John R. Vierwinden

1949 - 2013

JOHN R. VIERWINDEN Age 64, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away Thursday afternoon, December 5, 2013 at Elkhart General Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. John was born on May 26, 1949 in Fresno, California to T.C. and Lucille (Phillips) Vierwinden. He married the love of his life, Rhonda M. Berry on March 25, 1995 in Las Vegas. She survives, as well as children, PFC. Vierwinden, Rhett R. of Ft. Bliss, Texas, Ryan E. Vierwinden of Calif., and Heidi (Jay) Saggart of Cape Coral, Fla. and two grandsons. Surviving as well is his mother Lucille Vierwinden of Clovis, Calif., brother David (Dinh) Vierwinden of Fayetteville, N.C. and sisters Cheryl (Frank) Morgan of Madera, Calif. and Cornelia Rush of Clovis, Calif. and several nieces and nephews. His father T.C. Vierwinden preceded John in death. John and Rhonda moved to Elkhart from California about 2 years ago to enjoy life and semi-retire. He had worked at Chassix Inc. in Bristol and Mor-Ryde. While working in California he was a facilities maintenance supervisor for over 25 years with The Toro Co., Irrigation Division in Riverside, where he retired and formerly worked as a supervisor for Bear Medical Systems in Riverside. John was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, camping, trap shooting and fishing. He also liked to camp with his family and friends. His hobby was flying RC controlled model helicopters. He was a huge NASCAR fan, with #16 Greg Biffle his favorite driver. John served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam with over 8 years of active duty, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant, he was honorably discharged in 1975. John's illness was likely from his service in the war from a chemical agent used at that time. Please join with his family and friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart. A procession will leave Friday, December 13, 2013 from Billings at 12:40 p.m. for the 1:00 p.m. graveside service at Prairie Street Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the U.S Army Funeral Honor Guard and DAV Chapter #19. To share a condolence with John's family please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com