Homer Ethan Vinger was born April 15, 1915 in Hurdsfield ND, to George and Ida (Bohn) Vinger. The family moved to Dove Creek Colorado in 1921, where he attended school until 1932.
In the ensuing years, he served his country in the civilian Conservation Corps and the United States Army. Homer enlisted in the U.S. Army, February 6, 1941, and completed his basic training at Ft. McDowell, Angel Island CA. He was then assigned to a Coast Artillery Battalion in the Philippine Islands.
Homer was wounded on Corregidor Island in December 1941, and taken captive by the Japanese May 6, 1942. He was moved from Corregidor to Bilibid prison of war camp May 24, 1942, then to Cabanatuan Prison Camp No. 3 on May 27, and then to Manchuria Camp in October. Finally on Noverber 11, 1942, he was assigned to Hoten Prisnor of War Camp at Hoten Manchuria.
Almost three years later, August 15, 1945, Homer was released from Hoten by the Russian Army. He was honorably discharged from the US Army Military Service on April 4, 1946, after 1198 days as a prisoner of war. It was the love of home and country that gave him the fierce determination to survive his years as a prisoner of war. After his release from prison camp in Manchuria, Homer returned to his family and friends in the Dove Creek area. He remained in this area until the time of his death on October 18, 1989. Homer was a true American who loved his country and believed in it. He was the kind of man that makes this country great.
In his lifetime, Homer often describes himself as a "Norwegian Jew", a laughing reference to his love of a good deal, a smart trade, or a tidy profit. Those who loved Homer would better describe him as a quiet hero - someone who was always there ready to give sympathy, moral support, or just listen. An avid reader, Homer will long be remembered for his knowledge on a wide range of topics. He was immensely curious about history, geography and world events, and especially loved the opportunity to stretch out and read real stories of the old West, Civil War, and Colorado State History.
Anyone who knew Homer Vinger knows he was most interested in people. A man who coveted friends more than things. Homer could turn the most ordinary occasion into a celebration. His quick and dry humor enabled him to see the positive in most any situation. Among those closest to him, there is a wealth of memories of times Homer made the gesture which made someone feel very special.
Homer was proceeded in death by his parents and a sister Dorothy (Toots) Weese. Surviving are his wife of 42 years, son and grandson Christopher; brothers and sister. They along with Homer's extended family, will long honor the memory and joy he brought into their lives.
Funeral services were held at Ertel Funeral Home in Cortez. Military grave side services were held prior to burial in the Dove Creek Cemetery.
Printed in the Dove Creek Press 10/1989
In the ensuing years, he served his country in the civilian Conservation Corps and the United States Army. Homer enlisted in the U.S. Army, February 6, 1941, and completed his basic training at Ft. McDowell, Angel Island CA. He was then assigned to a Coast Artillery Battalion in the Philippine Islands.
Homer was wounded on Corregidor Island in December 1941, and taken captive by the Japanese May 6, 1942. He was moved from Corregidor to Bilibid prison of war camp May 24, 1942, then to Cabanatuan Prison Camp No. 3 on May 27, and then to Manchuria Camp in October. Finally on Noverber 11, 1942, he was assigned to Hoten Prisnor of War Camp at Hoten Manchuria.
Almost three years later, August 15, 1945, Homer was released from Hoten by the Russian Army. He was honorably discharged from the US Army Military Service on April 4, 1946, after 1198 days as a prisoner of war. It was the love of home and country that gave him the fierce determination to survive his years as a prisoner of war. After his release from prison camp in Manchuria, Homer returned to his family and friends in the Dove Creek area. He remained in this area until the time of his death on October 18, 1989. Homer was a true American who loved his country and believed in it. He was the kind of man that makes this country great.
In his lifetime, Homer often describes himself as a "Norwegian Jew", a laughing reference to his love of a good deal, a smart trade, or a tidy profit. Those who loved Homer would better describe him as a quiet hero - someone who was always there ready to give sympathy, moral support, or just listen. An avid reader, Homer will long be remembered for his knowledge on a wide range of topics. He was immensely curious about history, geography and world events, and especially loved the opportunity to stretch out and read real stories of the old West, Civil War, and Colorado State History.
Anyone who knew Homer Vinger knows he was most interested in people. A man who coveted friends more than things. Homer could turn the most ordinary occasion into a celebration. His quick and dry humor enabled him to see the positive in most any situation. Among those closest to him, there is a wealth of memories of times Homer made the gesture which made someone feel very special.
Homer was proceeded in death by his parents and a sister Dorothy (Toots) Weese. Surviving are his wife of 42 years, son and grandson Christopher; brothers and sister. They along with Homer's extended family, will long honor the memory and joy he brought into their lives.
Funeral services were held at Ertel Funeral Home in Cortez. Military grave side services were held prior to burial in the Dove Creek Cemetery.
Printed in the Dove Creek Press 10/1989
Homer Ethan Vinger was born April 15, 1915 in Hurdsfield ND, to George and Ida (Bohn) Vinger. The family moved to Dove Creek Colorado in 1921, where he attended school until 1932.
