Kenneth J. Winicki's Obituary
Kenneth Jimmy Winicki, 78, met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday March 30, 2022. Ken was born on April 18, 1943 to Martin and Catherine (Mondala) Winicki in Muskegon, MI. He was the twelfth of thirteen children, and lived in the area most of his life. Ken was a servant of the Lord and grew up a faithful member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Muskegon. He graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in education with dual minors in business and history from Western Michigan University. Always learning, Ken spent 30 years as a dedicated high school teacher in the Saginaw Public School District - devoting even more time in youth development as a driver’s education instructor; his students affectionately called him, “crash”. Ken retired back to Muskegon to be closer to his family, namely his older brother, Eddie. Ken was known to spend many hours researching various topics in American history and especially enjoyed watching Westerns, WWII documentaries and those involving the American Presidency. He also enjoyed collecting U.S. coins, yard work and spending time with his family. He will be remembered as a kind, generous and humorous man who mostly kept to himself but was eager to step in and help his family members whenever he could. A man who valued a little sweat on the brow, understanding the value of hard work and the reward of a good meal; he will be missed around the dinner table at many future holiday dinners and at Russ’ dining rooms, where he frequently visited with friends and family. Ken is survived by his sister, Carol (Winicki) and brother-in-law Joseph Firlit; brother, Gerald Winicki; brother-in-law Larry Dennis; sister-in-law, Jo Ann (Gannon) Winicki; sister-in-law, Virginia Winicki; and 34 nieces and nephews and many additional extended family members. Ken came to be known by those closest to him as, “Uncle Kenny” as he was especially involved in the lives of his great nephews, Edward A., Justin (Nicole) Kollar and great niece Jessica Kollar. Uncle Kenny rarely missed a sporting event, graduation, or holiday outing. Preceding him in glory are his parents, Martin and Catherine Winicki; sister, Virginia (Morris) Chiambretti; brother, Thaddeus (Betty) Winicki; sister, Evelyn (Robert) Taylor; sister. Margaret (Lawrence) Dennis; brother. Edward (Jo Ann) Winicki; brother, Bernard (Carol) Winicki; sister, Delores Winicki; sister, Connie (Lionel) Thomas; and brother, David (Virginia) Winicki. The family will hold a private funeral service. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Please share memories with the family at sytsemafh.com.
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