Joseph Winkelman - Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel

June 14, 1964 - July 17, 2014


Joseph M. Winkelman, age 50, of Savage, formerly of Eagan, passed away unexpectedly on July 17, 2014. Preceded in death by parents, J. Brian and Eleanor. Survived by loving family, wife, Karla; sons, Trevor and Tyler; sisters, Nancy (Dave) Meuleners, and Diane (Jim) Mahler. Also survived by aunts, Judy Nelson and Winnifred Winkelman and uncle, John “Jack” Winkelman; parents-in-law, Norman and Joanne Peterson; sister-in-law Kristen (David) Benik; nieces, nephews and many cousins. Our beloved Joe was a wonderful husband, father, friend, brother, son-in-law and brother-in-law. He was extremely proud of his family and either coached many of his sons’ baseball and football teams, or, if he wasn’t coaching, he was at their games supporting and cheering them on. He attended the University of Minnesota and played football for the Gophers from 1982-86. He graduated with a degree in business and communications in 1987. He enjoyed watching college football and was a Gopher Football season ticket holder for many years. He will be dearly missed by many.


26 Comments

  1. Ann McHale McLaughlin says:

    My heart goes out to Karla, Trevor and Tyler Winkelman. Your husband and dad will be deeply missed. I have many wonderful memories of growing up with “Little Joe” along with my cousins Nancy and Diane. I love you all!

  2. Greg & Ann Crow says:

    Our condolences to Karla, Trevor and Tyler. Joe was a friend to all that new him. He be missed beyond words. God Bless.

  3. Lori Wilson says:

    So sorry for your loss. He will be deeply missed. I have great memories of Joe and Karla supporting their boys.

  4. Bob and Karen Kunik says:

    We’re so sorry for your loss. I echo Lori’s mention of Joe’s support of the boys throughout their sports and school activities. Joe and Karla were always there. Joe always had a kind word to say and a grin he shared with many. Karla, Trevor and Tyler, you’re in our thoughts and prayers.

  5. Hersman Family says:

    We are so saddened and sorry for your great loss. Know that so many of your friends in this community are praying for you and sending support. Joe was a wonderful man, coach, and fan, and we are honored to have spent time with him. Lots of love is being sent your way. We hope that it gives you strength.

  6. Rachel and Rich Grounds says:

    Karla, Trevor and Tyler, we were so very sorry to hear of your loss. We have so many good memories of Joe – coaching Eagan Bombers baseball; getting together before, during and after EHS football games. We remember his sense of fun and his good nature, and how much he loved talking about his family. He was so proud of all of you. He will be missed. Karla, you and the boys are in our prayers.

  7. Joe and Michelle Doucette says:

    Karla,Trevor and Tyler, we are so very deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Joe. Please accept our most sincere condolences and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the memories of Joe’s life provide you with comfort as you go through this difficult time.

  8. Larry and Kathleen Petroske says:

    Nancy and Diane, we are sorry to read of the death of your brother Joe. You and Joe’s boys and wife will be in our prays. God Bless you all. Larry and Kathleen

  9. Julie & Greg Maanum says:

    Karla , Trevor & Tyler,
    We are heartbroken about the loss of Joe. He was a wonderful
    husband, father & friend and will be deeply missed.
    You all are in our thoughts and prayers
    Hugs
    Julie & Greg Maanum

  10. Tammy Freeman says:

    Karla, Trevor & Tyler,
    My heart goes to your family. I worked with Joe at InstyMeds and he was always a big, smiling face around the office. He will be missed by us, too. Hugs to you all in your time of sorrow.
    Tammy Freeman

  11. John and Sharon Mangan says:

    Karla, Trevor and Tyler,

    We are at a loss for words to tell your family how sad we are to hear the news about Joe.
    What a great guy and father he was and we enjoyed all the talks we had in the stands with you and Joe. Please reach out if there is anything we can do, especially any help with moving Tyler back to school.

    You are in our prayers,

    John, Sharon, Tyler and Alex Mangan

  12. Brian Harpring says:

    I’m so sorry to hear about Joe. I interacted with him many times during his years at Batesville, as he was in the field, and I worked out of the home office. Whenever we got together at various meetings, I always enjoyed talking with him. He was my kind of guy. Our conversations were never work-related, always sports-related. I know that he was a proud father and very active with his kids’. We’ll certainly miss him. We’ll be thinking about his family. God bless.
    Harp

  13. Dave Shank says:

    One of the most distinct privileges of my life was getting to know, and work with, Joe. He was a true professional by any standard of measure, and an outstanding example to his peers. More importantly, he was one of the kindest people I have encountered in my life. And he often spoke about family – of Karla, Trevor and Tyler, and how much he loved and admired each of you. He loved you unconditionally – and he spoke of his care for you frequently. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you join hands and travel this journey together. May Joe’s legacy live on in and through each of us who knew him.

