Jo Ann Winkelmann

Jo Ann Winkelmann, 64 of Brenham, passed away Monday, January 14, 2013 at her home surrounded by family.

Jo Ann was born August 15, 1948 in Galveston, Texas to Ross Everett and Evelyn Louise (Michaelis) Allen. She was baptized January 26, 1962 by Rev. A.J. Mohr in St. John Lutheran Church, Bellville and was confirmed there. Jo Ann attended Bellville High School and Blinn College. On October 22, 1965, she married Darrell W. Winkelmann in St. John Lutheran Church. In 1966, she began her career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as an operator. Later, she worked as a cable splicer and then was trained and became a lineman. In 1986, she retired to spend more time with family.

Jo Ann gave of herself. Since 1968 Jo Ann had been an active member of Christ Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, serving on church council with two terms as treasurer, serving on the committee that counted and posted offerings, and being in charge of memorials. She was a Little League softball coach and a 4H Club leader for 20 years. Jo Ann was a member of Washington County Cattlewomen since 1974. She helped raise and show Short Horn cattle. She enjoyed sports, the outdoors, fishing and especially fishing trips with her family to the coast.

She was preceded in death by: parents, grandfather William Michaelis and grandmother Sidonia Michaelis who began caring for her at age five, brother William Michael Allen, and father-in-law Fred A. Winkelmann.

Her surviving family includes: her best friend and loving husband of 47 years, Darrell W. Winkelmann; children and spouses, Sara and Beth Winkelmann of Richmond, Laura and Ryon Jones of Uvalde, and John Winklemann and special friend Geneva Aguilar of Brenham; grandson, (her “Little Buddy”) Ely Jones; mother-in-law, Lydia Winkelmann; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Fred L. and Bonnie Winklemann; nephews, Jeff Winkelmann, Ryan Winkelmann and wife Stephanie; great- nephew and niece, Dalton and Mallory Winkelmann. She is also survived by special friend Birdie Sommerfeld.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 16th from 6-8 p.m. in Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral service will be Thursday, January 17th at 10 a.m. in Christ Lutheran Church with pastors Mark Groves and Walt Schindehette officiating. Interment will follow in Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Winkelmann, Ryan Winkelmann, Veril “Dick” Dietzmann, Monte Warmke, Willie Ludwig, and Clarence Eben.

Honorary pallbearers will be Washington County Cattlewomen.

Memorials may be given to Christ Lutheran Church.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer, Brenham, TX 979.836.3611 To share a tribute visit www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com