Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Winegard Obituary
WINEGARD, II, 20
Mechanic
WINTER HAVEN - Mr. John Michael Winegard, II, 20 of Lake Wales died Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 in Winter Haven, the result of a motorcycle accident.
He was born May 9, 1988 in Bartow and was a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. He graduated in 2007 from Lake Wales Senior High School and was active in the JROTC where he enjoyed riding with the Lake Wales Police Department. He had worked at Recreation Station in Lake Wales and was a mechanic. He was member of Golfview Baptist Church. Michael's friends nicknamed him "The Caretaker" for his unselfish and caring nature.
Survivors include his mother Wendy Winegard Stenger, sister Nichole Valadez, both of Lake Wales, his half brother Wolf Winegard of Jemison, Alabama, maternal grandparents Marvin E. and Katherine Speck of Haines City, paternal grandfather Freddy Winegard and his wife Sharie of Nashville, Georgia, step-grandfather Norman Ashcraft of Jemison, great grandmother Alene Winegard of Lake Wales, and his beloved niece and nephew Kylei and TJ Valadez.
His father John Michael Winegard and grandmother Sharon Ashcraft predeceased him.
Graveside services will be Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 3:00 P.M. at the Lake Wales Cemetery, with Rev. David Koon officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Johnson Funeral Home.
Donations may be made to the Michael Winegard Memorial Fund at any Center State Banking location.
(863) 676-1431
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Winegard
anna baity
February 1, 2010
hey bubba its anna i just wont to tell you that ur are the best brother i ever had and i know you loved every body and you would do enything for eny body and you r a good man ok sorry i really wonted to stay i love and miss you so much wish you were here still wish i didnt have to go so watch out for me love you bubba love always anna johnkeas sister
Rodney Borie
January 31, 2010
You are gone but I will never forget you you was like a brother to me when we was friends man
T
May 15, 2009
Michael.. I never spent the time to get to really know you. And now that you are gone I wish that I would have. We always had fun with you up at the mall. Like the times my cousin would freak because she seen you. lol we would have to walk the other way just because she had the biggest crush on you! Then you always made sure to find her and make her give you a hug! She was in love with you btw... I miss you. You were such a great guy. RIP. <3
Amy Tucker
April 28, 2009
I never did treat you the way a friend should be treated but you were there for me nonetheless. It was what I liked about you. You were so unselfish. And you never gave up on me.
Kelly Nolen
March 9, 2009
Mike, I remember when we met all the way back in October 2007. I met you when you worked with DJ as a mechanic. I'm really going to miss you so much. I'm going to miss our phone call conversations, our myspace messages, the way you helped me get through tough times, and so much more. I remember when you told me that I was the kind of friend that you could talk to about anything, and I remember how you always called me your big sis, little sis because of the way I was so much shorter than you and because I was older than you. I miss you so much, and I can't believe something like this could happen to an outstanding person like you.
Harley Beuselink
March 2, 2009
This is a big hit. I'm all the way in Pittsburgh, PA and I had no idea this had happened. All I can really say to John, or rather in his memory, is that he was one of the few who never faltered in treating me properly and showing a level of commitment to making certain everyone around him was comfortable. May he rest in peace, and blessed be.
Wendy Stenger
March 1, 2009
To my wonderful, most caring son John Michael Winegard II from your Mom
You were and still are my son for 20 years on this Earth. Now you're mine and God's in Heaven. Michael, I miss and love you so, so much. You may know now just how much in Heaven, and I know you did on this Earth, but only a mother can know the TRUE MEANING of a love between a mother and their child. I feel like half of me is gone. Definitely in my heart and soul I'll never be able to describe it to anyone.
A song I used to sing to you and your sister as babies and now your niece and nephew, I'm going to re-word a little bit just for you.
You are my son shine, my only son shine, you made me happy when our days were bad, you'll never know son, how much Mama loves you, so please be waiting for me to make me happy, on that day I see you again and I'll see you soon!
With all Mama's love, heart and soul to my smiling Son Shine.
February 22, 2009
You really mean a lot to me. We had a lot of great times together and I will truely miss you. I will always love you, rest in peace baby.
jessica andree
February 20, 2009
mike, wow i cant believe this actually hapened i just seen you the other day.you are an amazing person adn a great guy. i love you to death mike i will never forget about you. love ya kid rip
jess
brandy oxford_slaughter
February 19, 2009
mike,i love you so super much.i miss you baby, you were always there whenever i was to look down or give up,you showed me that there is an easier way in life you just got look.every night i still look up at our star and see your smile, i wish you were still here,baby i love you so much, your always going to be in my mind and heart and by myside,we may have lost a wonderful person but we gained one amazing angel....<3 love you always your baby brat
Jacob Howell
February 12, 2009
I had known Mike since my freshman year in high school. me and him shared a ton of laughs together and could always calm each other down. I know he is now looking down on us. Im sry to Mikes family. Know that he will always be in all of our hearts.
