Jean R. Winkler

Jean R. Winkler, 84, of East Peoria, went to be with the Lord and was reunited with her husband in Heaven at 3:25 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015 at Hopedale Medical Complex in Hopedale. Born Oct. 4, 1931 in Peoria, IL to Walter L. and Helen (Mohr) Stone, she married Richard D. Winkler on Feb. 17, 1952, in Peoria, IL. He preceded her in death on April 25, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents and sister, Joyce Albright. Surviving are four children, Deborah (Rick) Garrison of Tremont and granddaughter, Gretchen (Nick) Uhlman and her great-grandchildren, Brady and Kinze Uhlman; Richard W. Winkler of Peoria and grandson, Matthew (Amanda) Winkler and her great-grandson, Bjorn Winkler; Dede (J.R.) Friedrich of Germantown Hills and grandchildren, Jack and A.J. Friedrich, Mallory (Danny) Osterloo and her great-grandson, Kent Osterloo; Danine (Terry) Grebner of Glasford and granddaughter, Hannah (Matthew) McLoughlin; and her brother, Thomas Stone of Huntington Beach, CA. Jean was an East Peoria Alumni, class of 1950. She worked early in her adult life at Illinois Bell as a teller. Jean spent her life as a homemaker and as a partner to her husband always in charge of everything on the home front such as raising her children, mending, cooking, sewing Halloween costumes and clothes, and keeping an immaculate home. Jean took various jobs such as a cafeteria cook for 3 years at Armstrong Grade School in East Peoria and at Ideal Troy Cleaners in Peoria. She did this to make sure her children had whatever they needed (not necessarily what they wanted). As a voracious reader, having a love for education, and a desire to always be an educator, Jean made it her mission to “teach” her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren the lessons of living the right way and doing the right thing. Whether it was using proper English or using the correct term, she was determined to instruct. She always kept a sense of humor which was appreciated by many. Jean had a strong belief and trust in God and His promises. She was a proud life-long Lutheran first attending church and Sunday school at First English Lutheran Church in Peoria. Jean became a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Peoria after being married there. She volunteered in the office and on the alter guild for many years. Everyone enjoyed her spunk and grit, and it will be missed by many, especially her family and the staff at Hopedale Nursing Home. Her funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Peoria with Pastor Mark Nelson officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria, with further visitation one hour prior to services from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Interment will be at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Jean R. Winkler

October 4, 1931 - November 28, 2015