Judith Winkelmann
Judith Winkelmann, age 73, of 2627 Kings Pointe, died on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 8:19 PM in her home. She was born on May 24, 1937 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Elmer N. & Margaret (Bowles) Rogers. She married Joseph Patrick Winkelmann on November 8, 1958 in Northbrook, IL. He survives. Mrs. Winkelmann was a Park Ranger working for the National Park Service as an Interpretive Specialist and EEO Officer at the Abraham Lincoln Home in Springfield, IL. She later worked at the Governor John Wood Mansion as the Executive Director of the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County for 7 years. She was also an art teacher and Girl Scout Leader.
Judith greatly enjoyed history, interior decorating, gardening, reading and her pets.
She was a member of the Catfish Club, PEO Chapter FH, and the Antique Club. Judith was also a member of the Bicentennial Commision for the Lincoln Douglas Debates. She also received a Commendation from the Library of Congress for a Course she created.
In addition to her husband Joe, Judith is also survived by:
THREE DAUGHTERS: Amy Jo Wheatman and her husband Dean of Wisconsin Dells, WI; Alisa Elkins and her husband Shawn of Quincy, IL and Meg Moore and her husband Eddie of Dacula, GA
SEVEN GRANDCHILDREN: Courtney Schweers and her husband Matt, Greg Wheatman, Brittany Elkins, Davis Elkins, Austin Brown, Hannah Moore and Emma Moore.
THREE GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Hudson Parker, Lily Schweers and Isla Schweers.
ONE BROTHER: Thomas Rogers and his wife Carol
Numerous nephews and other relatives also survive.
Judith was preceded in death by her parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the Quincy University Chapel by Father James Wheeler. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Quincy University Chapel on Friday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 PM and on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the services. Memorials may be made to the Father Tom Brown, OFM Scholarship at QU, St. Francis Catholic Church, or to the Governor John Wood Mansion.
The Winkelmann Family,
I worked with Judy in the early 1990’s at the Lincoln Home. She taught me alot about how to be a good interpreter. She was always inspiring me to do a better job. Because of her, I developed my interpretive style of making that personal connection with my visitors through programs that focus on family life. She will be missed among her NPS family.
Joe & Family,
I am very sorry for your lose. Judith was a special person. She was great to work with when we took Junior High history classes to the Lincoln Home. And, we were fortune to “find” her when the Historical Society was looking for an executive director. She brought to the job caring, professionalism, a love of history, and personality. She was the perfect person to have at the helm during the Lincoln-Douglas Debates Sequicentennial and the Abraham Lincoln Bincentennial. I really enjoyed working with Judith. We will miss her greatly!
Chuck Radel
To Winkelmann Family, I worked with Judy at Lincon’s Home. She was very helpful and caring to others.I am sorry to hear of her passing. She will be missed very much. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Joe and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She is someone whom I greatly admired and respected. I loved her enthusiasm for life, working with others, and “the Home”. Judy actually taught me a life lesson about teaching–she instructed us all that we should be engaging enough to give a tour of the Home, even if the Home burnt down or wasn’t there. She was all about the research,the core knowledge, and sharing information in a fun way with visitors. I actually looked forward to having her audit my tours–always running up at the last minute in her “tourist” costume complete with sun hat :). She was a very special person.
I wish I could attend the visitation or service, but Susan Haake and I are walking in the Susan J. Komen breast cancer event early on Saturday morning in Peoria. We will add Judy to our signs and participate in her honor.
So sorry ‘Aim’…your mom was such a unique, fun loving person. She & your dad were always my favorite people to come in to the bank for so many years…I am so glad to have known her. Even though we are miles apart, I am here for you if you need anything. Give my regards to your Dad..
Dear Joe and Family,
I’m sorry for your loss. There’s one less great smile and personality in the world now.
Joseph, when we last spoke, we thought she had this conquered. I was saddened by the news of its aggressive return and now of your loss. Judith was a diamond in Gem City and will never, ever be forgotten.
May you and your family feel the tremendous love from all who surround and/or pray for you. May you be granted peace and serenity.
Sincerely,
Sharon
Joe & Family,
I’m very sorry for your lose. Judith was a special person in our lives. She was great to work with when we took Junior High history classes to visit the Lincoln Home. And, she was a real “find” when the Historical Society searched for an executive director. She brought a love of history, professionality, a real commitment to the job, and a great personality. We could not have had a better person at the helm during the celebration of the Sequicentennial of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates and the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial! I truly enjoyed working with Judith. We will miss her greatly.
Chuck Radel
Dear Joe and family,
Judy was such a special Lady. It was truly an honor and pleasure to know and work with, a lady as wonderful and talented as she.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom and Karen Pacha
I was so saddened to hear of Judith’s passing. What an intelligent and wonderful woman!
I became acquainted with Judith when she came to work at the mansion. I so enjoyed her warm smile and genuine kindness.
Each year, my history fair students called upon her for help with our research and she was always willing to asisted us. In fact, just a few weeks ago, we asked her to be interviewed for our history fair website project. Although she was ill, she was still willing to be video taped. Judith was absolutely amazing! Just asking her to talk about Abraham Lincoln brought out that familiar twinkle in her brilliant eyes. She certainly loved history! I can only imagine her beautiful smile as she was met at the gates of by Mr. Lincoln.
Judith had such an impact upon so many people, young and old. We were all blessed to have known her. I will miss her greatly!
You certainly have my sympathies.
Cindy Mena