David Alvin Winkler

David Alvin Winkler, 77, passed away at his home in River Heights, UT on Monday, September 9, 2024. He was born October 5, 1946 in Ogden, Utah. He was the 5th child of John Harold and Pearle (Umber) Winkler both of whom preceded him in death.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Janis (Moffett) Winkler; his two oldest siblings, Harold Junior Winkler and Harold’s wife, Joyce, and Patricia Evelyn Winkler Ihrig. He is also survived by his children, Stacie (Kyle) Dahl, Debbie Winkler, Angie (Ryan) Nakao, Shelly (Jared) Johnson, Jerry (Kaori) Winkler, Brian (Stephanie) Winkler and 18 grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his sisters, Beth Lorene Winkler Graham (wife of Darrell Lindon Graham) and Dorothy Lucille Winkler Pay (wife of Paul Vincent Pay).

Dave was the baby of the family and was 9 years younger than his sister due to an illness his mother had. Dave was raised in Mt. Pleasant, Utah where his pioneer ancestors had settled. Dave loved riding horses, hunting & fishing and exploring the outdoors. He went on his first deer hunt when he was 8 years old and rarely missed a year.

Dave attended North Sanpete High School where he played on the baseball, football, and basketball teams, but baseball was always his favorite. Dave went on to attend Snow College for one year and then he was off to Utah State where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management. Many grew up knowing him as Ranger Dave in his iconic park ranger hat while he worked at Huntington Beach Central Park for over 25 years.

As a young adult, Dave served in the Western Canadian Mission, which included the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Later, he was fortunate to serve 3 missions with his wife, Janis, in Nauvoo, IL (gun shop, blacksmithing, and tech guru); Salt Lake City, UT Church Headquarters (Family History Center) and Ogden, UT. Dave helped many people with their family history and was tireless in connecting families together and performing temple work. Dave served in many church callings and performed countless acts of service for his family, friends and ward family. He helped many achieve their Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America program and could help you earn any outdoor merit badge.

In 1970, he was drafted into the Army and served until 1972 during the Vietnam War as the chaplain's assistant. Dave earned an Expert (Rifle), as well as the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. 

Dave met Janis Gay Moffett at a single’s ward dance when they were both teaching school in Los Angeles County. They were married in the Los Angeles California Temple on April 14, 1973. 

As a Winkler tradition, Dave always had ice cream on hand. There is always room for ice cream and Dave had a second stomach for any type of dessert. Dave inherited the boisterous Winkler laugh and could catch a person off guard with his sudden, over-the-top, loud sneezes. 

Dave loved playing games with the family and grandchildren. He was the ultimate competitor and would play full out, even against the grandkids. Dave loved it when his kids and grandkids visited and took them on countless adventures including camping, hiking, riding ATVs, and shooting. Dave did his best to attend every graduation, baptism, priesthood ordination, and even church musical numbers.

Dad/Grandpa was well loved and will be missed.

There will be a viewing Friday evening September 13, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at 800 S 600 E. River Heights, Utah 84321. Another viewing will be held the following morning from 9:30-10:30 A.M. The funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. at 800 S. 600 E. River Heights, Utah.

Click this link to view additional details about David's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/david-winkler-2024

David's funeral service can be viewed via Zoom: CLICK HERE TO WATCH SERVICE VIA ZOOM