On May 9, 2024, Jesus called LeRoy William Winkler forward to everlasting life.  LeRoy was born January 11, 1937, to Eugene & Philomena (Kongs) Winkler. He attended Kelly schools and graduated from Kelly High School in 1954. He married Eunice Haverkamp at St Mary’s Catholic Church, St Benedict, KS on February 12, 1958, and they were blessed with over 66 years of marriage, love and faith. LeRoy and Eunice made their home on a farm south of Kelly. He was the proud 3rd generation owner of the Winkler Family Farm where he was raised that is now in the 5th generation of Winkler ownership and the 6th generation is growing up. He was a member of St Bede’s Catholic Church, Kelly where he served on the parish council. They later moved to Seneca and were members of Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church.

After his family, LeRoy’s passion was always farming.  He grew up on the family farm and continued to raise cattle, pigs, sheep, corn, wheat, and milo.  He only owned John Deere and loved Chevrolets.  He was a sports fan but especially loved baseball playing the catcher position in high school.  LeRoy served on the local Kansas Farm Bureau board. While semi-retired from farming, LeRoy worked various jobs including at Gleason Chevrolet, Meyer Lumber, Nemaha County Coop, Haverkamp Feed, and the Conoco station.

LeRoy is survived by his wife, Eunice, 3 sons & a daughter; son LeRoy (Roy) & Connie Winkler, Corning, son Paul & Mary Winkler, Seneca, daughter Marlene & Peter Sisson, Topeka, and son James (Jim) Winkler & Kassie Barrett, Seneca.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Edwin & Elizabeth Haverkamp, his son, Stephen E (Steve) Winkler, brothers & sisters-in-law, Linus & Lucille Winkler, Albert & Ellen Winkler and Marvin Winkler & sister & brother-in-law Eleanor & Raymond Hermesch.

LeRoy was a proud grandpa to 13 grandchildren: Leah (Dayle) Crane, Haley (Kreig) Casto, Renee (Tim) Stallbaumer, Ashley (Brad) Nordhus, Lee (Jade) Winkler, Stephen J. Winkler, Shayla (Nick) Russo, Jenae (Keith) Wysong, Heidi (Caleb) Leenerts, Matt (Victoria) Winkler, Angela (Alex) Nelson, Adam Winkler & Abby Winkler.

To his great joy were 17 great grandchildren, Braeden, Keilee & Keira Casto, Aidan & Ronan Crane, Saige, Westin, Eden & Nox Stallbaumer, Camden & Keenan Nordhus, Liam, Josie & Lane Winkler, River Leenerts, Daisy Nelson, Maren Wysong and #18 & #19, Babygirl Leenerts & Babygirl Nelson arriving soon. He is also survived by sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Theresa Marie Winkler and Lillian & Clarence Engelken as well as numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, and other special friends that are his “extra kids”.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly. With burial to follow at the church cemetery.

Memorials can be given in LeRoy’s memory are to be designated to St. Bede’s Cemetery Fund and sent in care of the family.

To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .