John P. Winkler, age 74, of Knox, died Thursday morning, December 27, 2012 in the emergency room of Clarion Hospital after being stricken with a sudden illness at his home.

Born July 22, 1938 in Clarion, he was the son of the late Paul and Elizabeth Runyan Winkler.

John was a veteran of the United States Army.

He married the former Yvonne Cowan on August 7, 1965 and the couple moved to Knox in 1967. She preceded him in death on November 24, 2010.

John was self employed, owning and operating Winkler Auto Body and was an insurance adjuster until his retirement from Penn National Insurance.

He was an avid car enthusiast and was a member of the Good Guys Rod and Custom Club.

John is survived by two children: Gary Winkler and his wife, Zoey, of Minot, North Dakota and Crystal Black of Oil City and her friend, Ed Balot. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Ashlee Black and her fiancé, Cullin Williams; Walter and Aurie Winkler and a great grandson, Connor Derek James Williams.

In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by a grandson, Derek Black, on December 11, 2010.

Friends will be received from Noon to 2 pm and 6-8 pm Sunday, December 30, 2012 at the William N . Rupert Mortuary, Inc., 430 Mendenhall Avenue, Knox.

Following the calling hours, the Reverend Mark Micklos will pay tribute to John’s life in a private family service.

Interment will take place in the Knox Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be given in the name of John P. Winkler to the Mrs. Claus Club, P.O. Box 271, Knox, PA 16232.

Online condolences may be sent to John’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com