WINKELS, Gilbert N., Pfc. 1923-1944

WINKELS

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 10/5/2009 at 13:38:50

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS GILBERT N. WINKELS

Private First Class Gilbert N. Winkels, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Winkels was born July 19, 1923 at the farm home west of McIntire, Iowa.

He attended the Mitchell County rural schools and completed his grade school work in 1936.

He was a devout Catholic, assisting the Priest as Mass server up to the time of his death.

Pfc. Gilbert N. Winkels was inducted at Des Moines, Iowa, March 20, 1943 being sent to Camp Butner, North Carolina and from there to Camp Piokett, Virginia.

He was sent overseas in May 1944 and was based in England.

His parents first received word that he was missing in action over Poland. Then a correction was made to this statement that the action took place over Holland October 1, 1944. Still another telegram came November 16th stating he was killed in action over Holland. At the time of his death he was serving with the 82nd Airborne division.

He was engaged in farming with his father until he entered service in March 1943.

To his many friends who knew him Gilbert was a true and helpful friend.

Gilbert received two Silver Battle Stars and two Overseas Service Bars.

He leaves to mourn his passing his mother and father, one brother, and three sisters.

Requiem Mass was held at ten o'clock Monday morning in St. Patrick's Church with Father Thomas Duane officiating. Mrs. Leo Regan, Joseph Regan and Mrs. Polinski of Plainview sang with Mrs. W.H. Hall as their accompanist at the organ.

Interment was made in the local Church cemetery.

PRAYER
O gentlest Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive soul of Thy departed servant. Be not severe in Thy judgement, but let some drops of Thy precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames, and do Thou, O merciful Saviour, send Thy angels to conduct Thy departed servant to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Casket Bearers
Harold Adams James Carroll
Donald Burgett Orville Roe
Francis Spellman Joseph Jensen

Honorary Casket Bearers
Alvin Malcomson Bert Moe
George Wells C.O. Strom
George Sumnicht M.E. Chesebrough

Burial at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery LeRoy, Minnesota

Full Military Honors by American Legion and
Veterans of Foreign Wars

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photo of Pfc. Gilbert Winkels.

Mitchell Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen