Our hearts are broken that our beloved and cherished "Papa", Elton J. Wineman, has passed from this life into the next December 1, 2020. The third child of David and Elsie (nee Schneider) Wineman, who pre-deceased him. Elton was born in the current Elks Lodge, the old Osteopathic Hospital in 1957. He spent his entire life in Northwest MI exploring every corner of woods, rivers, and beaches to hunt, hike, camp, swim, fish, canoe or X-country ski. There wasn't a season in Northern Michigan that kept him indoors for long.

Elton graduated in 1975 from Traverse City Central High School and worked for Chef Pierre, now Sara Lee Frozen Bakery for 44 years. He was a proud member of BCTGM Local 81, representing his Union brothers and sisters as a steward and at the bargaining table.

In 1985 Elton married Sindi Doe. Together they raised their 4 children in the woods on 27 beautiful acres in Benzie County. He is survived by Sindi, friend for 42 years and wife of 35; his children: Levi and Sarah (nee Spangler) Wineman formerly of Sarasota, FL; Aaron Wineman formerly of Hainan, China and NYC; Isaac and Katie Mikula-Wineman of Pittsburgh, PA; and Rebekah Wineman and Kalun Leung, formerly of Montreal, Quebec and NYC. The pandemic brought Aaron, Rebekah, and Kalun back to Michigan.

Elton was a conscientious employee, a devoted husband and papa, a farmer at heart. He provided well for us with his many hours of over-time at the pie factory, his bountiful vegetable gardens, and venison. He grew amazing sunflowers and summer annuals, supplying all of the flowers for Isaac and Katie's wedding in 2016. He coached T-ball, camped with Boy Scouts, and chaperoned band trips. He was so proud of his kids and all of their accomplishments, especially in music and theater in high school, at university, and professionally. The kids led us down many a creative path with exciting adventures of a busy family life.

Nothing thrilled Elton more than packing up a car for a road trip to camp. Whether in the U.P., out West, the East Coast, or Canada, Elton was in his element pitching a tent and living rustic. The kids lives also gave the opportunity to explore big city life in Memphis, Montreal, and NYC.

Elton was also pre-deceased by youngest brother, Michael Wineman; in-laws Nelson and Alice (nee Avis) Doe; Tippi the Wonder Dog, Louis, and Roscoe. Also surviving are siblings,: Christine Darga, Toni (Tracey) Wineman, Angela and Michael Goggins, Kathy and Jeff Skwierc, Allan and Shannon Wineman, Eric and Kim Wineman; In-laws: Charles and Carol Doe; Geradine Simkins (Fred Heltenen). Very special nieces and nephews: Seth Doe, Joshua Doe (Tiana) and Jesse Doe; Maya Doe-Simkins, Leah Mosher (Joe), and Sean Doe-Simkins (Jeff Kunkel); ; and the Goggins boys. A total of 31 nieces, nephews, and 18 greats. Elton is also survived by best friend and co-conspirator, Mike Marek; and family dog, Tillie.

A very heartfelt thank you to all who have prayed, chanted, lit candles, held us up in thought, sent cards, and made phone calls during this 22 month battle with ALL. It gave peace and comfort to Elton and his family.

Because of COVID, there is no service at this time. A gathering will be planned for the spring of 2021 when we can meet more safely. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Northern Michigan E3 to help support the anti racism task force. Go to titletrackmichigan.org, select donations, choose Northern Michigan E3; Arbor Day Foundation, arbor day.org; National Organization of Rare Disorders, rarediseases.org
or any food pantry or homeless shelter in your community.

Elton and his family are being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Share a memory at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com