Emil Winnicker Jr.

1949 - 2017

Emil Winnicker, Jr.

Bokeelia, FL

Emil Winnicker, Jr., 67, of Bokeelia, Florida, extraordinary son, husband, father, brother and friend, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 15, 2017 in his home, surrounded by family, after a long battle with cancer. Emil was born on June 27, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan, son of Emil Winnicker and Helen (Anzivino) Winnicker.

As a young man growing up in Dearborn, Michigan, Emil was beloved and respected by his siblings, friends and peers for his intelligence, loyalty and natural athletic skills, excelling in baseball, basketball and other sports. His family residence served as the primary gathering place for neighborhood activities, forming a lifelong bond among the group of friends known as "The Venice Boys." Emil graduated in 1967 from Sacred Heart Seminary High School in Detroit, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in 1971.

In 1985, Emil met his soulmate and partner, the great love of his life, Melanie Norris. They married in 1994 in South Lake Tahoe, and together they formed a strong family with Emil's sons from his first marriage, Tony and Patrick Winnicker, and Melanie's son from her first marriage, Chad Norris.

Emil retired in 2003 as Development Manager for the Department of Planning and Neighborhood Development for the City of Lansing, Michigan, after 26 years of devoted public service. Emil was a deeply respected and effective leader, managing a major City agency with a large staff, where he oversaw economic development and neighborhood planning for the City of Lansing, including investing in disadvantaged communities, building housing for formerly homeless residents and funding loans for entrepreneurs and new small businesses.

Emil and Melanie retired to Pine Island, Florida to enjoy Florida's warm sunshine and so that Emil could pursue his great love of fishing on Pine Island Sound. Emil spent countless hours in his boat with friends and family and he took pride in mentoring others, especially his sons, in the finer points of fishing. Emil was also a lifelong fan of his favorite sports teams, and though they often disappointed him bitterly, Emil remained a steadfast supporter of the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons, and Michigan State Spartan football and basketball.

Emil will be forever remembered by all who knew him as an incredible man and devoted son, husband, father, brother and friend who set an example for others. He was a man of extraordinary intelligence, wit, integrity and kindness, strong in mind, body and character throughout his life. Though serious of intent, ever-focused and accomplished, Emil possessed a wonderful sense of humor and loved to share in laughter. He cared deeply for his family and friends, and went to great lengths to offer help and support to all who needed it. He was taken from us far too soon, and we miss him dearly.

Emil is survived by his wife Melanie; his sons Tony, Patrick and Chad; his mother Helen; his brothers Ralph (Rita) and John (Debby); his sister Maryanne (Nathan) Zoratti; six nieces and nephews; and their families, partners and many friends. His father Emil Winnicker passed away in 2008 at age 87.

In keeping with Emil's wishes, his life and memory will be celebrated in a private ceremony on Pine Island Sound.  Condolence messages for the family may be left at www.dignifiedcremations.com/obituaries/Emil-Winnicker Considerate of others to the last, Emil asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions in his name be made to the nonprofit Hope Hospice and Community Services of Southwest Florida (hopehospice.org), so that others could spend their last days with the same dignity and support.