Michael Joseph Willinger

Michael Joseph Willinger, a 2009 graduate of Daviess County High School, went to be with the Lord June 30, 2012, in a traffic accident in Louisville, Ky. He was 21 and a resident of Owensboro, Ky.

Michael is survived by a large and loving family, and is the son of Joseph and Jan Willinger of Aliso Viejo, California. He was born on November 2, 1990 (along with his twin brother, Marcus William) in Orange County, California. He moved to Owensboro at the age of two with his parents and siblings and soon became part of a large family of brothers and sisters who were also adopted into the Willinger household.

One of twelve children, Michael will forever be remembered and missed by his devoted brothers and sisters: twin brother, Marcus William, 21, Owensboro; Celeste Lucas (Michael), 38, of Seattle, WA.; Shannon Jensen (Brandon), 33 of Buena Park, CA.; Andrew Adams, 28, Buena Park, CA.; Jeremy Willinger (Kari), 30, Owensboro; Rodney Willinger, 28, