Kenneth W. Winkler

Kenneth W. Winkler passed away on Sunday June 29, 2025, at his home in Brenham, Texas.

Born in Houston to Rudy and Anita (Schoenfeld) Winkler, he graduated from Reagan High School in 1955. He married Cyrene Boyer in 1959, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Houston.

Ken worked for 35 years for a major petrochemical company, leading and executing design engineering projects for sites in North America, South America and Europe.

In his spare time, Ken was for 16 years and more a member of the Texas Army National Guard, rising to the rank of First Sergeant and acting Platoon Sergeant in the 36th Division, with what was then the 71st Infantry Brigade, Airborne. Ken also had a lifelong interest in amateur radio and was for many years a Regional Director for MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System), a Department of Defense sponsored program that utilizes licensed amateur radio operators to provide contingency communications support).

He was a man of many interests and abilities. He served as an ASA Umpire, coached his children’s sports teams, and after retirement became an excellent craftsman, turning out many beautiful woodworking projects for his church and his family members.

A devout Catholic and long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, Ken was respected for his personal integrity by family, friends and colleagues. But he is remembered - above all, with love: for his patient kindness, his sense of humor, and his quiet steadfastness in good times and in bad. Ken remained a man of faith and fortitude who left an indelible impression on those around him.

Mr. Winkler is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Cyrene Winkler, and their three children: Karen Hoffart and husband Ed; Karri Kinchen and husband Matt; Christopher Winkler and wife Ana Claudia and step-daughter Ana Clara Araruna.

He is survived also by ten grandchildren: Jason Hoffart, David Kinchen and wife Kiersten; John Hoffart; Katie (Hoffart) Koy; Daniel Kinchen and wife Stefanie; Christina Kinchen; Kathleen (Kinchen) Hernandez and husband Manny; Julie (Hoffart) Tillman and husband Lee; Sarah (Kinchen) Currie and husband Jeff; Jacob Kinchen and wife Ariana; and by eleven great grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held at Brenham Memorial Chapel on Sunday, July 6 from 4 pm to 7 pm, with a Rosary at 6:30.

The Funeral Mass will be at Brenham Memorial Chapel, on Monday, July 7, at 10:30 am, preceded by a Rosary at 10:00. Interment will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in 6200 Chadwick Hogan Road, Chappell Hill, Texas and afterward a reception at the Parish Hall of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 9175 FM 1371, Chappell Hill, Texas.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, Texas 77833. 979.836.3611. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.