Winkie, Joseph Andrew

Joseph Andrew Winkie, 56, peacefully passed away, surrounded by family, on March 5, 2013, at Duke Hospital in Durham, N.C.

Joseph's life journey began on May 23, 1956, born to Sayre Eugene and Marian Dvorak Winkie, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He met his wife, Cathee, and her family as a young teen when the Stanleys would come up over the summers to their grandparents' house down the street. It was truly a relationship that lasted a lifetime.

Joseph “Joe” will be remembered for many things to many people. What is most memorable to all is his laugh and smile. Joe was a son, brother, husband, dad, “Papa,” friend, mentor, and a loving family member to not only his immediate family but also to the extended work and community family that has been an integral part of his life. He had an impact on all who met him, he was known for his radio voice, his quick wit and infectious laugh, his big smile, and an even bigger heart. He never met a stranger, and made all who he met in his life feel as though they were family. He loved hosting family and friend gatherings, music, tinkering and playing in his garage, long afternoon drives chasing trains and discovering new places. Most of all he loved and cared for all of the people in his life, including the people at his favorite restaurants, co-workers, neighbors, and his family. To Joe all were the same, all were “family.”

Joe is survived by his mother, Marian Winkie; beloved daughter, Devon Renee Winkie and husband Thomas Bruntmyer; and his dear grandchildren, Madalyn and Ayden. He also will be deeply missed by his brother, Mike Winkie; sisters, Susan (Chris) Sexton, Cindy (Randy) Ward and Becky Peery (Bob); along with several nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Cathleen “Cathee” Stanley Winkie; father, Sayre “Wink” Winkie; and a sister, Julia Winkie Schaffer.

A celebration of Joseph's life will be held Saturday, March 16, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27612.

Memorial contributions in Joseph's memory may be made to the Durham Rescue Mission, PO Box 11858, Durham, NC 27703.

Online memorials: www.mitchellatrmp.com.

Published March 10, 2013 in The Gazette