Kelly Zellweger
February 9, 2009
I love you so much best friend/big brother. I'll never forget all the crazy memories. You will always be in my heart. I don't know how i'm going to make it without you. I haven't been the same since you've been gone. I know you're watching over us all now and I can't wait until I see you again. It kills me everytime I read what you wrote on your page. I really wish I could take your place<3 I love you, "Best friend"
Nichole Valadez
February 9, 2009
Michael my little brother....i will miss you so much. you were the only one that i knew i would always have no matter what. i know you are with daddy now in a better place but i wish you were still here with me and mom. please watch over us and all of your friends like you always did. i will see you again one day, just wait for me. i love you with all of my heart. oh and always remember that you were my little brother even though you were a foot taller than me!
i love you always and i will never forget you like i will never forget daddy. your big sis
amber dennis
February 7, 2009
michael... you were and amazing guy and like a big brother to me... amanda knew you better than i did but we still made good friends... i mean it when i say you will NEVER be forgotten... we miss you and always will
Tiffy!!!
February 7, 2009
I love you big brother man!!! We will miss you!!!
February 6, 2009
Should you go first and I remain
to walk the road alone,
I'll live in memories garden dear,
with happy days we've known.
In spring I'll wait for roses red,
when faded, the lilacs blue.
In early fall when brown leaves fall,
I'll catch a glimpse of you.
Should you go first and I remain,
for battle to be fought.
Each thing you've touched along the way
will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile,
though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain,
one thing I'll have you do:
Walk slowly down that long long path,
for soon I'll follow you.
I want to know each step you take,
so I may take the same.
For someday down that lonely road
you'll hear me call your name.
Because you went first I will carry on your legacy, and everything that I do shall be in your name. I will give credit to you and our God...I love you so much my brother...
February 5, 2009
NICHOLE AND FAMILY; YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!!
YOUR STATE FARM FAMILY
Nikki (sissy) Beckett
February 5, 2009
Mike was a big part of my life and my sisters life. We love him and miss him. I'm sorry he had to go so soon and in such a tragic way. We will see him again some day but until then we must understand that he will be looking down on us just as he always has. I miss you bubby! Love always<3
Tara Carroll
February 4, 2009
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
From the Carroll's, Peebles and Johnson's
Rachel Kent
February 4, 2009
You were a good friend to me and I never was able to thank you for keeping from getting in trouble. You were a wonderful leader and our days in JROTC together were amazing, you made me want to be a better person and leader because of your influence. I will never forget being you XO our senior year. The memories that I have of you will last a lifetime and you are always in my heart and mind. I can't believe that I will not see you at our high school reunion, I always wanted to see who you would be...But now I won't get that chance. You were destined for greatness John Michael Winegard, but I guess you are watching over me, watching my dreams come true...but all of my accomplishments are gonna be in dedication to you...I love you my brother...forever in my heart...
Angel Harris
February 4, 2009
mike!!!! i cant believe this... im gonna miss you so much i dont know what im gonna do without you....you were such and awsome friend...i really dont know what else to say but im gonna miss the hell outta you and so are my little sisters... going bowling wont ever be the same without you...{tears}...i love you...
Lindsey Piaseczny
February 4, 2009
Michael you were such a great guy and I will regret the fact the fact that didn't spend more time with you after I graduated. But I will always remember the support and guidance that you offered to me in my time of need and you will always be remembered.To the family, I am so sorry that your loss and I pray that the memory of better times will overcome the sadness and pain that you all are feeling.
Danielle Vinson
February 4, 2009
MiCHAEL,
iTS SO iRONiC THAT YOUR GONE. iTS LiKE A NiGHTMARE THAT iM STiLL WAiTiNG TO BE WOKE UP FROM. i WOULD HAVE GAVE UP MY LiFE JUST FOR YOU TO LiVE ONE MORE DAY. YOU HAVE SO MANY FRiENDS THAT CARE ABOUT YOU AND iTS SUCH A TRAGEDY NOW THAT YOUR GONE. MY WORLD HAS BEEN iNSiDE OUT. YOUR iN A BETTER PLACE NOW AND i KNOW iLL SEE YOUR AGAiN ONE DAY. BUT UNTiL THEN ALL i HAVE iS PiCTURES AND MEMORiES iN MY HEART. i MiSS YOU JOHN MiCHAEL WiNEGARD AND NEVER WiLL i FORGET YOU.
