Arthur "Archie" Vincent Kolinski

Arthur “Archie” Vincent Kolinski passed away at home in the care of his loving family on Easter Sunday, April 12,2020. Archie was 71 years old. Archie was born in Petoskey, Michigan, on November 22, 1948 to Adam and Frances (Laskey) Kolinski. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier Schools, and then worked hard to put himself through college. After completing his associate degree at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey, Archie moved on to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where he achieved both his bachelor’s degree and teaching certification. Archie taught for Harbor Springs and Traverse City Area Public Schools, and Gaylord St. Mary’s and Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools. Archie was a talented athlete who excelled in a variety of sports. He cherished his opportunity to share this gift through coaching at elementary, middle and high school levels. Blessed with a natural ability to connect with young people, Archie will be remembered for being a teacher to thousands, mentor to many, and friend to all. In retirement, Archie enjoyed spending much of his free time outdoors. He loved to fish, play golf, or just have a cigar and tinker with one of the ongoing projects in his garages – a process he eloquently referred to as, “putzing around”. Above all, Archie’s greatest joy in life was family. He looked forward to making his annual trip to Petoskey for the Kolinski Family Reunion each summer. He shared a deep love with his sons, and grandsons who always found a way to put a big bright smile on Grandpa’s face. Archie was preceded in death by his parents Adam and Frances; brothers: Jim, Rich and Ted; brother-in-law, Norm Wilhelm; nephew, Don Wilhelm; and sister-in-law, Linda Kolinski. Archie is survived by his sons Matthew (Marcia Gould) Kolinski and Christopher (Joanie) Kolinski; grandsons: Maxwell, Oliver and Liam; sisters: Eleanor Wilhelm, Louise (Joe) Schwartzfisher, Barbara (Steve) Hamilton and Kathleen (Paul) Riehl; brothers: Gerald (Joyce) Kolinski, William (Norine) Kolinski and David (Pat) Kolinski; many nieces, nephews, good friends, and his former wife, Lise Kolinski. Per his request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. The family wants to thank all that have expressed their condolences. They are requesting donations made in his memory be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Father Fred Foundation.

Arthur "Archie" Vincent Kolinski

November 22, 1948 - April 12, 2020