William "Will" Winger

William “Will” Winger, age 72 of Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at Duluth Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family, following a sudden health event.

Will was born on September 27, 1953, to Wilfred “Bill” and Carole (Anderson) Winger in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He was one of nine siblings growing up in Remer, Minnesota. Will frequently shared stories of his childhood. He spoke often about logging with Belgian and Percheron horses at a very young age. Will credited his strong work ethic to those early farm days. After graduating from Remer High School in 1972, Will moved to the Iron Range. He worked as a frontend alignment mechanic at Mathisen Tire Company. Later in life he attended vocational school for carpentry and his natural talent led him straight into a lifelong career. Little did he know his carpentry would bring Kathie, his “Sweetheart”, into his life. They met while he was working on a remodeling project, which happened to be Kathie’s apartment.

For over three decades, Will was a licensed residential contractor, but at heart, he remained a carpenter. As owner of AJ Builders, he worked tirelessly. His customers marveled that he worked alone and accomplished much. Will loved his work and loved to work. His most celebrated projects included the restoration of the B’Nai Abraham Synagogue and the Virginia Historical Society buildings in Olcott Park. He energetically worked up to the day he became ill.

An avid outdoorsman, Will loved hunting, fishing and, unknown to most, gardening. Will and Kathie spent countless hours building and planting raised garden beds. Will built and surprised Kathie with a small greenhouse which became a cozy spot for morning coffee. Their passion for dog rescue was also central to their lives. Together they found homes for a dozen dogs. Their recently adopted golden retriever, Luke, still searches for Will each day.

Will lived his life generously and loved giving. His random acts of kindness extended beyond family, even to strangers. He had a rare gift to recognize when someone had a need he could fill….and he filled it.

Will is deeply missed by Kathie, his life partner of 36 years. He will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him for his warm smile, his laughter, his boundless energy, his willingness to give advice when asked, his spontaneous gift giving and even his joke telling, which often fell flat.

Will is survived by Kathie Koskie. Children: Jamie (Michelle) Winger, Cheryl (Greg) Peterson, Alesha Winger, Bruce (Jennifer) West; stepson, Ryan (Stacy) Pontinen. Grandchildren: Teanna, Chelsea, Logan, Trevor, Jersey and Jasmine; step grandchildren; Kyle Pontinen, Gray Pontinen and Annika Pontinen. Siblings: Mary Martin of Chisholm, Jeannie (Cliff) Wagenbach of Tower, Diane Larson of Remer, Chuck (Lorna) Winger of Embarrass and Terri Winger of Remer.

Will is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Carole Winger. Brothers: Pete Winger, Dennis Winger, Jerry Winger; Stepson, Todd Pontinen.

To honor Will’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Internment will take place in Remer, Minnesota when the weather warms.