Frederick Winger

Frederick Oscar Winger (Butch) passed the afternoon of Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 81 years of age, after suffering a fall & sustaining a catastrophic brain injury Thursday, August 31, 2023. 

Frederick, Fred or Butch, as his family called him, was born June 23, 1942, to Mary Rose Kramer Winger and Lincoln Leroy Winger in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. After Fred was born, his father, Lincoln, joined the Army in France & his mother, Mary, worked at the ammunition factory near Baraboo, WI. Fred spent his early years, the war years, with his grandparents, Mary & Joe Sazama, at their resort on Bear Lake near Haugen, WI. Fred’s years with his grandparents created a strong bond between the three of them. Fred has three siblings: Rudy Winger, Chris (Dave) Abresch, and Lena (Steve) Wright. Although they have many years between them, their connection and bond are precious. Being the oldest in his family was a role he took seriously, and he did what he could to support and be present in their lives. He was grateful for every card and invitation he received to be included in their families. He held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews Luke, Gabe, Cori, Clive and Kristi. 

Fred graduated from Elk Mound High School in 1959. After high school graduation, Frederick met Linda Myra Olson on a blind date. They dated and married in 1967 at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in Elk Mound, WI, and started their family. The Winger family resided in Altoona and then Eau Claire, WI. Fred and Linda divorced after raising their four daughters during their 27 years of marriage.

Frederick worked primarily as a custodian/ janitor throughout his working years. He took pride and worked hard in whatever job he did. A few places he worked included Presto Industries, The YMCA, McDonald’s, and Feed My People food bank. When his girls were younger, Fred was very active with The Sundowners Drum & Bugle Corps, driving a bus, helping with anything and everything, and just being a fan, as his daughters were avid group members for many years. Fred was a committed aluminum can collector and recycler for as long as we can remember. Fred took pride in collecting, storing, and recycling the cans. He made a little money and did something good for the environment!

Fred really enjoyed a reserved, simple life. He was a quiet man, although if you got him talking, he would chat your ear off. Some of his favorite things included fishing, hunting, driving, and anything related to cars- the more classic, the better. He enjoyed traveling and seeing new places, including visiting anything historical, including museums. Luckily, he was able to travel more in recent years. Going out for coffee and pie was his favorite outing, most times with his lifelong friend Dwayne Anderson. Music is something Fred appreciated tremendously. His love for outlaw country western music was strong. Waylon Jennings was his favorite singer, and he has a record collection that country folks would die for. He also enjoyed a good polka.

Throughout Fred’s life, we can remember him always reading the newspaper and magazines. Little did we know he had a difficult time reading. He independently started working with the literacy volunteers to help build his reading skills. This is where he met his good friend John Murphy. With John’s help, Fred built confidence in his ability to read books. He particularly enjoyed reading anything related to wars, history, and cars. 

Fred was a collector of coins, watches, pocket knives, grandfather clocks, and nice shoes. In his younger years, he could fix anything from cars to furniture to fighting daughters. He truly enjoyed keeping himself busy and helping others.
Frederick is preceded in death by his grandparents, mother Mary, father Lincoln, stepmother Margaret, nephew Gabe, brother Rudy, son-in-law Paul, ex-wife Linda, & their infant son James.

Fred leaves behind his legacy through his daughters Marilyn Theresa Wright (Paul Wright, deceased), who just moved back to Eau Claire, WI; Wendy Sue Winger of Eau Claire, WI; Jodi Lynn Kauffeld (Jesse Kauffeld) of Cadott, WI; and Lori Ann Winger of Eau Claire, WI. Fred was proud of his grandchildren, who all have his genuine and caring heart. Marilyn’s children: Gage Lee (Katherine), Jake Douglas, and Zackary Gabriel. Jodi’s children: Shawn Curtis James, Antonio DiVinchi, Christian Shalom, Elijah DiMitri, and Samantha Faye.

Fred enjoyed life and genuinely cared for everyone he came into contact with.                                                                                                                                                     

With Much Gratitude

Fred’s family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the critical care unit and fourth-floor doctors, nurses and chaplains working at the Mayo Hospital Eau Claire, WI. They were genuinely kind, patient and supportive of Fred and his daughters as they navigated difficult decisions related to Fred’s care. 

Special thank you to Butch’s brother-in-law Dave Abresch. Dave is a woodworker and created the pine box Fred requested to be buried in.

Fred’s family extends their gratefulness for every bit of kindness, prayers, and wishes sent Fred’s way, particularly during the recent time between his fall and his death.

The memorial service for Frederick Winger will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church, 207 University Street, Elk Mound, WI. A visitation will take place Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service there will be a pie and coffee social at the church. Interment of ashes will take place Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 pm in the Lakeview Cemetery 1500 Buffington Drive  Eau Claire, Wisconsin.            

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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