November 19, 2015
Joseph E. Winters, 70, of Essexville, was born into eternal life on the evening of Thursday, November 19, 2015 at the Bay County Medical Care Facility. Joe was born in Grand Rapids on June 17, 1945, the son of Milton and Edith (Gorman) Winters. While attending T.L. Handy High School, he met the former Angela "Ann" Rich. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on October 16, 1965. Joe owned Winters Dairy & Deli on Center Ave. for many years and also retired from General Motors. An avid classic car collector, Joe was the co-founder of the Rockn' Wheels Festival in Auburn, named after his love for rock and roll music and classic cars. He enjoyed sports of all kinds and loved spending time with family at Higgins Lake (especially on the beach). Joe was also known for his love of ice cream, but most of all his generous, social, and talkative ways will be truly missed. Joe never knew a stranger and touched the lives of everyone he encountered. After a twenty year battle with Parkinson's, Joe is now at peace. Joe leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of fifty years, Ann and his children, Jeffrey and wife, Barbara Winters, Jennifer and husband, Charles Powell and Joanne "Jody" and husband, Shaun Girou. He was the awesome grandpa of Melissa, Andrew, Griffen, Jenna and Billy. Also surviving are his parents, Milton and Edith (Gorman) Winters, and siblings, Randy and wife, Pam Winters, Linda and husband, Al Bilhimer, Debbie and husband, Bob Geno; in-laws, Gail Wisniewski, Joseph and wife, Joan Rich, Michael and wife Carol Rich, Jack and wife, Carole Rich, Christopher and wife, Kathleen Rich, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. Joe was welcomed home to heaven by his brother, David and father and mother-in-law, E. James and Mary Louise Rich. Joe's family will be present to receive visitors on Sunday, November 22, 2015 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Vigil for the Deceased at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. On Monday, November 23, 2015 Joe will be taken to All Saints Parish (St. James Church), 710 Columbus Ave., Bay City, where visiting will continue from 10:00 AM until the time of his 11:00 AM Funeral Liturgy. Fr. Jose Maria Cabrera will officiate with cremation to follow. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Parkinson Foundation or Save Brian's House. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
So sorry in your loss, Linda and Al
Milton, Edith, Randy and family, sorry for your loss, your in our thoughts and prayers, God Bless you in this time of sorrow! Mary & Herb
We Peigi´n Ni´ Che´idigh and her husband John Petee from Ireland and Bay City are deeply saddened of the news of Joseph’s passing our heart felt condolence to you and your family on this sad day. Peigi´n and John
Treasured Lilies Spray was purchased for the family of Joseph E. Winters.
dear Ann& Family, what a beautiful obituary and how true it was. I remember in high school and whenever we socialized with the two of you, Joe was always interested in what was going on in our lives and he was a great conversationalist! as we have already left for Florida, our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Linda, Al & Family,
Our condolences, you are in are thoughts and prayers.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Joseph E. Winters.
Milton, Edith, Randy, Debbie and Linda,
I remember when I used to visit as a kid and play ball and other such games with Joe and all of you. He was such a brave guy. We will miss him. Sorry we can’t be there with all of you. Love to all,
Craig & Diane Wyma
Jeff & Kelly Zank and Family purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Joseph E. Winters.
To the Winters family…I am so sorry for your loss.
Judy Burdis Reif
Joe, you will be missed by many. Ann, it was a pleasure to assist Joe. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Dear Ann, Jeff, Jenny, Jody, and your families- We are so sorry to hear about your loss. With love and sympathy, Tricia (Murray) Moore and family
Chris and Angela Anderson and Family purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Joseph E. Winters.
Our condolences to the Winters Family. So sorry about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris and Angela Anderson
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