Johnnie Ray Winchel

Johnnie Ray Winchel, one of six children of John Marion Winchel and Margie Iliene (Perry) Winchel, was born on June 26, 1946 in Hamburg, Iowa. John grew up and attended schools in Malvern, Iowa. In 1963, during his sophomore year of high school, he joined the U. S. Army and later earned his General Education Diploma while in the service. John served two tours in Viet Nam, receiving a Bronze Star Medal, among other commendations and was stationed in Germany for four years, before being honorably discharged in January of 1969.

John and Norma Fay Nash were married on November 7, 1969 in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters, Cindy Rae, Angela Faye, and Lora Kay.

John married Diana Lynn Kephart on August 15, 1992, at the Hawthorne Church near Red Oak, Iowa. They made their home south of Hastings, Iowa and their marriage was blessed with a son, Jack Ray. John's family grew to include Diana's children, Linette Gappa, Shawn Gappa, Mark Palm, Shane Gappa and Nickie Perkins.

John worked at American Beef Packers, Inc., in Oakland, Iowa and at Kaser Quarry in Malvern, Glenwood and Thurman, Iowa. For the last 20 years, he loved working with Rod Grindle on the farm near Hastings. Throughout his life, John enjoyed hunting and fishing, cutting wood, mushroom hunting, and an ice cold can of Milwaukee Best.

John passed away unexpectedly on the farm on July 23, 2008, at the age of 62 years and 27 days. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Winchel in 1991, and his mother, Margie Winchel in 1996.

John is survived by his wife of 16 years, Diana Winchel and son Jack Winchel of Hastings, IA; daughters, Cindy Weyer and Angela Martinez, both of Grand Island, NE and Lora Kelly of Chillicothe, MO; father John M. Winchel of Malvern, IA; sisters, Marion Stevens and husband Jerry of Boone, IA and Judy Ritter and husband Donald of Blandon, PA; brothers William Winchel and wife Barb of Council Bluffs, IA and Chris Winchel and wife Phyllis of Malvern; step children, Linette Gappa, Shawn Gappa, Mark Palm, Shane Gappa, and Nickie Perkins; grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

A memorial fund has been established.