Robert Winkler

Blessed is the Life that enjoys the Journey.Wrapped safely in the arms of his wife with close friends and caregivers always by his side, Robert L. (Bob) Winkler left his home place near Oaktown, Indiana on April 6, 2016 to complete his final journey.Born September 7, 1938 Bob was the son of Allen and Mona Winkler and brother of Dwight P. and Sara Jane Winkler, all of whom preceded him. Bob attended Emison and Oaktown grade schools as well as Oaktown High School where he served as Senior Class President and cheerleader. Bob loved his early years on the home place helping his dad farm, riding his horse Queenie through the woods and working part-time as stock boy at the old A&P store in Vincennes.Following graduation, at the urging of his father and brother, Bob gave up his dream of farming and enrolled instead in St. Mary's School of Radiologic Technology in Evansville and also attended classes at Vincennes University. Bob received his Radiologic Technologist certification and licensure and spent the next fifty years of his life working in his profession. His career in management took him to hospitals and clinics in Indiana, Kentucky and Texas and culminated with his appointment in 1988 as Director of Radiology at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes where Bob said he spent the best and happiest twenty years of his career along-side his staff, radiologists and many other employees developing his department to its best potential; overseeing not only changes in technology but the addition of specialty sub-departments as well as satellite radiology offices to provide better patient services.During his career Bob served as President of the Kentucky ASRT, his professional society; was a member of AHRA for administrators; received the 2007-2008 GSH Department Director Award of Merit and helped establish the Men's Health Fair which continues currently as the Men's Health Tune Up. Bob was a member of the Emmaus Community and Vincennes Rotary and served as Treasurer for the Oaktown High School Alumni. Bob belonged to the Emison United Methodist Church for several years and also attended Upper Indiana Presbyterian and Decker United Methodist Churches.Bob and Jo Ann were married December 23, 2000 in Nashville, Indiana and created their life together on the home place Bob had dreamed of returning to for so many years. Completing their home, landscaping, gardening, collecting a few dogs and several cats filled their lives along with many trips to their beloved Nashville, Indiana. For two years Bob and Jo Ann clowned around as goody and Miss Kitty with the Heritage Clown Troupe. Bob also prepared many a wonderful dinner in "Bob's Gazebo Grille."Bob loved life and people. Even on the day he became so ill he remembered to ask Jo Ann to get the 'kids' caramel corn for R.T. Day. The 'kids' were the staff he still cared so much about in GSH Radiology Department. His smile and affection were larger than life, can never be replaced and will always be missed; life will never be the same. He endured so much and never lost patience during his difficult illness. His love of holding hands never lessened and his "thumbs up" when possible was a joy to all who loved and cared for him.Bob leaves behind for only awhile his wife, Jo Ann. He is also survived by his daughter Kim McBurnie and grandchildren Megan and Jason; a son, Scott, his wife Angie and grandchildren Amy, Ashley and Eric; niece Colette Vann Dusen, nephew Dean Winkler and several cousins including especially Suzanne Bendall with much love.Funeral services for Bob will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 524 Broadway with Rev. Faye Bilskie officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit with Bob's family from 11:30 am until the hour of service time of 3:00 pm at the funeral home.In lieu of flowers Bob and Jo Ann request donations be made In Memory of Robert L. Winkler to the Good Samaritan Hospital School of Radiologic Technology directed for Student Scholarships, or to Good Samaritan Hospice in honor of their assistance and support for himself and Jo Ann during his illness.