William Michael Wininger

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William Michael Wininger, “Mike” to friends and family, was born October 3, 1946 in Fowler, California to William Minor and Evelyn (Foreman) Wininger.  He has one sister, Sandra Lynn Doty.

Mike graduated from Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Stockton, California in 1965.  While still in high school, he studied college architecture and had a house built.  Less than a year after graduation, Mike was drafted.  Rather than going where the Army wanted him to go, he enlisted opting for the Nuclear Missile field, where he became a computer operator.  He served his first overseas tour of duty in Korea.  Then while stationed at Fort Cronkite, just outside of Sausalito, he met Terry Cox, the love of his life.  They were married on March 1, 1969.  That summer he was transferred to Zweibrucken, Germany, where their daughter Suzanne Marie (Suzie) was born December 17, 1969, on Terry’s 20th birthday.  Most of Mike’s stateside tours were at Fort Bliss (El Paso), Texas.  In 1972, he was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, where their son William Michael Wininger, Jr. (Billy) was born December 12, 1972.  Mike’s next overseas tour took the family back to Germany, this time to Ludwigsburg, just outside of Stuttgart for 3 years.  Upon returning to the states, and with another transfer looming, Mike decided to leave the military in 1978, after 12 years of service.

The family moved to Sharon Springs, KS where Terry’s grandparents Wilbur and Addie Cox, step-mother Virginia (and husband Everett) Linton, and two brothers Gary and James Cox lived.  Mike went to Northwest Kansas Area Vo-Tec in Goodland for a year, studying auto mechanics while working part time for Cowles Ford in Sharon Springs.  After finishing school, Mike had second thoughts about leaving the military, and so he re-enlisted in 1979.  He was immediately sent back to Germany, this time Germersheim.  After completing that 3 year tour the family moved back to El Paso for the final time.

While planning for retirement, and Suzie’s graduation, 14 year old Billy was stricken with a brain aneurysm and passed away on May 18, 1987.  Since the family had planned to move to Connecticut, where Terry was originally from, Billy was buried there.  Mike reluctantly stood his retirement ceremony on May 31st, and Suzie graduated June 6th.  The next day, they left for Connecticut.

After a couple of years of various mechanical positions, Mike went back to school for Truck Driving.  With his certificate in hand, he and Terry moved to Phoenix, AZ, where he got his CDL and drove truck for a while.  He quickly tired of being on the road all the time, so he changed to bus driving locally.  He eventually went to work for “VIA Adventures” where he drove tour buses locally and for “Tauck Tours” throughout the Southwest.

While in Phoenix, Mike got involved with Remote Control Airplanes.  It was a hobby that he enjoyed most and stuck with the longest.  It was the next best thing to actually flying.  He’d taken flight lessons in Germany, and again in Connecticut, but never got his pilot’s license.

Mike was a military dog handler while in Korea, and never lost his love of dogs.  Over the years he had four Brittany Spaniels with “Lady Millennium of Sky Lodge”, Millie for short, being his favorite.  His dream car was a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle, 396, in candy apple orange with white racing stripes.   He loved bright colors.

During his 2nd tour in Germany, he took hang gliding lessons, with his graduation flight in the Alps.  His hang glider was red striped with all the primary colors.  He was always a bit of a thrill seeker from flying and motorcycles, to drag racing his Chevy Nova.  His love for fishing came from his father.  He and Terry enjoyed bowling together in leagues and tournaments for the majority of their marriage.  His proudest bowling achievement was converting the 7-10 split.  Mike and Terry always enjoyed vacationing in Kansas on her brother’s farm, usually over Thanksgiving with lots of good food, family and pheasant hunting.

In 2015, after battling Valley Fever for a few years, he convinced Terry to retire and move out of the southwest.  They relocated in Depoe Bay, a small resort town on the Oregon coast.  His Valley Fever symptoms cleared up dramatically, and he did well for about a year.  Right after moving to Oregon, he purchased an ocean going boat with all the crab and fishing gear.  He really enjoyed spending time on the boat with family.  In January 2019, he collapsed with lung problems.  Four months later, he was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), an incurable unexplainable lung disease.  Initial prognosis was maybe 5-10 years to live, but after only 2 years, it was revised to 6 months to 2 years.