  14. Dan & Kristi Sheehy, Hastings NE says:

    I had the great pleasure of working and getting to know Joe at Batesville. He was always there with a smile and a “Wink” and had that clam about him that was so inviting. Please know that Joe and his entire family will be in our prayers. Joe was a good friend and confidant and I shall miss him dearly.
    Dan

  15. Perry Hasselbeck says:

    Winkelman Family:

    I used to work with Joe many years ago when he was with Batesville. Joe will be remembered fondly as great man and good friend. May the support of family and friends comfort you during this difficult time.

  16. Steve Schmoldt says:

    I’m so sorry to hear about Joe. We worked together for several years at Batesville. Not only did we work together but he was a true friend as well. My condolences to Karla, Trevor and Tyler. Joe was so proud of his family and we spoke often about how important family was to him during our travels together. He will be missed by everyone. My thoughts and prayers are will you during this difficult time.

  17. Dan, Cathy, JD, and Henry Dorgan says:

    Karla, Trevor, and Tyler,
    We are deeply saddened at Joe’s sudden passing and want you to know that you have our support through this difficult time. Joe was a great guy to coach with and he certainly kept things “fun” for the boys…and us coaches, too! He was immensely proud of all of you and I recall my conversation with him and you, Karla, at the Gustie/Johnnie football game this past Fall. It was very apparent that he was proud of having both Trevor and Tyler follow in his footsteps as college football players and the fact that the Gusties pulled out a win in OT made it a happy day for him. Henry enjoyed the robust “Hank!!” greeting Joe always gave him and is thankful that Joe took him to his first Golden Gopher game. Joe touched numerous people in positive ways and will truly be missed!

  18. Pratik Khetiya says:

    Karla, Trevor & Tyler,
    My heart goes to all of you. I worked with Joe at InstyMeds and in the past year got to know him well working on a common project. He was very kind, gentle and thoroughly professional. I haven’t met any of you but from talking to him I could say that he loved you all very much and was proud of you. We will miss him dearly. May god give you all the strength to weather this tough phase.

  19. Bret Drewelow says:

    I was very shocked and saddened to hear the news about Joe. We started working for Batesville about the same time. I always enjoyed trading stories of boys growing up and also war stories from coaching youth sports. He was a great guy and he will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Karla, Trevor and Tyler and the Winkleman family.

  20. Bob & Mary Jean Hocraffer says:

    Our sympathy to each one of you in the loss of your husband, father, brother and dear friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. He will be deeply missed. Brian and Eleanor were very special to us and we miss them very much also.

  21. Steve & Daphne Izer says:

    Nancy & all the family- Our hearts are heavy on the passing of your dear brother. Will be thinking of you all in the days, weeks & months ahead as you learn to deal with such an enormous loss in your lives.Such a sudden loss is a lot to deal with. Prayers to you all

  22. Don and Janet Wegmiller says:

    Nancy and Diane,
    We are so saddened by the news of Joe’s passing. Our thoughts are with all of you. There are so many wonderful memories of our years as neighbors in Richfield. Mark and Dean just recalled the fun trip to Colorado that Joe did with us. Those three guys pretty much filled the back of our big station wagon.
    It is no surprise to hear that Joe has been a wonderful father and husband – he was always special.
    Fondly, Don, Janet, Kathy (Cummings), Mark and Dean Wegmiller

  23. Michelle Novak says:

    Nancy, and family, please accept my sincere condolences at the passing of hour brother. I know how hard a time this is for all of you. All of us at the Truck Safety Coaltion, your friends, love you very much and want you to know that if you need anything at all, we’re all here for you. We all hope to be of service to you as you grieve and as you recover, as we always are together through all our trials. But mostly, we just want to tell you and your whole family how sorry we are for your loss, and that we love you.
    Michelle Novak

  24. The Burd Family says:

    What a shock and terrible loss of Joe. You only had to meet Joe once to know what an amazing and genuine person he was. His family, relatives, friends, and co-workers now with a huge void in their lives are in our thoughts.

  25. Roxana Reeves says:

    I was working with Joe to help to grow his business and he was an incredible person in the brief time I had contact with him. Please let me express my sorrow and condolences to your family. God Bless you and may you find strength to carry his memory forward.

    Roxana Reeves

  26. Samantha Kieffer says:

    I know this is late, however I just heard about Joe passing. I’m very sorry for the family. I worked with Joe at the Home Office via phone and email. He was always extremely courteous and kind. I enjoyed our conversations. He will be missed.

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