Frederick W Winkel, age 85 of Sheboygan, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Sharon S Richardson Community Hospice after a month-long battle with lung cancer.
Fred was born July 21, 1940, in the Town of Schleswig, Manitowoc County. Son of the late Hugo & Viola (Rautmann) Winkel. He attended Woodland School at School Hill and graduated from Kiel High School in 1958. On October 21, 1967, he married Mary Leon, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, faith, and countless cherished memories. Fred was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a cherished grandfather.
Fred was employed at Reliance Construction and Plastics Engineering in his early years and later worked for over 20 years at Prigge’s School Bus and Charter Bus. In 1969, he founded Draperies by Frederic, a window treatment business that he proudly operated for 48 years. He also became well-known in the surrounding communities as the “blind repairman.” Even after his retiring, he continued to receive calls from long-time customers seeking his expertise – a true testament to his skill, reliability, and dedication.
Fred was a devoted Christian who served his church in many roles, including usher and elder. His faith was central to his life, and he enjoyed singing in church choirs as well as with the Sheboygan Area Lutheran Choir. In 2009, he became a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where his faith continued to grow. Worship provided him with peace, fellowship, and comfort.
Fred enjoyed walking, bicycling, and the need for speed, riding his CAN-AM Spyder. He especially loved taking leisurely rides along county roads with no particular destination, soaking in nature and singing as loudly as he pleased. He enjoyed traveling with his in-laws, Roger and Rosie Schulz, and going on cruises. One of the highlights of his adventures was zip-lining in Costa Rica at the age of 71.
Fred had a deep appreciation for music and an extensive collection of records, 8-tracks, cassettes, and CDs. He spent many hours creating wood designs that adorned the walls of his garage on Broadway Avenue, where he and Mary lived for over 50 years. His wood art was featured in Woodworkers Journal and the Sheboygan Press. In addition, he spent countless hours completing more than 30 colorful yet intricate paint-by-number paintings, including a rendition of the Lord’s Supper.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife Mary of 58 years; son Frederick (Suzann) Winkel; grandchildren Samantha (Ryan) DeVriend, Nicholas Schneider, and Kierstan (Justin Sangermano) Winkel; daughter Felicia (Randy) Thiel; grandchild Dominic (Heather) Geiger; step-grandchildren Zach (Aimee) Thiel and Mariah (Thomas) Dowty; and his niece Donna (Terry) McWilliams, whom he lovingly raised and considered a daughter. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Adalyn, Hayden, Nova, Rory, Jaxson, Emmett, Blake, Henry, Paetyn, Colten, Farrah, Benton, and Booker; his sister Shirley Kaminski; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Martha; his parents; and his sisters, Elaine, Grace, and June.
A funeral service celebrating Frederick’s life will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1121 Georgia Avenue, Sheboygan, with Rev. Patrick Niles officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Louis Corners.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. Though Frederick’s stay was brief, the care, compassion, and support provided to him and our family during that time were deeply appreciated.
The Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
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