Obituary: Wintersteen, William
Age 80
WINTERSTEEN,
William
“Bud”
10/27/31 - 08/12/2012
Bud passed away peacefully at home with his loving family at his side on August 12, 2012 of COPD and heart failure.
Dad was an amazing man who loved his family more than anything else.
He sacrificed much for his family.
He and our mom, Millie felt it was important for her to be home with the kids, so he worked long, hard hours as a construction superintendent for many companies which took him traveling a lot.
There are many post offices and wastewater treatment plants around which have his mark on them.
As much as he traveled, he would always make it home to watch his kids in a performance or event.
Dad was one of the most generous people you would ever meet.
He gave generously to his family and friends without thought to repayment.
I saw him give his last $5.00 to someone for gas because he said he had a full tank.
Dad taught his family the value of volunteering and encouraged and supported his family in all of our volunteer efforts.
He served as a Volunteer Fireman in Oregon, where he received Fireman of the Year and as a volunteer for the Democratic Party, for which he was invited to President’s Kennedy’ Inaugural Ball.
He received a Spokesman-Review Good Neighbor Award for the service he provided to his neighbors.
When his health allowed, he would shovel walks, watch over the houses and help remodel homes for neighbors.
He and mom would often have neighbors over at 4:30 in the morning for coffee and a cigarette.
Whenever he was home, you would find him remodeling something on the house.
Dad was very sociable and loved to entertain in his home.
You never left a family dinner without being overly full and probably with a couple of extra dollars in your pocket because he said you needed it.
He never tired of having his family around, especially his grandchild and great-grandchildren.
He loved to joke around with others and you never knew how you should take him.
When his health allowed, he loved to go to the annual Hazeldale Class reunion in Hazeldale, OR.
He loved connecting with friends he had gone to grade school with and catching up on the news.
He served in the Army from 1954-1957 in Germany.
He loved baseball and soccer.
While serving in the Army in Germany, his soccer team won their championship.
His beloved wife of 53 years, Millie passed away in 2008.
They will now be together forever.
He was born to Emma and Robert Wintersteen.
His dad passed away when he was a child and he was raised by his mom and stepdad, John Boulden, who he loved dearly.
He was the youngest of 11 children, who have all passed away.
He is survived by his son, John Wintersteen; daughter, Laura Wintersteen-Arleth, husband, Roger, son Joshua.
His greatest joy and source of pride was being “Papa” to his grandson Joshua, wife Mo and their kids, Madi, Kali and Logan.
He especially loved to watch Joshua at any performance he was in, whether swimming competitions or music performances.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, including, nephew David Hull, wife Jenni and nephew, Mike Hotchkiss, wife Vicki, great nephew Jason Hotchkiss, wife, Vernessa and kids, Olivia, Cory, Lizzie and Miranda and niece Nita Baldree.
He also had dear lifelong friends, Normalee Roberts and Ralph Nute, who he loved as family.
We are appreciative to so many healthcare providers who gave so much to dad over the years of caring for him, Dr. Ted Toribara, Dr. Tim Bruya, Dr. Don Howard, Dr. Larry Eastburn and his office, Dr.Tim Lessmeir, Dr. Bill Bennett, VA ARNP Jeanne Fricke, VNA nurse, Donnie, Apria Healthcare and Hospice.
You all assisted in allowing us to have more time with our beloved dad, papa, uncle and friend than we thought possible.
We thank you.
Memorial service for dad will be on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 3:00 pm at HAZEN AND JAEGER FUNERAL HOME 1306 N. MONROE .
Every Easter, mom and dad would go to the Union Gospel Mission’s Sunrise Service, so in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Gospel Mission to honor him.
To children everywhere, give your parents a hug and tell them you love them.
You never know when you won’t get to anymore.