MACKSVILLE — Kenneth “Ken” R. Van Winkle, 77, passed away June 24, 2025, at Pratt Regional Medical Center, Pratt, Kan. He was born Feb. 29, 1948, in Hays, to Lloyd Kenneth and Lillian Ruth (Grunder) Van Winkle. He married Paula J. Moore Aug. 19, 1967, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Belpre.
Ken was a class of 1966 Macksville High School graduate. After high school, he pursued a bachelor’s in science at Fort Hays State University. He applied his education to the agriculture field, working as a lifetime farmer and, for a period as feed lot manager at Lynch Feed Yard in Dodge City and Ward Feed Yard in Larned. He made a career in the oilfield and gas industry on the drilling rig and as a pumper. He worked for various area companies, such as Edwards County Gas Company and Oil Producers, Inc. Ken traveled a lot to provide for his family and had resided in Pratt, Hays, Belpre, Larned, Cheyenne Wells, Colo., Dodge City, and Macksville. He truly was a diligent worker up until his passing.
Ken had fond memories of his second home, the sand hills. There, he could be a carefree young man. His third home was the lake and making memories with his family sitting around the campfires telling stories or fishing and telling tales of the day’s catch, true or not. You could also find him in the great outdoors practicing his photography or hunting. Ken had a quick wit and was never too shy to give a person a good jousting, his favorite targets being his grandkids. He loved some people and tolerated the rest.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 57 years, Paula; daughters, Kandee Blasini (Al) of Wichita, Kathy Jerke (Travis) of Bloomington, Ind., Kerrie Jilka of Wichita, Kristy Jerke (Chad) of Great Bend; son, Todd Van Winkle of Macksville; grandchildren, Adam McManus (Madison), Alex McManus (Priscilla), Aiden McManus, Marc Blasini, Alyssa Jerke, Cassidy Jerke, Meghan Jerke, Natalie Jilka, Morgan Jilka, McKenna Jilka, Katy Barkow (Marshall), Max Jerke, Zoe Jerke, Noah Jerke; great grandchildren, Catalina McManus, Rowen McManus, Hendric McManus, William Barkow, and Kinley Barkow. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Kenneth and Lillian Ruth Van Winkle; and son-in-law, Ryan Jilka.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 28, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend with Father Prakash Kola presiding. Visitation will be available from noon to 8 p.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, with family receiving guests from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a Vigil and Rosary at 7 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Private interment will take place at Hopewell Cemetery in rural Trousdale. Memorials have been designated to Camp Hope or WildTrust, KDWP (to benefit the Hunter Education Course), in care of Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Rd.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 26, 2025