In the ensuing years, he served his country in the civilian Conservation Corps and the United States Army. Homer enlisted in the U.S. Army, February 6, 1941, and completed his basic training at Ft. McDowell, Angel Island CA. He was then assigned to a Coast Artillery Battalion in the Philippine Islands.
Homer was wounded on Corregidor Island in December 1941, and taken captive by the Japanese May 6, 1942. He was moved from Corregidor to Bilibid prison of war camp May 24, 1942, then to Cabanatuan Prison Camp No. 3 on May 27, and then to Manchuria Camp in October. Finally on Noverber 11, 1942, he was assigned to Hoten Prisnor of War Camp at Hoten Manchuria.
Almost three years later, August 15, 1945, Homer was released from Hoten by the Russian Army. He was honorably discharged from the US Army Military Service on April 4, 1946, after 1198 days as a prisoner of war. It was the love of home and country that gave him the fierce determination to survive his years as a prisoner of war. After his release from prison camp in Manchuria, Homer returned to his family and friends in the Dove Creek area. He remained in this area until the time of his death on October 18, 1989. Homer was a true American who loved his country and believed in it. He was the kind of man that makes this country great.
In his lifetime, Homer often describes himself as a "Norwegian Jew", a laughing reference to his love of a good deal, a smart trade, or a tidy profit. Those who loved Homer would better describe him as a quiet hero - someone who was always there ready to give sympathy, moral support, or just listen. An avid reader, Homer will long be remembered for his knowledge on a wide range of topics. He was immensely curious about history, geography and world events, and especially loved the opportunity to stretch out and read real stories of the old West, Civil War, and Colorado State History.
Anyone who knew Homer Vinger knows he was most interested in people. A man who coveted friends more than things. Homer could turn the most ordinary occasion into a celebration. His quick and dry humor enabled him to see the positive in most any situation. Among those closest to him, there is a wealth of memories of times Homer made the gesture which made someone feel very special.
Homer was proceeded in death by his parents and a sister Dorothy (Toots) Weese. Surviving are his wife of 42 years, son and grandson Christopher; brothers and sister. They along with Homer's extended family, will long honor the memory and joy he brought into their lives.
Funeral services were held at Ertel Funeral Home in Cortez. Military grave side services were held prior to burial in the Dove Creek Cemetery.
Printed in the Dove Creek Press 10/1989
In the ensuing years, he served his country in the civilian Conservation Corps and the United States Army. Homer enlisted in the U.S. Army, February 6, 1941, and completed his basic training at Ft. McDowell, Angel Island CA. He was then assigned to a Coast Artillery Battalion in the Philippine Islands.
Homer was wounded on Corregidor Island in December 1941, and taken captive by the Japanese May 6, 1942. He was moved from Corregidor to Bilibid prison of war camp May 24, 1942, then to Cabanatuan Prison Camp No. 3 on May 27, and then to Manchuria Camp in October. Finally on Noverber 11, 1942, he was assigned to Hoten Prisnor of War Camp at Hoten Manchuria.
Almost three years later, August 15, 1945, Homer was released from Hoten by the Russian Army. He was honorably discharged from the US Army Military Service on April 4, 1946, after 1198 days as a prisoner of war. It was the love of home and country that gave him the fierce determination to survive his years as a prisoner of war. After his release from prison camp in Manchuria, Homer returned to his family and friends in the Dove Creek area. He remained in this area until the time of his death on October 18, 1989. Homer was a true American who loved his country and believed in it. He was the kind of man that makes this country great.
In his lifetime, Homer often describes himself as a "Norwegian Jew", a laughing reference to his love of a good deal, a smart trade, or a tidy profit. Those who loved Homer would better describe him as a quiet hero - someone who was always there ready to give sympathy, moral support, or just listen. An avid reader, Homer will long be remembered for his knowledge on a wide range of topics. He was immensely curious about history, geography and world events, and especially loved the opportunity to stretch out and read real stories of the old West, Civil War, and Colorado State History.
Anyone who knew Homer Vinger knows he was most interested in people. A man who coveted friends more than things. Homer could turn the most ordinary occasion into a celebration. His quick and dry humor enabled him to see the positive in most any situation. Among those closest to him, there is a wealth of memories of times Homer made the gesture which made someone feel very special.
Homer was proceeded in death by his parents and a sister Dorothy (Toots) Weese. Surviving are his wife of 42 years, son and grandson Christopher; brothers and sister. They along with Homer's extended family, will long honor the memory and joy he brought into their lives.
Funeral services were held at Ertel Funeral Home in Cortez. Military grave side services were held prior to burial in the Dove Creek Cemetery.
Printed in the Dove Creek Press 10/1989
Bio by: Shirley Utley Cressler
Inscription
"A good soldier" "Lest they be forgotten, Japan POW 1198 days"
Gravesite Details
Survivor of the Batan Death March.
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