Emilie "Ollie" Anne VanWinkle

Emilie “Ollie” Anne VanWinkle, age 19, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Emilie was born on October 4, 2006, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Steven T. VanWinkle and Kerri A. Klitzke. A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Emilie embraced her life with authenticity, creativity, and kindness. She worked as a server at HuHot and graduated from Johnston High School in May 2025. During her time in high school, Emilie was actively involved in the Marching Band, Speech and Debate, Show Choir, and Drama Department, where she shared her talent and enthusiasm with friends and classmates alike.

She is survived by her parents, Steven VanWinkle and Kerri Klitzke; grandparents, Rick (Sue) Klitzke and Sandra (Joel) Huth; siblings, Samantha (Devonne) Fontaine, Samara Adkisson, Somer VanWinkle, Autumn Klitzke, and Gage VanWinkle; aunt, Ashley Klitzke; uncle, Richard VanWinkle; and numerous nieces and nephews, whom she adored deeply.

Emilie was preceded in death by her grandmother, Janice Klitzke.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines. The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family or to the Dragon Drama Boosters (Johnston High School Theatrical Department) in loving memory of Emilie “Ollie” VanWinkle.

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