Stephen Wayne Winkler

Stephen Wayne Winkler, 71, of Hickory, passed away at his residence on May 5, 2020 following a period of declining health.

Stephen was born August 7, 1948, in Catawba County, to Catherine Killian Winkler and the late Theodore Winkler. He was a member of Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church and worked as a Rural Mail Carrier for the Morganton Post Office for forty years. He served in the United States Air Force. Stephen enjoyed woodworking in his shop, looking at old cars, going to his camper, and coaching little league sports teams.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Penny Williams Winkler; children, Krista Van Horn and husband Jason, Jonathan Winkler and wife Susan, Jason Carswell and wife Kris, and Justin Carswell and wife Kristen; and grandchildren, Payton Rooks, Noah Rooks, Amberly Van Horn, Carson Winkler, Lily Winkler, Jakob Carswell, Savanna Carswell, Declan Carswell, Oliver Carswell, Cadence Carswell, Logan Carswell, and Maci Carswell. Also surviving are his sister, Judy Tranum and husband Newton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will have a private graveside service at Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Mike Costner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516; or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care at 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

An online obituary will be available at www.heritagefuneralservice.com.

Heritage Funeral Service and Cremation is serving the family.