Edward E. Winkler
March 12, 1940 – April 18, 2026

Edward E. Winkler, 86, of Sweet Home passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026, after an extended period of poor health. Ed was born on March 12, 1940 in Albany, Oregon to Winifred I. and Jessie Marie (Myer) Winkler.  The family lived in Sweet Home for most of Ed’s growing up years.  He graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1958.

He enlisted in the Air Force and served at Beal Air Force Base in northern California as a cook for four years.  It was during this time that he married Loretta Sue O’Neill and they returned to Sweet Home. Ed then began his decades long career as a truck driver, usually hauling logs.  In addition to truck driving he also loved guns and motorcycles, of which he owned many throughout his life, including two Harleys of which he was very proud.  And he loved Sweet Home wrestling.  He spent many evenings sitting on the bottom row of the high school bleachers with his buddies watching the Huskies and celebrating their many wins with them. He was a jovial guy with a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh. 
He is survived by his son Dean Winkler and brother Rick Burnett and wife Alice of Sweet Home; sister Winnie Robertson and husband Ken of LaQuinta, CA; grandchildren: Whitney Spenst and Dustin Winkler of Sweet Home, Kelsey Schultz of Albany, Samantha Flores of Hillsboro; and five great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Red Burnett, daughters: Dawn Winkler and Tina Winkler, brother Joe Winkler, and nephew Keegan Burnett.
A viewing will be 5 pm to 7 pm, Monday April 27th at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Graveside service with military honors will be 12 pm, Tuesday, April 28th at Alpine Cemetery. A celebration of life will be 12 pm, Wednesday, April 29th at Sweet Home Evangelical Church. Both services are open to all who would like to attend. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to Sweet Home Wrestling. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.