Wallace A. Winegardner, age 87, of Harrod, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 3:22 a.m. at Bridge Findlay Hospice Care Center.
Wally was born on March 16, 1936, to the late Bud and Evelyn (Losey) Winegardner. Bud was a quiet and gentle man and Evelyn was one of the sweetest ladies that God has created. They raised Wally and his sister, Velma Piehl, who preceded him in death. Wally was Velma’s younger brother. He grew up on the family farm, where they farmed land and raised various livestock. Among this livestock were chickens. Any one that knows anything about Wally knows that these chickens had such an impact on him that he spent the next eighty years avoiding chicken and eggs or anything he thought resembled those dirty old birds.
He attended and graduated from Harrod School in 1954. He enjoyed playing basketball for the Harrod Wildcats and to this day loved talking about those days. While in high school he earned his state farmers degree, which set him up for his life of being a farmer.
On January 27, 1957 Wally married Erma Lee Wilcox and she preceded him in death on November 22, 2016. Together they raised four children. Life was good and quite busy. Wally farmed with his dad. He raised hogs, cattle, a few rabbits, a couple horses and a pony named Nikki. He used to harness Nikki up to a little buggy and we all went on buggy rides. There were often a few stray pigs running around the farm like pets. Along with those pigs were several dogs and a few big friendly St. Bernards.
Wally dealt with his various health issues and continued being a farmer and busy man in his church and community. As he aged, he took up the game of golf. That became a great pastime for him and kept him active as his body continued to decline. He and Erma eventually bought a Florida home and he loved that place. He could get out of the cold Ohio weather, enjoy his friendships and try to improve his golf game. Wally went to Florida for the last time this past November. He was living his best life spending time with his wonderful Florida friends and driving his golf cart all over. Life was good. However, in January he became quite ill. He just found the strength to keep going and going. Family and friends gathered together and prayed. God heard us and called our dad and grandpa home to heaven on the morning of June 13th. As a family we were blessed with his long life and the lessons we learned from him and our mother. We will all move forward carrying beautiful memories and blessings with each of us. Waiting and trusting on God’s promise.
Wally is survived by his three sons: Brent Winegardner of Harrod, Brad (Melanie) Winegardner of Harrod, and Brian (Brenda) Winegardner of Harrod; daughter: Elizabeth (Kevin) Ford of Harrod; ten grandchildren: Tyler (Natalie) Winegardner, Drew Paulus, Ashlie (Shane) Werk, Trent (Sarah) Paulus, Morgan (Levi) Hoy, Hannah (Kurtis) Klingaman, Will Paulus, Madison (Erik) Kimmet, Tyler (Danielle) Ford, and Dylan (Whitney) Ford; and thirteen great grandchildren: Beckett, Ryker, Evelyn, McCoy, Elliott, Nora, Harlyn, Brooks, Lorelei, Nash, Ivy, Sutton and Renley.
The family would like to thank Bridge Hospice of Findlay for the care they provided to Wally and the family during this time.
Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Harrod Christian Church, 273 S. Main Street, Harrod, Ohio with Pastor Ted Moore officiating. Burial will be in Auglaize Cemetery, Harrod.
Friends may call from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Harrod Christian Church, 273 South Main Street, Harrod, Ohio 45850 and/or Bridge Hospice, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, Ohio 45840.
