Albert Winiger

Our loving father, Al Winiger, passed away January 22, 2023, in Longview Washington. 

He was born February 25, 1931 in Portland Oregon to Joseph and Mary Winiger, joining an older brother Joe at home in Ridgefield Washington where he attended elementary school. He lost his mother at age 2, and the family eventually moved to Lexington where his father ran a dairy farm. He attended Kelso schools, and enjoyed going to all the class reunions through the years.

He enlisted in the Army at age 17, spending his term of service in Tokyo, Japan, as a corporal in a medical unit transporting blood to the front lines of Korea during the war. He was proud of his work there and had many great memories of his time in Tokyo.

He returned to the Northwest and married Verna Vermilye, a neighbor and friend from his years in Lexington. Together they raised 4 children, Steve, Penny, Chris and Daniel. They divorced in 1966.

In 1986 Al met Mabel Fugitt, who became the love of his life and enjoyed 35 years with her before she passed away in 2021. Mabel’s family became his family as well, and they brought him a lot of love and joy.

Al had many interests and hobbies, which included building RC model air planes, building stereos and televisions, photography, house remodeling and construction, restoring Ford Mustangs, coin collecting, and growing beautiful roses at home. He was a huge UW Huskies fan, following all their sports. Al was well read, and always had at least one newspaper each day. He loved to travel, having been to Hawaii numerous times, many parts of the United States, to England and to the home country of his ancestry, Switzerland, of which he was especially proud.

He retired from Reynolds Aluminum in Longview in1994 after 40 years of service. His years at Reynolds in Longview brought him many friends, and good memories.

Al was preceded in death by his parents and brother Joe Winiger, a step-son Steve Winiger and his companion, Mabel Fugitt.

He is survived by his children Penny Massey (Alan), Chris Winiger (Kris) and Daniel Winiger (Susan) 4 grandchildren, Bryon Massey, Kim Lopez, Lacey Winiger and Joseph A. Winiger, numerous great-grandchildren, step grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren. He loved them all and was extremely proud of them.

A celebration of Al's life will take place on what would have been his 92nd birthday, February 25, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Steele Chapel. Burial with Military Honors will follow at 12 p.m. at Longview Memorial Park. A light luncheon will be provided in the chapel's hospitality room.