Alan J. Van Winkle 1934-2020
NILES — Alan J. Van Winkle, of Niles, passed away with his loving daughter by his side at 4:24 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at his residence. He was 85.
Mr. Van Winkle was born Oct. 15, 1934, in Morristown, N.J., the son of the late Lester and Edna Mae Louge Van Winkle.
Alan was of Christian faith.
He graduated from New Kensington High School in Pennsylvania and later attended Clarion College studying art. Alan left college to serve his country in the United States Army. Upon his return, he began working for General Motors. He came to the Lordstown plant as their third hire in 1965, working in the body shop and eventually the maintenance department until his retirement in 1992.
Alan was classified as an American National Class A in horseshoe and threw for the VFW in Newton Falls. He was a talented artist, winning many awards in high school and college. He enjoyed reading and spent his free time educating himself and researching space.
His wife, Jeannine Platt, whom he married Dec. 12, 1959, passed away in 2008.
Alan is survived by his two daughters, Beth Van Winkle of Warren and Gretchen (Douglas) Lelesch of Niles; two granddaughters, Julie (Matt) Barker of Kinsman and Patience (Dustin) Marcinko of Howland; and great-grandson, Leland Marcinko.
In addition to his wife and parents, Alan was preceded in death by his sisters, Marian and Judy.
Friends and family may view the obituary and send condolences by visiting www.NicholasFuneral Home.com
A private memorial will be held at a later date.
Interment will be in Cedarview Memorial Park in Strattanville, Pa.
(special notice)