Mike passed away in his sleep on October 1st, 2 days short of his 73rd birthday.  There is no more pain and suffering.  He is survived by his wife Terry of 50 years; his daughter Suzanne, her two children Ty and Nicole Zubrod; Suzanne’s 2nd husband James Mocek and his three sons, Jeremy, Zachary and Anthony; his sister Sandra Doty and her two boys, Jacob and Aaron.  He is predeceased by his parents, his son William Jr., and brothers-in-law Gary Cox and David Doty.

Mike, you are in our hearts “Always and Forever”….

Graveside services for Mike were held on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 11:00 AM MT at the Weskan Cemetery in Weskan, Kansas with Reverend Paul McNall officiating.  

Memorials may be designated to the Disabled American Veterans and may be mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Graveside services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, KS.

OBITUARIES

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Dean & Lolly Schick

Dean Ernest Schick was born June 19, 1947 to Ernest and Leah Schick of Burlington, CO.  Dean was an avid fisherman, cook and farmer. If you have been around him, “Dilly Dilly” was one of his favorite sayings. He attended Bethune and Burlington schools. Eulalah... [More]

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Lila Jean (Roeder) Elder

Longtime Sharon Springs, KS resident Lila Jean (Roeder) Elder, 88, passed away January 30, 2024 at the Greeley County Hospital in Tribune, KS.   Jean was born on the family farm located 15 miles northwest of Goodland on April 19, 1935.  She was the only daughter to... [More]

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Shirley Deines Smith Parr

Shirley Deines Smith Parr of Dalton’s Place of Star City, formerly of Hazen, passed away January 19, 2024. Shirley was born March 25, 1938, to Julius and Martha Deines in Hays, KS. The family later moved to Sharon Springs, KS where she lived until she graduated. She worked... [More]

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Virginia A. “Ginger” See

Lifelong Wallace County resident Virginia A. “Ginger” See, 90 passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Hope Springs in Sharon Springs, KS. Virginia was born to Ted and Edith (Peterson) Reiss on July 23, 1933 at her parents’ home east of Weskan.  She was... [More]

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Ruth Louise Harold Hull

Ruth Louise Harold Hull left this world January 12, 2024, and joined her husband Wendell Hull in their heavenly home. Ruth was born on September 30, 1920 on the Harold homestead to Edward and Elizabeth Harold. She was eighth of ten children. She grew up in this large family of... [More]

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Elizabeth A. Core

In her own words: Elizabeth A. Core (March 7, 1933 – January 10, 2024) was born in Chilkoot Barracks, Territory of Alaska, the daughter of Ellis McFerrin Altfather and Dorothea E.B. Boeker. Her father, then a US Army Captain, was the only doctor within 100 miles. She had... [More]

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Charles W. Studt

Charles W. Studt, age 86, died January 3, 2024, in Hutchinson, KS.  He was born June 4, 1937, in Concordia, KS, the son of Charles A. and Juanita Buck Studt. Charles was a graduate of Glasco High School and the University of Kansas. He served in the United States Army for... [More]

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Donald Lee “Donnie” Hoss

Lifetime Wallace County resident Donnie Lee Hoss died on January 2, 2024, in Sharon Springs, KS. Donnie was born January 5, 1946, in Goodland, KS, the son of Wayne and Verna Hoss. He graduated from Wallace County Community High School with the class of 1963. On August 21, 1963,... [More]

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NEWS

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Oklahoma defeats Kansas in the 72nd annual Pitch Tournament

The top 8 teams from the Wallace County Pitch League hosted the top 8 teams from Mountain View / Gotebo, Oklahoma on March 8-9 for the 72nd annual pitch championship. Kansas had won the annual battle 14 years in a row. The Oklahoma teams arrived throughout the afternoon hours... [More]

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Lady Cats Return from State with 3rd Place Win

The Lady Wildcats traveled to Great Bend on Thursday, March 7th, for the first round of State Basketball—their first game against the Blujays of Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton had fans on the edge of their seats. Trailing behind most of the game, the ladies amped up their... [More]

