Alfred Van Winkle

Alfred Van Winkle passed away peacefully on May 24th, 2017 at his home in Jamul with his loving wife, Grace by his side. He was 90 years old. Alfred was born September 27, 1926, in Oakwood, Oklahoma, one of 10 children born to James and Cora Van Winkle. Calm, steady, and reserved by nature, his loved ones agree that the things Alfred most valued in life were faith, family, freedom and farm. Al and his 8 brothers and one sister grew up on the family homestead in Woodward, OK. His father had a small milk dairy and did dryland farming for many years before WW2.

After Al graduated from Woodward High School he joined the army in 1945 and was sent to Germany at the end of the war. Al was honored to serve his country and highly valued the great freedom we all enjoy. He corresponded with Grace Hayes of Kansas during that time and met her briefly after his return from Germany. After his parents and several brothers decided to move to California, Al followed, too. After Al proposed to Grace, she rode the train from Woodward to Los Angeles and they were married a few days later in Bell Gardens on Nov. 19, 1947. Al had been employed by J.C.Penney Co. during high school, and was again hired in Van Nuys.

Al and Grace had four children, Lyn, Larry (preceded in death in 2004), Darrell (Marilyn) and Carl (Kitty). These children have given them 8 grandchildren. Al loved to spend time with his immediate and extended family at frequent gatherings and family reunions. His family was the joy of his life. Al became employed by Sav-On Drugs and was transferred to San Diego in 1961 where he spent many years as the Manager of the North Park Sav-On. He retired in 1983 after 29 years of service.

Alfred had the desire to own some land that his whole family would be able to enjoy. He and Grace looked around several areas of California and in 1969 purchased 20 acres in Jamul. They began farming the land by planting Christmas tree seedlings and built their home in 1974. They welcomed families to visit their Choose-and-Cut Christmas Tree Farm for over 30 years. The whole family helped sell trees and work in Grace’s Gift Shop through the years. All their four kids eventually “came home” and have lived or now live on the farm as well.

After retirement, Al and Grace bought a RV and traveled through many states, visiting major parks and family along the way. On one of the trips through Kansas in 1990, he found and bought a 1949 Studebaker Champion which he carefully restored. He would later find a 1960 Lark Wagon and a 1950 Commander to add to his collection. The two of them thoroughly enjoyed being members of the San Diego Co. Studebaker Drivers Club through the years.

Alfred was a faithful Christian who devotedly loved the Lord Jesus Christ and his Church. Al and Grace joined the Vista La Mesa Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1961, where he faithfully served until his death. He served in all areas of the church including as Deacon, Elder, and Chairman of the Board, as well as on many committees. It brought him great joy knowing his family were also followers of Jesus. He often expressed his gratitude for his loving family and the beautiful farm land in Jamul God had entrusted him with. He truly was a faithful steward of the bounty God had provided and instilled a love of the farm in his four children which has taken deep root.

Alfred spent his last days surrounded by loving family, and sitting outside his beloved red barn home in the warmth of the beautiful sunshine and the glow of God’s love. He will be greatly missed, but has left behind an amazing legacy of faith and belief for his loving family. We all look forward to the wonderful reunion in heaven that awaits us in God’s perfect time. “Well done, good and faithful servant.

A celebration of Life for Alfred will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Vista La Mesa Christian Church. A private interment with military honors is scheduled for a later date at Miramar National Cemetery.