Chelsea lost a true legend who many called the cookie man, but was also an avid card player. It must have been in the cards that he would die on National Cookie Day.
Winston Boyer, born August 22, 1934, died at home in Chelsea surrounded by family on December 4, 2020. He was one of the last of the greatest generation. Winston was called Winnie, Dad, Uncle Winston, Grandpa, and that guy who rides around on his bike picking up pop cans. He was easy to spot with his signature walk and yodeling. Singing or humming a tune he would nod his head to you and say, “Hello.” He might even give you one of his homemade cookies or give your child a quarter.
Winston was frequently seen buying scratch off lottery tickets, delivering his cookies, and playing cribbage while drinking coffee at Seitz’s Tavern. Customers may have heard one of his many phrases like, “Shake my bones and rattle my toes. Tickle my hide call me Moe.”
The youngest of seven children, Winston grew up in Mulliken, Michigan in Eaton County. His father, Fremont Boyer, died when he was only nine months old, leaving his mother, Ruby Huffman Boyer, to raise him and his siblings. After graduating from Grand Ledge High School in 1954, he moved to Chelsea, Michigan following his Aunt Alice, sister Eulahlee and brothers Laurence, Fremont, and Duane. Winston worked at Central Fiber in Chelsea and met his future wife, Judith Ann Karvel of Dexter, at Hartown Rollercade in Chelsea. After they married on March 30, 1957, Winston enlisted in the army. He served in the Army National Guard until 1961.
Winston was employed at Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea while also working for Heydlauff’s Appliance Store and Meabon’s in Chelsea.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church on Park Street, and in addition to playing card games like euchre and cribbage, Winston loved going deer hunting, fishing, being a Scout dad (especially teaching firearm safety), listening to Bluegrass music and watching his children, grandchildren and their friends in sporting events. Winston had a heart of gold and loved people unconditionally. He wanted everyone around him to be happy. Those who knew him will never forget him.
In addition to his wife, Judy and his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Floyd Boyer, Keith Boyer, Laurence Boyer, Fremont Boyer II, and Duane Boyer; sister, Eulahlee Packard, daughters-in-law, Mary Beth Aspiranti Boyer and Kathy Dills Kime Boyer; and his grandson, Christopher James “CJ” Boyer.
He is survived by his children: Jamie Boyer of Gladwin, Bonnie Burchett of Chelsea, Jeff Boyer of Stockbridge, Joel (Betsy) Boyer of Irons, Heidi Ray of Chelsea and special friend, Jimmy Toon.
He is also survived by several grandchildren: Heather (Jimmy) Krichbaum (Peyton, Wyatt) of Gladwin, MI Victoria Boyer of Muskegon, MI, Haley Storm (Richard) Kopitsch of Laingsburg, MI, Cody (Kristen) Ray (Savannah) of Jacksonville, NC, Nick Boyer of Traverse City, MI, Courtney (Chris) McCauley (Liam) of Lake Elsinore, CA, Alexandria Ray of Walled Lake, MI, Ryan Berry of Allendale, MI, Caleb Boyer of Stockbridge, MI, Dani (Autumn) Boyer (Toby) of Caledonia, MI, James (Kristina) Wodarek (Anna, James, Isabelle) of Caledonia, MI, Emily (Marcus) Zahm (Amaya, Presley, Raegan) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Amber (Nate) Abbott (Natalie B, Jessica, Alexis) of Belmont, MI.
Memorial contributions can be made in Winston’s name to: First United Methodist Church, 128 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.
A private burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
