Jacob Vindler

Jacob “Jack” Vindler, 93, a longtime resident of the Whiting section of Manchester Township, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Autumn Lake Nursing Center in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey.

Legacy

Jack was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great‑grandfather, and friend. Born and raised in Rochelle Park, NJ, he met the love of his life, Phyllis, when they were teenagers. The love story that they wrote was one for the record books. Jack’s most fulfilling role throughout his life was taking care of Phyllis. Together, they shared an extraordinary, 76‑year journey marked by unwavering love, commitment, and enduring partnership.

A proud United States Air Force veteran, Jack served during the Korean War as an Airman First Class. While stationed in England, he flew Phyllis overseas on a one‑way ticket so they could marry and begin their life together. Their son was born there in 1953. After returning to the United States, Jack completed his Air Force service in Lincoln, Nebraska, before settling in Saddle Brook, NJ, where they raised their family.

Jack worked as a Shop Foreman for companies in Palisades Park and Newark, NJ. After retiring in the early 1980s, Jack and Phyllis continued their adventure together—living in Manahawkin, NJ, then New Port Richey, Florida, before returning to New Jersey to be closer to their son and grandchildren. For the past 27 years, they made their home in Whiting.

Jack enjoyed a wide range of hobbies throughout his life: road trips up and down the East Coast from New England to Florida, camping, fishing, bowling, baseball, playing pool with friends, and tackling jigsaw puzzles—the more pieces, the better. An avid Yankees fan, he loved watching baseball and, in his retirement years, played in a local men’s softball league. When he could no longer play, he stayed involved by keeping the book. He also spent many years in a local bowling league. Jack cherished dining out with Phyllis, sitting on the boardwalk on warm summer days, and attending events in their Crestwood Village 5 retirement community. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and attending his great-grandchildren’s baseball and softball games.

Jack and Phyllis were devoted members of Christ Lutheran Church in Whiting, where they found both community and spiritual fulfillment.

Family

Jack was recently preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Phyllis Vindler; his brother, Karl Vindler; and his grandson, William R. “Billy” Vindler.

He is survived by his loving son, William J. Vindler, and his wife, Lynn; his cherished grandchildren, Carrie (Tom) DiStefano, Christi Vindler (Rich), and Emily (Jon) Tversland; and seven adored great‑grandchildren: Abriella (Frank) Basek, Madelynn Leggour (Eric), Logan Leggour, Natalie and Samantha DiStefano, and Liam and Kai Tversland.

Jack will be remembered for his quiet strength, thoughtful listening, and unconditional love and support for his family and friends. He touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Farewell Tribute

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 40 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ 08759. A committal service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 115 Lacey Rd. Whiting, NJ.