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Brittani Bennet Joins Greeley County Health Services Providers

Greeley County Health Services (GCHS) is proud to announce the addition of Brittani Bennett, Nurse Practitioner, as the newest provider to the Medical Staff team. Brittani joins the team of experienced practitioners at GCHS with over 10 years of nursing and emergency medical... [More]

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Wildcats Defeat Coyotes in Thrilling Sub-State Game

Cade Funk sinks a 3-pointer during the Wildcat-Coyote match up at the sub-state game in Tribune on Thursday, February 29th. The Wildcats bested the Weskan Coyotes 70 - 63.  They will return to face the Dighton Hornets on Saturday. The Lady Cats had a bye for the first round... [More]

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Rhea wins County Spelling Bee

Congratulations to Braxton Rhea for winning the Wallace County Spelling Bee!  As county winner, Braxton has the honor of representing Wallace County in the Sunflower State  Spelling Bee, which is sponsored by the Kansas Press Association, on Saturday, March 23, 2024,... [More]

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Visiting van Gogh

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QOV Honors Martinek

On Sunday, January 28th, the High Plains Quilts of Valor Group honored 3 area veterans, James McGuire, Dennis Staehnke, and Wallace resident, Joseph Martinek, where each was given a unique quilt. Joseph Martinek enlisted in the Air Force in 1997 and completed his basic training... [More]

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Wildcats Advance to Second Round

Thursday, February 22nd, the Wildcats faced off against the Jackrabbits of Greeley County. The Wildcats dominated the Jackrabbits throughout the game and won by a score of 60 to 40.  This was the 3rd win against the Jackrabbits this season. This win improved their record... [More]

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BUGLE NOTES

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Fort Wallace Museum to Host Symposium/Banquet

The Guardians of the Fort Wallace Museum will host their annual symposium and banquet on Saturday, March 16, at the museum, with symposium beginning at 8:30 am MDT and Capt. Keogh’s Emerald Banquet at 5 pm MDT. The theme of this year’s events is “The Moccasin... [More]

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Bugle Notes 11/28/23

The Christmas Season approaches! Our annual Candlelight Christmas Service will be held on Sunday, December 3rd at 5:00 MT, starting at the 1888 Bethany Lutheran Church located on the west side of our Museum grounds. The traditional Swedish Lutheran service in the historic atmosphere... [More]

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Bugle Notes 10/31/23

On Thursday evening, Nov. 2nd, come on over at 6 pm to hear a most talented musician, mandolinist and singer/songwriter John DePew! We will be hosting John inside the 1888 Bethany Lutheran Church. John Depew is a Kansas-based musician, songwriter, and traveler with a knack for... [More]

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Bugle Notes 10/24/23

The fall travel season has featured strong attendance at the Fort Wallace Museum, with many retired couples and international travelers coming through. Our RV Park has also been busy, with many people staying to experience the local flavor of Wallace County. Our summer hours... [More]

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Ft Wallace Museum Holds 4th Annual Education Day

This past Friday and Saturday, the Fort Wallace Museum grounds once again sprang to life -this time with the sights and sounds of a Native American village. 10 traditional tipis glowed in the sun, as well as military tents and a complete 1800s chuckwagon set-up. During Friday’s... [More]

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Bugle Notes - Native Tribes of the High Plains

On Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9, the Fort Wallace Museum grounds will come alive with the stories of the Native Tribes of the High Plains during the History Exposition and Outdoor Education Days. There will be demonstrations and talks on topics including home life, tools... [More]

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Bugle Notes 8/22/23

We are very excited about our upcoming History Exposition and Outdoor History Days “Native Tribes of the High Plains!” Please plan to join us on Sept. 8-9 on the grounds of the Fort Wallace Museum.  Our grounds will be open for demonstrations on Friday, Sept.... [More]

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Bugle Notes 8/15/23

On, Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9, the Fort Wallace Museum grounds will come alive with the Native American story, with demonstrations and talks on home life, tools and weapons, flint-knapping, games, ledger art, pony painting, beading, languages, trading and stories.... [More]

More Bugle Notes

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