“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still water. He restores my soul. He comforts me…” Psalm 23

J. David Winkelbauer, 75, of Waterford passed away March 11, 2012 with his loving family by his side. He was born on January 10, 1937, son of the late John and Marion Kennedy Winkelbauer. He went to be with his Lord and Savior this sad day for us, but joyous for him.

Winkelbauer, J. DavidDavid graduated from Edinboro Normal School in 1954 and went to work for Larry’s Welding and Steva’s Welding in Erie. He operated his own business at his home before building Dave’s Welding in Waterford in 1988. He was the owner/operator of Dave’s Welding with his sons Norbert and Frank Winkelbauer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister -?Sr. Mary Winkelbauer, a brother -?Richard Winkelbauer, a daughter -?Judith Winkelbauer Brogdon, and son-in-law Robert Brogdon, and most recently by his dear mother-in-law -?Thelma V. Dauson; also his very good friend, Bernie Desko with whom David rode motorcycles cross country.

He left behind to mourn his death and celebrate his life, his loving and devoted wife, Thelmarie Dauson Winkelbauer; his children and grandchildren, of whom he was so proud of along with their accomplishments: Jim Winkelbauer (Susan), Norbert “Foobie”?Winkelbauer (Kim), Frank Winkelbauer (Lorene), Troy Soltis (Tammy), Tracy Soltis-Richards (Jeff), Mary Thomas (Mike), Becky Matczak (Marc); his grandchildren: Amanda Brogdon, Billy Pelc (Sara), John Winkelbauer, JR Brogdon (Colleen), Michelle Winkelbauer, Joseph Winkelbauer, JoAnna Silka (Matt), Christine Winkelbauer, Grant Winkelbauer, Jessica Soltis (Mike – fianc?), Andrew Soltis, Ryan Richards, Lauren Richards, Leah Matczak, Laura Matczak, and Emily Matczak; his great-grandchildren: Jenna Brogdon, Becca Brogdon, Jessica Pelc, and Matthew Silka. He is also survived by his brothers: James “Joe” Winkelbauer, Paul Winkelbauer (Mary Jo), Robert Winkelbauer (Bernadette), Howard Winkelbauer & Dr. Rod Nord, Daniel Winkelbauer (Melody); his sisters: Ruth Cypher (Dexter), Annie Studt (David), and Rose Hoffman; his brothers-in-law: John Dauson, Tom Dauson (Judy), Ron Dauson (Linda), and Rob Dauson; and many nieces and nephews.

David was a humble man and left his mark of excellence all over the world with his designs, engineering, and fabrication. He was a truly brilliant man with accomplishments too great to mention.

He enjoyed the antelope hunting trips to Wyoming with his son Jim and hunting in Colorado with Foobie, Frank, and his brothers.

The love of his life was his wife, as he lovingly referred to as “his lady”, but his tractor pulls were a close second. He pulled his restored Farmall M at the Pioneer and Gas Engine Society, the Brokenstraw Antique Tractor Club, the Waterford Fair, and various other tracks around the tri-county area with his son Foobie always by his side. He proudly displayed all of his first place trophies and ribbons at his home. Each year he and Foobie would look forward to attending the Florida Flywheeler Tractor Show.

He was a member of the All Saints Church in Waterford and made the cross that sits atop the church. David supported his community in countless ways in hours, donations, work, and projects.

He flourished in the joy of family get-togethers at the cabin that he and his wife built, and swimming in the one-of-a-kind stainless steel swimming pool he custom made.

Special friends include Jack Reilly, Tom Kelly, Sr. Catherine “AJ”?Frost, Bob Lewis, Regis Hunkele, Bill Van Vleet, George Mowery, John & Linda Vargo, Jimmy Kula, Jim Yaples, Rod Mitchell, Art Williams, Ray Showman, Mike Jenkins, Jack Stull, Doug Garvin, John & Bobbie Kozlowski, Emory Metzler, Gary & Heather Waite, Dr. Bob Halmi, Karl Hunt, Doug Aldridge, Bernie Snyder, Ralph Kelch, Bill Knight, Attorney George Schroeck, Todd & Julie Grehl, Pastor Dwayne Pinney, Dick & Marlene Spires, Bob Heidt, Dr. John Streiff, Dan and Rich Soltis.

Friends and family may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Friday from 3 to 8 pm and may attend the funeral service which will take place Saturday morning at 10:00 am at McLane Church, 12511 Edinboro Road, Edinboro, PA 16412. Interment will follow at Washington Valley Cemetery.