Robert John Winnie

Robert (Bob) was born May 28, 1921 in Ferndale, Michigan, son of Julius and Flora (Galbraith) Winnie. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1939. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, and served in the 176th Signal Corps in the South Pacific Theatre. He then attended Michigan State University on the GI Bill, was a founding member of the MSU Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, and graduated with a B.A. in Business.

Bob married his wife Irene (Fetchik) on August 3, 1947, and they spent 61 love-filled years together. Irene preceded him in death on October 5, 2008.

Although Bob and Irene became residents in 1976, their Traverse City roots went much deeper. Bob’s grandfather Isaac G. Winnie settled in Traverse City in 1857, and Bob frequently visited family members in Traverse City throughout his life.

Bob enjoyed his 39-year career with Michigan Bell Telephone Company. He moved his family around the state as he rose in management position. He planned – and finally accomplished – his goal of being retired for as many years as he worked. He was a highly successful leader, inspiring and motivating to his co-workers through his discipline, compassion and expectation for success. His perpetually positive attitude, faithful belief that there is good in everything, and constant smile added joy and happiness to nearly all he met. For Bob, life was always good, good, good!

Bob had the spirit of an explorer and travelled the world. Switzerland was one of his favorite countries – yet he steadfastly thought Traverse City was the most beautiful and the top choice as a place to reside. He loved meeting new people, and volunteered at the Traverse City Visitor Center for 10 years. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially downhill and slalom skiing, fishing, boating, and bow hunting. Active even in his later years, he was a ranked skier in NASTAR in the 60, 70, and 80+ year old divisions. Even at the ripe age of 96, he was spry enough to have a viral video on YouTube and Facebook, fighting and landing a 28-pound catfish.

Bob was very active in the church, and a member of the VFW Elks Lodge #2780, the F&AM Masonic Lodge of Niles, MI, the Shriners, and Kiwanis. He was also a sponsored Veteran in the August, 2017 Honor Flight to Washington DC, where he was the only WWII Veteran on the plane.

Bob is survived by his children Robert (Karla) Winnie and Glenna (Jeffrey Cooper) Winnie; two grandchildren Robert and David Cooper; many nieces and nephews as well as grandnieces and grandnephews – and his beloved cat Brady. Besides his wife, he is preceded in death by both parents; brothers Martin and Glenn, and sister Irene.

A memorial Service will be held on October 26, 2018 at 11 am with visitation one hour prior, at the First Congregational Church, 6105 Center Road, Traverse City, MI, Pastor Chad Oyer officiating. A graveside service with military honors will be held on the same day at 2 pm at Oakwood Cemetery, Traverse City, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to ShareCare of Leelanau, 7401 E. Duck Lake Road, Lake Leelanau, MI, 49653, sharecareleelanau.org, or to AC PAW, P.O. Box 94, Acme, MI 49610, acpaw.org.