Terry Michael Winkler

Terrence M. “Terry” “T-Bone” Winkler was born November 27, 1946, in Albion, Nebraska to Henry and Helen (Graham) Winkler. Terry grew up in Petersburg, Nebraska and moved to Valley, Nebraska, where he attended school, graduating from Valley High School in 1965. Growing up in Valley, Terry loved playing sports. He was active in everything including football and track, but he excelled at baseball, and especially loved when he could share the field with his brothers, Don and Larry. He even had a try out for both the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals pro teams. Terry married Connie Forsberg in 1974 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Valley, and to this union, three children were born, Andy, Brett, and Paige. Terry and Connie raised their family in Valley. Terry worked for Valmont Industries for over 35 years doing sales and marketing. He then worked for Semaan Engineering until retiring in 2013. Terry was active with the Elkhorn Valley Tractor Club and his Coffee Club. Family meant everything to Terry. From his marriage to Connie, to coaching and teaching the boys the fundamentals in baseball, to walking Paige down the aisle at her wedding, accepting and loving Traci, Kristy, and Dan as his own, and the birth of the grandkids, Terry cherished every moment. He loved cooking for the family and looked forward to weekly conversations with his nephews. Terry was also known to just drive around Valley and make a ham for Andy. He enjoyed junk-jaunting, gardening and could often be found watching cowboy shows or Fox News. He liked listening to George Strait, missed his favorite restaurant, Harr’s, and enjoyed snacking on cinnamon rolls and onion rings. Terry was the king of one-liners and nicknames. Some of his classic lines were, “you damn kids!”, “save a buck”, “listening skills, zero”, “alright sports fans”, “don’t you love it when a good plan comes together?” and “birddog.” Most of all, Terry will be remembered for his generosity and humble acts of kindness. Terry passed away unexpectedly at his home in Valley, Nebraska on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the age of 77 years, 5 months, and 18 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry & Helen Winkler, brother Larry Winkler and sister Leah Pittenger. Terry is survived by his wife Connie, children Andy & Traci Winkler, Brett & Kristy Winkler, Paige & Dan Kincaid, Tim & Deborah Winkler, and grandchildren Brynn, Reid, Ellery, Alyssa, and Charlotte. Honorary grandchildren Mitch Winkler & Kasey Masterpiece, Baleigh & Jack Holt, and Carson Winkler. Special nephews Chad Hayden and Tom Lewis. Siblings Roxie Lewis, Don & Shirley Winkler, Sheila Winkler & Leroy Henderson. Memorial Mass Friday, April 19, 11 AM at St. John’s Catholic Church, Valley NE. Inurnment at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn, NE. Visitation Thursday 4-7 PM at Reichmuth Funeral Home, Elkhorn, NE. Memorials to the Valley American Legion Post #58 or the Trump 2024 campaign.

Terry Michael Winkler

November 27, 1946 - April 13, 2024