BIG RAPIDS Emma H. Wink passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 3, 2019 surrounded by her family one day before her 95th birthday. Emma was the loving wife of Jim Wink, legendary Ferris State University basketball and golf coach, who preceded her in death on August 26, 1987. She was the devoted mother of Laurie Wink, Claudia (Paul) Wink-Basing, Jim Wink, Susan Wink and Wendy (Tim) Sheridan, who survive. She was the proud grandmother of Hilary and Lauren Basing; Bethany and Callan Wink; Glenna (Dillon) Foight; and Amelia, Cole and Lillie Sheridan, all of whom survive.
Emma was one of eight children born in Detroit, Michigan to Frederick and Matilda Heise. She is survived by brother Walter Heise and sister Esther Hollan. Brothers William and Frederick Heise and sisters Hildegarde Heise, Ella Maschke and Edna Kuschel preceded her in death. Emma is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
As a young woman, Emma was a member of the Detroit Civic Light Opera Company, performing at the Masonic Temple, as well as a model at Himelhoch Brothers Department Store in Detroit. Emma married Jim Wink on March 28, 1948. He was a teacher and basketball coach at Highland Park High School. The couple moved the family to Big Rapids in 1959 when Jim accepted a faculty position at the then Ferris Institute.
Emma loved music and singing. With her trained soprano voice, she delighted in hitting the high notes in her many church choirs. She was a devout Lutheran and attended church every Sunday until recently.
Emma was a dedicated homemaker and creative seamstress who taught sewing in Grand Rapids for several years. She took up quilting for her church and lovingly hand stitched quilts for each of her children and grandchildren.
In her final years, Emma appreciated the attentiveness of dedicated caregivers and the excellent services of Spectrum Hospice.
A funeral service for Emma will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9 at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home, 13985 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, with Rev. Paul Tonn of Trinity Lutheran Church in Reed City officiating. Visitation will be Friday, March 8 at the funeral home from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Please share memories or condolences with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in honor of Emma to InterAct of Michigan, www.interactmich.org or a preferred charity.
Funeral Service
Saturday, March 9, 2019
11:00 AM
Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home
13985 Northland Drive
Big Rapids,MI
49307
Visitation
Friday, March 8, 2019
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home
13985 Northland Drive
Big Rapids,Michigan
49307
Visitation
Friday, March 8, 2019
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home
13985 Northland Drive
Big Rapids,Michigan
49307