William James Winkka Jr.

WATERSMEET, Mich. — William James Winkka Jr., of Watersmeet, passed away peacefully on Nov. 22, 2021, after a brief battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 60 years old. 

William or as his family and friends called him Bill or Bodie was born Oct. 8, 1961, in Phelps, Wisconsin. Before his battle with macular degeneration Bill loved to hunt, fish and ride on the ATV trails. He loved the outdoors and his children. 

Bill is survived by his children, Alexander Winkka, Sage Winkka-Williams, Shaunta` Winkka, Alyssa Wamego and Benjamin Winkka; stepson, Darryl Williams; grandchildren, Ayrianna, Aubree, Aryuss, Horizon, Royal, Michael, Kora, Cyran, Bennie and Mya; sisters, Cheryl McGeshick, Marybeth Winkka and Kathleen Winkka; brothers, Henry Klingman and Howard Klingman; many nieces and nephews; and the mothers of his children: Lucy Williams, Tina Caron and Denise Wamego. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice Poler and William Winkka Sr .; brother, Donald Klingman; and nephew, Zachary McGeshick.

A celebration of life will be at noon on Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Lac Vieux Desert Spiritual Center on Transfer Station Road. If you can please bring a dish to pass, wear a mask and a skirt if you have one. We will have pass the feather talks and or stories.

Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com.