Dr. Fred Dwight Wingert, DVM 1956
Fred was born to Harold and Lois Wingert in Wellsville, Ks on October 9, 1932. Fred graduated from high school at the age of 17 and headed for K-State. Fred was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, a member of the Interfraternity Council in 1953-54, a member of the K-State Track and Field Team under Coach Ward Haylett in 1953-55, and graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in May of 1956.
Wingert was a consistent pole vault scorer on the K-State Track and Field Team. In the 1954 Big Seven Meet, the Wildcat’s efforts were highlighted by the marks of K-State pole vaulter, Fred Wingert who vaulted 13 feet, 3 inches, which was six inches better than any previous attempt. Wingert tied for third place in the meet. Against Missouri in the opening meet in 1955, Wingert topped the bar at 12 feet 6 inches to tie for first place.
In 1955 at Oklahoma A&M Wingert placed first in the pole vault when he vaulted 13 feet. In the Texas Relays on April 3, 1955, Wingert was one of the few Cats to medal, placing sixth. In the last home meet against the powerful KU Jayhawks on May 1, 1955, Wingert contributed one of two first places in the pole vault. Wingert placed third in the pole vault.setting a varsity record in the pole vault against Iowa State in 1955 at 13 feet 5/8 inches. Wingert was also a member of the K-Fraternity, athletes who earned a varsity letter in an intercollegiate sport.
In 1956, the AGR’s won the All-School Softball championship by edging the Hillbilly’s, 1-0 as Fred Wingert outpitched Dick Allen. Wingert pitched the AGR’s to six consecutive wins in the fraternity division, hurling a no-hitter as AGR shaded Beta Theta Pi, 1-0, in the fraternity semifinals. Wingert carded a 1-hitter and struck out 12 men to lead Alpha Gamma Rho past Beta Sigma Psi, 3-1, in the fraternity title game.
Alpha Gamma Rho Softball Squad |
Jr. AVMA Football Squad |
Senior Photo: Frederick D. Wingert, Wellsville, KS, Veterinary Medicine, Alpha Gamma Rho, Blue Key, Alpha Zeta, Jr. AVMA, Varsity Track, K-Fraternity, Wesley Foundation, Intramurals.
During his time at K-State he went on a blind date and met the love of his life, Kathy. Fred and Kathy were married on December 23, 1956. Fred served in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps for two years after graduation. Fred was in a mixed animal practice in Atchison, Kansas for four years. In 1962, Fred purchased Gordon Jamieson’s Small Animal Hospital in Wichita. Fred and Kathy ran Wingert Animal Hospital and raised their four children in Wichita. Their son, Bart, graduated from K-State in 1985 and married a classmate. Bart and Sue Wingert joined Fred in a partnership in 1990. Later Bart and Sue continued to practice in Wichita and Fred built a new hospital in Haysville, about three miles away. After a few years, Fred began to slow down, and sold the practice in Haysville. Fred and Kathy shared over 66 years of marriage and they enjoyed golfing, church activities, their friends, volunteering, traveling and supporting K-State.
Fred had a servant's heart and showed his love for Jesus through his service. He continued to donate his time and talents to service organizations and churches until he went home to be with the Lord and be reunited with Kathy. Frederick Dwight Wingert, age 90, went to be with his Lord on August 9, 2023. A celebration of life service was held on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita.
Preceded in death by wife Kathy and sister Kay. Survivors include: daughter Teri Wingert of Mason, Ohio; son Bart (Sue) Wingert of Wichita; daughter Daphne (Randy) Adair of Wylie, Texas, daughter Wende (Jeff) Doyle of Wichita; 7 grandchildren - Allie Wingert, Tyler Adair, Emma Wingert (Kevin East), Morgan (Jared) Rains, Hanna (Corbin) Wertz, Casey Doyle and Sydnee Doyle; as well as his brothers George Wingert and Bob Wingert. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Fred's memory to the Kansas Humane Society and Wichita Presbyterian Manor.