Tom Winger

Tom Winger, 69, of Jefferson died Friday, March 16, 2018.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 21 at Central Christian Church in Jefferson. Visitation with the family present to greet friends was from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 20 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson. Interment was at Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson.  

Thomas Eugene Winger was born October 12, 1948 to parents Betty (Thomas) and Eugene Winger. Tom became an eldest brother to Jerry, Jeff, Mike and Marion. The family was raised primarily in Scranton, Iowa. As a youth, Tom enjoyed all sports, fishing and working on cars with his dad and grandpa.

He graduated in 1966 from Orient-Macksburg High School. In 1968 he enlisted in the Army and served a tour in Vietnam. He was recognized with a Bronze Star Medal for his heroic service in a combat zone. He also later served on the Jefferson Fire Department for many years.

On his birthday in 1979, Tom was united in marriage with Nancy Ferguson. She was the jewel of his whole life. They started their family with twin boys in 1980, Eric Thomas and Adam Michael. In 1982 they added a daughter, Nicole Lynn, to complete their family. Tom was a very involved husband and father. He coached countless youth teams for any activity the kids wanted to take up. He was a supporter of all kids and pushed them to be their best.

Tom loved people and he had a special way of making everyone feel how much he loved them. He could always make them laugh and was an eternal jokester. His love for life was contagious and he really just lived in the moment. He was a constant worker who was always into something. He spent countless hours restoring cars and boats. He could also often be found fishing, hunting or walking in the timber. He was a rare talent that could do anything. Tom and Nancy were later in life given the greatest joy, their grandchildren. He became known as Papa that was his best role yet. Tom will be greatly missed.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Winger of Jefferson; his children: Nikki (Rudy) Uebel of Jefferson, Eric (Uvette) Winger of Churdan and Adam Winger of Jefferson; his brothers: Jerry (Tina) Winger of Buchanan Dam, Texas, Jeff (Mike) Winger of Gatesville, Texas, Mike (Annette) Winger of Scranton and Marion (Diana) Winger of Omaha, Neb.; brothers-in-law, Ron (Dru) Ferguson of Santa Fe, N.M. and Dick (Clarice) Ferguson of Jamaica, Iowa; seven grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

 Memorials are suggested to the family to be determined at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.sliningerschroeder.com.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, 515-386-2171.