On behalf of the Chaplain’s Department at Friendship Village, we offer our deepest condolences to your family. Kathy, we are here with you and for you and are lifting you up in prayer. Please remember what God promises through the Psalmist, “God is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18.
Although I never personally met Mr. Winkelmann, his name (from the drugstore) was and is a permanent part of the landscape that I knew as St. Anthony of Padua parish, where I lived 1952-64. It’f funny what you remember: around 1958 my older brother Phil came home one day and proclaimed an incredible invention from the Winkelmann soda fountain–cherry Coke! It was like my brother had discovered fire. I also still have in my dresser right now my first Yo-Yo bought in 1960 from Winkelmann’s. You created memories. God bless you and your family, and thanks for being a wonderful positive part of the neighborhood and our lives.
I knew Dan as his employee in the mid 1970s and again in the late 1990s when I visited him while working for STLCOP.
My brother Bob also worked for him.
He was extremely kind when our father passed away unexpectedly. He was also fun to visit with at the pharmacy conferences at the Lake of the Ozarks. A good man who made everyone else better for knowing him. My condolences.
Jim Salmo – Milwaukee
So sorry to hear your husband passed.
Accept my sympathy.