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Josephine (Zachmeier) Winkler, age 91, of Fargo, ND, died Friday, May 3rd , at Bethany Homes Retirement Community, Fargo, North Dakota. Vigil services will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 9, in the chapel of Bethany Homes Retirement Community, 201 S. University, Fargo. A Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Oriska. Interment will be in St. Bernard’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Oriska.

     Josephine Zachmeier, the daughter of Joseph and Julia (Savage) Zachmeier,was born on November 27, 1921 in Mandan, ND. She attended school in Mandan and worked in several clerical positions before joining the United States Navy in 1943. During her four years as a WAVE, she obtained the rank of chief petty officer. The GI bill helped her to attend Valley City State Teachers College where she earned a teaching certificate. She was included in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. During her college years, she met and became engaged to Walter Winkler. They delayed their wedding plans when Josephine was called back by the Navy to serve during the Korean War. They were married October 25, 1952, and farmed at Oriska. Josephine worked as a substitute teacher and a children’s librarian at the Valley City Public Library. They retired in 1980, but remained on the farm until Walt’s death in 1986. Josephine moved to Valley City and eventually to Fargo. She was involved in activities for retired teachers and women veterans. Throughout her lifetime, Josephine was a volunteer and champion for many causes and was known as a giving, gracious and courageous woman. She enjoyed traveling with her family, reading and card games.

     Josephine is survived by her eight children, Julie (Richard Schwartz) of Haslett, Mich.; Jeanne (Steven) Lillegard of Stanford, Mont.; Walter Joseph of Fairborn, Ohio; Robert (Season) of Bayfield, Colo.; Michael (Nanette) of Dupont, Wash.; Patrick of Rock Springs, Wyo.; James of Jamestown, N.D., and Joni of Bartlett, Tenn. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Joshua, Michaella, Chad, Hye Lim and Hye Ri Winkler; Morgan Chase; and Julia, Kate and John Lillegard.

     Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her parents; her brothers, Paul and Richard and Paul’s wife, Johanna.

     Memorials may be made to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church or the Valley City Public Library. Funeral arrangements by the Lerud-Schuldt Funeral Home of Valley City. Online guestbook available at lerudschuldt.com.