Betty M. Winkler | 1938 - 2023
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Oct 27, 2023 | 4:37 PM / 474 views
PIERRE, SD –
Elizabeth “Betty” Marie Winkler, 85, of Pierre, SD, went to be in the arms of Jesus on October 20, 2023. Betty’s funeral service is at 10:30am on Friday, October 27, 2023 at New Life Church, with burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery all in Pierre.
Betty was born on January 5, 1938 to Robert “Bob” and Mabel (Richards) Heenan in Presho, SD. She attended school in Chamberlain, SD. Many do not know this about Betty, but she was a baton twirler. Betty met and married Francis “Frank” Weldin and to that marriage three children were born: Lonnie, Audrey McClure and Connie (Bernie) Carroll. Together they spent many years as Sheriff and Deputy Sherriff in Pierre.
In 1974, Betty married Francis Winkler and to that union added two step-children: Floyd (Jeri) Winkler and Linda (Orv) Henrickson. Betty spent years supporting Francis’ Mason and Shrine events. She spent endless hours at the Shrine Burn Clinics and vendor affairs, promoting it. This was a passion she shared with Francis.
Betty had a huge love for the Lord and equally so for her family and friends. There was nothing that brought her greater joy than spending time with her kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a strong advocate in politics and could also spend hours bantering about them. Betty’s other love was her dogs, who were her babies.
Betty will be loved and missed forever by her daughters and their families; Audrey McClure: Nate (Kiersten) McClure, Drew (Emily) McClure, Shaun McClure and Emily (Val) Clemente-Mazone, and Connie (Bernie) Carroll: Austin (Kenda) Carroll, Lacey (Ben) Juelfs, Collin (Shanna) Carroll and Cheyenne (Steven Hunnel) Carroll; her step-children Linda (Orv) Henrickson: Heidi (Lee) Zohn and Heathe (Rebecca) Henickson, and Floyd (Jeri) Winkler: Travis (Melissa Johnson) Winkler, Tiffany Carr, Rick (Amy) Dopps, Cami (Joe) Porter, and Cari (Dan) Thunberg; and her son Lonnie’s children: Christopher (Kim) Campos, David (Jill) Trautman and Shelly (Robby) Walth.
Betty took into her heart and home many “Adopted” children and grandchildren as well as her own. She always had lots of love and hugs to give and they will never forget her candy bucket! In trying to write this, the number of grandchildren and great grandchildren to list was just too long, but know they were the center of her heart.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Francis Leroy Winkler, son Lonnie Ray Weldin, son-in-law Mark McClure, Suzie Pat Hamilton, and her sister Rose Marie Wagaman.
We are trying to focus on the joy she is now experiencing with good health and her reunion with many loved ones in heaven. How amazing that must be!
