June 26, 2026 – West Bend, Wi – Thomas “Tom” Winkler, 94, of West Bend, WI passed on to eternal life on June 25, 2026, at Froedtert West Bend Hospital.
He was born on November 26, 1931, to the late Thomas and Helen (nee Kropfl) Winkler in Milwaukee, WI.
Tom graduated from St. Norbert College in DePere, WI. He majored in History and minored in English. Afterwards he served in the United States Army from 1953-1955.
Tom married the love of his life, Laverne (nee Philippi) on April 7, 1956, at Holy Angels Catholic Church. They raised five children.
Tom and Laverne founded Winkler Office Equipment in downtown West Bend. They put their hearts and souls into running the store and serving the community.
When his children were young, Tom enjoyed camping (“where is junior with that kettle”), swimming at the Badger School pool and bowling at Weiland’s. He also spent time fishing, golfing, playing sheephead and Mexican Train, a dominos game. In his 90s, he truly looked forward to celebrating his birthday with family and caregivers.
He is survived by his five children: Sueann Winkler-Eichmann, MaryJane (Jim) Tucci, Linda (David) Pechacek, Roger (Julie) Winkler and Laura Winkler-Olson, all of West Bend; Ten grandchildren: Eliza Winkler, James Tucci, Rachel (Elton) Rogers, Kelly (Daniel) Liebzeit, Paul Winkler, Matthew (Karah) Winkler, Travis (Aurora) Winkler, Spencer Olson, Victoria Olson, Aubree Olson and Cameron Giordano; sixteen great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law Patricia Philippi of West Bend; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Laverne on October 3, 2021; Scott Olson, his son-in-law on August 13, 2024; two brothers and their wives and others.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St Frances Cabrini Church from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at noon.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort or share a memory of Tom please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com
