William "Bill" W. Winkler

William (Bill) Warren Winkler 81, of Indianapolis, passed away on May 27, 2023.

Bill was born on October 16, 1941 to Helen (Sue) and Loren Winkler in Rushville, IN and is the oldest of two children. After graduating from Rushville High School in 1959, he went on to study education at Purdue University, where he was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and ROTC. His time there provided some of his happiest memories, and he participated in alumni activities and annual reunions as often as he could.

Following his time at Purdue, Bill joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and later in Germany. He supported the Pershing missile program, which was a point of great pride for him. He went on to a career in banking that included jobs at Indiana National Bank and Union Bank and Trust.

In 1968, Bill met his wife Phyllis at work. They hit it off immediately and were engaged within weeks and married in 1969. The couple went on to have 3 children—Tricia, Jenny, and Tony. Bill was an adoring husband who counted his blessings often after 54 years of marriage. He was also a kind and doting father, and never missed an opportunity to share his hometown pride with his family. His kids have known the Rushville High School fight song by heart since childhood.

After retirement Bill and Phyllis travelled often, visiting several countries in Europe and exploring new places in the US, including Alaska. He found great joy and comradery through singing, golf, and his membership at the American Legion Beech Grove #276. He made many friends while belting out Michael Bublé hits at weekly karaoke, singing in the choir at St. Jude Catholic Church, and playing as a regular member of the “Old Timer’s Club” at Pleasant Run Golf Course.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Loren and Sue Winkler. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Hirn); brother, James; children: Tony, Jenny Camire (Noel), and Tricia Hayes (Mike); and his grandchildren: Samantha, Jackson, Joey and Ellie; as well as many nieces and nephews.

These words can only scratch the surface of the love he gave and received. Bill was a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend who will be sorely missed.

Services will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, 5353 McFarland Road, Indianapolis on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Visitation is from 8:30-10 am and a funeral Mass follows at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Legion (legion.org) or St. Vincent DePaul (svdpindy.org), organizations that Bill felt strongly about.