Darrell W. Winkelmann

Darrell W. Winkelmann, 81 of Brenham, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Darrell was born June 9, 1945, in Brenham, Texas, to Fred A. and Lydia Winkelmann. He was baptized on July 1, 1945, at Salem Lutheran Church and was confirmed there on March 27, 1959. Darrell was a graduate of Brenham High School, Blinn College and Sam Houston State University. In 1969, he began his almost 50 year career at Blue Bell Creameries, culminating in his retirement in 2016.

Darrell was a kind and faithful man who found great joy in the outdoors. He especially loved hunting and fishing, passions he enjoyed sharing with his children and grandchildren. Darrell treasured the simple pleasures in life and the memories made along the way. His faith was an important part of who he was and remained a guiding presence throughout his life. After retiring, Darrell enjoyed traveling with his companion, Birdie. He spoke fondly of these special trips and was grateful to have shared those experiences with her.

He was preceded in death by his best friend and loving wife of 47 years, Jo Ann Winkelmann; daughter, Laura (Winkelmann) Jones, and parents, Fred A. and Lydia Winkelmann.

His surviving family includes children and spouses, Brooks and Beth Winkelmann, John and Geneva Winkelmann; son-in-law, Ryon Jones; grandchildren, Ely and Sadie Jones; brother and sister-in-law, Fred L. and Bonnie Winkelmann; nephews, Jeff Winkelmann and fiancé, Marc Ruiz, Ryan and Stephanie Winkelmann; great nephews and niece, Dalton, Mallory and Blaine Winkelmann. He is also survived by his special friend and companion, Birdie Sommerfeld.

Visitation will be Monday, October 19, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church. Internment will follow at Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Winkelmann, Marc Ruiz, Ryan Winkelmann, Ely Jones, Todd Johnson, and Judd Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers are Otis Haarmeyer, Clyde Engelbrecht, Willie Ludwig, and Randy Markwardt.

The Winkelmann family wants to recognize, and are incredibly grateful to the physicians, nurses, and staff at Memorial Hermann for their unwavering dedication, kindness, and professionalism in caring for Darrell during his illness.

Memorials may be given to Christ Lutheran Church.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Condolences may be shared at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com