Obituaries

June 11, 1933 – November 29, 2025

Jerry was born June 11, 1933, in Minatare, Nebraska, the oldest son of Hershall Glen and Mary Elizabeth Van Winkle. He was an all-star athlete who excelled in track and field, basketball, football and choir. While in high school he worked at his Uncle and Aunt’s automotive garage and café learning the mechanical trade between peeling potatoes and washing dishes. He attended Scottsbluff community college and studied engineering prior to being drafted into military service. Jerry’s natural athleticism served him well while he served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division until his honorable discharge.

While finishing high school Jerry met a cheerleader from a rival school, Lynora (Nonie) who became the love of his life. They married on June 12, 1955, and started their married life in Kentucky where their daughter Beth Ann was born. After discharge from the Army, they returned to Nebraska and welcomed their first son Glen and a few years later the family was completed with the arrival of Kent.

Jerry worked hard to support his family. He worked as a mechanic, plumber, farm hand, heavy equipment operator and foreman of a crew that built roads and golf courses.

In 1971, Jerry and Lynora decided to immigrate to Canada with their 3 children, horses, dogs and welcomed along Helen and Jackie - Lynora’s widowed mother and her oldest sister. They moved to their property in Vanderhoof in 1972 and lived “on the farm” the rest of their lives together.

Arriving in Vanderhoof, BC in August 1971, Jerry restarted his career as a millwright at a sawmill in Fort St James and later in Vanderhoof. When mandatory retirement found him at 65, he paused working long enough for the company to hire him back as a consultant.

He joined the men’s basketball league in Vanderhoof and continued to enjoy playing the game while getting to know others in the community. Jerry encouraged his children to become involved in 4-H and play high school sports. His sons enjoyed his support while they were engaged in rodeo. He learned a new game – hockey and helped coach the team his son Kent played on. He learned how to golf and enjoyed his weekly game with friends and the occasional round with his family.

Jerry enjoyed meeting new people, he always said, “I’ve never met a stranger”. His trips to town ensured he stayed connected with people. He loved to read and learn new skills. When the local library put on a course to learn how to use a computer, he joined the class so he could keep in touch with his grandchildren and help other “old people” use the computer to keep in touch with their families. He corresponded with his high school classmates and learned how to use his phone to text and save pictures of his great grandchildren.

Jerry loved his family and celebrated with pride the arrival of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jerry was a man true to his word and lived his life with honesty and integrity. He was always willing to “lend a hand” and encouraged others to do their best work.

He passed peacefully with family by his side, after a brief illness and hospitalization in St. John Hospital, Vanderhoof, BC. He received exceptional care from the entire staff and Dr. D. Dhillon.

Jerry was predeceased by his mother Mary Elizabeth, father Hershal Glen, stepmother Doris and brother Doyle Van Winkle; father-in law George Edward and mother-in-law Helen May McGowan.

He was lovingly survived by his beloved wife of 70 years Lynora, daughter Beth Ann (Mark) Derksen, sons Glen (Janey) Van Winkle, and Kent (Patty) Van Winkle; six grandchildren, Byron, Gerald (Stephanie), Gregory (Peggy), Grant (Allison), Lanaray (Christopher) and Jessica (Dylan) and nine great grandchildren. His sister Judy and brother Steve (Joyce).

Jerry was beloved by his many nieces, nephews and extended family and those who called him friend, and he will be truly missed.

Celebration of Jerry's life will be held on July 11, 2026, from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Nechako Seniors Friendship Center, 219 Victoria Street East, Vanderhoof, BC.