Shirlee Winkelmann

Shirlee E. Winkelmann, 76, died Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at St. John's Lutheran Hospital.

Shirlee was born April 16, 1930, in Kensington, Kan., to Ernest D. Ward and Pauline Goracke Ward. She was raised and educated at Smith Center, Kan.

She married Ernest R. Winkelmann on Nov. 4, 1951, in Franklin, Neb.

Shirlee lived most of her life in the Denver, Colo., area where she raised her three children.

While living in Denver, Shirlee obtained her real estate license. She was also employed for 10 years in the business offices of St. Anthony's Hospital.

She came to Libby in 2003. While in Libby, Shirlee was involved with Habitat for Humanity.

Preceding her in death were her parents; a granddaughter, Lindsay A. Whitaker; and a brother, Veryle J. Ward.

She is survived by daughters, Gail Wagner and husband Monte of McCook, Neb., and Cheryl Fox of Libby; son Jim Winkelmann and wife Patricia of Roundrock, Texas; sister Phyllis Edelen of Golden, Colo.; grandson Sean Whitaker of McCook; and niece Patricia Stermole and nephew Gary Edelenof, both of Denver.

Services will be held in Phillipsburg, Kan., with interment in Stone Cemetery in Smith County, Kan.

Nelson & Vial Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.