Clifford H. Winkler

Clifford H. "Wink" Winkler, 75, of Strasburg, and a former long-time resident of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, September 2, 2009, in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born, April 28, 1934, in Goshen, Wink was a son of the late Clifford E. and Edna Mae Hoover Winkler. He attended school in Zanesville and in Dover, and, on May 2, 1954, married the former Shirley Ritenour in Goshen. Wink was employed by the East Sparta Ceramic Tile Co. for forty-four years, retiring as a lab technician. He was a hard-worker, and often held second jobs, which included working at service stations, doing farmwork, driving for the former Abel's Cab Co. and working as a mechanic for the First Baptist Church of New Philadelphia. In his retirement, Wink drove automobiles for the Harry Humphries and Parkway dealerships, an activity he especially enjoyed.

Wink attended St. John United Church of Christ in Strasburg. He was a strong advocate for trade unions and the working man. Wink found joy in his later years spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He liked simply sitting on his front porch and visiting. He was also a great fan of the New Philadelphia Quakers, the Cleveland Browns, and the Food Network.

In his younger days, Wink raced with his good friend, Arnold Spears, at the Midvale Speedway. Being mechanically inclined, he built bicycles for his children, their children and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; three daughters, Barb (David) Hunter of Strasburg, Vicki Winkler of Dover, and Cindy (Jeff) Stein of New Philadelphia; three grandchildren, Nikki Greenwood and Josh Stein, both of New Philadelphia, and Abby Greenwood of Dover; five great-grandchildren, including twins that made their home with Wink and Shirley, Stone and Sierra Winkler, as well as Mercedes R. Lopez, Montez Hernandez and Gabriela Flores; a brother, John Winkler of New Philadelphia; former sons-in-law, Rick Stilgenbauer and Jeff Greenwood, both of Dover; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Wink was preceded in death by an infant sister; five brothers, David E., Arthur D., Billy, Bobby and Paul Winkler.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 5, at 10:30 a.m., in St. John United Church of Christ, 516 N. Wooster Ave., Strasburg, with Rev. Gary R. Friend officiating. Burial will be in East Avenue Cemetery, New Philadelphia. Following the committal, there will be a luncheon in the church. Family and friends are invited to call at the church on Friday (today), 5 8 p.m. To sign an online guestbbook and share a fond memory of Wink, please visit the Toland-Herzig Web site and click on Obituaries.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com