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Gary Winterberger Obituary

Major General Gary A. Winterberger, USAF, Retired, of Hoover, AL, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at the age of 65. While not religious, Gary was spiritual. He loved this country and proudly served for 34 years. Gary cherished his family. He will be remembered as good son to Lou and Gwen Winterberger, a faithful and true husband, a great dad and father-in-law, and a wonderful "Geggy" to his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Carolyn, sons, Devin (Allison) and Brad (Bri), and grandchildren, Charlie, Allie and Phillip. Gary will be greatly missed by his extended family, friends, neighbors and golf buddies. The family appreciates the many prayers, calls, notes, good thoughts, and support of those who knew Gary. A memorial service will be Friday, May 23, 2014, at 11 AM at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home with Father Fallon officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to a favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by AL.com (Birmingham) from May 22 to May 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Winterberger

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Russ Hardesty

May 16, 2019

My fondest memories of Gary were at Blytheville where he was a stan eval copilot and I was on the same crew as a Nav He would put himself on any flight for time and spent many hours in the bunk waiting for his time in the seat. Thus his nickname "Bunky". He was one of my favorite people and had what it took to aspire to and make 07 rank and above. I miss ole bunky.

Jeanette & Larry Germann

September 2, 2014

Carolyn, I just saw that Gary passed away recently. I just looked him up for you both were in my thoughts Sunday at mass. Please know that Larry and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. God bless and keep Gary and you all in His loving arms.

Bruce Eickhoff

August 2, 2014

Carolyn

Our sincere condolences go out to you and your family on Gary's passing. I remember him as a talented pilot at Blytheville and and was not surprised at his rise to general officer. Tina and I enjoyed our short time together in Hooterville with you guys and happy our paths crossed again in DC. Our best wishes to you and your family in this difficult time.

Bob Ethington

August 1, 2014

Carolyn- I just learned of Gary's passing. I was his first gunner on his crew at Blytheville back in 75. He was a great leader and counselor to a young airman. My prayers are with you and your family.

August 1, 2014

Carolyn, My condolences in your loss. I just heard today. I was his gunner on his first crew at Blytheville in 75. I was shocked to hear of his passing, he seemed the kind who would go on forever. He was a great leader and counselor to a young airman

July 14, 2014

Mrs Winterberger, I am so sorry to have heard, late, of MGen Winterberger's so sudden passing. I had the great fortune to serve under his command twice while on two assignments with NATO. He taught me many great leadership qualities, and was also a great mentor. I extend my sincere condolences to you and your family.

LtCol (retired RCAF) Daniel Duggan

George Cole

June 18, 2014

Hello, Winterbergers! My father brought this to my attention through the USAFA alumni association. It has certainly been a long time since our families were in touch, but please accept my sincerest condolences. To this day I have fond memories of joining Brad and Devin to play baseball with "Mr Gary". Thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Russ and Sue Hardesty

June 18, 2014

Heard with great sorrow and surprise of Gary's passing. Great memories of him intense and a professional even as a copilot in Stan Eval. Sue and I remember with fondness the many laughs we shared in our younger days with you and the General. God Bless. We will remember you both in our prayers.

Terry and Terri Van Keuren

June 18, 2014

Carolyn: So sorry to hear of "Bunky's" passing. Great guy. Still remember your steak Diane. God bless.

John Cooper

June 14, 2014

I was saddened to hear about Gary's passing. We were childhood friends in the early 1960's in Washington state. We were both Air Force "brats" and shared many Boy Scout adventures.

Kimberly Carter

June 10, 2014

I am just shocked and saddened. When then Col Winterberger was the 2AF DO, he was always an honest, direct and helpful officer while I was the 81 TRW Chief of Protocol. I just can't believe such a strong and caring leader has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with each member of his family today and every day as they lean on the Lord for strength...may God bless each of you.

Respectfully

~Kimberly
Former Captain, USAF

David King (USAF MSgt Ret)

June 4, 2014

My family send condolences to Carolyn and the rest of the family. Gen Winterberger was one of the best commanders I had while in SAC. All gunners and myself grieve this day. May God bless.

