Winkler

Eugene Floyd Winkler, 88, of La Grange, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019.

Eugene was born in Sweetwater on April 2, 1931, the son of Eric and Selma (Herklotz) Winkler. He was confirmed on March 25, 1945 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings.

He married the love of his life, Viola Faye Moerbe, on June 14, 1953 in Giddings.

Eugene graduated from Blinn Junior College, and then attended Sam Houston State Teacher’s College in 1953 graduating with a B.S. in Education. After achieving his B.S in Education, Eugene then received his Master’s Degree in Education at Sam Houston State Teacher’s College in 1958.

Eugene accepted a position teaching Math and History with Caldwell ISD in 1953. He served proudly in the United States Army from 1954 – 1955 and was stationed in Japan. After returning from his service in the military, Eugene accepted a position teaching Mathematics and Distributive Education at La Grange ISD for 34 years. After retiring from teaching, Eugene worked for Hengst Printing for 15 years in sales and deliveries.

At Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Eugene served as a youth counselor, church elder for 32 years and led the congregation as their president for three terms. He was an instrumental member of the building committee that created the current Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church.

During his earlier family years, Eugene took great pride is supporting his childrens’ sporting events. He coached his sons Little League teams for many years leading one of the teams to the State Little League tournament.

Eugene was also a member of the American Legion and Fayette County Retired Teacher’s Association.

Eugene treasured spending time with his family and friends. He especially loved the time he had spent fishing, hunting, spoiling his grandchildren and great grandchildren and relaxing at his family’s favorite places, Piney Woods and the Texas Gulf Coast.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years, Viola Faye (Moerbe) Winkler; daughter, Karen Pietsch and husband, Randy of La Grange; sons: Dennis Winkler and wife, Sherry of La Grange; and Brent Winkler, and wife, Lorie of Bulverde; four grandchildren: Jessica Pietsch Corn and husband, Shane of Winchester; Amanda Pietsch Mullins and husband, Stefan of Tomball; Cory Winkler of Dallas; and Abby Winkler of Austin; two step grandchildren: Shay Lawson and husband, Evan of Fort Worth; and Tyler Miska of Buda; five great grandchildren: Hudson and Everett Corn; Kennedy, Breck and Vivianna Mullins; and one step great grandchild, Jack Lawson.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Melvin Winkler; and granddaughter, Kelsey Pietsch.

A visitation was held on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St. in La Grange. Family received friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Funeral Service was on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange. Interment followed the funeral service at the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Calvary Fellowship Hall Fund; Lutheran Hour; or to a charity of one’s choice.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig - Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.