Richard Winke Obituary

Richard Leo Winke

Dec 14, 1931 - Jan 29, 2026

Catawba Island

Richard Leo Winke, 94, of Catawba Island, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Richard was born December 14, 1931, in Port Clinton, to Stephen Joseph Winke and Mary Theresa (Hermes) Winke. He spent his life rooted in the Port Clinton and Catawba Island communities-places he loved deeply and served with dedication.

On June 26, 1954, Richard married the love of his life, Norma Jean Hees, beginning a marriage that spanned more than seventy years. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, service, and community.

Richard is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Norma Jean; his children, Michael Dean, Teresa Ann (James) Wright, Dale Richard (Lou Ann), and Renee Ann (Michael) Salem; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Laverne (Michael) Ferdon, Carolyn Kranz, and Larry Winke; and special friends, Greg and Sue Gibson, Jim McKinney, and Darlene and Rollie Roder.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, John, Robert, Gerald, and Francis; his sisters, Madonna Ashton, Rosella Thompson, Rita Greer, and Mary Ellen Raypole; and special friend, Judy McKinney.

Richard attended Immaculate Conception School through eighth grade and graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1949. He worked for Matthews Boat Company and Erie Army Depot (E.A.D.) prior to entering the United States Army in 1951.

Richard served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. For gallantry in action and wounds received in combat, he was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He was discharged from military service in 1953.

Following his return home, Richard resumed work at Erie Army Depot in the maintenance department and later served on the Civilian Advisory Board until the depot phased out in 1963. In 1962, he founded Winke's Boat Storage Inc., a business that became a fixture of the local waterfront. In 1976-1977, Richard purchased what would become Winke's Landing, further cementing his lifelong connection to boating and Lake Erie. He also hosted Elks Stageroo from 1964 for many years afterwards.

Richard was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he served on parish council, participated in hospitality, served as a greeter, and was an Eucharistic Minister. He also helped form the Church Endowment Fund Committee.

His civic service included roles as Catawba Island Township Zoning Inspector (1971), Catawba Island Township Trustee (1971-1973), and member of Ottawa County Selective Service Board. Richard served as president of Catawba Island Chamber of Commerce, president of Catawba Island Kiwanis, and president of Vacationland Marine Trade.

A proud veteran, Richard was Commander of American Legion Post 113 and a 50-plus-year member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 1718. He was a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus (3rd Degree), a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans, and a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In recognition of his service, Richard received a Certificate of Appreciation from President Richard Nixon (1971) and President Gerald Ford (1976), as well as a letter of appreciation from Kim Dae-jung, President of the Republic of Korea (2000).

Above all, Richard loved his family and friends. He found joy in singing, boating, golfing, bowling, traveling, and playing his player piano.

Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home, 216 Washington Street, Port Clinton, with an Elks service at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton. Burial will follow at Catawba Island Cemetery. A celebration of life will immediately follow burial at Port Clinton Elks Lodge No. 1718, 231 Buckeye Blvd, Port Clinton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Richard's honor to Port Clinton Elks Lodge No. 1718, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, or donor's choice.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of Stein Hospice and caregivers, Brittany, Marissa, Taylor, and Jessica.