William L. “Rip” VanWinkle, 93, of Kateri Way died Sunday, October 16, 2016 in his home surrounded by his family.

He leaves his wife of 70 years, Jane (McCallum) VanWinkle, a son; John VanWinkle and his wife Nancy of North Oxford, a daughter; Maureen Young and her husband Richard of Auburn, six grandchildren; Meghan Daniels and her husband Peter of Shrewsbury, Michael Young of Shrewsbury, Brian Young of Auburn, Brittney Abderrazzaq and her husband Andrew of Auburn, Jennifer VanWinkle of Worcester and Blake VanWinkle and Jessica Van Winkle of Holden, two step-grandchildren; Michael Boutot of Charlton and Jonathan Boutot of North Oxford. He was predeceased by a son William J. VanWinkle in 2004.

Mr. VanWinkle was born in Boston, son of William L. and Mary (Gately) VanWinkle. He attended Ashland High School. He served his country in the United States Army during WW II, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and becoming a recipient of the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He was a truck driver for 38 years, retiring from McLean Trucking Co. in 1985. He was a founding member of North American Martyrs Church. He was a member of Auburn Knights of Columbus Council 4158, Fourth Degree member of John Cardinal Wright Assembly of Knights of Columbus and a member of Teamsters Local 170.

He enjoyed playing cards, spending time with his family and volunteering at church. The family would like to thank the staff at Southern Worcester County VNA for their exceptional care and special thanks to Jill & Angie.

Relatives and friends are invited to visits with Rip’s family on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 4:00-7:00 PM in the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn. His funeral will be on Thursday, October 20, 2016 from the funeral home with a funeral Mass celebrated at 10:00 AM in North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Drive, Auburn. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Auburn. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to North American Martyrs Building Fund, 8 Wyoma Drive, Auburn, MA 01501.