John VanWinkle

John Emery VanWinkle, age 77, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at his home on Pretty Lake. John was born in Linton, Indiana on December 7, 1945 to the late John Paul VanWinkle and Betty Harbin VanWinkle. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1966 – 1968 during the Vietnam War. He first married Sherri Jean Pyle on December 23, 1966 and she preceded him in death on March 26, 1991. He later married Maureen Marie Ellsworth on November 30, 1991 in Kendallville and she survives him. John was in the grocery business most of his career. He was the store manager for several area grocery stores including Maloley’s, Roger’s and Scott’s Grocery Stores as well as Sturgis SuperValu. John was active in his community and served others whenever and wherever he could. He was a member of the Avilla American Legion, Kendallville Moose Lodge, Kendallville Elks Lodge where he served in all the various positions including Exalted Ruler, and South Milford Church of Christ. He was a lover of classic cars and car shows. He enjoyed playing golf, getting together with his poker buddies and bowling. Most of all, he loved his family and cherished the time they were able to spend together. John was deeply loved, and he will be greatly missed. 

Survivors include:  
Wife, Maureen VanWinkle of Pretty Lake, Wolcottville.
Daughter, Alisa and Brad Bloom of Kendallville.
Daughter, Beth VanWinkle and her husband, Matt Speiser of Fort Wayne.
Daughter, Amy and Trent Smith of Rome City.
Daughter, Rachel and Andrew Scheidler of Pretty Lake, Wolcottville.
Daughter, Erica Parr and her husband, Manny Villanueva of Pretty Lake, Wolcottville.
Daughter, Amanda and Derrick Parr-Newton of Nevis, West Indies.
13 grandchildren, four foreign exchange grandsons, two great grandsons, and one great grandchild on the way.
Sister, Sandy Harbach of Phoenix, Arizona.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty VanWinkle; his first wife, Sherri Pyle VanWinkle; brothers, James VanWinkle and Bill VanWinkle; and a sister, Cathy Henderson. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 19th from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville with an Elks service at 6:45 PM.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at South Milford Church of Christ with Pastor Brian Walter officiating. 
Burial with military honors will follow at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville.
Casket bearers will be Andrew Scheidler, Brad Bloom, Matt Speiser, Trent Smith, Manny Villanueva, Nathan Scheidler, and Kyly Bloom. 
Honorary bearers will be Weslee Smith, Zhane Smith, Ryan Bloom and Dan McCallister. 
Memorial donations may be made to Clothes for Joes, a local nonprofit organization committed to providing clothing and essential needs to local military veterans.