Gertrude Leone Winkel

Gertrude “Trudie” Sidebotham Winkel, 96, of South Haven, passed away Thursday, June 12, 2014, at the River Ridge Retirement Community in South Haven. Trudie was born  August 4, 1917, to Rev. Charles Wesley and Essy (Hooper) Sidebotham in Milwaukee, WI.  The family moved to East Jordan MI when she was four years old.  Class Valedictorian at East Jordan High School, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Michigan State College. She then taught at the South Haven and Covert Public Schools and for the Michigan Cooperative Extension Service. She married Robert (Bob) Winkel December 24, 1941, in E. Jordan, MI.  Trudie was a member of the First Congregational Church UCC and served in many capacities.  Trudie was also a member of the Scott Club, a charter member of the AAUW in South Haven, and supported Bob’s activities with the Rotary Club.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 62 years Robert Winkel and her infant brother John Sidebotham.

Trudie is survived by her children: Ann Hawkes of Portage MI, Richard (Leslie) Winkel of Allendale MI, Carl (Barbara) Winkel of Watertown CT,  Mary Beth (Arnold) Whitaker of Ludington MI; sister Elizabeth White of Miami FL; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Thursday, June 26, 2014, at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven.  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Jeffrey S. Dick officiating.  In lieu of flowers Trudy suggested donations be made to the First Congregational Church, WeCare in South Haven, or Hospice at Home.