Rockport Mayor Donnie Winkler, 76, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh.
Donnie was born in Rockport on November 25, 1946, to the late Martin and Dorothy (Vance) Winkler.
He attended Rockport Church of the Nazarene and was a member of Rockport Masonic Lodge No. 112, where he was a Past Master. He was also a member of the Hadi Shrine and Scottish Rite and had served on the Spencer County Fair Board for many years.
Donnie was a graduate of Rockport High School, class of 1964. He went on to study electronics and was hired by RCA after graduating from college. In 1966, he joined the National Guard and was a member of Rockport American Legion Post 254.
Donnie wore many hats over the years, most recently as the Republican Mayor of the City of Rockport. In his younger days, he was a farmer alongside his father, had owned and operated Don’s Drive-In, owned an automotive and trucking parts store, and worked as a riverboat cook, just to name a few.
Donnie is survived by his wife, Peggy, whom he married on April 29, 1967; his sons, Jon Winkler and his wife, Autumn, Terry Winkler and his fiancé, Caroline, Eric Winkler and his wife, Nikki, Joe Winkler and his wife, Samantha; his grandchildren, Martin, Coltin, Jace, Asa, Reagan, Carlee, Cayne, Oliver, Hank, Stephanie, Christyn, Connor, Jacob, Samantha, Hunter, Zachary, Isaiah, Olivia, Shyla, Emberly, and one great-grandson on the way; his nephews, Mark and Derek Allen.
Services are 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at Boultinghouse Funeral Home in Rockport. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery.
Visitation is 12 until 8 p.m. Friday, April 21, with a Masonic service at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home.
Friends may send a condolence to the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
