Frank E. "Buz" Winter's Obituary
Big Rapids -Frank E. "Buz" Winter, 84, of Big Rapids,died peacefully at home on Friday, March 20, 2015. He was born on July 31, 1930 in Big Rapids, the son of Raymond M. and Pearl E. (Young) Winter. Frank graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1948. He married Monai M. Lyle in 1950. In April of 1951 Frank enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served for 25 years achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Following retirement he returned to Big Rapids where he earned a bachelor's degree in Public Administration at Ferris State He then worked for MOISD where he set up the truancy program and was supervisor of transportation. Frank's interests were fishing, hunting, wood working and family cookouts. He had a massive collection of elephants. Frank loved college football, the Tigers and wintering in the south. He is survived by Monai, his wife of 64 years, five children, Michael (Cindy) Winter of St. Anthony, MN, Thomas(Debbie) Winter of Lawrence, MI, Peter(Brenda) Winter of Paris, MI, Marian(Tom) Benedict of Big Rapids and Russell (Michelle) Winter of Howell, MI; 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Also surviving are five brothers and sisters, Ellen Murphy of Whitehall, Donna Winter, Katie Martz and Diane (Gene) Bongard, all of Big Rapids, Stephen (Cheryl) Winter of Grosse Point, plus brother-in-law Richard (Sara) Mursch of North Carolina. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Marian Mursch, brothers-in-law, Raymond Hernandez, John Murphy and Alvin Martz. Graveside services with military honors for Frank will be held on April 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Vangilder Cemetery in Big Rapids Township. A lunch will follow at Green Township Hall. Memorial contributions may be made in Frank's name to the Veteran's & Homefront Heroes Memorial, envelopes may be left at the funeral home.
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