Janene Mary Winkler

On Sunday, August 30, 2026, Heaven gained a new angel, Janene Winkler. She was the dearly loved wife of Lawrence Winkler, with whom she shared nearly 56 years of marriage. Janene was a proud mother to Richard (wife Catherine), Peter, Lawrence (wife Janie), Stephen (wife Lisa), and Christopher. She was a loving Grandma to Richard, Alexandria (husband Daniel Byrne), and Hunter, and a proud great-grandma to Isaiah and Elizabeth. She was an honorary second mother to many friends of her sons and grandchildren.

Janene Mary Oberts was born March 2, 1941 in Dodge County, Wisconsin, and grew up on the family farm in Fox Lake, Wisconsin.

She met her first husband, Lawrence Beam, in college. While he served in the Navy, they lived in Pensacola, Florida; Midway Island; and San Diego,California. They were blessed with three sons, Richard, Peter, and Lawrence. Lawrence Beam preceded her in death after a helicopter accident off the coast of San Diego while serving in the U.S. Navy. She honored his memory, and the Beam name, throughout her life.

On November 29, 1970, she married Lawrence Winkler, whom she loved dearly. Together they were blessed with two more sons, Stephen and Christopher. With Lawrence she made a home,

raised all five boys as Winklers, and shared the rest of her life. She was proud to raise five strong, upstanding men.

Janene was a registered nurse for more than 25 years after earning her degree at the University of Wisconsin, where she was a proud alumna. Go Badgers! She served as a night nurse at Little Sisters of the Poor Nursing Home – Mullen House, among other locations.

She loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an amazing cook and would teach anyone willing to learn (even if all they could do is burn

soup). She loved cooking large meals and filling the house with noise, laughter, and people. Christmas was especially dear to her, and she made the holiday special for everyone who

gathered. Those who know the family often came by on New Year’s Eve to share elk fondue with Janene and the family.

She loved to travel and to watch sports, especially football, baseball, hockey, and basketball. She proudly supported her children and grandchildren in every activity they took part in. She loved to cheer at every football, baseball, swimming, volleyball, and track event she was able to attend. She was especially passionate about Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. She was the Den Leader for her boys’ troops and proudly supported her grandson throughout his years in Scouts. She was able to participate when he received his Eagle Scout rank.

She was a strong supporter of Denver sports (unless they were playing Wisconsin—don’t ever knock Wisconsin). She was a proud Wisconsin Cheesehead. She shared her love of swimming and gardening with each of her boysand her grandchildren. She was like a fish in the water and had two green thumbs. Janene was also an avid bowler and bowled in many leagues, especially the Colorado Crazys.

Janene was a devout Catholic. She proudly sang in the choirs of the churches she attended, including Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Golden, Colorado, and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Lakewood, Colorado.

She lived a full, blessed, and happy life and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.