Deborah Jean Winkler, 64, of Springfield, IL, died suddenly at 3:26 a.m. on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Regency Care in Springfield. Debbie was born on August 26, 1954 in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of Carl Emil and Margaret (Werges) Winkler. Debbie was a graduate of Wakefield High School in Arlington, VA. She most recently worked for the Prairie Educational Research Foundation doing research data entry. Prior to that, she was a zip coder for the U.S. Geological Survey in Reston, VA. Debbie was a member of Southside Christian Church in Springfield. She enjoyed playing the piano, singing in the Christ Church choir, gardening, yard work, watching movies, and helping others in the kitchen. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Irene Diane Cook; aunt, Irene OConnor; and cousin, Greg Werges. Debbie is survived by her sister, Margaret Anne (husband, Richard) Katholi of Springfield; two nephews, Christopher and Benjamin (wife, Molly) Katholi; great-nephews and great-niece, Henry, Bridget, and Emmett Katholi; and her cousins, Phil Winkler and Larry and Sharon Werges. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Inurnment at the Virtues of Life Columbarium at Roselawn Memorial Park will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to SPARC, 232 Bruns Lane, Springfield, IL 62702.
