Stanley J. Winkelman was born 23 Sept 1922. He received a B. S. degree in Chemistry in 1943 from the University of Michigan. Following one year as a Research Chemist in California, he served two years during WWII as Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy. He then joined the family firm and moved through successive promotions until 1965 he was named president of Winkelman Stores, Inc. He revolutionized the retail industry by bringing reasonably priced European career fashions to women.

Known as a leader in Detroit and the Jewish community, he supported racial integration and equality. Throughout his career, Winkelman served on many boards, committees including as president of Jewish Community Council and director of the Economic Club of Detroit, and received numerous awards for his philanthropy and community involvement. He was a lifetime member of the local chapter of the NAACP, active in the Jewish Community Council, lifetime member of Temple Beth El, and during the 1967 Detroit riot took an active role in keeping city businesses from leaving city limits and improving race relations. Winkelman was also an active member of New Detroit -- an organization formed after the 1967 riots dedicated to increasing communication with the African American community -- along with such leaders as Henry Ford II and Walter P. Reuther.

Winkelman married Margaret (Peggy) Wallace in March 1943. He died in August of 1999, survived by Peggy, their three children, and seven grandchildren.