John Winkelman

Oh my Mr.wink I will miss you dearly. We shared so many funny moments together I will never forget all the good advice you had for my “young self” you used to say to me. You were such a strong and busy man I gotta give you for putting on a good fight no matter what! May you rest in peace and let your spirit shine through and watch over all of us. Your lovely wife and kids will always love you and include you always. We love you wink 🫶🏻

John approached his illness with courage, dignity, and grace. Dylan Thomas, the Welch poet, felt his father was not struggling hard enough to overcome an illness. So, Thomas wrote a poem to encourage his father to fight harder. Two of the lines said," Do not go gentle into that goodnight. Rage, rage against the dying of the light." John did not go gentle into his goodnight. He was always struggling to be John at Azura. He had a great walker which kept him from falling forward. As soon as he let go of the lower handles, the brakes would go on and it would stop keeping him from going headlong forward. In order to move forward would have to pull those lower handles. Being a long-time motorcycle rider, he was programmed to pull those handles to put the brakes on----but he never gave up trying to master the switch. He wasn't the only one who approached his illness with courage, dignity and grace. Troutie, Shea, and Sara embodied those three qualities in their struggle to deal with this devastating illness.Troutie not only took care of John, she helped all of us as we struggle with the dementia of a loved one. Thank you, Troutie. We will miss you at Azura. Jim Niemeier

All of my memories with John were good times. Starting with racing RC cars on carpet in the old Verona HS gym in the 80s to the dirt track he built at home. Then there were all the amazing ATV trips throughout numerous WI counties. I saw my first NASCAR race with him at Joliet along with my first NHRA event also at Joliet where he had a bum foot at the time but it got us all a ride on a cart from the parking lot which was like a mile away. Numerous car shows to motorcycle hill climbs. I'll never forget the Sunday he tried ice racing his ATV on Lake Wisconsin which was also the day Dale Earnhart passed. To many good times to list.

Trouti, Shay, and Sara, sending you all our love and sincere sympathy. John wasn’t only a classmate, he was a treasured friend. We will miss him, his sound advice, and most of all his friendship. Hugs to you all.

I remember him from when I was a young child, arriving at family reunions on his motorcycle with you. He was always in his leather jacket, looking oh so cool. I'm so sorry for your loss Trouti. He will be missed by so many.