David K. Van Winkle, was born on June 30, 1936 to Ira and Gladys Van Winkle in Valentine, NE. David was the first born son of five children. David passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at Pine View Good Samaritan nursing home in Valentine, NE. David attended grade school at the ABC school on the Niobrara River south of Kilgore, and graduated from Valentine High School in 1955. After high school David worked as a ranch-hand south of Valentine, then traveled much of the western United States as an over-the-road trucker for a few years before returning to his first love of ranching with his parents south of Kilgore. David enjoyed horse shows where he took great pride in showing his beloved horses. David always enjoyed rodeos, and visiting with family and friends. It was not uncommon for David to call family and friends far and wide on their birthdays. David was a member of Farm Bureau, a long-time member of the Kilgore Volunteer Fire Department, and attended the Sandhills Church of Hope, in Cody, NE.
Survivors include brother, Boyd Van Winkle, of Edmonton, Canada, sister, Sharon Grove, of New Castle, WY, Orin Van Winkle, and wife Mary of Kilgore, and sister, Marn Telitz and husband Vern of North Platte, NE. Eight nieces and nephews, Shelly Christensen, (John), Kevin Grove, Brian (Colleen), Lisa Swendener, Austin (Bethany) Swendener, Allison (Randy) Bauer, Megan (Josh) Failor, and Nathan Van Winkle. David is also survived by former spouse, Sally Sheets, and a host of neighbors and friends. David was a loving, son, brother and uncle. He will be missed by many
Services are being held at the Cody-Kilgore High School in Cody, NE on Wednesday, July 9th, 2014at 10:00 MT, with burial at the Kilgore Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Kilgore Volunteer Fire Department.