Carl Van Winkle

Frederick Carl Van Winkle (Carl), 76, passed away on March 7, 2025 at his home in McKinney, Texas with his wife, Gail, by his side. Carl was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on August 4, 1949. He was preceded in death by his parents, Parker and Ara Van Winkle.

As a child of a career army officer, Carl grew up in Gainesville, Florida, Germany and Killeen, TX. He graduated from Killeen High School in 1966 where he enjoyed playing football for the Kangaroo varsity team. He began his college career at the University of Missouri, but soon after, was drafted into the United States Army. He subsequently completed training as an Army Ranger proudly serving in Vietnam in the Army Special Operations Command. For that service, he was awarded six commendations including a Bronze Star. After completing his service, Carl attended Texas Tech University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree with high honors in 1973.

Upon graduation, Carl began his long and successful sales career with the Kirby Vacuum Cleaner Company and for several years after, had various sales jobs. In 1987, he ultimately found his true calling in the wine sales industry beginning with American Wine and later with Republic National Distributing Company. During his tenure at Republic National, he became a fine wine division manager. He was awarded WSET Level 2 intermediate and Level 3 advanced certificates in wines and spirits.

Carl married Gail Rotenberg on April 12, 1986 in Austin, TX. They resided in Austin with their menagerie of rescue cats and dogs, including three Great Danes. Carl and Gail enjoyed numerous food and wine trips both within the United States and abroad as well as hiking and jogging together. Carl also loved playing golf and fishing with his friends and coworkers. He was a gourmet cook and took great pleasure in hosting his friends and family for festive gatherings.

All those that knew Carl, understood that he was a man that deeply loved his wife, was passionate about his country and a friend that could always be counted upon. Carl is survived by his wife of 38 years, Gail Van Winkle, his brother, John Van Winkle, his sisters Carol Burgess, Barbara Tolar, nephew Justin Tolar, niece Trisha Rowland, nephews Jason Dowell, and Christopher Paiz and his spouse, as well as numerous cousins. Carl and Gail moved to McKinney, Texas in April 2021 to be closer to Gail’s family during Carl’s battle with prostate cancer.

In lieu of flowers, Gail wishes you would consider making a donation in Carl’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers or PAWS of Austin (protection of animal welfare services and Great Dane rescue).

Gail would like to thank Texas Oncology, especially Dr. Monte Jones and his staff, Dr. Solomon Woldu and Baylor Scott & White Hospital, McKinney, TX. She also thanks all her friends and family members who supported them over the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 10, 2025 from 4 to 7pm at Gather in Downtown McKinney. Carl’s remains will be interred in Chattanooga Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery on a later date.