Jerry Harris Winkley, 68
Jerry Harris Winkley, 68, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006, at his lake house in Rollins.
Jerry was born on Nov. 17, 1937, in Cincinnati, to Jack and Madge Hutchinson Winkley. He attended school through the eighth grade in Rollins, then attended Polson High School, where he graduated in 1954. He attended GM Institute in Flint, Mich., from 1956 to 1958, then went on to MSU at Bozeman, where he graduated with honors, attaining his Bachelor of Science degree in 1960.
In 1958, Jerry went to work for Himsl-Wohlwend Motors, Korn Buick, and Don Aadsen Ford, all in Kalispell.
He entered OCS in Providence, R.I., in 1961, and was commissioned an ensign. He served on board the USS Procyon-Treasure Island, Calif., from 1961-1963. He was transferred to the Naval Station in San Diego, the USS Jason from 1963-1964. He was commissioned a lieutenant in 1968, then transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserve.
After his discharge, he worked for Carter Carburetor, a Division of ACF Industries in St. Louis, Mo., from 1964 until 1980. He returned to Montana, where he worked for Don Aadsen Ford in Ronan, from 1980-1982.
Jerry was very active in the community. He was a volunteer fireman in Rollins, was on the Lake County Planning Board, Lake County Board of Adjustments and the Rollins VFD BBQ.
He loved cars, Milwaukee RR, traveling, photography, woodworking, puns, stories, area history, family and friends, and helping anyone who was in need of help.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Elizabeth Ann; several aunts, uncles and numerous cousins and friends.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Jane Winkley, of Rollins; a daughter, Mary Knighton of Bozeman; son and daughter-in-law, John and Mary Winkley of Farmington, N.M.; a grandson, Jack Knighton of Bozeman; aunt, Meg Winkley; numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell.
The family request memorials in Jerry's name be given to the ALERT Helicopter program, Kalispell Regional Medical Center of Kalispell, Miracle of America Museum of Polson, or the Bethlehem Church Gosbells Bell Choir.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.