February 4, 2009
RIP Hun.
Alicia Woodard
February 4, 2009
God Michael are we ever gonna miss you. I have so many memories of you. All those high school dances and times all of our friends went out and always hung out at the mall. I wasn't as close to you as some people, but I always knew what an amazing person you were and you were absolutely the sweetest guy. We will miss you so much and I know that you are up in Heaven right now and God knew how incredible you were and wanted you for himself. You'll always be in my thoughts.
Marissa Perez-Hancock
February 4, 2009
Nichole and family: Words cannot express the sadness I feel for you losing your brother. God bless you and your family.
april castilleja
February 4, 2009
Michael, i really cant believe youre gone! when people called me and tolded me i thought they were playin but now i know they werent. i never would have imagined you to leave like this. im so sorry wendy and nichole. michael was a great friend and boyfriend. he's an AMAZING person and has changed my life for the better. i know michael is happy where he is because when we were together he told me that when his time is up he's gonna be with his daddy. wendy you raised a great sun. nichole there was never a day that passed by that he didnt talk so high of you. wendy and nichole, you guys are in my prayers and thoughts......im so sorry....i love you michael i truly do and im sorry i never said it back to you!!!!
Morgan Kysar
February 3, 2009
Mike...I can't believe you are gone. I remember telling you to be careful and the last thing you had asked was when we were going to a club. Now that day will never come...I am going to miss you and the times we shared. Those days I saw in jrotc will be cherished in my memories. You were a great friend and a loving person. I wish I could have seen you one more time. Why did you have to leave?!! You will forever be one of my best friends. I love you! Goodbye my friend! <3 Morgan Kysar C/O 2007
Sheri Higgins
February 3, 2009
Mike, I will never forget the last words you said to me "Momma get ready let us take you out for your birthday" I wish now we would have because Saturday did not come for you. Even though we only knew you for a few weeks, I could tell you were a very caring person and you had a Big heart. Thanks for the memories and watching over my Daughter. You will be missed!!!! Love always Sheri H.
Ashley Shields
February 3, 2009
I will miss you so much. You were a great friend to me throughout highschool and middle school. & I wanted to thank you for all the times you watched out for melanie... She really misses you alot.
angelina venezia
February 3, 2009
hey michel your where such a fun guy love you for ever
Ayrian Rayburn
February 3, 2009
Mike it feels so much like a dream, I mean it seems like just yesterday you and I were hangin out and I stole one of those amazing hugs you give before I left. I know you will be missed by many including me babe, you were such an amazing person and you will always be in my heart.Love ya...
February 3, 2009
Michael, I can't believe you're gone. We definately had our share of rough times together. But we had lots of "firsts" together. This is so rough. I miss you and I love you. You were an amazing guy. God Bless your family.
Casey Maloy
February 3, 2009
MICHAEL I AM GOING TO MISS YOU SOOO MUCH!!! I MISS HOW WE USE TO HANG OUT ALL THE TIME,, AND GROW UP TOGETHER. I WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE! GUT EVERYONE KNOWS GOD TAKES YOU WHEN HE WANTS. SO I GUESS IT WAS YOUR TIME TO GO. YOU ONLY HAVE ONE LIFE AND I GUESS YOURS WAS SHORT. EVERYONE MISSES AND LOVES YOU SOO MUCH!LOVE DEARLY,,
YOUR COUSIN CASEY JO:)
February 3, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all.
Brittany Parr
February 3, 2009
Michael,
I'm going to miss you so much! I love you!
