Van Winkle

Van H. Winkle, 99, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Samaritan Bethany. Van was born March 4, 1920 in Rochester, Minnesota to Herman and Ida (Marquardt) Winkle. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1938 and Rochester Junior College in 1940, and the University of Minnesota in 1942. He went on to proudly serve his country in the US Navy in the South Pacific during WW II. Van married Adeline Rude of Wanamingo, Minnesota on October 7, 1944 in the Little Chapel of the Flowers in Berkeley, CA. In 1950 together with his wife, Adeline, they established and operated the Rochester Restaurant Supply Company in Rochester until they retired in August, 1990. During retirement he was active in the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and was a Meals on Wheels volunteer. He was active as a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He served as a Sunday School Teacher, Treasurer, superintendent, and as a member of the Board of Elders. Van was a longtime member of the Men's Club and served on the ushering staff for many years. He played cornet with various school bands as well as the Notochords of Rochester, Southeastern Community Band of Kasson and the Chatfield Brass Band. Van is survived by his sister, Virginia James, his children, Mary (William) Myers of Windermere, FL, David (Joy) Winkle of Rochester, Steven (Paige) Winkle of Hood River, OR; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Clem) Newbold, Anne (Greg) Dobrolecki, John (Lindsey) Winkle, Mark (Sarah) Winkle, Janna Winkle, Matthew (Mallory) Winkle, Philip Winkle and great-grandchildren, Reagan, Jack, Buckley, Anne and Rebecca. Van was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Adeline, his brother, Richard and his wife, Nancy, and his sister's husband, John James. A special thank-you goes to the staff and volunteers of Samaritan Bethany where he lived the past 2 ½ years as well as to his nephew, Don Evans, who provided companionship many times over the years. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 222 6th Ave. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 with The Rev. Joel Haak officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Samaritan Bethany, or a charity of your choice. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Winkle family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com