Search by Name

Search by Name

David William Winn

David William Winn obituary

David Winn Obituary

Beloved husband and father, admired friend, proud patriot and steadfast Christian “slipped the surly bonds of earthâ€� early Friday, 25 September, 2009. He was 86. Born in Austin, Minnesota, 20 July 1923, he earned his wings at age 20, and served his country for over 35 years in the US Army Air Corps, the Air National Guard and the US Air Force. Of those years he served nearly five as a POW in North Vietnam's “Hanoi Hiltonâ€�. On retirement in 1978 he had flown 6,300+ hours in more than 2 dozen aircraft types; including 160 combat missions from WWII to Vietnam. His decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal; two Silver Stars; Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars with "V" device; Legion of Merit, seventeen Air Medals; three Purple Hearts, and the Distinguished Unit Citation. He held degrees from the University of Minnesota (Journalism), George Washington University (International Relations), and the National War College. In retirement he was writer, consultant and sought-after speaker on national and international affairs. Elected to the University of Colorado Board of Regents in 1988, he served as Chairman 1993-94. His bride and only love of 57 years, Mary Jean Flumerfelt, of Minneapolis, preceded him in death April 29th this year. He is survived by sons David William II (Lois), Frank Loring (Sandy), Peter Marcus; daughter Elizabeth; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; scores of friends and loved ones; and many pals from the IOOB, Roundup Riders of the Rockies, Ten Most-Wanted and Sombrero trail rides. All will remember him as a hero; taking solace in the knowledge he will forever “dance the skies on laughter-silvered wingsâ€� with his beloved Mary. A memorial will be at 10:00AM, November 9th, 2009 in the USAF Academy Chapel, Colorado Springs; interment with Mary at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis. Remembrances are recommended to the David W. Winn Living Trust for a monument honoring Mary and Dave; or to the donor's charity of choice. For details contact: Peter Winn at (310) 780-1350 or [email protected].

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

Published by The Gazette from Oct. 24 to Oct. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for David Winn

Not sure what to say?





November 12, 2009

Liz and family -
My prayers are with you and your family for the loss of your Dad. I have very fond memories of being at your house during junior high and high school. Your parents always were so welcoming to a bunch of wild teenage girls. And who could forget taking your Dad's car out for "test rides" periodically!
I pray that you find solace in the arms of our Lord and happy memories with your Dad.- Anne Saunders Buderus

November 9, 2009

NOvember 9, 2009
Very dear Liz,
In this very day my prayers are with you and your family as you are at that moment at the Chapel.
I always admired your Dad and I felt grateful and honored that he shared his book wth me; I cried while reading it but somehow I felt ever more proud to be an American. He was an humble and caring man but also a grand soldier! May God bless him and you all. With all my sympathy and love. Brigitte. S.B California.

Maj (Ret.) C.J. Pederson

October 29, 2009

To Gen Winn's family: Please accept my sincere condolences. I was Gen. Winn's aide-de-camp in North Bay, Ontario Canada in 1975-76. He was a great leader and teacher; I watched as he inspired so many people by humbly relating his experiences. He led through his good and faithful service. May God bless you all.

October 28, 2009

Liz: Our thoughts and prayaers are with you during this difficult year.
Stan, Barbara, Mary Beth, Grant & Cris Smith

Norwood Robb

October 26, 2009

I would like to share a framed saying that David sent to me on March 26, 1994. I keep it in my book case as a daily reminder. On the front it said: "The fighter pilots have to rove in the area allotted to them in any way they like, and when they spot an enemy they attack and shoot him down; anything else is rubbish" Baron Manfred von Richthofen. On the back was this message: Only rarely does and old Fighter Pilot see in others the spirit stated here by one who knew and lived it" I will always remember David as that old Fighter Pilot who lived and contributed to us all.

1SG USA Retired

October 25, 2009

What a grand American! RIP

October 25, 2009

Dr Winn , Lois and family: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I always remember him with such fond memories. May God comfort you and help you through this difficult time. Heaven has another angel today.

Theresa Harris

Theresa Harris

October 25, 2009

Dr Winn , Lois and family: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I always remember him with such fond memories. May God comfort you and help you through this difficult time. Heaven has another angel today.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in David Winn's name

Memorial Events
for David Winn

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Winn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more