George A. Winkler, lifelong resident of Brush CO, passed away peacefully Monday, January 2, 2023 at the age of 89.

George was born August 6, 1933 to Louise (Riggle) Winkler, and was later joined by stepfather, William "Bill" Skinner. He attended Brush schools with the class of 1951. Following high school, he worked as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver. While working in the Denver area, George met Barbara Watson through a mutual acquaintance. The couple married March 27, 1958 in Denver and made their home in Brush, where they raised their four children.

Employed by Great Western Sugar Company in Fort Morgan for 40 years, George retired in 1998. From 1972 through 1984 he served as president of Teamsters Local 1062, served as a delegate to the International Council, and as a contract negotiator. In the early years following retirement, he provided consulting and volunteered as a guide for public tours of the factory.

A routine blood donor, George was able to donate more than 20 gallons of whole blood throughout his life and, upon his death, he was able to further contribute as a registered organ and tissue donor. He had a knack for mechanics and was often called on to fix things from tractor engines to old clocks and radios. As one of only a few local residents who knew how to start and operate it, George drove the 1917 Ford Model T convertible carrying dignitaries of the Brush Independence Day Parade from 1996 to 2013. With his great singing voice and a talent for playing the guitar, George entertained family and friends for more than 50 years performing covers of classic country western songs. He enjoyed watching football. The activities he loved most were fishing and time spent tending his gardens, producing a variety of delicious vegetables every year to be enjoyed in late summer and fall, canned for the winter and shared with neighbors.

George is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Barbara; children, Jeff Winkler of Palm Springs CA, Jeri Scheere (Dwayne) of Tucson AZ, Barbara Frahm of Brush, and Mike Winkler of Fort Morgan; seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. He's also survived by his sister, Evelyn King of Brush; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter; siblings, Fred Winkler, Kathleen Campbell Adams, and Mary Carver; and a nephew with whom he had a special bond, Dean Campbell.

An informal memorial gathering will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the Carroll Building, 418 Edison Street in Brush. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Brush Area Museum and Cultural Center, 314 Clayton St, Brush CO 80723.