Herbert W. Winkler

Herbert W. Winkler, 74, of Columbia, husband of Elaine (Humeston) Winkler, departed this life on Friday, May 26, 2006 in Hartford. He was born on July 31, 1931 in North Branch, New York, son of the late Walter and Mabel (Odell) Winkler. Herb was retired from the Southern New England Telephone Company after 35 years of service. He served in the U. S. Air Force and was retired from the Army National Guard. He was a communicant of St. Columba Church, a life member and EMT instructor with the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department. Herb was a former Boy Scout troop leader, a member of the National Ski Patrol, the Knights of Columbus, the V.F.W. and the American Legion. His interests included skiing, hunting, fishing, scuba diving and dining out. Herb leaves his wife of nearly 55 years, Elaine, two sons, Warren and his wife Kathleen, Richard and his companion Wendy, one daughter, Kathleen and her husband Steve, six grandchildren, Erin, Stephen, Ryan, Kevin, Jessica and Jonathan. He also leaves one great grandson, Austin and one great granddaughter McKenna who were the light of his life and always put a smile on his face. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Rte. 195, Willimantic on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Columba Church, Rte. 87 at Rte.66, Columbia, with assembly at the church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Columba Church, 238 Rte. 66, Columbia, CT 06237 or the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 26, Columbia, CT 06237. Please visit www.potterfh.com for online memorial guestbook.