John William Winkel

John William Winkel, 53, of Hartford passed away suddenly Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, in Paw Paw.

A celebration of life service to honor John's memory will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2014, at Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hartford, where the family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Those wishing to make a memorial may do so to the church or to the family. Memorial condolences for the family can be left at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

John was born March 4, 1960, in Watervliet, the son of Willard and Laura (Barchalk) Winkel. He was a graduate of Hartford High School and was employed at Coca-Cola in Paw Paw. John was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, where he was the church's president. He enjoyed the outdoors, as shown by his love for working in his garden with his granddaughter, Evelyn; and playing golf and softball. He was also a diehard fan of the Oakland Raiders and the University of Michigan.

John married the former Rosa Mendoza on July 14, 2000. She survives, along with a daughter, Samantha (Robert Hernandez) Mendoza; granddaughter, Evelyn Hernandez; his mother, Laura; and a sister, Barbara (Robert) Blocker, all of Hartford; three brothers: Ronald (Dana) Winkel of Frankfort, Ky.; Richard (Sue) Winkel of Hartford; and Brian Winkel of Coloma; his father- and mother-in-law, Ben and Aurelia Mendoza of Hartford; his very close friends; Mickey and Randy Williams; and numerous extended family members.

John was preceded in passing by his father; Willard and a niece, Venessa Garcia.