Eleanor J. Winkler

Mrs. Eleanor J. (Twitchell) Winkler, 81, of Collins, Ohio went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 4, 2020 peacefully at home. She was born February 18, 1939 to the late Margaret (Stout) and Jonas Twitchell in Hudson, Indiana. She graduated from Norwalk High School in 1957. She married Alex Winkler in 1957, and they raised their four beloved children on a farm in rural Norwalk.  

She is survived by her son, Alex Jr. (Jean) Winkler of Milan; daughter, Ellen (Curt) Fitch of Collins; daughters-in-law Carolyn Winkler and Laura Winkler, both of Norwalk; grandchildren Justin Winkler, Kyle (Nikki) Winkler, Katie (Tom Scanlon) Winkler, Derek (Ellen) Winkler, Ryan (Vanessa) Winkler, Rebecca (Dan) Lunde, and Chad (Beckie) Fitch; eight great-grandchildren, Cadence and Beckett Winkler, Declan Winkler, Levi, Ezra, and Selah Lunde, Chase Winkler, and soon-to-be born Theodore Fitch; sisters Elsie (John) Francisco and Susie Kaye; and many nieces and nephews and friends. 

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bill, sister Annabelle, husband, Alex, sons William (Bill) and Mark, and grandson, Alan.  

Eleanor inspired many with her love, joy, and steadfast faith. She was beloved by all who knew her. She always had a smile on her face and an encouragement in her words. She was a prayer warrior with devotion to her friends, sisters, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her family, feeding and watching birds, feeding fish at her pond, reading her Bible, and playing with her dog; Millie. Her greatest joy in life was sharing her faith in the Lord.  

A drive thru visitation to show support for the family will be held at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio 44857 on Thursday, August 6, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visitors should enter using the funeral home’s east entrance, remain in their vehicles, briefly greet the family, and exit using the west exit. Visitors are also encouraged to wear a mask and practice all social distancing and mass gathering guidelines.   

Friends may also call on Friday, August 7, 2020 in Word of Grace Church, 2532 U.S. Route 250 South, Norwalk, Ohio 44857 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Ernie Robles will officiate. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Norwalk, Ohio. 

Memorial gifts can be given to Christian Broadcasting Ministries at P.O. Box 247 Castalia, OH 44824 or Word of Grace Church, 2532 US Route 250 South, Norwalk, Ohio 44857. 

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