- Born on: June 15, 1943
- Departed on: April 4, 2025
- Resided in: Marion, IA
Walter “Wink” Winkowski
Walter J. “Wink” Winkowski passed away peacefully in his home in Marion, Iowa, at the age of 81, on Friday, April 4, 2025.
He was born June 15, 1943, in Wakefield, MI, to Clarence and Katherine (Gray) Winkowski. After graduating from AD Johnston High School, Walt earned his Bachelor's in Education degree from Northern Michigan University and his Masters in Education from Seattle University. He was a Science teacher for three years at Eppler Junior High in Utica, MI before he moved back to the Upper Peninsula where he taught Science at Forest Park High School for 27 years where he retired in 1995. In 1984 he and his wife Susie opened Winks Woods in Crystal Falls, Michigan which remains open today. In 2001 Walt and Susie moved to Bellevue, Washington and managed Vasa Park Resort for 19 years before they moved to Marion, Iowa. Walt loved spending time with his family and friends, the outdoors, skiing, traveling, and woodworking.
Walt is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan (DeMarchi); children, James Winkowski and Kelly (Jim) Nachman; grandchildren, Lauren (Matt) Grover, Jacob (Morgan) Nachman, Tyler Nachman, and Katie Nachman; great-granddaughter, Amelia Grover; siblings, Kay Allen, and Keith (Erin) Winkowski; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the Family Caregivers Center, 9000 C. Avenue, Marion, Iowa or Oldorf Hospice House.
He was born June 15, 1943, in Wakefield, MI, to Clarence and Katherine (Gray) Winkowski. After graduating from AD Johnston High School, Walt earned his Bachelor's in Education degree from Northern Michigan University and his Masters in Education from Seattle University. He was a Science teacher for three years at Eppler Junior High in Utica, MI before he moved back to the Upper Peninsula where he taught Science at Forest Park High School for 27 years where he retired in 1995. In 1984 he and his wife Susie opened Winks Woods in Crystal Falls, Michigan which remains open today. In 2001 Walt and Susie moved to Bellevue, Washington and managed Vasa Park Resort for 19 years before they moved to Marion, Iowa. Walt loved spending time with his family and friends, the outdoors, skiing, traveling, and woodworking.
Walt is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan (DeMarchi); children, James Winkowski and Kelly (Jim) Nachman; grandchildren, Lauren (Matt) Grover, Jacob (Morgan) Nachman, Tyler Nachman, and Katie Nachman; great-granddaughter, Amelia Grover; siblings, Kay Allen, and Keith (Erin) Winkowski; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the Family Caregivers Center, 9000 C. Avenue, Marion, Iowa or Oldorf Hospice House.
