Linus Winkler

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Linus L. "Buddy" Winkler, 82, of Perryville died Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012, at his home.

He was born March 11, 1930, in Perry County to Hugo and Anna Meyer Winkler. He married Velda M. Pecaut on April 19,1952. She preceded him in death Feb. 14, 2004.

Buddy owned and operated Winkler Brothers Construction along with his brother, Art. He served in the National Guard for 32 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 133 and the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, where he had served on the parish council, as well as several other committees. He was a scorekeeper for St. Vincent basketball, and he filmed games for St. Vincent football, as well as volunteering to mow the football field. Buddy was an active member of the St. Vincent Educational Foundation. He enjoyed dancing and bingo and was a bingo caller in the area. He was a member of the "Knothole Gang" from his childhood years, and loved to share stories about them. In his later years he was involved with W&D Knife Grinding in Perryville.

Survivors include two sons, Lynn (Sue) Winkler of Cape Girardeau and Tim (Kathy) Winkler of Perryville; a daughter, Mary (Randy) Milfelt of Perryville; a sister, Frieda Cissell of Perryville; his fiancee, Dorothy Clausen of Perryville; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two step great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a son, David; seven brothers; two sisters; and a great-grandson.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Miller Family Funeral Home in Perryville. Parish prayers will be at 7:30 p.m. today with the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will continue from 6:30 to 9:50 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville, with the Rev. Milton Ryan officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, with graveside military honors courtesy of American Legion Post 133.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Vincent School Endowment Fund.