Paula Winkelman

Paula RoJean (Kite) Winkelman, daughter of James Anthony Langer and Sandra Jean Coulter, was born February 17, 1958 in Auburn, Nebraska. Paula became the adopted daughter of Milton Ward Kite when he and Sandy were married in 1962. She attended Howe Country School and graduated from Southeast Consolidated High School in Stella, Nebraska. Paula then went to Fairbury Junior College and later Peru State College, where she earned a degree in journalism.

In 1982 Paula was married to Jimmy Winkelman at the Christian Church in Auburn. They were blessed with one son, Luke. Paula and Jim later divorced.

Paula lived her entire life in Nemaha County in Nebraska. She enjoyed journalism and photography, and pursued both interests professionally and as hobbies. Her first job out of college was running the Peru Print Shop in Peru, Nebraska.

Paula was baptized in and became a member of the Auburn Christian Church, and later in life began attending the First Presbyterian Church in Auburn. She loved nature, and had an affinity for animals, especially horses. She was an avid reader and enjoyed the Christmas season, as evidenced by her huge Santa Claus collection and the music of Christmas. Most of all, however, she loved being with her son, grandchildren, and other family members.

After being diagnosed with cancer, Paula was cared for by her family at the home of her sister Virginia. With family around her, she died there on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at the age of 55 years, 6 months, and 10 days. Her father Milt and brother James preceded her in death.

Paula is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Luke and Cailyn Winkelman of Peru; grandchildren Adde and Gabriel Winkelman and one on the way; mother Sandra Kite of Auburn; father James Langer and his wife Iva of Loveland, CO; sisters Daniella Ernst of Germany; Virginia and husband Mike Vinson of Auburn; brothers Robert Kite and friend Deb Whitaker of Valley; Stewart Allen Kite of Auburn; and Todd Steven Kite of Auburn; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were Friday, August 30, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Penny Schulz. Special pre-recorded music was played. Honorary urnbearers were Chris Vinson, Brett Vinson, Stan Domikaitis, Larry Chapin, and Tony Hutton. Inurnment of ashes followed in the Kite Cemetery southeast of Auburn.