Glenn Alexander "Alex" Winnie, age 81 passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. Born on July 3, 1945 in Royal Oak, Michigan to Glenn and Julia Winnie. Alex was the youngest of four boys and spent his childhood in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan. Later making his home in Madison Heights where he built a life centered on faith, family, music, and service.
Alex graduated from Ferndale High School in 1963 before attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Theology. His love for the Lord and his desire to serve others led him into ministry at Calvary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served families for four years. He later attended Trade School, earned his HVAC license and enjoyed a long and respected career working for several companies over the years.
One of the greatest adventures of Alex’s life began in 1969 when he traveled to Europe by ship with little more than his guitar on his back. Over the next two years, he explored numerous countries, embracing every opportunity along the way. While pursuing a dream of becoming a ski instructor in Innsbruck, Austria, he met the love of his life, Laura. Their connection was immediate and unforgettable. When Laura returned to England, Alex was determined that distance would not end their story. In April 1971, he found his way to her doorstep, proposed on September 21, 1971, and they were married on December 18, 1971. They spent their honeymoon beginning a new life together in Ferndale. For 54 wonderful years, theirs was a marriage marked by unwavering devotion, laughter, friendship, and enduring love. They remained deeply in love until Alex’s final breath.
Music was woven into every chapter of Alex’s life. Whether playing his beloved guitar around a campfire, at family gatherings, in church, or simply for anyone willing to listen, he found joy in sharing music with others. He also loved playing the piano, and music was always filling the Winnie home. Alex and Laura especially loved singing together, with “The Egg Song” becoming a cherished family favorite that never failed to bring smiles.
Alex also found great happiness outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, and spending time in God’s creation. Above all else, however, his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and great-grandfather who was deeply involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. His steady presence, encouragement, humor, and unconditional love created countless memories that his family will treasure forever.
Alex is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Laura Winnie; daughters, Allison (Ryan) Collins, Emily (Jeffrey) Rathnaw, and Brooke (Chris Kiper) Winnie; his cherished grandchildren, Ryan, Reese, Harper, Avery, Beckett, Alex, Macie, Dean, and Oliver; great-grandson Jasper; brother Robin (Pam) Winnie of Milford; sister-in-law Judy Winnie of Texas, sister-in-law Sue (Norm) Smith of Florida, brother-in-law Ian (Denise) Williams of England and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Julia (Fetchik) Winnie, his brothers Larry Winnie of Texas, Douglas (Bobbie) Winnie of Saginaw and niece Kelly (Winnie) James of Texas.
Alex's legacy is one of unwavering faith, adventurous spirit, generous love, and joyful music. He leaves behind a family strengthened by his example and lifetime of songs that will continue to echo through gatherings for generations to come and the assurance that his greatest hope now becomes reality as he rests in the presence of his savior.
The family welcomes all who knew and loved him to join them in remembering a man whose kindness, faith, music and love made the world a better place.
Visitation will be held at Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071 on July 18, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm with a Celebration of Life and Memory Share at 5:00 PM.
