Ricky Winowiecki

Ricky Allen Winowiecki, age 62, passed away after his courageous battle with cancer on Aug. 15, 2015. Ricky “changed neighborhoods into the eternal life,” as he liked to call it, peacefully while surrounded by his loved ones at home.

Ricky was born Feb. 11, 1953 in Grand Rapids. He graduated from Glen Lake schools in 1971.

Ricky was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served in Vietnam.

Assisting in the care of his grandparents, Ricky made many trips from northern Michigan to Fort Myers, Florida, where he met his wife, Sherri, and her four children, Nicole Suhy (husband, David; children, Owen and Morgan), Lanee’ Bruce (children, Matthew, Madison and Mason), Shaun Beady (wife, Nicole) and Shannon Beady.

Ricky was an intensely loyal journeyman painter for 40 years, with his favorite projects being the high rises along the beautiful coasts of Florida.

Ricky, with his love and loyalty to his family and roots, brought his new family back to what he considered God’s country and true home in northern Michigan.

Ricky’s love of people and service to others inspired his most recent position at Munson, where he loved and was loved by co-workers and patients alike.

Having vacationed in Carmel, California, on multiple occasions with his wife, Ricky fell in love with the West Coast as well.

He was an active member of West Side Community Church, where he served as a youth mentor as well as ushering and welcoming people to the church.

Ricky was a well known storyteller and was never too busy to make anyone feel important. Ricky was a huge sports fan, especially basketball and football and also a die hard fan of NASCAR.

Memorial services will be held at West Side Community Church Monday, Aug. 24, 2015 at 5 p.m., with visitation starting at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Ricky requested any donations to be directed towards West Side Church’s Benevolence Fund; it helps people in need, which he always loved to do.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share a message with his family.

The family chose Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City.