In Memoriam: Roger Windeler Roger Windeler
Roger Windeler, 70, passed away suddenly on August 17, 2010. Roger was born on June 8, 1940 in Patterson, New Jersey, the third of four children born to August “Gus” and Marie Windeler.
During his youth, he was actively involved in the Boys Scouts of America, achieving the honor of Eagle Scout. In 1960, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard. His tour included service in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961, though he spent the majority of his service in the North Atlantic before his discharge in 1965.
He married Ruth DeGraff on May 18, 1963 and had three daughters. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1976 and his Master’s Degree in 1978 from Fairleigh Dickinson University, both while working full time and raising his family.
In 1979, he moved the family to Agoura, California. He retired in 2000. He and Ruth moved to Canyon Lake later that year, following the lead of their youngest daughter. Ever one to be involved, Roger served on the Canyon Lake POA Board, were he prided himself for being fiscally conservative and logical.
During his life, Roger served as a Jaycee JCI Senator, was a volunteer fireman, Elk, founding member of Oak Park High School Booster Club and was most recently a substitute teacher in the Lake Elsinore district.
He enjoyed deep sea fishing, was a life-long and avid New York “football” Giants fan, loved gardening, stamp collecting and, of course, playing poker. For his recent 70th birthday, his family paid his admission into a poker tourney in Las Vegas, where he made the final table.
Roger is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ruth; daughters and sons-in-law, Wendy and Britt Stanley of Santa Maria, Heidi and Steve Howe of Canyon Lake and Amy and George Gerrard of Canyon Lake; six grandchildren, Johanna and Cameron Stanley, Bailey and Parker Howe and Geordie and Austin Gerrard; brother, August “Augie”, and sister, Nora. He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest brother Fred.
Services will be held at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Rd. in Sun City tomorrow, August 21, at 3 p.m., with a reception to follow. A viewing will be held today, August 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the mortuary.
