San Andreas, CA…Ralph Clinton Winkler Jr. was born September 30th, 1944 in San Andreas, CA and was 72 years old. He attended high school at Calaveras High School and went to Delta College in Stockton for 2 years. On July 21st, 1965 he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. While in Vietnam he served as a mechanic and door gunner on a Huey helicopter. On May 9th, 1967 he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service and discharged from the Army on April 23rd, 1967 and achieved the rank of Specialist, E-4. After his military service, he worked as a mechanic for the family business, Winkler Bros. Transportation in San Andreas. When the family business closed, he opened his own mechanic shop, Winkler’s Diesel Performance.

His most memorable moments were in the woods hunting big game with his family and wife Charlene. His goal was to always harvest an animal larger than the last. Hunting was his passion from the time he was old enough to hunt until the day he left us. He spent almost a lifetime chasing big game all over North America from Alaska to Mexico and New Zealand as well. Ralph shot trap at the Angles Gun Club for many years winning several of the leagues he and his friends were in. Along with his passion for hunting, he spent countless hours fishing. He was also an avid sports fan. Ralph played baseball, basketball, and football in high school and continued his love of sports playing softball in the San Andreas area for many years. Ralph is the father of 2 children, Jeffrey Winkler of Lincoln, CA. (wife Denise), Jeneen Winkler of Sutter Creek, CA and stepfather to Charlie Hebrard of Montgomery,TX. He is the grandfather of 6; Brandon Winkler, Danica Winkler, Jacee Winkler, Emily Cook, Elizabeth Cook, and Karson Cook, He is also survived by his beloved wife, Charlene Winkler and sister Judy Serra of San Andreas, (husband Mickey Serra). Ralph passed on October 24th, 2016 doing exactly what he loved, hunting. A celebration of life will be held Friday, November 4th at 11:00am at the Covenant Church in San Andreas. 261 Treat Ave. If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, two of Ralph’s favorite charities were the Wild Sheep Foundation and The Wounded Warrior’s Project.