Ishpeming, MI - Zita Winnen, age 92, longtime Cooper Lake and Ishpeming Twp., resident passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Mill Creek Senior Living Community in Marquette, while under the loving care of her family, staff at Mill Creek and the Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.

Zita was born in Calumet on November 29, 1930, a daughter of the late Mary (Osojnicki) and John Verbanac. Zita grew up in Calumet and was a graduate of the Calumet High School.  She married the love of her life Roy Winnen in 1950, and they moved to the Ishpeming area in 1956.  Zita and Roy raised their children in Cooper Lake. She was actively involved with all her children's activities and events while they were growing up.

Zita was a member of the Grace Episcopal Church, and the Altar Guild for many years.  Zita was also a member of the Red Hats, with whom she enjoyed socializing. She enjoyed the card game Pinochle. She and Roy would spend days visiting  and exploring around the Great Lakes, it's Lighthouses and Islands.  She will be remembered for her quick wit, sense of humor and love of a good joke.  Zita loved to cook and bake, her specialty was Povitica a Croatian bread roll. Summertime spent at the family camp on Beaufort Lake was always heartwarming to Zita.

Zita is survived by her 5 children - Joseph Winnen of Ishpeming, Mark (Susan Saine) Winnen of Lakewood, CO, Susan (Rob McIvor) Grant of Marquette, Marion (Jeffrey) Johnson of Michigamme and Roy (Debbie) Winnen, Jr. of Appleton, WI, grandchildren – Christopher (Elizabeth) Winnen, Courtney (David) Woosencraft, Jaclyn Johnson, Molly (Drew) Marod, Lauren (Jeff) Wulliman, Camille Grant and her fiancé Devin Holter, Cameron Grant, Luke Winnen and Bryce Winnen, great grandchildren - Maria and Connor Woosencraft, Graham and Reid Winnen, Howard Wulliman along with numerous nieces and nephews including special nephews Gary, David and Michael Winnen. Zita was preceded in death by her husband Roy in 2010, grandson Eric Winnen, sisters - Gloria Kopatich and Mary Lindstrom and brothers - Joseph, Lawrence and John Verbanac.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00 - 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home, where a memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM with Rev. David Carlisle to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery immediately following the services.

Zita's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkazhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.