Daniel VanWinkle

1937 - 2023

Daniel VanWinkle
September 9, 1937 - April 28, 2023
Boalsburg, Pennsylvania - Daniel VanWinkle, 85, of Boalsburg, PA passed away in his home on April 28, 2023, after a short and courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. Known as Dan, Ripper, the Big Kahuna, Doctor Captain or Captain Doctor, Papas Fritas, Dad, and PaPa, he lived a life of love that was full of adventures big and small, packed with hobbies and topped off with group hugs he called "huggaroonies." Most importantly his life was full of special people who will always remember the memories they have made with him.
Dan's adventures began on September 9, 1937, in Galesburg, IL and eventually brought him to San Diego, CA where while stationed at the Navy's amphibious base in Beach Jumper Unit One, he met the love of his life, Janet A. Walberg, at a beach party on Mission Beach in 1963.
Dan graduated from Galesburg HS in 1955 where he was considered a "swell guy." After graduating from Knox College with a degree in biology he worked as an inspector with the US Food and Drug Administration until he joined the Navy. The Navy gave him the opportunity to see some of the world - Newport, RI; Yokosuka, Japan; time aboard the USS Tulare; Coronado, CA. His time in the Navy cemented his love for sailing and travel. He married Janet on June 19, 1966, and a new adventure began with their honeymoon spent camping in their VW camper and hiking. Dan used the GI bill to further his education, getting a master's degree from San Diego State and a PhD from Cornell University. His work in plant physiology led to a job in the Agricultural Research Division of American Cyanamid Co in Princeton, NJ where he worked until a hostile takeover led him to leave the company after 24 years. Taking full advantage of the opportunity to start a new career, he attended the Chapman School of Seamanship and earned his Coast Guard Captain's license. He enjoyed several years teaching for schools associated with the American Sailing Association. He also joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary, taught sailing and coastal navigation courses, and became the Flotilla Commander.
Dan and family lived in Hillsborough, NJ until moving to Boalsburg, PA in 2012 to be a hands-on grandpa. Dan was proud of his two children and three grandchildren. He enjoyed keeping up to date on all their interests, attending their performances and sporting events and just spending time with them. His interest in outdoor adventures will continue with them.
Throughout his life he made his hobbies a priority, and there were no shortage of hobbies! He built model airplanes and boats, hiked and camped, gardened, cross country skied, sailed, built actual life-sized wooden boats, completed numerous DIY home projects, fly fished, tied flies, participated in the local Trout Unlimited chapter and the Veterans Service Partnership, played the banjo and the spoons, participated in Princeton Garden Statesmen Barbershop Chorus and a quartet, sang with the choir at Faith Lutheran Church in Neshanic, NJ, and enjoyed model trains and photography. He was very creative and loved the challenge of a good project.
Dan loved his family even more than he loved hobbies. He is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Earle VanWinkle and Margaret Regina (Nelson) Taylor and his son Daniel Steven VanWinkle.
Those who will miss him the most include his wife and life partner of almost 60 years, Janet A. (Walberg) VanWinkle, his daughter, Deanna Locke and her husband, Ben Locke, of State College, PA, their three children, Ethan, Brendan and Anya, and his brother Steven Taylor and his life partner Etsu Shimada of Champaign, IL.
A celebration of his life will be held on June 3, 2023 at Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner Street, State College, starting with a gathering hour at 10 am. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
If you would like to honor Dan with a donation, please consider the following causes: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org), PA Trout Unlimited Veteran's Service Partnership ("PA Council of TU" and mailed to P.O. Box 5148, Bellefonte, PA 16823 with VSP/DanVanWinkle in the memo line) or Grace Lutheran Church (205 S. Garner St. State College, PA 16801).
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.