Kenneth "Ken" Winkler 61 of Boise, Idaho died Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007 at St Luke's Hospital in Boise. On Monday Oct. 29, 2007 a viewing will be held at Acelsa Chapel~ 8209 Fairview, across from Winco, from 2-5 p.m. and Rosary services will be held at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church~ 1500 East Wright Street, Boise. On Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007 a celebration of his life will begin at 10 a.m. with Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church and a formal military graveside burial immediately following at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. Ken was born on Dec. 20, 1945 in Cottonwood, Idaho to Sylvester and Christine Winkler. He moved with his parents and family to Grangeville, ID in 1952 where he attended Sts. Peter and Paul grade school. He graduated from St Gertrude's Academy high school in Cottonwood, Idaho and then went on to graduate from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting as well as completing his Army ROTC program. Ken was a Viet Nam Veteran and was proud of his service to his country. Ken continued his service to his country through the National Guard where he achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel. Ken's 36 yr career began with the State of Idaho as an auditor. The last 12 years of his career, he was Chief Financial Officer for the Idaho State Liquor Dispensary. During this distinguished career Ken passed his CPA exam on his first attempt as well as achieving his MBA. Ken shared his knowledge of accounting by teaching night classes at Boise State University. Ken enjoyed golfing and playing cards with his friends. He also enjoyed riding his horse Pearl, be it orienteering, cattle drives, or just plain trail riding. The Idaho Mountains and lakes that he observed while on horseback fascinated him. Ken is survived by his children, Justin Winkler and wife Shannon of Nampa; Ashley Winkler Floth and husband Robb of Kuna; Nick McGinnis of Meridian, Adam Winkler of Boise, Cicely Winkler of Boise; and Rheanna Iest of Kuna; and four grand children. His mother and father and one brother Ralph preceded Ken in death. He is survived by two sisters Dorothy Fleury of Kamiah, Idaho and Gretta Fischer of Grangeville, Idaho and 5 brothers Cletus of Clarkston, Wash; Ron of Rathdrum, Idaho; Ed of Libby, Mont. Jerry of Clarkston, Wash.; and Greg of Grangeville, Idaho. The family wishes to thank the staff of St Luke's Hospital and his attending physicians for the care and concern shown to their father. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society.
Published in the Idaho Statesman on 10/28/2007.