Page 158 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Fred Winkels

1953-1954

Most Worshipful Brother Fred Winkels, the son of John and
Elizabeth Winkels, was born in Winona, Minnesota on
November 17, 1892. His parents being of thrifty, pioneer stock,
saw visions in the West and ten years later moved with their
children to Spokane. It was here that he completed the Grade
and High Schools in the City of Spokane and later studied
metallurgy and assaying, practicing that profession in Colorado
and later in California but returned to Spokane in 1912 to
become associated with his father in the wholesale and retail
meat business. It speaks volumes for the Masonic traits of
stability and dependability in that he continued the same business and in the same location until
he retired in February 1954, a period of approximately forty-two years. During his long and
honorable career in Spokane, Brother Winkels' sphere of influence widened beyond the confines
of the city. His business savvy and judgment was so respected that for years he had been on the
advisory board of the Inland Empire's Food Dealers' Association.

His Masonic journey began on March 1, 1923, when he applied for the degrees of Masonry in East
Gate Lodge No. 222. He would receive his Entered Apprentice Degree on May 21, 1923; be passed
to the Fellow Craft Degree on June 28, 1923; and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason
on July 19, 1923. He would advance quickly through the chairs, being elected to serve as
Worshipful Master in 1926.

Our Brother would be appointed by Most Worshipful Brother John Preissner as Custodian of the
Work in 1933. It was said that he was one of the best ritualists in the Grand Jurisdiction, having
passed several examinations and secured a three year Certificate of Ritual Proficiency at each
examination. A subsequent appointment in 1935 to the position of Deputy of the Grand Master
would be granted by Most Worshipful Brother Walter Steffey. Following his tenure as Deputy, he
served as a member of the Masonic Home Board. During that period he was recommended and
appointed Representative of the Grand Lodge of Maryland near the Grand Lodge of Washington.
He would be elected Junior Grand Warden in 1950 making the regular progression through the
line officers' stations, being elected and installed Grand Master in June 1953. Most Worshipful
Brother Winkels brought to the brethren of the Grand Lodge of Washington a capacity for close
personal friendships and the ability to have with that membership a deep human understanding.

Following his service as Grand Master, he served as Fraternal Correspondent until his death on