On May 7, 2011, the world lost a wonderful man. Dale Gordon Winegar was a retired third generation farmer, lifelong resident of New Richland, who raised hogs, loved his chickens and took great pride in his perfect fields. Dale was born to Seth and Sara Winegar on Nov. 15, 1923. He was preceded in death by Catherine Doyle Winegar after 38 years of marriage.

An avid hunter and fisherman his whole life. Dale was also a prolific gardener and a bird-watcher. He was a Texas Hold ‘Em champ, and there was no better entertainment than watching a good Twins, Vikings or New Richland Cardinals game.

Dale was unassuming and strong-willed; he survived five different cancers. He taught us to accept fate with good humor and without complaint. There is an empty chair at the farmers’ table of wisdom at Blondie’s café.

He is survived by his wife, Verona Tufte Winegar; they married on Sept. 29, 1990.

Those fortunate to call him Dad were: Dr. Patty (Tom) Kingston, Dr. David Winegar, (Dan and Merideth – Max, Odin, Dr. Joe and Christy, Mike, and Steve), Dennis (Jamie) Winegar (Dr. Blair, Devon and Logan), Dr. Terry (Judi) Winegar (Jake and Luke), Dr. Carol (Mike Trenholm) Winegar, Sally (Mark) Hentges (Maddie, Molly and Sam); stepchildren include: Gloria and Jim (Tony Thompson (Abbey) Kuehn, Brad and Jannell (Jessica (Rob) (Braxton), Justin) Tufte, Joyce and Dale (Tyler and Derik Sorenson) Meldahl and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be sent to the Crossroads Community Hospice, 1705 Southeast Broadway, Albert Lea, MN 56007, Community Lutheran Church or to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Home, New Richland.

Funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday at Community Lutheran Church, Geneva.