Iris was number 2 of 10 children. She graduated from Hayes Center High School in 1962 and graduated from St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in 1965. She received a Bachelors in Nursing at Union College and a Bachelors and Masters in Education from the University of Nebraska.
Iris married Roger Winkelhake on August 13, 1966 in Agnew, Nebraska. They lived and worked in Lincoln their entire 57 years of marriage. Iris always enjoyed when Big Red did well, as a “win” made Roger really happy! They enjoyed tail-gating with friends and traveling to watch the Huskers.
Iris enjoyed learning, reading everything and anything; a daily crossword puzzle solver, she knew how to win at Scrabble. Iris was a serious bridge player. (No kibitzing allowed!) She had a great sense of humor which she shared freely. Iris was a true supporter of family and friends; welcoming to all.
Iris, a retired Registered Nurse, worked at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in the Critical Care Unit. Later in her nursing career, she was an instructor in the LPN nursing program at Southeast Community College for approximately 25 years.
Iris was a member of First Lutheran Church, a member of the Women’s Martha Circle; a member of the American and Nebraska Nursing Association for 53 years and on the board of the Nebraska State Board of Nursing for 8 years.
Family members include her husband Roger; siblings and spouses, Alice Parker, Sahuarita, AZ, Jane and Bob Lyons, Omaha, Michelle and Bill Lyons, Colorado Springs, CO, Mary and Howard Pachman, Omaha, Penny Lyons, Wilda and Richard Lyons, Ginger Lyons, Jennifer Lyons and Bob Robinson, all of Lincoln, Regina and Doug Twyman, Wiesbaden, Germany, Ginny Kinkaid Lyons, Portland, OR; many nieces and nephews, great and great, great nieces and nephews, and several cousins. Preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Fred and Bernie.
Memorial service: 11:00 am Monday, January 29, 2024, First Lutheran Church, 1551 South 70th Street, Lincoln. Luncheon will follow the service.
Memorials to Fresh Start or Friendship Home of Lincoln.