Donald Winkelmann

On September 16, 1946, Donald Gene entered the Winkelmann family, including his father Reinhard, his mother Myrtle, and his sister Alana Faye. For his first 7 years, he was never far from his parents' presence, and in his 18 years on the family farm in Kenney, he learned the importance of family, the value of hard work, the satisfaction of a good job well done, and the love of a simple life.

He attended and graduated from Kenney School (Grades 1-8) and later was a proud graduate of Bellville High School Class of 1965, being honored as Sophomore class favorite and lettering in football. On a Saturday night in January of 1965 at a dance at Artesian Park, he spotted Sharon, "the cutest girl he'd ever seen". Several weeks later they had their first date to his high school football banquet where he received his letterman's jacket. It was a bold move on his part as Brenham and Bellville were arch-rivals at the time, imagine taking a Brenham High School Cheerleader to this event. He courted her for the next three years and finally scooped her up on August 4, 1968. They were blessed with 56 years of marriage.

Donald attended Blinn College and graduated from Stephen F. Austin University in 1971 with a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree in Accounting. After graduation they moved back to Brenham, and they settled in their first home at 1502 Church Street. He began his accounting career with Otto Lehrman, which became Seidel Schroder and Company where he eventually became a partner in 1989. For 42 years, he immensely enjoyed interacting with his clients and helping them solve accounting problems. He also greatly enjoyed the camaraderie with all of his co­ workers, especially the morning coffee breaks.

He and Sharon welcomed their children, Christopher Todd in July 1971 and then Tara Lyn in September 1974. Tara and Chris were all they ever wanted. They built a house on family land, moved out to Old Mill Creek Rd in 1977, and made it their home.

Donald was an active part of several local organizations, including Exchange Club. He faithfully served St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem however he was needed. He worked best behind the scenes. He hated recognition and had no idea how much he was loved.

When his father passed in 1999, he took over managing the family property in Kenney, in addition to his own, and continued stewardship of the family land with the help of his cousin, Robert Winkelmann.

He retired from accounting in 2014. The decision to retire was not an easy one. He loved the staff at Seidel Schroder and all of his clients, but he quickly embraced retired life, becoming the rancher/farmer we think he always wanted to be. Also, he enjoyed his Thursday morning men's group, Pilates with his wife, and a monthly card group with lifelong friends.

He was a dedicated "Grandpa" to Chris and Tina's six kids and then became Charlee's beloved "Pa", often biking with her to school in his cowboy boots. He adored his grandchildren and loved hearing every detail of their life. He also adored his children and loved talking to them. He loved and cherished every moment he spent with his wife until his death.

His best day was spent outdoors tending cattle, riding his horse, being a good steward of the land, "piddling" in his shop, hauling hay, shredding pasture, planting oats and keeping Sharon happy. He was happiest being with any of his family, and his smile lit up a room. He was second happiest on a horse, the more skittish and anxious, the better (like his women we think). He was a simple, faithful, humble man of God, and he was the best man we have ever known. Even though we know that he has moved on to a wonderful place, we will miss him very much.

Donald held fast to his faith until the end and passed peaceful into the arms of his Savior on April 29, 2025.

Donald is currently catching up with his parents, Reinhard and Myrtle Winkelmann, along with his in-laws, Fred and Ernestine Kieke, who loved him like a son. He will be looking after his family like he always did, his wife Sharon, his sister Alana Winkelmann and husband Norman of Brenham, sister-in-law, Sandra Schwartz of Brenham, his daughter Tara Winkelmann and granddaughter Charlee of The Woodlands, TX, his son and daughter-in-law Christopher and Tina Winkelmann of Concord, MA, and grandchildren William Winkelmann and his wife Michayla and great-grandson Hunter of Lufkin, TX, Alysse Winkelmann of Hudson, NH, Eric Winkelmann of Concord, MA, Jordan Winkelmann of Manchester, NH, Tomas Winkelmann of Concord, MA and Tristan Winkelmann of Concord, MA, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family including his aunt and uncle, Erline and Earnest Wellmann of Brenham.

Pallbearers will include Larry Tegeler, BJ Plumb, John Bilski, Robert Winkelmann, Ron Ahasan, Tim Buchanan, and Robert Schwartz.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the St. James Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund or a charity of your choice.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. A Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025 at St. James Lutheran Church – New Wehdem with burial following in the church cemetery.