John C. Winkler Jr., 82, of New Philadelphia, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice Truman House.
He was born on November 17, 1943, in Dover, the son of the late John C. Winkler Sr. and Helen Guspyt Winkler. He was also preceded in death by his great-grandson, Jaxon Van Dyne.
A 1961 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, John proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He later worked for Ohio Mining and Reclamation and was the owner of the West High Dairy Bar. He retired in 2006 from Pro-Via in Sugarcreek. John was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia and the New Philadelphia VFW.
On March 27, 1976, he married Esta Caruthers, who survives him. Also surviving are his children, Jen (Geoff) Schamber of Arizona, Robert (Tanya) Nicewander of Dundee, and Bryan (Liedaway) Nicewander of Strasburg; his sisters, Donna Wallace and Deborah Campbell, both of Las Vegas; his grandchildren, Ben Nicewander, Aili Taylor, Brianne (Matt) Burton, Courtney (Zach) Glover, Hannah Martin (Brady), and Brennen Martin (Emily); and seven great-grandchildren.
Cremation has been entrusted to Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory in Dover. A service celebrating John’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 28th starting at 5:00 pm in the Dundee Church of God with Pastor Duane Wilbur officiating. The family will be greeting friends at the church on Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.