Michael Van Winkle

Michael Van Winkle

North Liberty

Michael “Mike” Van Winkle passed away on July 3, 2023, at his home after a long-fought battle with cancer.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are being planned at this time. There will be a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with additional expenses.

Mike Van Winkle was born to Paul Willard and Carol (Stevens) Van Winkle on June 17, 1971, in Geneseo, Ill. He grew up on a farm and couldn’t wait to graduate from Geneseo High School in 1989. Following high school, Mike attended Spoon River College in Canton, Ill., graduating with a degree in diesel mechanics.

Mike met Jillian Wood and moved to North Liberty, Iowa, in 2003. Over the years, Mike was an over-the-road truck driver, hauling livestock and pulling flatbed trailers. The last nine years he was head of maintenance at Holiday Mobile Home Court in North Liberty. He loved his job and the coworkers and boss who became family with it.

Mike enjoyed working on semi-trucks and small engines. He was always willing to help out where he could. Mike enjoyed fishing with his family. He always made sure to have a fishing pole in the back of his pick-up.

Mike will be best remembered for helping everyone. He would drop what he was doing to help someone no matter what time it was or what they needed. He would give a person the shirt off his back if need be. Mike was like a member of the family to many people.

Mike is survived by his wife Jillian Wood; children Madison and Mackenzie Van Winkle of North Liberty, Iowa, and Michaela (Josh) Remmels of Cuba, Ill.; his parents Paul and Carol (Stevens) Van Winkle; siblings Christian Van Winkle and Paula (Ron) Johnson; father in-law Dave and Peg Griffin-Wood and Sharon Barr; and brother-in-law Justin (Ellee) Wood and their three children.

Michael was preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, and uncles.