Elke Ellen Winkler

Elke Ellen Winkler passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, at the age of 82. She will be remembered for her warm, resilient, and curious spirit and her love of animals and the outdoors.

She is survived by her husband of over 52 years, Karl-Heinz, with whom she shared a beautiful and full life. Together, they raised three children, Philipp, Malte, and Julie. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Oliver, Sebastian, Amalie, Chloe, and Felix. She will be missed by her brother, Bernd, and extended family in the United States and Germany. Elke was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Erich and Anneliese Drueckler.

Born in Tilsit, Eastern Prussia, Germany, on December 24, 1943, Christmas Eve was always a special occasion for Elke and her family to enjoy Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Cake and to gather around the tree to sing traditional German songs. She loved gathering at the kitchen table with her family, joking together and sharing stories. It is especially poignant that she departed this life on Christmas Day, a special holiday for her throughout her life.

Elke embraced a variety of passions during her lifetime, including her studies in Pedagogy. She was a lifelong language learner, continuing lessons later in life in French and Russian. She was passionate about the arts and shared with her children a love for classical music, opera, poetry, reading, and painting. In her early adulthood, she spent a year living and hitchhiking in France and was markedly unafraid of adventure.

An avid equestrian, Elke was a well-known member of the Pajarito riding community and taught the joy of riding, working closely with the YMCA for many years. Her impact on the young riders she taught will not be forgotten, as she imparted through her lessons a genuine love for equestrian pursuits. She found peace in the quiet of arroyos and canyons in the area surrounding her home in Pajarito Acres and spent countless hours in the canyon with her beloved horse, Ace, or walking with the family dogs.

As we celebrate the life of Elke Ellen Winkler, we remember a woman whose kindness and cheerful nature have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Her strength of character and will was only matched by her genuine compassion for others, and her memory will continue to inspire and bring joy to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.