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Henry "Dixie" Wunsch
Henry Wunsch (everyone called him Dixie) was born on March 24, 1915, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He was the youngest of seven children. His mother died in the flu epidemic when he was 3. Dixie was basically raised by an older sister. He moved to the United States with his father and older brother and eventually ended up in Portland. He thought it was a beautiful city and decided to stay. In 1941, he married Katherine Weber. She preceded him in death on June 9, 1996.
Henry "Dixie" Wunsch (right) and a friend at the service station where Dixie work. The service station was located on the northwest corner at NE 7th and Fremont. Photograph courtesy of Kris (Wunsch) Zelinka.
Dixie worked in his father’s business before starting his own business, Wunsch’s Sanitary Service. Dixie was a hard worker, but he also liked to play. He loved baseball, music, and dancing. He enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk, dancing with his wife, whistling, and singing. He was also a committed Christian and loved watching Billy Graham, reading his Bible and other Christian literature, and serving the Lord. He ministered to others by phoning senior citizens to encourage them and working on their wheelchairs.
Dixie had a "can do" attitude. "Buck up" and "get over it" were his mantras for handling difficulties. He treated obstacles and hardships as learning experiences.
Dixie was a lifetime member of AHSGR and a beloved member of the Oregon Chapter. He was also a member of Teamsters Local 220, Footprinters, and the Rivercrest Church. He loved his family and enjoyed getting together with all of them on Father’s Day.
Dixie died June 16, 2004, at the age of 89. He leaves two sons, Fred and Randy, a daughter, Kristine Zelinka, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Dixie had a "can do" attitude. "Buck up" and "get over it" were his mantras for handling difficulties. He treated obstacles and hardships as learning experiences.
Dixie was a lifetime member of AHSGR and a beloved member of the Oregon Chapter. He was also a member of Teamsters Local 220, Footprinters, and the Rivercrest Church. He loved his family and enjoyed getting together with all of them on Father’s Day.
Dixie died June 16, 2004, at the age of 89. He leaves two sons, Fred and Randy, a daughter, Kristine Zelinka, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Sources
AHSGR Oregon Chapter Newsletter, July/August 2004. Edited for clarity.
Last updated October 25, 2023