Henry Katzwinkel

Henry “Hank” Katzwinkel, faculty emeritus of Edinboro University, age 88, of Erie, passed away on Sunday February 1, 2015.

He was born in Erie, PA on September 7, 1926 son of the late Ernest and Helen Klein Katzwinkel.

Henry was a graduate of Millcreek High School, class of 1944, served in the United States Army during WWII then was employed at General Electric.

While employed at GE, he took charcoal and pencil drawing courses with Joseph Plavcan. After leaving GE in 1952, he attended a commercial art curriculum at the Atlanta Art Institute. After receiving a certificate, he attended Edinboro State Teachers College graduating with a BS in Art Education in 1956, then taught art at Oil City Senior High School.

In 1959, he began teaching in the Art Department at Edinboro State College and over 32 years taught 23 various courses.

During summers, Hank attended art courses at Penn State specializing in jewelry where he received a Masters in Education in 1961. Graduate work continued at Buffalo State University in Metalsmithing and at the Cleveland Institute of Art in metalsmithing and hollowware.

Hank traveled internationally and domestically to expand his knowledge of art and to share with others. Edinboro’s Mace and Presidential Medallion used in graduation ceremonies were designed and crafted by Hank along with EUP pins. He retired in 1991 and developed his own jewelry business called “Katzwinkel’s Peerless Ornaments” specializing in silver and gold rings, earrings, pins, bracelets, and pendants with earrings. His pieces are one of a kind and purchased by international and USA clients.

Hank generously donated art to local organizations for fundraising purposes and enjoyed presenting programs. His donations sponsored the “Katzwinkel Gallery” room at The Erie Art Museum.

Hank was a member of the Erie Art Museum, Northwest Pennsylvania Artists Association, Maennerchor (Life member) and the German Cultural Society of Erie.

In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by his sister Helen and his brother Ernest.

Survivors include his nephew Ernie and his wife Judy Katzwinkel of Voorheesville, NY, and his long time good friend Marilyn Melhuish.

Friends may call at Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Sunday between 12-4 pm and are invited to attend a service there at 4 p.m.

Memorial Donations may be made to Edinboro University -Katzwinkel Art Scholarship Fund. 210 Meadville Street Edinboro, PA 16444.