Winker Sitanggang

On the evening of Saturday, November 12, 2022, Winker Sitanggang went to rest peacefully at the age of 80 at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He was surrounded by his loving family. Winker was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a friend to many. Winker is survived by his wife of 53 years, 3 children and their spouses, 8 grandchildren, 4 siblings and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, Toga and Patarina (Boru Sagala) Sitanggang and younger brother, Edwin Sitanggang

Winker was born on April 13, 1942, to Toga and Patarina (Boru Sagala) Sitanggang in Limbong, Sumatra, Indonesia. Growing up in Limbong as the oldest of 6 kids he developed his strong work ethic and humility working alongside his dad tending to their cattle and farmland, and selling the fruits of their labor in the market. Although he was a skilled farmer, his parents wanted him to further his education. They sent him off to boarding school at SMP Perguruan Cahaya for junior high and North Sumatra Training School Martoba Pematang Siantar for high school. It was here where Winker began to develop his leadership skills as class president and grow his faith in God. In 1966 a new challenge awaited him as he received a scholarship that would take him to Bandung, Indonesia to study Nursing. He graduated with his nursing degree from Rumah Sakit Advent Bandung.

While in Bandung studying nursing he met a young lady named Nenny (Elizabeth) Umboh, whom he courted and would then take her hand in marriage on December 30, 1968, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Winker was then invited to obtain his Bachelors degree in nursing by Padjadjaran University. Within a year of being married, they welcomed to the world their oldest child, David, in December of 1969. Upon completing his degree in 1970 Winker and Elizabeth made a life changing decision to move to the United States of America. However before embarking on that journey, during their brief stay in Malaysia with Elizabeth’s parents, they had their second child, a daughter, Deviyanti in November of 1971. Not too long after her birth, Winker brought his young family to Limbong to meet his parents, family, and relatives. From there he moved his young family to Nashville, Tennessee in March of 1972, in search of the American dream sponsored by Dr George and Lois Benson and the Riverside Seventh Day Adventist Hospital. It was in Nashville that Winker and Elizabeth completed their family with the birth of their youngest child ,Delwyn, in November of 1976.

The work ethic and humility he learned in Limbong would serve him well as he began his new life with his family in Nashville. Winker worked hard to provide for his family both in America and Indonesia, as he assisted in bringing nearly all of his and his wife’s siblings to the the United States over the years to come. Eventually in December of 1979 in search of better opportunities for he and his family, Winker moved them from Nashville, Tennessee to Loma Linda, California where he would live through his last days. He would go on to work for Loma Linda University Medical Center as an LVN and RN. He first worked as a rehab trauma nurse and then as a dialysis nurse for over 30 years. However, it was not his work that defined him.

Winker was a man who was dedicated to live a life rooted in his faith for God. He clung to the hope of Jeremiah 29:11 when he and Elizabeth ventured across the oceans to come to the United States of America. He never seeked attention. He only wanted the good Lord to use him in any capacity he could, whether it be teaching sabbath school or serving in various positions in the church. Winker raised his kids with Joshua 24:15 in mind. He always reminded his kids the importance of being faithful to the Lord as He was always there for him, and felt strongly that he was to humbly serve the Lord in all things.

Winker’s greatest joy was his family. He was a doting husband to Elizabeth, who was always at his side whether it was traveling, grabbing a bite to eat, helping others, or doing church work. Winker was a caring father to his children, making sure they had what they needed in order to succeed in their education and their life. Winker took great pride in his Batak culture and enjoyed bringing his family and extended family together. He always made time to attend and participate in traditional events. Though living here in the United States he never forgot his home village of Limbong. He was instrumental in ensuring the school, teachers, and church in Limbong were always taken care of. His home was open to and often filled with family and friends. He was a man of few words, but when he provided words of wisdom it could last well into the night.

Winker was so excited to see all three of his kids graduate college and go on into successful careers, and then eventually get married because that meant grandkids. Eight of them in fact. He always said he was a rich man not because of money he made, but because of the grandchildren he had been blessed with. Winker was so proud of each one of his grandchildren, and being able to spend time with them on trips or gathering at his or their home. His family truly brought him happiness.

Winker will be greatly missed by many. He leaves behind a legacy of a generous, kind, hardworking, family oriented, and a faithful man who dedicated all he did to the Lord. He will now be able to rest until the second coming of Jesus.

A visitation for Winker will be held Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Loma Linda Indonesian SDA Church, 10827 California St, Redlands, CA 92373. A funeral service will occur Monday, December 19, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Loma Linda Indonesian Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 10827 California St, Redlands, CA 92373. A committal service will occur Monday, December 19, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com for the Sitanggang family.