Tony Winowiecki

LEELANAU COUNTY — Anthony "Tony" Winowiecki, 80, longtime resident of Leelanau County, passed away Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at his home. Anthony was born on June 25, 1931, to the late Henry and Grace (Payne) Winowiecki on the family homestead in Elmwood Twp.Tony served his country proudly as a member of the United States Army.Upon returning home from the service, Tony put his interest in mechanics and self-taught skills to work. He worked for some time with Elmer's furthering his skills operating cranes and other heavy equipment. Eventually Tony headed north to Alaska, where he went to work for the Alaskan pipeline. In Alaska Tony became a certified master mechanic and could enjoy the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He finished his time in Alaska working to construct bridges and other major projects to once again return to the family homestead. Tony settled into the home he had built and retired to his quiet acreage. He continued to stay busy working around the property, collecting and working on tractors and making sure the humming birds were fed. Underneath his "gruff" exterior, Tony will be remembered for his ability to share his knowledge and talents with others and his helping hand. Anthony is survived by one sister, Irene Bowman and her family, of Fruitport; his sister-in-law, Marjorie Winowiecki, of Cedar; two nieces, Cynthia Winowiecki, of Grand Rapids, and Anne (Frank) Smith, of Kentwood; two nephews, Steven (Leanne) Winowiecki, of Traverse City, and Mark (Jean) Winowiecki, of Cedar; and many other loving family members and friends.Anthony was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, David Winowiecki in infancy, Theodore and David Winowiecki; and his sister, Mary Benzing. Visitation for friends and family will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a recitation of the rosary at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the Rev. Anthony Citro officiating. Graveside committal services will be held at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of one's choice. Please share thoughts with the family at Tony's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Tony Winowiecki

January 22, 2012