Richard Winke

Richard Leo Winke, age 94, of Catawba Island, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on January 29, 2026.

Richard was born on December 14, 1931, in Port Clinton, Ohio, to Stephen Joseph Winke and Mary Theresa (Hermes) Winke. He spent his life rooted in the Port Clinton and Catawba Island communities-places he loved deeply and served with dedication.

On June 24, 1954, Richard married the love of his life, Norma Jean Hees, beginning a marriage that spanned more than seventy years. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, service, and community.

Richard is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Norma Jean; his children Michael Dean; Teresa Ann (James) Wright; Dale Richard (Lou Ann); and Renee Ann (Michael) Salem; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and special friends Greg and Sue Gibson, Jim McKinney, and Darlene and Rollie Roder.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers John, Robert, Gerald, and Francis; his sisters Madonna Ashton, Rosella Thompson, Rita Greer, and Mary Ellen Raypole; and special friend Judy McKinney.

Richard attended Immaculate Conception School through eighth grade and graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1949. He worked for Matthews Boat Company and the Erie Army Depot (E.A.D.) prior to entering the United States Army in 1951.

Richard served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. For gallantry in action and wounds received in combat, he was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He was discharged from military service in 1953.

Following his return home, Richard resumed work at the Erie Army Depot in the maintenance department and later served on the Civilian Advisory Board until the depot phased out in 1963. In 1962, he founded Winke's Boat Storage Inc., a business that became a fixture of the local waterfront. In 1976-1977, Richard purchased what would become Winke's Landing, further cementing his lifelong connection to boating and Lake Erie. He also hosted the Elks Stageroo from 1964 to 1985.

Richard was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish Council, participated in Hospitality, served as a Greeter, and was an Eucharistic Minister. He also helped form the Church Endowment Fund Committee.

His civic service included roles as Catawba Island Township Zoning Inspector (1971), Catawba Island Township Trustee (1971-1973), and member of the Ottawa County Selective Service Board. Richard served as President of the Catawba Island Chamber of Commerce, President of Catawba Island Kiwanis, and President of Vacationland Marine Trade.

A proud veteran, Richard was Commander of American Legion Post 113 and a 50-plus-year member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1718. He was a Lifetime Member of the Knights of Columbus (3rd Degree), a Lifetime Member of Disabled American Veterans, and a Lifetime Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In recognition of his service, Richard received a Certificate of Appreciation from President Richard Nixon (1971) and President Gerald Ford (1976), as well as a letter of appreciation from Kim Dae-jung, President of the Republic of Korea (2000).

Above all, Richard loved his family and friends. He found joy in singing, boating, golfing, bowling, traveling, and playing his player piano.

Visitation and funeral arrangements will be announced. Please check back on www.walkerfuneralhomes.com for further details.