Carl J. Vinka

Carl J. Vinka, 76, of Carlsbad, NM passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Carl was born on July 12, 1946, in Bellaire, OH to Henry and Helen Vinka.

Visitation is scheduled from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Dan Tisdel officiating. Interment will follow at the Sunset Garden Memorial Park in Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Carl spent his younger years in Ohio before moving to Carlsbad in 1951. He graduated from the Carlsbad High School in 1965, and then graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 1970 majoring in English. That same year he married the love of his life, Jean Baker, on April 10, 1970. They then moved to Albuquerque where he taught for one year at the Technical Vocational Institute, helping returning veterans. He then moved back to Carlsbad and began his career teaching at CHS as the automotive paint and body instructor until 1995. During that time, he also owned his own shop called C Jays Repairs until retiring in 2004. Carl enjoyed wood working and building cabinets, and tinkering with cars and entering them into car shows, of which his favorite was his 1930’s Model A truck he restored. He was a family man, and loved every chance he could spend with his wife, children and grandchildren, as well as his two best friends that were like brothers to him, Tommy Meadows and Robert Liberman. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

Carl was preceded in death by his father, Henry Vinka; mother, Helen (Vecelka) Vinka; three siblings: Pauline McCabe, Henry Vinka, Jr., and Baby Vinka.

Carl is survived by his loving wife, Jean (Baker) Vinka of Carlsbad, NM; three children: Carl Vinka and wife, Lesley of Canyon Lake, TX; Cynthia Meeks and husband, Sam of Carlsbad, NM; and Misty Carrasco and husband, Nick of Carlsbad, NM; seven grandchildren: Jacob Vinka, Laura Vinka, Austin Meeks (Anastasia Gurule), Olivia Meeks, Alyssa Meeks, Isabelle Carrasco, and Danielle Carrasco; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Pallbearers will be: Laura Vinka, Olivia Meeks, Alyssa Meeks, Isabelle Carrasco, Danielle Carrasco, and Anastasia Gurele. Honorary pallbearers will be: Tommy Meadows, Jacob Vinka, and Austin Meeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church: 1302 W. Pierce St., Carlsbad, NM 88220. The family would like to give a special thanks to J & J Home Care, Enhabit Home Care, and Enhabit Hospice for their loving and attentive care during this difficult time. Condolences may be expressed online at dentonwood.com