Kathleen Winkler Obituary Kathleen Ann Winkler (Schmid), age 75, passed away on August 29, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of family, friends, and adventure. Born on December 11, 1948, in St. Paul, MN, to John Baptist (Jack) and Lillian Schmid, Kathy was known for her feisty determination, infectious laughter, and genuine interest in others. Kathy grew up with four siblings in Highland Park, St. Paul, and graduating from Our Lady of Peace. Kathy met her husband, James Winkler, at Winona State University, where his chivalrous offer to walk her home in the rain sparked a lifelong partnership. Her successful career in accounting spanned from Pillsbury/Popn Fresh to serving as plant controller at the Soft Soap Plant with Colgate-Palmolive. Despite demanding work hours, Kathys passionsfood, flowers, fishing, and familyshone through, whether baking fresh pies, tending her garden, or celebrating lifes milestones. Known for her love of cooking and baking, Kathy delighted in sharing her homemade treats - fresh walleye, baked peach pies, cheeseballs, Lillys potato dumplings, pork chop bake and her famous fudge. Kathys adventurous spirit took her on fly-in fishing trips, ski vacations, and international travels. Her diverse interests included gardening, card games, collecting Bakelite jewelry, and spoiling her pets. Always elegantly dressed and polished, she was a stunning presence in any setting. Thou she was often late; she was also the last to leave a gathering with more stories and laughter to share. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lillian Schmid; siblings, Gloria Speiker, Mary Ann (& Clyde) Lindberg; niece Kate Schmid; nephew Marc Speiker; and many beloved pets. She is survived by her husband, Jim Winkler; siblings Sue Morrison, and John B. Schmid; brothers-in-law John Morrison and Chuck Speiker; and an expanding network of nieces and nephews, including the Morrison, Judge, Cook, Prisendorf, Unze, Bortolotti, Speiker, and Schmid families. Kathys sweet and sassy presence and deep connections will be profoundly missed. A visitation will be held at David Lee Funeral Home (1220 E Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391) on September 19 at 5 pm. The funeral service will follow at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel (3600 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408) at 10 AM on September 20, with burial and a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward and do as Kathy would have done for family or friends - bake a dessert, play a card game or plant some flowers. Services Visitation Thursday September 19, 2024 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM David Lee Funeral Chapel 1220 East Wayzata Blvd Wayzata, MN 55391 Funeral Service Friday September 20, 2024 10:00 AM Lakewood Cemetery Chapel 3600 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55408