VAN WINKLE, Wilson P. “Rip”

Wilson P. “Rip” Van Winkle Mar 4, 1919 – Sep 21, 2016 Age 97 years; passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2016. He was born to Minnie and Ray Van Winkle in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was married to Gladys Miller for 56 years until her passing in 1997. Rip served in the Army Air Corps/Air Force during World War II, as a flight instructor for bomber pilots. Rip continued his life of service as an ordained minister, serving several small town churches in Eastern Nebraska for approximately 40 years. Rip was Vice-President for the Tupperware Corporation for 33 years, based in Chicago, and was responsible for operations in three states: Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. For an additional 20 years, he was in charge of the Mario division of Westin Foods. Most recently, he received excellent care in the Veterans Alzheimer’s units in Norfolk, Nebraska and in the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home. Rip married Elaine Spoto on April 12, 2000. They enjoyed ballroom dancing, volunteering at the German-American Club, and First Christian Church. They traveled extensively, including 28 cruises and multiple train and bus tours throughout the United States and abroad. Rip is survived by daughter, Sherry Valentic (Jan, deceased) of Colorado; son, Randy Van Winkle (Sharon) of Omaha; eight grandchildren: Todd Valentic (Theresa), Tracey Lensing (Michael), Teri Keller (James), all of Colorado, Kari Hobenstein (Bryan), Kristi Soener (Rob), Brad Van Winkle (Kim), all of Omaha, Sara Stephenson (Shane) of St. Louis, and Ashley Zerman (Brad) of Omaha; sixteen great-grandchildren; son, Michael Spoto (Janelle) of Omaha; daughter, Anne Schoening (Alan) of Council Bluffs, six grandchildren: Dana Spoto (Terry), Paul Spoto, Nyssa Spoto, and Sean Spoto, Amanda Schoening and Alex Schoening; one great-grandchild. SERVICES Saturday, Sept. 24th at 11am at First Christian Church, 6630 Dodge St. Interment Saturday, 1:30pm at Hillcrest Memorial Park with military honors by Benson VFW Post 2503. Memorials may be directed to the family.

HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER BEL AIR CHAPEL 12100 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68114 (402) 391-3900

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