Henry William Windler

Henry William Windler, of New Minden, Illinois, entered the arms of his Heavenly Father on April 1, 2022 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. Henry was born on April 29, 1942 in Centralia, IL to his parents Alvin and Frances (Hanke) Windler. He was united in marriage to Linda Spenner, daughter of Theodore and Julia (Kleiboker) Spenner on January 25, 1964 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoyleton, IL. He was of the Lutheran faith, and a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Covington, Illinois. He was a dedicated, lifelong farmer of Washington County.

He gave himself to family, friends, farming, and God, serving all of them with a faithful resolve and a relentless commitment to strengthening the bonds of fellowship and kindness that brought all those that knew him and loved him closer together. His love of laughter and his wit was overshadowed only by the space he made available in his heart for all those misfits he and his wife welcomed into their home. Henry was strong and steady, whose hugs pulled you out of your shoes and showed you that you were truly loved. He was defined by a quiet concern that could be found watching over spaces of laughter, celebration, conversation, and worship. His two grandchildren were his best friends. He worked the land and pulled us all out of the dirt without ever having to ask him to do it. We will miss the sound of his cowboy boots on our floors and his presence in all our lives. Like the spaghetti western star The Rifleman that so many said he resembled, Henry fought for what he believed in through every act of kindness he showed, and was proud of the chosen family he welcomed, with a smile, that fulfilled him in his very blessed life.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his children Michael Windler, Cole Windler and special friend Jeane Garth and Franceska Windler.  His grandchildren Lindsay and Andrew Windler.  Brothers and sister in laws; Virgil (Butch) and Elaine Spenner and Ronnie and Lois Bartling.  Nieces, nephew and their families and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Frances, his brother Alvin Jr. in infancy, his eldest son Johnathan Lloyd, his brothers in law Lloyd, Earl, and Alvin Spenner, his sister in law Marilyn Spenner, and his mother and father in law. 

If individuals so wish, memorials can be made to St. Luke’s of Covington concrete fund, or St. John’s of New Minden “God’s Garden”.

Visitation and services will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, New Minden. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and from 3:00 to 4:00 pm on Friday prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 4:00 pm at St. John’s with Rev. Timothy Mueller officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Styninger Funeral Home in Nashville is in charge of arrangements. 

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