Karl F. Winkler

Karl F. Winkler, 80, of Cherry Valley, passed away June 5, 2022, in his home surrounded by his loving wife. Born January 15, 1942, in Oak Park, IL to John & Karen (Hansen) Winkler. Educated in Watscka community schools. Dartmouth College with a B.S in English in 1964. Later Karl received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1967. He served in the United States Army as Battery Commander of an Air Defense Artillery Battery at Fort McArthur, San Pedro, CA, from 1967-1969, leaving with the rank of Captain. He received distinguished Military Graduate Awards from college ROTC programs and was offered a regular army commission but chose not to make the Army a career. He took his love of books into the practice of Law, practicing in Rockford from 1969 to the present. He was recognized as a member of the top five percent of the lawyers in Illinois to receive the distinction of being a Leading Lawer. In addition, the Winnebago County Bar Association, recognized him for more than fifty years of honorable service as an Attorney, Counselor of Law, and Officer of the Courts.
Married the former Tracy Byrom, a fellow graduate student in 1966, in Champaign, IL.
Karl is survived by his loving wife, Tracy Winkler, sons Kurt (Lisa Lawless) and Kent (Teruko Shimogaito); brother, Eric (Mary) Winkler, and several nephews and one niece. He is predeceased by his parents and twin brother Kim Winkler.
The family would like to give a very special thank you to Andee and Patty.
A memorial visitation will 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108. Share online condolences and memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.