Richard Winkelman
O Fallon | Save
Richard Lee Winkelman passed away at his home peacefully and surrounded by family in O’Fallon, IL, on June 27, 2026, at the age of 74.
Born on July 28, 1951, in Beardstown, IL, Richard was the son of Leland and Patricia (Schrodt) Winkelman. He was raised in Arenzville, IL, alongside his four siblings and many cousins, attending Trinity Lutheran School, where he played basketball and helped on the family farm. Those early years instilled in him a strong work ethic and lifelong love of the outdoors.
Following high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Del Rio, Texas, he met the love of his life, Betty Sue Hooker. They were married on January 27, 1973, and shared 53 years of marriage as the Air Force carried them to duty stations across the country.
During his distinguished 20-year military career, Richard served in a variety of technical and leadership roles, including Computer Systems Program Technician, Construction Programs Specialist, Air Decoy Missile Analyst, and Disbursement Specialist. He retired as a Technical Sergeant after 20 years of continuous honorable service in the United States Air Force. His dedication, professionalism, and quiet leadership earned him numerous military decorations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, reflecting the same character that would define every aspect of his life. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he continued supporting the nation’s defense with the Department of Defense until his retirement.
Richard was a man of few words whose quiet actions spoke louder than anything he could have said. He loved camping, fishing, carpentry, mechanical work, gardening, and sharing the outdoors with his family. He proudly served as a member and Vice President of the O’Fallon Sportsmen’s Club for more than 20 years, giving generously of his time to the organization and community he loved. Richard’s quiet strength was never more evident than in the courage and grace with which he faced life’s many health challenges, leaving his family with an enduring example of resilience and bravery. Through his quiet example, Richard taught those around him to work hard, serve others, love family without reservation, and face life’s challenges with courage and dignity.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Patricia (Schrodt) Winkelman of Arenzville, IL; his stepmother, Norma Winkelman of Beardstown, IL; his brother, Gary Winkelman; his sister-in-law, Vickie Winkelman; his stepbrother, Billy Cook; his stepsisters, Debbie (Cook) Thompson and Diane (Cook) Lancaster; his grandparents, Albert and Elda (Lovekamp) Winkelman; his grandparents, Paul Schrodt and Marie (Schrodt) Taff and her husband, Virgil Taff; his son-in-law, Royce Jones; his great-grandsons, River, Blaine Jr., and August; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Betty Sue Winkelman; his daughters, Melanie Jones of Prairie du Rocher, IL, Tiffany (Nathan) Esposito of O’Fallon, IL, and Candice (Dashaun) Sutton of O’Fallon, IL; his sister, Gloria (Larry) Hansen of Mokena, IL; his brothers, Ed (Norine) Winkelman of Armstrong, IL, and Larry Winkelman of Paxton, IL; his sister-in-law, Sherry Winkelman; his stepbrothers, Donnie Cook and George Cook of Beardstown, IL; his aunt, Linda Hart of Saybrook, IL; his grandchildren, Samantha, Donna, Justine, Mackenzie, Mercadez, Deven, Elise, Lucy, Rowen, Abbagail, Izabele, Xavier, Alexander, Aph, Amelia, and Tobias; 12 cherished great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Memorial donations may be made to Siteman Cancer Center at www.siteman.wustl.edu/give/. Condolences may be left online at www.schildknechtfh.com in Richard’s memory.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 12:00 p.m. at Schildknecht Funeral Home, 301 S. Lincoln Ave., O’Fallon, IL 62269. Burial with full military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home, O’Fallon, IL.
Schildknecht Funeral Home
