Charles "Chuck" Winkler, 84, of Leo, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Chuck was born on June 7, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois to Charles Winkler Sr. and Lorraine (Winkler) Huston. He grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated from Northside High School in 1959. Chuck proudly served in the United States Navy from 1961-1965. He worked as a Helicopter Sonar Technician off the USS Essex stationed in Quonset Point, Rhode Island where he met his future wife.

Following his service, Chuck Winkler married the love of his life, Irene (Floody) Winkler, on May 8, 1965, in Providence, Rhode Island. Together they welcomed two children Chuck Winkler Jr and Cindy (Winkler) Schleinkofer. While raising a young family, Chuck and Irene packed up and moved to West Lafayette, IN for Chuck to pursue his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics at Purdue University.

Balancing parenthood, work, and academics, he graduated with pride in 1971, setting a powerful example for his family. Chuck and Irene moved back to Fort Wayne, IN, where Chuck began working at ITT Aerospace as a Purchasing Supervisor and shortly thereafter welcomed their third child, Greg Winkler, in 1973.

Outside of work, Chuck found joy in many pursuits that reflected his love for people, adventure, and community. While raising a family, he led a Boy Scouts troop and coached Little League Baseball, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. In later years, he became an avid golfer and worked at Riverbend Golf Course, a place he truly enjoyed. Chuck and Irene shared a passion for travel, exploring 49 states and over 20 countries with their lifelong friends, Jerry and Juanita Lee.

In retirement, Chuck gave back to his community as a dedicated volunteer at Parkview Hospital and the Embassy Theater for over 10 years. He was also an active member and Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church. In his free time, Chuck enjoyed bowling, gardening, going to the movies, and trying new restaurants – always finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Chuck had a one-of-a-kind presence—he was a jokester with an infectious smile, a quick wit, and an uncanny ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Whether he was chatting with a stranger in line at the grocery store, trading stories on the golf course, or keeping his family laughing around the dinner table, Chuck had a natural warmth that drew people in. His laughter was contagious, his storytelling unforgettable, and his sense of humor was a constant source of joy for those around him.

Above all, family was everything to Chuck, and he took great pride in the legacy he built through his children and grandchildren. He was especially proud that ten of his eleven grandchildren have attended college – with the youngest still too young to begin that journey. Watching them grow, learn and pursue their goals brought him immense joy and fulfillment.

Chuck is survived by his spouse, Irene (Floody) Winkler; his children, Chuck Winkler Jr, Cindy (Mark) Schleinkofer, Greg (Meredith) Winkler; and his grandchildren Matthew (Katelyn) Winkler, Morgan Schleinkofer, Cassie Winkler, Taylor Schleinkofer, Grace Winkler, Becca Winkler, Ella Winkler, Sarah Schleinkofer, Delaney Winkler, Avery Winkler, and Olivia Winkler. He is also survived by his siblings, Carol (Winkler) Hill and Florence (Winkler) Regular.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Winkler Sr and Lorraine (Winkler) Huston; stepfather, Elbert Huston; sister, Penelope (Winkler) Pitser; brother, David Winkler; daughter-in-law, Karen (Clement) Winkler.

A celebration of Chuck's life will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, with public callings from 1pm-3pm, Rosary at 4:30pm, and 5pm-7pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home 3500 Lake Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Funeral Mass Friday, June 27, 2025, at 11:30am at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church 7215 St Joe Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46835 and Graveside Service at Highland Park Cemetery Friday, June 27, 2025, at 1pm 2403 E. Wallen Road Fort Wayne, IN 46825. Friends and family are invited to attend and share memories.

Memorials may be directed to Parkview Hospice.

"You may be gone from my sight, but you are never gone from my heart."