Doris M. “Dot” Van Winkle, 89, of Beatrice passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the Beatrice Community Hospital after a brief battle with cancer. Doris was born on June 11, 1935, in Beatrice to Henry and Marie (Johnson) Jurgens. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, rural Barneston. She grew up in the Barneston area and graduated from Barneston High School in 1952. Doris married Richard Van Winkle on February 22, 1957 at St. John Lutheran Church, rural Barneston. To this union four children were born: Jann, Brett, Jeff and Beth.

Doris was employed at the ASCS Office in Beatrice where she enjoyed working and assisting farmers. She retired in 1994. Doris was a member Centenary United Methodist Church, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #27 of Beatrice, the original FAC.

Doris loved serving others. She volunteered many years for Meals on Wheels, enjoyed quilting with various groups, playing bridge whenever her gals could get together, bird watching, and spending time at the family cabin.

After her retirement she enjoyed meeting past co-workers for coffee and conversation. Doris would frequently take friends to appointments and on errands and was always willing to help however she could.

She and her husband, Richard, “Wink” were avid Husker fans and lengthy season football ticket holders and attended football games, including bowl games, both home and away, for many years. She enjoyed watching Husker football and volleyball games from her favorite recliner when she was no longer able to attend. Doris and Richard enjoyed traveling both in-state and abroad as often as they could. She enjoyed taking her family, especially grandkids and great grandkids on adventures. Doris and her two sisters, Alice and Ruth, were very close and enjoyed just being in each other’s presence, whether that be enjoying a cocktail or a road trip.

Doris had a love for numbers and recordkeeping which was crucial to the success of the Van Winkle Masonry business she and her husband ran and later passed down to their son, Jeff. She continued to keep the books for the masonry business as well was manage rental properties and a farming business until her death.

Doris had faith in God and valued time in prayer and devotion. She believed in a good daily planner where she kept track of all things important to her. You could always find her with a notepad or sticky note close by for those moments where she may need to take notes. She looked forward to both Tuesday burger nights and Friday afternoon club with her close group of gals. Doris enjoyed handiwork including cross stitch, sewing and mending, quilting and embroidery. Doris had a green thumb and took pride in her plants, garden and yard. Most of all Doris simply took great pleasure in spending time with her family and friends.

Doris is survived by her daughter, Jann (Richard) Jensen of Washington, KS; son, Jeff Van Winkle of Beatrice; daughter, Beth Van Winkle (Robert Messing) of Beatrice; grandchildren, Jeri (Michael) Chandler of Washington, KS, Jared Van Winkle and special friend Macie McLaughlin of Beatrice, Natalie Van Winkle of Lincoln, and Hillary Faulder and special friend Jake Leslie of Beatrice; great-grandchildren, Emma Fulton, Jaise, Eli, Konner, and Jackson Chandler; sisters, Alice Meints and Ruth Hroch both of Beatrice; sisters-in-law, Mary (Stirling) Glenn of Beatrice and Sandra Hohn of Lincoln; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Marie Jurgens; husband, Richard Van Winkle; son, Brett Van Winkle; grandson, Jackson Lee Logan; great-grandson, Peyton Chandler; brother, Eugene (Mitsuko) Jurgens; brothers-in-law, Fred Meints, Ernest Hroch, Bob Hohn and Boyd (Evelyn) Van Winkle; parents-in-law, Donald “Mike” (Philecta) Van Winkle.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Centenary United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Paixao Baptista officiating. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 A.M. on Saturday at the church. Burial will be at the Evergreen Home Cemetery of Beatrice. Closed casket visitation will be on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to the family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Beatrice.