JoAnn Louise Winkler passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on Sept. 28, 2024, in Saint Augustine, Florida at the age of 77.
JoAnn “Joey” Lovre was born to Vernon and Marcella on June 9, 1947, in Huron, SD. They moved to Brookings in 1951, when Vern established his own implement and automobile business. In 1953 Joey welcomed her twin brothers, Mark and John to the family. Mark and John adored their big sister. Joey was instrumental in assisting her mother with the raising of the twins after their father, Vern, passed away suddenly at the age of 44.
While attending school in Brookings, Joey participated in many activities, including pep club and cheerleading. She was voted Homecoming Queen during her senior year. She made many cherished friends during those years. Joey enjoyed reminiscing about growing up in Brookings with “the twins” and would laugh so hard it made her cheeks hurt.
Joey attended the University of South Dakota. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and received her degree as a Registered Nurse. While attending USD she met and fell in love with her husband of 57 years, Fred Winkler.
Joey is survived by her loving family; husband, Fred Winkler; son, Jason, daughter-in-law, Sally; grandsons, Gavin, Grant and Garrett; brothers, John and Mark (Janet); step-sister, Jane Stull (Walt), step-brother, Robert Oden II (Theresa),step- sister- in -law Carolyn Oden; Aunt Joan Skalbeck, sister-in-law Connie Karasek and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Joey was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Lovre ; mother, Marcella Oden; step-father, Robert Oden; and step-brother, Paul Oden.
Joey was a devoted wife, mother, sister, friend, aunt and servant of the Lord. She served devotedly to people in need, participated in numerous church groups as well as the church choir. She leaves behind a legacy of being kind, generous, faithful, gentle, and devoted to family. She will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.
