Larry Dean Winkler

WINKLER, Larry Dean June 13, 1935 – August 16, 2016 Bellevue, NE Most who knew Larry Winkler saw a strong, talented, entertaining man with a gregarious personality, clever wit and a lifelong passion for learning. He was a virtuoso clarinetist, the youngest in the Wichita Symphony Orchestra at age 16. He still played clarinet on occasion at First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue, NE, where he had sung in the choir for more than 30 years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts cum laude in Music Education in 1957 and a Master of Arts in Music Education in 1958 from Wichita State University. While music had always been a part of his life, his childhood dream was to fly. He became a pilot in the United States Air Force, where he served from 1957 to 1979, and retired as a lieutenant colonel. After earning a PhD in Administrative Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Winkler enjoyed a second career as the Director of Academic Programs for the College of Continuing Studies (CCS), University of Nebraska at Omaha. He retired Assistant Dean Emeritus for CCS. He had a passion for outdoor activities, like golfing, fishing and boating, serving as Commodore of the Omaha Yacht Club 1986-87. Preceded in death by parents, Donald and Claire Winkler and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Winkler. Survived by wife, Claudia Winkler; brother, Dana Winkler; sons, Loren Winkler (Suzane) and Lance Winkler (Beryl); daughter, Ingra Winkler Anderson (Bret); nephew, Jonathan Winkler; grandson, Zach Winkler (Kate); granddaughters, Mindy Eckerman (Joey), Jenna Winkler and Ava Winkler; great granddaughter, Quinn Eckerman and great grandson, Harrison Winkler. VISITATION: Friday, 5-7pm at Bellevue Memorial Chapel. A private interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, NE will be followed by a MEMORIAL SERVICE Saturday 12pm at First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue, NE. MEMORIALS to First Presbyterian Church, Bellevue Public Schools Foundation or charity of your choice.

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