Alfred F. "Al" Wasinger, 81, of Hutchinson, died Dec. 12, 2010, at Hospice House in Hutchinson. He was born May 19, 1929, in Ellis, the son of Andrew J. and Dorothy Boos Wasinger.
He graduated from Thomas More Prep in Hays and attended both Mississippi State University and Purdue University, completing programs related to labor management issues. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Hutchinson. He worked as a pipefitter for 10 years before being elected financial secretary-treasurer/business manager of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union #363 in 1966, where he served until his retirement in 1989. He served as president of Kansas State Pipe Trades Association from 1977 to 1988, served on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield board of directors for 40 years in various capacities, including investment, finance and audit, compensation and building committees, and in 1986 was nominated for the JTPA Presidential Award for outstanding service on the Private Industry Council, Kansas State Department of Human Resources, and was a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. He was also appointed by the governor to the KCET. He was a veteran of both the U.S. Merchant Marines and the U.S. Air Force. .
He married Alice Marie Rupp on Aug. 28, 1951, in Hays. She survives. Other survivors include: sons, Andy Wasinger (Karen) and Al Wasinger (Terri), all of Hutchinson, and Tom Wasinger (Samantha), Wichita; daughters, Cathey Donohue (Patrick), Blue Springs, Mo., and Linda Childs (Marc), Wichita; 15 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lorraine Speier; and his first infant granddaughter, Tara Donohue.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Fr. Joseph Eckberg presiding. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. at the church prior to the Mass. Burial will be at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson.
Military honors will be presented by the McConnell Air Force Honor Guard. Visitation will be Wednesday 1 to 9 p.m., and Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family to greet friends Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m., all at Elliott Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be sent to Holy Cross Catholic Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson KS 67501.
Friends may visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.