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Dr. Joel Edward Winker, 80, of Rutherfordton, passed away Friday, October 20, 2017.
Born September 15, 1937 in Belleville, Illinois, he was the son of the late Irwin Walker and Florence Elizabeth Seubert Winker. Dr. Winker graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, MO in 1959, and Cornell Medical School in 1963. He did his internship at Great Lakes Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois and completed his residency at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Winker served actively for ten years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the grade of Commander. He was appointed to the Medical Corps for temporary service in the Reserve of the U.S. Navy in 1972. In March 1974 he was transferred to the Retired Reserve. While in the Navy, Dr. Winker received two letters of commendation. In 1972 he joined the Norris Biggs Clinic and the medical staff of Rutherford Hospital and served as Chief of Staff from 1985 to 1986. His peers recognized him for his excellent service to both patients and the hospital with the Stewart L. Mooring Award in 2000. He later co-founded Rutherford OB-Gyn where he worked until 2002. He often said he was fortunate to have a job he loved so much. After a brief retirement he went back to work at the Cleveland County Health Department Clinic from November 2004 until he fully retired in March 2012. In addition to his medical service he was active in the Rutherfordton Kiwanis Club.
Dr. Winker was a devoted member of the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church where he focused his service on teaching youth Sunday school. He enjoyed telling stories growing up in Mascoutah and Belleville, Illinois, cruising and being at sea. He loved the North Carolina Mountains and foothills. He was an avid sports fan. His free moments were spent cheering the Cardinals, trying to figure out the game of golf, and most of all cheering on his grandchildren unconditionally in their many endeavors.
Surviving are his wife, Brenda Rector Winker of the home; son Dr. Guyton Winker and wife Nancy of Rutherfordton; daughter, Kristen Williams and husband Frank of Matthews, NC; five grandchildren.
Also surviving him are his stepdaughters, Melissa Johnson and husband Jay of Rutherfordton and Jessica Butler and husband Travis of Mooresboro; six step grandchildren, also surviving is his dear aunt Marilyn Schaefer and her daughter Holly Schaefer Irving of Madison, Wisconsin. His first wife, Sharon Barttelbort Winker, preceded him in death.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sat. Nov. 4, 11AM at Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church with Dr. Donald Scofield officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11AM prior to the service in the church fellowship hall. A private burial will be held in the Memorial Garden at Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church. Military honors will be provided by the Rutherford County Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church Our Future Building fund, PO Box 1133, 252 North Washington Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.
Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family.
