George Samuel Van Winkle III

A Celebration of Life with a viewing to pay final respects for Sam will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Surprise Funeral Care, located at 16063 West Bell Road, Surprise, Arizona 85374. A catered reception of hot breakfast will be served from 12:00 pm until 2:00pm. The family invites you to join them to celebrate Sam’s life and to offer support to Sharon, his wife of 68 years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions to the American Heart Association.

Sam was born on July 29, 1941, in Golden, Colorado, to George Samuel Van Winkle II and Agnes Cecilia Van Winkle (née Hegglund). He was the eldest of five children.

Sam married Sharon in November 1957. They met while working in Denver and enjoyed a marriage of nearly 68 years.

Sam appreciated travel and sports and was active in local politics. His travels included visits to Germany, France, Italy, and Mexico, among others. He was actively involved in the local chapter of the Republican Party in Maricopa County and participated in several elections as a poll worker. He arranged presentations with local politicians, providing them with opportunities to share their platforms. Sam also enjoyed sports; he was an avid bowler and most recently participated in the “No Tap” league in Surprise, where he scored a perfect 300—a feat of which he was very proud. He remained a dedicated fan of the Denver Broncos, often displaying his favorite mug and watching games on television.

Sam’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He delighted in engaging in special outings and activities with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Sam was preceded in death by his father, George, his mother, Agnes, and his sister, Ann Howard. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their three children and respective families:

- George Van Winkle IV and his husband, Martin “Marty” Ramos;

- Kelly Pascual and her children: Stephen Pascual and wife, Ellen Pascual, along with their children, Luke and James; Candiss Pascual; and Christopher Pascual and wife, Aisha Pascual, with children Christina and Sofia;

- Randy Van Winkle, his wife Wendy Van Winkle, and children Shane Van Winkle and wife, Chelsea Van Winkle; David Van Winkle; Freddy Ramirez; and Tyler Van Winkle.

His siblings include Michael “Mike” Van Winkle, Linnea Tanner, and Christina Wright, along with their extended families.