John F. Winkler DDS

John Fortune Winkler, age 79, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Aurora Medical Center Mount Pleasant. He was born in Omaha, NE, June 18, 1947, the first of four children of the late Robert and Margaret (Nee: Fortune) Winkler.

John graduated from Creighton Prep School, Creighton University and Creighton Dental School. On September 5th 1970 at St. Rose Church he married his wife and best friend Francie McGuire. He moved to Racine in 1976 after graduating from dental school. John practiced dentistry for over 40 years, retiring in 2017. John was an avid reader who enjoyed participating in many sports, especially golf and biking. He and Francie spent many happy times biking and traveling together. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and ability to light up a room when he entered. Above all he treasured the time spent with his family, especially his granddaughters. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his wife of over 56 years, Francie; sons, Daniel Winkler (fiancée Marsha Zikowski), Kevin (Melissa) Winkler; granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Kaleigh; siblings, Kathy (Jim) Helget, Robert Winkler, Teresa (Roger) Winkler; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Susan (John) Thomsen, Wayne (Julie) McGuire, Tim (Cheryl) McGuire, Andy McGuire; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by in-laws, Trish Winkler, Richard and Sally McGuire.

A memorial service will be held at the Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St. Friday, October 30, 2026, 12 pm noon with Rev. Steve Samuelson officiating. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service from 10 am to 12 pm.

Memorials to a charity of your choice in John’s name would be appreciated.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Aurora Mount Pleasant ICU for their compassionate care and to the participants of the Honor Walk commemorating John’s selflessness in helping others through organ donation.