Manna and Coffee

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who prayed, sent cards and encouraged my mom and my family with the recent passing of my dad. For those who could not make it to my dad’s Mass of Christian Burial which was held on January 17, 2025 at St. Alphonsus Liguori Roman Catholic Church in Zionsville, Indiana, I wanted to publish the words that I shared with those in attendance.

On behalf of my mom and family, I want to take a few moments to thank everyone for coming today to celebrate the life of my dad, Leonard Larry Winneroski. I also wanted to thank Terri Delaney, the Knights of Columbus and father Stephens, and all the volunteers who have taken the time to prepare food for us today. St. Alphonsus Catholic Church has been such a blessing to my parents over the years. Thank you for showing the love of Christ in such a tangible way by bringing my parents communion every Saturday and for having a mass once a month at the Grand Victorian assisted living for the people like my mom and dad who would not be able to attend mass otherwise. 

My dad was very active in the Catholic Church over the years and even served as a Grand Knight in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Dad was an accomplished trumpet player he headlined a dance band that was quite popular back in the day. Dad was a very hard worker and he worked multiple jobs in the early days to provide for his family. He retired from Michigan Consolidated Gas company after 34 years of service. Dad had a servant’s heart. For example, he organized fundraisers for his parish and the Knights of Columbus, he took time to visit shut ins and play bridge with them, and he led a prison ministry. 

Mom and dad were inseparable. They cared for each other the best that they could over the years until he passed away on their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Dad taught me a lot over the years. Here are a few highlights that I’d like to share with you.

Never back up to a check. Always do your best, especially when nobody is watching.

Keep an open mind and listen to the opinions of others, because the truth is usually in the middle.

Respect your mother. My dad didn’t get angry with me too often unless I broke that rule.

Don’t always be in a rush. Life is about balance. Work hard but also take time to rest and enjoy life too.

You are never too old to kiss your dad. When I became a teenage I decided that it wasn’t cool to kiss my dad in front of my friends. I found out from my mom that my dad noticed my change in behavior and was sad. Mom sat me down one day after school and told me that and that real men are not afraid to demonstrate emotion and that you are NEVER too old to kiss your mom and dad.

My dad understood that there is a difference between religion and a personal relationship with Jesus. He knew that Jesus taught us that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love others and he tried to fulfill those commandments the best that he could.

He understood that nobody is perfect, and that we need to ask for forgiveness when we hurt God and others. He understood that we are all created with a purpose, and that life can be hard, so we need to look to God every day. That we need to pray for the strength and wisdom to live out the life that God had in mind for us before He created the Universe.

Dad, thank you for showing me how to be a good dad. I know that you are whole again and that you are playing your trumpet in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s. I love you dad, and I can’t wait to kiss you again in Heaven.