Marian V. (Janke) Winkler was born April 27, 1924, at home in rural Meade County to Edward and Theresa (Trinklebach) Janke. She attended elementary school at a nearby country school. In 1939, the family moved to the Horse Creek area and she attended high school in Newell graduating in 1942. She was married to Rodney "Bill" Winkler on December 27, 1942. They made their home on the ranch north of Newell for 50 years. In the early years on the ranch, they produced cattle and sheep, and Marian raised turkeys for sale to markets in the East. Later years the ranch was operated as a sheep ranch. Marian was involved in the record keeping and daily operation of the ranch, checking on the sheep herd each day. She knew the pastures, creek crossings and fence lines better than anyone else and her vigilance saved the lives of many lambs. They received awards for range management and conservation practices.

Visitors to the ranch were always welcome and invited in for meals or coffee and cookies. Marian enjoyed the activities and fellowship of the Pollyanna Extension Club winning many ribbons at the Butte County Fair for her sewing and baking. She served as Matron of Honor in the Newell Chapter of the Eastern Star and enjoyed the fellowship of the Past Matron's group in Spearfish. She enjoyed card games with family and neighbors and playing the piano and later the organ for sing-a-longs. The Janke sisters and their families always celebrated holidays and birthdays together. Her children, David and Judy, were a top priority in her life. She was always supportive of their activities and proud of their accomplishments.

Marian belonged to the United Church of Christ in Newell where she was a member of the choir for several years. She attended the UCC in Spearfish after moving from the ranch in 1993 when her husband passed away.

Marian, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at Belle Estate Senior Living in Belle Fourche, SD.

She is survived by her son, David Winkler of Newell, SD; her daughter, Judy (Kermit) Johnson, living near Deadwood, SD; her three grandchildren, Paul (Cheyenne) Winkler at the ranch north of Newell, Eric Johnson, Seattle, WA, and Michael Johnson, Oakland, CA; five great-grandchildren, Cherokee, Wyatt, Garrett, Clint, and Cody Rose Winkler, all at the ranch north of Newell; four sisters, Norine Carswell of Rapid City, Alma Laumer of Lennox, SD, Betty Dahlberg of The Dalles, OR, and Lola (Kenneth) Pascoe of Spearfish; as well as 18 nieces and nephews.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Rodney "Bill" Winkler; her sister, Elvera Minty of Seattle, WA; and her daughter-in-law, Beverly Winkler of Newell, SD.

Visitation will be Monday, February 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the UCC Church in Spearfish with Pastor Gordon Higgins officiating. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery in Newell.

A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Northern Hills.

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