Robert J. “Bob” Van Winkle
Published July 21, 2026
New London, MO
JULY 24, 1939 – JULY 16, 2026
Robert J. “Bob” Van Winkle, 86, of New London, MO, passed away at 3:19 AM, Thursday, July 16, 2026, at his home in New London, MO.
A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 1, 2026, at James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Rev. Alvie Evans will officiate. Burial will be at Grand View Burial Park at a later date.
Friends and Family are invited to Bob’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the funeral home.
Arrangements for cremation are under the direction of James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO.
Bob was born July 24, 1939, in Morrisonville, IL to Chester Harold Van Winkle and Wanda W. Watts Van Winkle.
Bob grew up and attended Hannibal schools. Later he attended Hannibal LaGrange College then moved to Denver, CO before moving back to Hannibal in 2005.
He was married to Judi Groves on July 12, 1997, at the Ariel Christian Church in rural Ralls County, MO. She survives.
Other survivors include his three children, Robert Joseph “Joey” Van Winkle (Jackie) of Thornton, CO, Julie Gochis (Kenny) of Polson, MT, and Erin Van Winkle (John Brennan) of Durango, CO; three stepchildren, Paul Pittard of Charleston, SC, Janelle Eger of Pittsburgh, PA, and Robert “Robbie” Mitchell of New London, MO; two brothers, Harold “Pinky” Van Winkle (Carol) of New London, MO, and Wayne Van Winkle (Katy) of Wentzville, MO; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pam Robertson; brother, Shelley Van Winkle; and grandparents, Bob and Fannie Watts.
Bob was a retired Mechanical Engineer. Over his professional career he worked at Eagle Claw, Cobe Laboratories, Hewlett Packard, Teledyne Water Pik and Gambro.
In his retirement, Bob served his community as the Ralls County Coroner from 2016-2024, always helping families with kindness and compassion.
Bob enjoyed tinkering and building things, with his favorite part being to dream up an idea and bring it to life. Whether automation equipment, homecoming floats, or projects around the house Bob loved to create. Denver Broncos football was something that Bob liked to follow throughout the year. Travel was another of Bob’s great pleasures. He especially enjoyed visiting Kauai, Hawaii, Breckenridge, Colorado, and Polson, Montana. Each of these places held special meaning for him and offered experiences that added richness to his life. Bob had a tender heart for animals, especially his dachshund, “Bart.” He would also often take in stray animals with nowhere else to go. He was drawn to them with compassion and care, and his concern for their well-being reflected the depth of his kindness. Those who knew Bob will remember that he had a big heart. He was a kind man that never met a stranger. Above all, Bob treasured his loving family. Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bob was Christian by faith. When Bob lived in Hannibal he was a member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute may be viewed at www.JamesODonnellFuneralHome.com.