Albert "Al" Leon Kilinski

Albert Leon “Al” Kilinski passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026 with family and friends by his side. Al was born March 5, 1939. The son of Alois and Lillian (Fabiszak) Kilinski on the family farm in Maple City. On January 11, 1964 Al married Judith E Byam at Immaculate Conception Church in Traverse City. Together they built a family, ran a business and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Al was talented in so many skills but ultimately chose a career in well drilling. Al owned and operated Cluff Well Drilling until 2007 when he retired. Although Al’s career path was settled on providing water to thousands of people, his true passion was carpentry. Al built his first home in 1967 near Silver Lake in Traverse City, where he and Judy raised their three children. Over the years he built several other houses and helped his kids build their first homes. In total there are six houses that he had a hand in building. Al and Judy lived near Silver Lake until Al’s retirement when they moved to their home overlooking the family farm in Maple City. In his free time Al enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing. After going on several fishing trips with friends in Northern Ontario, an opportunity arose to purchase land, so he did. Al wasn’t afraid of hard work or a challenge. He built a cabin in the remote area with only hand tools and a strong back. The cabin is something the family still treasures to this day. Al is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy; his daughter Debbie Ann Kilinski, Sons, Greg Kilinski, and Mike (Michelle) Kilinski; grandchildren Zach (Brooke) Endres, Josh (Ashley) Endres, LeighAnn Endres, Dylan Kilinski, Kaci Kilinski, Brody Kilinski, and Sella Kilinski; two adorable great-granddaughters Lainey and Lorraine; multiple nieces and nephews, former son-in-law Martin Endres; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joan Sassin and Edita Miller and brother Art Kilinski and so many close friends. Kindness, compassion and forgiveness will always be remembered as values Al lived. Though usually quiet, always welcoming and quick to offer a coffee, he loved to share stories or his wisdom. He was a loyal catholic follower who attended St. Rita’s in Maple City as a child and continued to enjoy attending weekly mass there even through his retirement years. His legacy will live on through his family-a devoted husband, wonderful father and adoring grandfather and great grandfather. He will always be loved and truly missed. Al’s family would like to share their utmost gratitude to all the caregivers that gave him comfort and compassion. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire, with a Rosary prayed at 7 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at the church on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. The Reverend Fr. Kenneth Stachnik will officiate. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Rita Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of your choice. Al’s family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Albert "Al" Leon Kilinski

March 5, 1939 - March 2, 2026