John Winckler

CHAMBERSBURG, PA — John Edward Winckler, 64, of Chambersburg, Pa. passed away on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015 at his home.

Born May 31, 1951 in Portland, he was a son of Lois E. (Mayberry) Plummer and the late Elroy C. Winckler.

John was a 1969 graduate of Gorham High School. In 1981, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from North Park College in Chicago, Ill. and completed his master’s degree in Pastoral Studies at Alliance Theological Seminary, Nyack, N.Y. in 1994. John served pastorates in Portland, Casco, Elysburg, Pa. and Danville, Pa. He served as a medical chaplain at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa. and most recently as a chaplain for SpiriTrust Lutheran Homecare and Hospice in Chambersburg, Pa. John was a member of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church of Chambersburg, where he led an adult Sunday school class.

Chaplain John was especially known for his genuine care for people, his love of God’s word, and sense of humor. He enjoyed his granddaughters, gardening, photography, and rock collecting. John’s deepest passion was for everyone to know his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the peace and joy that come from knowing Him.

John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ingrid M. (Tostenson) Winckler, whom he married on Aug. 19, 1978; two sons, Jason T. Winckler of Lansdale, Pa. and Jesse A. Winckler of Orlando, Fla.; two cherished granddaughters; five siblings, E. Clifford Winckler of Naples, Eric Winckler of Casco, Allan Winckler of Portland, Anita Sanuk of Scarborough and Joan O’Reilly of Scarborough.

A funeral service to celebrate John’s life was held on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 230 Siloam Road, Chambersburg, Pa. Rev. Jeffrey McCracken officiated. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015 in the Cornerstone Gospel Church, 29 Sebago Road (Route 114), Naples.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eastern PA Church Planting (EPCP), 1200 Spring Garden Drive, Middletown, PA 17057, or to SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care and Hospice, 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202.

Condolences and memories may be shared on his Book of Memories page at www.geiselfuneralhome.com