Danielle Sprague
February 3, 2009
MICHAEL,
IM GOING TO MISS YOU LIKE CRAZY:( ITS SO WEIRD THAT YOUR GONE, IT DOESNT SEEM REAL AT ALL. IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS LIVING WITH YOU. REMEMBER YOU WERE HELPING SARA AND I LIFT WEIGHTS SO WE COULD BE AS STRONG AS YOU. LOL WE HAD SOME GREAT TIMES GROWING UP TOGETHER. I JUST WISH I COULD HAVE SAID GOODBYE. I MISS YOU SO MUCH. JUST KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE LOVE YOU. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART! YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS! I LOVE YOU MICHAEL!!!! I LOVE YOU AUNT WENDY AND NICOLE! EVERYTHINGS GONNA BE ALRIGHT. HES WATCHING OVER ALL OF US NOW, HES OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL;) XOXO GOD BLESS
Tiffany Martin
February 3, 2009
He was a great kid. He will be dearly missed. Tiffany B. Martin c/o 2007 LWHS
Ryan and Samantha Strain
February 3, 2009
Michael you were a good friend of our. We can't believe you are gone, we are going to miss you. Even though you have moved on you will not be forgotten. You will always be love by your family and your friends. You were a great person and friend to everyone. We will miss the good times we had. Ryan is sorry that he can't be here right now he left for the military, he wishes he could be here. Your family will be in our parys, and so will you.
Julie Bohyer
February 3, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you Wendy & Nicole. Thank you so much Mike for everything you have meant to Britt. We will miss you dearly. We Love You!
Julie (Momma Britt) Bohyer
February 3, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
steve turner
February 3, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Samantha Shahan
February 3, 2009
Michael you were a great man i absolutely love you!!i cant believe that your gone babe. it seems like just yesterday that i hugged you!!
We love you and you will truely be missed!!
Love You;
Sammie
Katie Wise
February 3, 2009
My heart goes out to michaels mom,family & friends. Michael was a GREAT guy when ever i did get to see him he always knew had to make some one laugh or smile even if we didnt want to. Everytime i went to Eagle Ridge Mall he was ALWAYS there & always had a hug waiting for everyone. He wasn't just any normal guy either once me & a group of friends went to the recreation station just to hang out & he was working he ended up making us get on the go-carts with him, then his boss yelled at him but he didnt care he was having fun ! Michael u will be EXTREMELY MISSED, look down on us from above, Love You Mike, REST IN PEACE !!!
Shelly Sprague
February 3, 2009
I love you Michael.
Love,
Shibby
holly kendall
February 3, 2009
Michael i cant believe your gone im going to miss you its crazy we just talked the other day...He was the best person anyone could know he was always there when someone needed him..i give my condolences to his family
we all love you and will miss you
Vicky Sample
February 3, 2009
Micheal was a great friend to me since i meet him in middle school and became even greater in high school. He was a great person and i practically considered him family . momma i am sorry i cant be in florida to help support you guys.I am truley sad with you all an dthat i cant be at the funeral because of not enough notice.
Bobbie jean Walker
February 3, 2009
He will be extremely missed I loved him as if he were my own son. It just doesnt seem real.My heart goes out to his mom we love you!!!you raised a wonderful awesome son.He will be missed and never forgotten!!!! his legacy of caring and true concern for others will live on!!!!!
Candace Irwin
February 3, 2009
I loved michael with all my heart..he was always with me everyday..now that he is gone it feels like part of me is missing..i looked up to him like a big brother..he saved me from making some horrible decisions and was always there for me if i needed someone to talk to. I love you Bubba, Love Always and Forever, Candace<3
Ashley Avirett
February 3, 2009
Mike was a wonderful friend who was always there when you needed him. He will be missed dearly.
My sympathy is with you in this time of need.
Michele Hardcastle
February 3, 2009
Please accept my deepest condolences. Michael was well loved and will be sorely missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Laura&Wayne Helm
February 3, 2009
Ya'll are in our thoughts and prayers.
Angie & Don Williams
February 3, 2009
Wendy and Nichole, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Coach Beasley
February 3, 2009
Mike supported the players of the Winter Haven High School softball team. He is considered a friend of the players, the program and the coaching staff. He will be missed.
Johnkea Baity
February 3, 2009
I love Caretaker with all of my heart. He will always be in our memory. I think about him everyday. He was one of the greatest people I have ever met and one of the greatest people to be around. Everyone loved him. He will be dearly missed by everyone. Its gonna be hard letting him go. I miss him so much. I send my condolences to his family from a dear friend. R.I.P.- John Michael Winegard II a.k.a. Caretaker!!! We love you.
Micah Messer
February 3, 2009
I cant believe your gone, It's crazy! I just seen you the other night and never would have thought of you being gone. It hurts so much! I miss you already like crazy!
Your in a better place now, Watch over us all.
The Staff of Johnson Funeral Home
February 3, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 58 of 58 results
Make a Donation
in John Winegard's name
Memorial Events
for John Winegard
Funeral services provided by:
Johnson Funeral Home322 North Scenic Highway, Lake Wales, FL 33853-3797
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Winegard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
