John C. Winkelman

He was born February 12, 1958 in Belvidere to Melvin and Marialyce (Lowe) Winkelman. On July 29, 1995 he married Lynn Nepstad in Huntley.

John was raised in Marengo and graduated from Marengo Community High School in 1976. He was a part of the Marengo Rescue Squad for 18 years, where he earned the title of Chief. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Huntley Fire Department for three years before starting to work there fulltime in 1991. He worked his way to being a Captain.

In his free time John enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, and he was the caretaker for Barber Cemetery. He was an animal lover and was known for getting squirrels to eat out of his hand. Most of all he was a loving husband and outstanding Dad. He cherished the time spent with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn; his daughters, Sherie (Nolan) ONeil, Tara (Jerremy) Swafford, and Julie Winkelman; his stepsons, Matthew and Richard Altepeter; his grandchildren, Samantha, Morgan, Elijah, Avery, Chloe, Lilliana, and Chase; his brother, Joe Winkelman; his mother-in-law, Jean Nepstad; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters at the fire and rescue departments he served, and many others who became family to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 4 to 9pm on Tuesday, April 17, at the Huntley Park District REC Center, 12015 Mill Street, Huntley. Visitation will continue from 10am to 11am on Wednesday, April 18, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 6821 Main Street, Union. The funeral service will be at 11am, officiated by Pastor Tim Schutt.

Interment will be in Marengo City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to establish a memorial at a later time.

Arrangements were entrusted to Marengo-Union Funeral Home. For information call the funeral home at 815-568-8131. Online condolences may be made at www.marengo-unionfuneralhome.com