Ronald J. Wintjen, 71, of Erie, died Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012 at his home.

He was born on June 19, 1941 at Walnut, to William D. and Edith Tiemeyer Wintjen. He grew up at Walnut and attended Walnut schools.

He and Wilma Mattox were married on June 5, 1960 at the Crawford County Courthouse in Girard. She survives, of the home. He worked in oilfields as a driller and spent most of his working career as a truck driver retiring from Martin Tractor in Chanute in 2003.

He enjoyed reading, jig saw puzzles, tinkering with things in his garage, spending time with friends at the Jobe farm in Missouri, and he loved his children and grandchildren and told them he loved them every time he would get the chance to see them or visit with them.

He was confirmed into the Lutheran faith in 1956 at the Zion Lutheran Church at Brazilton. He recently became friends with Pastor Daniel Flippo and it was through their friendship that he gave his heart to the Lord.

In addition to his wife, Ron is survived by his son, Doug Wintjen and his wife, Linda. of St. Paul; two daughters; Sheri Andrews and her husband, Jake, of Erie and Shawna Gannaway and her companion, Marc Schumacher of Lawrence; seven grandchildren, Ashley Hobbs and her husband, Philip, Jarvis Wintjen, Chelsey Crager and her husband, T.J., Lindsey Andrews and her fiancé, Aaron Tromsness, Breah Andrews and fiancé, Bill Butler, Payton Gannaway, and Megan Gannaway; eight great-grandchildren, Austin, Drew, and Gannon Hobbs, Raigen and Kynadi Crager, Milo, Holden, and Paisli Butler. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond and Marvin Wintjen and one sister, Stella Guy.

Funeral will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Erie. Burial will follow in the East Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church Building Fund and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home 113 N. Main St., P.O. Box 182 Erie, KS 66733. Online condolences may be left www.wallfuneralservices.com.