Always known as “Jerry”, Gerald Gene Winkleman, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor, teacher, brother, and friend, passed away November 10, 2023, at the age of 95 in St. Louis, MO. Born October 7, 1928, to August and Amelia (Jensen) Winkleman, he lost his mother at age 4. Raised by his father and stepmother Phyllis (Stokoe) Winkleman in Mason City and Des Moines, Iowa, with his brothers and sister, he retained the humble attitude of his farm family roots. His life was devoted to loving family, academic success, music performance, and passion for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
His academic career began when he taught a college course on Biblical Greek as a high-school senior. After earning a B.A. in mathematics at Drake University, he served as Assistant Chaplain in the Army in post-war Germany. He earned a Bachelor of Divinity and an M.A. in Christian Education at Wheaton College, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education at the University of Buffalo. An able teacher and administrator, he led academic programs at Buffalo Bible Institute (NY), Huntington College (IN), Bethel College (IN), and Fresno Pacific University (CA). He taught courses on hermeneutics and homiletics, and he pastored churches in Illinois and New York.
Jerry applied his musical talents for piano, trumpet, and other brass and keyboard instruments early on, when touring with Guy Libbey for Youth For Christ, and then in church worship services throughout his life.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Gretchen von Goehde, and brothers August “Earl” and John “Jack”, and survived by his sister Priscilla (Clair) Williams, his children Diane (Dave) Grilz, Warren (Becky), Mark, and Austin (Sue) Winkleman, 13 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Camp Scholarship Fund at Geyer Road Baptist Church, 504 S. Geyer Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122 or at www.geyerroad.com. Visitation will be held at 10:00, with a memorial service at 11:00 on Saturday, November 18, at Geyer Road Baptist Church.
My Uncle Jerry was one of the kindest and most patient people that I have ever known. I have many fond memories of Gretchen, Jerry, and the Winkleman Family. Gretchen and Jerry visited me frequently when I was living in Los Angeles and they both welcomed me into their home several times in South Bend, Fresno, and most recently in Prescott, AZ. Jerry enjoyed giving tours of the local area when I visited – and a splendid tour guide he was! One of my fondest memories of Jerry was in late winter 1969 when the Winklemans and the Braggs assembled in Boston to attend Grandfather vonGoehde’s funeral. Both families stayed at Grandmother’s two bedroom Center Street apartment for two or three nights. There was a total of twelve people staying in that little place: Grammy, four parents, and seven cousins ranging in age from 7 to 14 years. Kids are small, so there was enough real estate in the living room for us to camp out with sleeping bags. I’m guessing that the parents camped out upstairs and wherever else they could fit. How did we do it? Jerry made a valiant effort to ensure that us kids were comfortable and entertained enough so that we didn’t all go stir crazy. One day Jerry took us to the local park and we played ball and ran off steam. Another day he piled us all in the station wagon and took us down to Boston Harbor to tour the SS Constitution “Old Ironsides”. Jerry was constantly thinking of the needs of others. I’m grateful that I had the chance to visit with Jerry for a nice lunch at Laclede Groves just about seven weeks ago – we had a fine time together and shared many laughs. Rest in Peace Uncle Jerry and may God Bless Your Soul always!
Fond memories of my Uncle Jerry & family
Always got a chuckle when Dad would talk about growing up with Jerry and Jack on Walt and Pearl’s farm when they were boys
Enjoyed getting with everyone at the family reunions and hearing more stories. Not sure how they all survived their youth 😊
I know there’s a great reunion in heaven going on right now. Glad we are all part of a great family
Love ya Jerry
Uncle Jerry was one of a kind…He had all the personality characteristics of a first born but what I remember the most was his deep voice that always got everyone’s attention. He was so very intelligent and articulate with his words that I always looked up to him. I remember it was usually Uncle Jerry that would bless the meal if not Grandpa. I remember and treasure all of the family reunions and so many of the childhood stories and all the pictures as well. We were all so blessed to have an amazing family even though we all lived in the 4 corners of the nation. I can only imagine his welcome into glory was incredible and to think of him free and in the presence of Jesus is just too much to comprehend. Thank you Jesus for the gift of Uncle Jerry and enjoy him in glory!!! Love to the whole family!
Love in Christ,. Jeannie