Winferd (Windy) Wangen, 83, of Hayward, died Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007, at Austin Medical Center.

Windy was born March 15, 1924 in Freeborn County to Clarence and Gladys (Nasby) Wangen. He graduated from Albert Lea High School, where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. After high school Windy joined the Navy and served in the Pacific during World War II, where he was injured and earned the Purple Heart. After the war he returned to the Hayward area where he farmed and drove tractor until the year 2000. On Feb. 18, 1948 he married Barbara Kermes in Albert Lea.

In his spare time, Windy enjoyed baseball, basketball and football, particularly the Minnesota Twins. He liked to be outside and enjoyed fishing. For the last 20 years he wintered in Apache Junction, Ariz., where he enjoyed playing cards and loved to visit over a cup of coffee.

Windy was a member of the Oakland Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member and also served as the congregation president, was on the planning commission for the new church building, and was a member of the Hillcrest cemetery committee.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, parents Clarence and Gladys Wangen, and sister Betty Jean Jackson.

Windy is survived by: Sons and Daughter-in-law: Gary (Linda) Wangen, Blaine, William Wangen, Willmar; Daughter: Karen Wangen, Albert Lea; 14 Grandchildren; Brother and Sister-in-law: Stanley (Judy) Wangen, Woodstock, Ga.; Many Nieces and Nephews; and Stub the cat.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Oakland Lutheran Church with the Rev. Peter Soli officiating. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery with Olaf B. Damm Post # 1216 VFW and Austin Post #91 American Legion in charge of military rites. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and one hour before the service at the church.

Windy will be sadly missed by family, friends, and those who loved him.