Gerald Hassebrock

June 4, 2014

Carolyn, words cannot express the sorrow of learning of the Generals death. I was honored to have served under his command at Carswell. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family. MSgt Gerald Hassebrock squadron gunner 20 BMS.

Doug Kennedy

June 3, 2014

Carolyn and family, I was "Shocked" to hear of Gary's passing...I was his Squadron Gunner at Carswell (20th BMS, MSgt Doug Kennedy). We had some very good times and some trying times. He Always got us through the "trying times", that's why I was not surprised when he made 2 Stars. Yes, I was there when he "Broke his Nose" at the Softball Game. The next day after that happened he came to work in the Squadron. I remember it was a Bad Break, Not only me but Gene Gulick (Ops Officer)told him to GO HOME ! I was Almost, well yes Insuborntant getting on him,...He would not go home. Just the way he was. He mean't a great deal to me then...and it still remains. I am So Sorry for your loss.
[email protected]

June 3, 2014

My sympathies to the Winterberger family. It was a pleasure serving with Gary in the 7th Bomb Wing!
Bob Dick Jr

Carswell AFB Airshow

Robert Dick JR

June 3, 2014

June 1, 2014

To The Winterberger Family - May the Lord Jesus give you Strength and Peace to help you get through this. May great memories abound. Many Blessings and Prayers your way --
Blanca Larson, Del Rio Chamber of Commerce & Military Affairs -Laughlin Air Force Base

Bob & Leigh Doerr

June 1, 2014

We are so sorry for your loss. Gary will be missed by many.

May 30, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Carolyn. What a shock. Jim and Buzzy Callard, Loreto Baja, MX

Pek and Vicki Petkewicz

May 29, 2014

Carolyn,
We were shocked to get the call from Gwen about Gary last week. We are speechless. Gary was such a fine man and wonderful friend - he was like a brother to me.
God Bless you and the family during this sorrowful time - you are in our prayers.
Pek and Vicki

Linda (Dimit) Woodcock

May 29, 2014

As a fellow Boulder High School classmate, class of '67 I send heartfelt sympathy to Gary's family and friends. May he rest in peace. Blessings, Linda Dimit Woodcock

Joseph Dill

May 27, 2014

To the Gary Winterberger Family,
Your husband/father was my first B-52 37 BS commander. He set the leadership example for many of his Airmen to include myself. If it wasn't for his guidance my guess is I wouldn't be retiring after 32 years of AF service. Thanks for sharing your husband/dad with us. Prayers to all...

Airpowah!
camel

Col Joseph Dill

May 25, 2014

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was fine officer and a great squadron mate. George White

Marcus Cade

May 23, 2014

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I worked for then-Colonel Winterberger nearly 20 years ago at Laughlin and he was a great boss and an engaged mentor. I owe a lot to him and will remember him fondly.

Jim McNaughton

May 23, 2014

Carolyn, to you, the boys and all of your family I wish to convey the most sincere and heart felt sympathy on the shocking passing of MGen Winterberger. I had the privilege and honour of serving as the senior Canadian in the NATO AWACS programme and I must say that beyond his professionalism and leadership what I will remember most is the genuine love and care he felt not only for those under his command but more so for you and his family. On behalf of my family and those Canadians who served with the General, God bless you all.
- Jim McNaughton, Colonel (ret'd) Canadian Air Force

Mike Stewart

May 22, 2014

So very sad to hear this news. Gen Winterberger was a great mentor to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. He was a visionary leader who was able to cut through the crap and make things happen. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones who will miss him.

Alan Feldkamp

May 22, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Winterberger family. Gary, we'll miss you.

Ala and Sandy

May 22, 2014

Carolyn, My heart aches for you and the boys. There aren't words to take your pain away but know how very much we love you and will be here for you. I wish I were there to give you a hug but I will see you soon. I pray God's presence for you during this difficult week. I love you, Libby

Leonard Johnson

May 22, 2014

My sincere and heartfelt sympathy.

Lonnie Ricks

May 22, 2014

Carolyn , Our prayers are with you and your family....From all of us in Del Rio. Lonnie & Liz Ricks

Paul Masoni

May 22, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gen Winterberger was a great Air Force Leader, Wingman and Airman

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

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