Our Beloved Gail passed away Monday, May 29, 2023, with her husband and daughters by her side at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.
She was born April 27, 1949 in Hancock, the daughter of Alvin and Martha (Poyhonen) Honkanen. Gail graduated in 1967 from Pershing High School in Detroit. She worked in accounting for several years pausing to stay home and raise her daughters. She went back to work at several area companies and had the opportunity to work with both of her daughters.
Gail was a skilled seamstress who taught herself to sew when she was 12. She took great pride in her work perfecting every stitch. Gail cherished her mother daughter shopping trips and winning her nightly games of Five Crowns or Yahtzee with her husband, Bruce. She was an avid reader, loved taking trips to the U.P. and enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. Her family, pets and friends meant the world to her. Gail recently celebrated her 51th wedding anniversary with Bruce who she married in Detroit in 1972.
Surviving along with her husband are her daughters, Angie (Tony) Fatato of Mendon and Jen (Justin) Riley of Plainwell and grandchildren, Korbin Fatato and Brayden and Rogan Riley.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Laurie Ann and brother, Gary.
Friends may visit with Gail’s family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego.
A graveside service will take place at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell with Pastor Jim Goldschmeding officiating.
Contributions in memory of Gail may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Mary Ference
Angie I’m thinking of you and your whole family.
Jennifer duBarry
We are so sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you and your family during such a difficult time. Sending you much love and prayers.
Emily
We are so sorry about the loss of such a sweet lady. Keeping you all in our prayers.
Dan & Emily Hedges
Trisha Hadfield
You all are in my thoughts. I feel very lucky I was able to get to to know your Mom. I will treasure those forever memories I have of her. ❤️
Georgia Newman
Dear Bruce and family, so very sorry to read of your loss. Your sweet Gail will be remembered fondly. Sending prayers of comfort to you and your daughters and their families.
Vikki Papesh
Dear Bruce and family, my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Cousin Gail will be missed and her memories will be cherished. –John O. Barkkari family
John L. Maddock III
Angie,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you and your family during such a difficult time. If you need anything please let us know. – Your team in the Northern District of Iowa.
A donation has been made to the American Diabetes Association in your mother’s name.
Roger and Gloria Smith
Bruce, we are so sorry to hear of Gail’s passing. May God be with you with comfort and peace.
Matthew Harry
Bruce, so sorry to hear of Gail’s passing. She was such a sweet lady and I know you and your family are missing her tremendously. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie (Wenner) Kammeraad
Billingsley family, I was so saddened to hear about your loss! Mrs. Billingsley was my favorite other mom when I was growing up. I have such great memories of sleepovers at your house for all of my elementary and middle school years! Mrs. Billingsley was so kind and loving and she had a great smile. I know she’ll be missed terribly. Love to you all.