Fred Winowiecki

Frederick James Winowiecki - more commonly known as Fred, Freddy, Dad or Papa - passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 29, 2022 at the age of 89. If he were here, he’d tell you he was just resting his eyes. On November 10th, 1933, Fred was born 8th in a family of 9 children to parents Clara Osga and Paul Winowiecki. He graduated from Traverse City St. Francis in 1952 where he played basketball and was part of the schools’ very first football team. Following high school, he proudly served in the Navy for 2 years before returning to Traverse City. He then worked at the Post Office for 30 years, retired, and worked another 30 years at the Grand Traverse Resort in his dream job as a Golf Starter. Here, Fred quickly became well-known to the members and golfers who he’d see year after year. Occasionally, he’d treat his kids and grandkids to a round sprinkled with his one-ofa- kind golf wisdom, inevitably passing on his love of the game. In 1956, he met the the strongest, most caring (and willing to put up with him) woman, the love of his life - Mary Judith (Jones) Winowiecki. They married August 20th, 1960 and had four children. Fred lived a long, full life as a good man and a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many. He was an avid golfer, self-proclaimed inventor of euchre, and master of witty one liners. More than anything, he loved his family, church, and golf. He was never known to turn down a piece of chocolate either. He was a selfless and supportive man. He would shovel and snow blow the neighborhood sidewalks and driveways of those who couldn’t, expecting nothing in return. He was the biggest encourager to his grandkids and loved watching them play basketball, soccer, and baseball. He loved fishing (mostly off the dock), spending time at the “River” and at his daughters’ cabin on Intermediate Lake. He loved finding free firewood and tinkering around doing who knows what. He loved Notre Dame Football. Fred is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy Winowiecki; his children Jana (Jay) McIntyre, Julie (Todd) Patterson, Tom Winowiecki and Scott (Carrie Charron) Winowiecki; his grandchildren Ryan, Shane and Katie McIntyre, Hailey, Carley and Kadin Patterson, Lyndsay (Matt) Gray, Craig (Dana) Winowiecki and Kellen (Taylor Russnak) Winowiecki; and his great grandchildren Sloan Gray and Harken and Aria Winowiecki. He is preceded in death by his parents, his 8 siblings, and his daughter-in-law Joanne (Scott) Winowiecki. Fred was a man known by many and loved by all, though no one was immune to being the butt-end of one of his jokes. His family plans to do a private Celebration of Life in the summer to honor his memory. People wishing to honor him can do so by playing a game of golf with a toast to his memory.

Fred Winowiecki

November 10, 1933 - November 29, 2022