Frederick John Winzler

Frederick J. Winzler, 72, of Vernon, CT beloved husband of Martha Winzler, entered peacefully into Eternal Rest on January 14, 2021 at Hartford Hospital after a brief illness.

Fred was born on October 18, 1948 in Manchester where he resided until his move to Vernon in 1975. He was a 1966 graduate of Manchester High School. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and attended Manchester Community College. He then transferred to and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Husson University in Bangor, ME where he met his beloved wife Martha. Fred and Martha were married in June, 1972. They have one son, Christopher, (presently of Detroit, Maine).

Fred worked for a number of years for Jarvis Enterprises in Manchester and then, like his father before him, entered into the insurance industry. He worked for most of his professional life for Cigna and then Prudential before his retirement in 2007.

Not wishing to sit idle in retirement, Fred did some part-time work for a couple of years, but "found a new work home" working part-time for Companions and Homemakers for many years. He drove clients to doctor appointments, grocery shopping and to other appointments. He also spent countless hours sitting and talking with clients in their homes. Providing this companionship to others and helping to serve and care for them brought him great satisfaction and fulfillment. He simply loved doing this type of work.

Concordia Lutheran Church in Manchester also played a very important role in Fred's life. His faith was deep and abiding. Not only was he a regular churchgoer, he volunteered in a number of ways over the years serving as Chair and Member of the church's Finance Committee, Chair and member of the Legacy Board for Mission, member of the Congregational Council, member of the Internal Audit Committee, and Coordinator of Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers) among others. If there was something taking place at Concordia, one could count on Fred's support and attendance where he always asked what he could do to help out. In 2016 he was recognized with the church's highest honor, "Concordian of the Year" acknowledging his lifetime of service to the church and its mission.

Outside of work and church, Fred enjoyed traveling whether day trips to New Hampshire or Vermont (reminiscent of those taken with his parents as he was growing up) or going with Martha on trips and cruises beyond the New England border where they "took in the sights" and enjoyed the beauty of this world.

While not an athlete himself, Fred loved to follow all sports from one end of the season to another: baseball, football and college basketball. He was a season ticket holder to both Mens' and Womens' UConn Basketball games. Only the worst weather kept him away from attending their games. He had a sharp mind and rock-solid memoryespecially for anything related to sports. That said, he also was a "finance type" who could solve mathematical problems in his head without the use of pen/paper, calculator or other device.

Beyond all of these things, what is noteworthy about Fred is not what he did, but rather what defined him as a human being. Anyone who came into contact with Fred would speak of how kind, caring, respectful, friendly, loving and thoughtful he was. He never drew attention to himself. He was truly selfless. He did not seek (nor was he comfortable) in the "limelight". He was a quiet presence. It is not an exaggeration to say that there is not a person who crossed paths with Fred Winzler who did not like him. He personified and simply was the quintessential "nice guy". To say that he will be missed is an understatement.

In addition to his wife Martha and son Christopher and wife Jessica and children Dodge and Cassady, Fred is survived by his devoted and loving brother Mark, of Manchester. He is also survived by a number of cousins.

There will be no calling hours, nor will there be an in-person church worship service at this time. His services will be private.

In lieu of flowers and in recognition of Fred's devotion to his church, the family requests those who wish to honor Fred send memorial donations to: Concordia Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 40 Pitkin Street, Manchester, CT 06040. To leave a memory or message of condolence, please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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