Born March 16, 1878 in Watertown, Wisconsin Winkenwerder received a Bachelors degree in forestry from Yale University. Before coming to the University of Washington he was an assistant professor of forestry at Colorado Springs, Colorado. He began his work at the University of Washington in 1909 as an associate professor in the Forestry College. In 1912 Winkenwerder was named dean of the College of Forestry. He was named acting President in 1933 and served as President until 1934. Winkenweder continued his work in the Forestry College and retired as the Dean of the College of Forestry in March 1945. Winkenwerder died November 30, 1947 at age 69.