Mike Winters, 85 of Elk Rapids Michigan, was called to his eternal home on Thursday, April 7th at Munson Hospital.  From the verse found in Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" Mike's faith became sight when his Lord and Savior Jesus called his name and he entered the gates of Heaven. Mike truly loved the Lord and committed his life to serving God and the church at Elk Rapids Baptist, and New Hope Church in Williamsburg.

He was born on the family farm in Kewadin, MI to the late Grant N. Winters and Mary (DeForest) Winters, where they raised him and his six other siblings, Audrey, Hilma, Marylou, Burton, Allan and Marjorie.  Mike married his loving wife Joyce (Wenz) Winters in 1957, and in their 64 years of marriage they raised three children together in Elk Rapids.

Mike graduated in 1955 from Elk Rapids High School and was a proud member of the #3 ranked 8-man football team in the nation. Mike worked at the Traverse City Iron Works for 25 years and the Village of Elk Rapids for 14 years until his retirement.   It was at the Iron Works where his lifelong passion for foundry work began. Known to many in the area as "The Bell Maker" Mike built his own backyard foundry and over many years made over 4,000 custom bells that can be heard across the US and in over 15 countries where he donated them to orphanages, schools, churches and other Mission organizations.  Mike loved showing his craft to many attenders of the Buckley Old Engine show where he found great camaraderie of 35 years with the other members alongside his wife Joyce.

Although foundry work was a passion and keep him busy, he could be found playing inventor in his shop, driving his 1930 Model A Ford around town, playing Euchre with friends, working with Joyce and enjoying a back yard fire where he shared many stories and memories with his family. Although he was not able to serve in the military, he admired his other brothers and became an avid war history buff.  Mike loved his country.

Surviving Mike are his wife Joyce (Wenz) Winters; daughter Judy (Larry) Masterson of Traverse City; sons Myron Winters of Elk Rapids, and Larry (Kathy) Winters of Manistique, MI;  sister Marjorie (Max) Davis; sister-in-law Delores (Burton) Winters; 7 grandchildren, Derek (Caitlin) Winters, Melissa (David) Shaffer, Grant Winters, Jenny (Casey) Conklin, Jacob Winters, Jessica (Spencer) LaBelle, and Jenna (Thomas) Freeborn; and 4 great grandchildren, Henry, Ada, and Caleb Shaffer, and Kai Conklin.

In lieu of flowers, any donations can be sent to New Hope Community Church "kids' zone".

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 11, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at New Hope Community Church Youth Center, 5100 Bethesda Ct., Williamsburg, MI. Second visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at the same location with funeral services to follow at 11:00 AM.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com