Peter Winklbauer, 74, of 618 Virginia Road, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Monday, June 10, 2024 at his residence.

He was born May 22, 1950, in Altoona, PA, son of the late John P. and Joan Healy Winklbauer.  Pete was a graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle High School, Class of 1969 and continued his education at Mercyhurst College, graduating in 1973.  Upon graduation with a BFA, he accepted a teaching position at Elk County Christian High School, where he remained until his retirement.    

On June 14, 1975 in the Sacred Heart Church, Pete married the love of his life, the late Karen M. Ryan, who preceded him in death on April 6, 2021, to whom he was married for forty-nine years.

Pete is survived by two sisters: Lee Ann Burkhart (Thomas) of Shavertown, PA and Lisa Hummel (Anthony) of Dover, DE; a brother, David Winklbauer (Patricia) of Evans, CO; sister-in-law, Cindy Ryan Burke of Archbald, PA; brother-in-law, Daniel Ryan (Meg) of Newbern, NC; several nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly; and countless friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John “Jeff” Winklbauer.

Pete’s life is a testament to how one life and what happens to an individual can impact the lives of many.  As a young boy, Pete had a congenital hip defect and his mother thought art lessons would be a way Pete could pass the time.  From this experience emerged a man who would go on to become an accomplished artist, creating over 3000 paintings throughout his career.  Pete was known not only locally for his talent, but nationally and internationally, in as many as eleven countries.  However, Pete’s skills as an artist, specifically a watercolorist, are only shadowed by his talent as a teacher and as a person.

Over his forty-eight years at ECCHS, Pete taught more than 8000 students, with thirty-one students becoming art teachers themselves and countless others going on to work in some aspect of the art field.  In January 2020, Pete assisted Jesse Gradl with the opening of “Gallery 29”, with Gradl being the twenty-ninth student of Pete’s to pursue a career in teaching art.  But his true testament as an educator are the thousands of students with limited art experience who would find refuge, understanding, belonging, and a new sense of self by being in his class.  It is safe to say that anyone who took an art class with Mr. Winklbauer either during school, on Saturday mornings or other class, owe a small piece of who they are to him, be it artistic talent or a sense of confidence.  Pete was a man who could help people find the best in themselves.

This ability to connect with people was a big part of who Pete was.  If you encountered Pete in a store, on the sidewalk, or at a specific gathering, Pete’s smile, the sparkle in his eye, and the way his voice exuded genuine joy as he acknowledged you, usually by your last name or some variation he created for you.  He made you feel welcomed and important.  Pete was always interested in what you were doing and was always willing to help in any way he could. 

Pete rarely said no when asked to do something regardless of what was already on his plate.  He performed many acts of kindness for the people of St. Marys and Elk County Catholic, whether it was framing pictures, photos, or works of art, or lettering athletic certificates or award certificates from local service clubs.  Pete lettered various sporting balls marking milestones for coaches and athletes.  He also coached high school basketball at Elk County Catholic as well as the eighth grade team in the Cavalier Basketball program.  In 2020, Pete received the Elk County Catholic Athletic Association Booster Award for his volunteer work given to the student athletes of Elk County Catholic.  He served as the Art Director for all of the annual musicals at ECC, working tirelessly on the backdrops and scenery for the plays.  Pete donated countless paintings to local organizations to be auctioned off as fundraisers.  He restored religious statues and paintings that people would bring him.  If there was a way he could help, Pete would find it.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM with the Rev. Thomas Curry, OSB, Pastor, celebrating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral home on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Over fifty years ago, when Pete accepted a job at ECCHS, little did the community know the profound influence he would have on St. Marys and the surrounding area.  He will be missed by many.  To continue his legacy, memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Gallery 29, 50 South St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.

Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com