Winkel, DeltonDelta Twp.,MIDelton K. Winkel passed away June 28, 2017 holding the hands of his family and surrounded by their love. He was born on February 14, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan but soon after birth was taken by his adoptive parents, Julius and Louise Winkel, to live in the town of Harbor Beach. He always felt fortunate to be given the opportunity to grow up and enjoy this community in the Thumb of Michigan on the shores of Lake Huron. He spoke fondly of his childhood where he explored the nearby woods and water and developed his passion for hunting and fishing.He graduated from Michigan State University in 1969 and was forever after an avid Spartan football and basketball fan. He also enjoyed watching and cheering for the Red Wings with his daughter, Allyson. Fall was Delton's favorite season and he eagerly looked forward to his annual trek up north with his buddies to bird hunt the "Honey Pot" near Gaylord. Even when his continued health issues started taking his strength he went to hunting camp where he spent less time in the woods but enjoyed the job of camp cook.He spent most of his career selling broadcast advertising for various radio and TV stations in the Lansing area. He met many people and made lots of friends throughout his years calling on clients.In retirement Delton was able to spend more time at his little place on Higgins Lake where he watched the hummingbirds from his porch while reading the sports page and sipping coffee. He especially appreciated the winters he spent down in the Florida Keys with his wife, Suzie, where they made many new friends and he was able to experience the joy and excitement of ocean fishing. He described the boat ride out to the reef in the morning as "exhilarating" with the smell of the ocean and the spray in his face. He was delighted to share this love of fishing with his son, Matthew.Although he struggled with health issues his entire adult life, Delton never complained or asked "Why me?" After an especially serious illness in the winter of 2016 his doctors started calling him the Miracle Man. Unfortunately he encountered an opponent he couldn't beat…cancer. He fought hard and remained optimistic to the end still referring to himself as the luckiest man in the world.He was predeceased by his parents, Julius and Louise Winkel and his sister Elizabeth Uhl. He leaves behind his loving wife of 46 years, Diana "Suzie" Winkel and his children Matthew Winkel and Allyson Winkel. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Merle Uhl, sisters-in-law Jacque (Jim ) Gibson, Jan (Jim) McLeod, special nieces and nephews Sue (Jim) Kremkow, Deb (Mick) Rodery, Randy (Candy) Uhl, and his best friend from Harbor Beach whom he has known since kindergarten, Eric Foe.A sincere thank you to his former Harbor Beach classmates who continued to offer support and encouragement especially during this last year and a half. He will be missed by them all as well as his granddogs, Sophie, Lexie and Bella.A celebration of Delton's life will be held Thursday, 11:00 a.m. at the Palmer, Bush and Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Delta Chapel, 6020 W. Saginaw Hwy.  The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Donations may be made in his memory to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906.  Friends may leave a condolence for the family at www.palmerbush.com.