George R. Winkel

Born May 29, 1935 in Morris, George was a son of Ralph and Mary Edna (Sullivan) Winkel.  He attended school in Morris and Minooka, graduating from Minooka High School with the class of 1954.  From 1955-1957, he proudly served in the United States Army.  On April 16, 1964, George married Kathryn Barra at the priest’s home of the Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City, and not at the church itself due to construction on the church at that time.  George was owner and operator of George Winkel Excavating and Trucking Company.  He was an excellent heavy machine operator who loved being able to use his talents to help people with their needs.   He was a member of the Morris VFW and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris.  He was also a member of the Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers. George will be missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends for his kindness, generosity, helpfulness, and outgoing personality.   He always had a joke or some “words of wisdom” to share, and could strike up a conversation with both friends and strangers alike.   

Survivors include his sister: Theresa Craig of Lonsdale, Arkansas; brothers: Leo (Judy) Winkel of Morris and Duane Winkel; sister-in-law: JoAnn (Norman) Wills of Platteville, Wisconsin; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn (2019); his parents; brother, Bernard Winkel; sister, Florence (John) Gollick; and brother-in-law, Clyde Craig.

A visitation for George will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street, in Morris from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral  Service at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Jason Stone presiding and Deacon Paul Jung assisting.

A live stream of George’s funeral will be available starting at 10:00 on Wednesday, which can be found on George’s memorial page.

Pallbearers will be Jim Benda, Frank Black, Dan Hoffman, Jeff Ivanyi, Kurt Stevens, and Rance Welsh.

Burial with full military honors will follow the funeral at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Morris, where George will be laid to rest with his wife, Kathryn.  

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in George’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share George’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. In Morris, Illinois (815) 942-2500.