Samuel Lee Winker, 82, of Waterford, passed away Oct. 15, 2025.
Sam was born Oct. 1, 1943 in Elroy, to Samuel and Ruth (nee Hoeppner) Winker. On Oct. 17, 1964, Sam married Nancy (nee Lemke) Winker in La Crosse. In 1971, Sam and Nancy moved from Milwaukee to their first house in Waterford.
Sam was a machinist for Allis-Chalmers proving grounds in Franksville for over 20 years until they closed their doors. He then went on to work for Watlow in Richmond, Illinois, until his retirement. He took great pride in doing things right.
Sam enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, attending high school sporting events, coaching, telling jokes, teasing, giving generously, and going to auctions and rummage sales. In retirement, he enjoyed helping with fish fries at St. Thomas church. Sam lived in Waterford for 54 years. He developed close-knit ties with family, friends, neighbors, and the community.
Sam is survived by three of his four children, Roger (Kelly) Winker, Rich (Lois) Winker, and Roxanne (Bryan) Nowak; ten grandchildren, Logan (Sammi) Winker with great grandchildren, Effie Jo, Bennett and Millie Jo, Lucas (Emma) Winker with great grandson Walter, Emily (Roy) Munroe, Sarah Winker (Nick) Wagner, Elijah Winker, Alexis Winker, Kenzie (fiance Dakota Mannel), Kendra Winker, Boyd Nowak, and Cole Nowak; and siblings Shirley Fried, Evelyn (Bob) Frick, and Ron (Ida) Winker. Sam was preceded in death by his parents Samuel Sr. and Ruth Winker, wife Nancy Winker, and his son Paul Winker.
A celebration of life will be held at Integrity Celebration Center, 2789 Browns Lake Dr., Burlington, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 from Noon until 3 p.m. A second celebration of life will be celebrated at the Moose Lodge, 932 Ward Ave., La Crosse, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 from Noon until 3 p.m.
Sam and his family send a special thank you to Rochester Fire and Rescue, Aurora Hospice, and the Golden Years of Lake Geneva
Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home is proudly serving the Winker Family. For online condolences, please visit www.stencelfh.com.
