Once upon a time there was a beautiful girl named Merrie Hall and a handsome young park ranger named Bill Winkler. They fell in love under the starry nights in Mesa Verde National Park. They had a long romantic courtship, and became one in matrimony in March 1949. Merrie learned the art of making liver and onions, and Bill learned to love opera. With grand adventures, love and laughter, they began to build companies, community and a family and helped support the Four Corners area with projects such as a bicentennial celebration, a soup kitchen and Club 20. Life was happy for the Winkler family. Their five children – Carol Goldsmith, Elizabeth Hamilton, Christine Winkler, Jonathan Winkler and Margaret Hoffman – created 12 grandchildren, who created even more great-grandchildren.

Now, Bill and Merrie Winkler are celebrating 70 years of love, friendship, partnership and marriage.

We, their children, ask that you join us in wishing our parents a hearty congratulations and thank them for loving each other and showing us what a difference we can make.