Francis Lally Winner

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Don McGann and Bob Pazderka on August 13, 2003:

Subject: Francis L. "Willie" Winner Memorial Mass and Overview The above subject suggests this is not the ordinary report after attending the Memorial Service of a classmate. First, it is late--please pardon. The delay though helped facilitate plans for deserved ongoing testimonials. Appropriately, Willie's daughter, Anne who firsthand has observed and enjoyed his life, achievements and character will author a Memorial planned for Internet release to the class in September. Subsequently, she will create the Official Assembly Eulogy. Relevant is that our former classmate, Jim "Hack" Hackleman, whose friendship with Willie dates back to Stewart Field days and whose contact has been maintained through the years, is a professional author. While intent on attending Willie's Memorial Mass, regrettably he was not able to do so. You will recall that he and Willie collaborated as authors on "The Pointer". Hack has been writing about Willie for some time, has shared a number of letters with the family and may make his writing available at some later date. Bob and Diane Pazderka and Don McGann attended the ceremony and jointly consider a more comprehensive handling is justified. It is our belief that no West Pointer could have experienced greater love of his Alma Mater than Willie nor demonstrated a deeper commitment to "Duty, Honor, Country". His achievements may not have been on the national level and consequently may not have been as widely known among fellow classmates but they were phenomenal. It is simply RIGHT that we share an overview leading toward future testimony in addition to commenting on the beautiful Memorial Service. His story must be told. Four priests and a deacon concelebrated the Memorial Mass at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, Omaha, NE on July 19.2003. The main celebrant and homilist was Fr. Eugene McReynolds, a Benedictine priest from Boys Town and good personal friend of Willie and Daphne. Willie's oldest and youngest sons, Jim and Paul, delivered eulogies. Sons Bob and Tom delivered the readings. The homily and both eulogies were magnificent. They addressed Willie's achievements, his capabilities, his character, his dealings with his family, his ever-evident keen sense of humor, and his love of God, love of Daphne-children-grandchildren, love of country and love of West Point. Willie is also survived by his younger daughter, Mary Mild, now a Major in the Nebraska Air National Guard, on whom he proudly pinned his own original 2Lt bars at Mary's commissioning ceremony. An extract from Jim Winner's email responding to Sam Dickens email condolences states: "I'm not sure that Dad's last conscious thoughts were of 'the Corps, the Corps, and the Corps'. BUT it was close." The Memorial Pamphlet quoted the last two paragraphs of General Douglas MacArthur's 1962 Farewell Address at West Point. Since interment will be at a later date (possibly fall 2004 and possibly at West Point) the coffin was not present at the mass. His daughter Anne notes: Dad always said he wanted to go to medical school when he died and accordingly, donated his body to science. In lieu thereof were mementos such as Willie's cadet picture, his Army General Officer Hat, his 1951 Howitzer, WP Sword, Army Saber, a copy of "The Best Lawyers in America", an article he wrote for "Nebraska Lawyers Magazine", the stole and dalmatic from his Deacon wardrobe, the most recent Sunday Times crossword puzzle worked by Willie using the obligatory "erasable pen" (Anne states, "Dad thought it was cheating to work a crossword in pencil, but somehow it was OK to use erasable ink."), a crucifix recently purchased in Berchtesgarden, Germany and the last item to be blessed by him, the 12- Step Bible, his book of Catholic rites which he used to baptize all eight grandchildren and which was wrinkled from having been dropped in the baptismal font three children ago. Additionally, Jim wore his Dad's WP ring with pride at the ceremony. These articles alone tell a remarkable story. After mass we proceeded to Jim's and Mary Beth's home for lunch and to visit with Daphne, other family members and friend's. The West Point Society of Omaha was represented. The Memorial Pamphlet distributed at mass contained Willie's own words in a 1994 four line will to Daphne and the children. It also included Willie's own autobiography written in 1998. Both are masterfully done and reveal some insights to Willie's warmth, humor and yes greatness. Recollect how humorous Willie was. Recall also that he was unpretentious. In our judgment, both characteristics contributed to an understatement of his true accomplishments. Both the will and autobiography are now included in the Frank L. Winner WP-ORG Eulogy pages through the courtesy of Jim Winner. To view Click: We have lost a great classmate who has earned our genuine respect and admiration. His character, principles, achievements and understanding of people are reflected in his love of God, Family, Country and West Point. To Daphne and the entire family, our condolences, love and prayers are with you. You have much to be proud of and we know that your husband/& "Pops" is mighty proud of you, his legacy. God Bless. Don McGann and Bob Pazerka

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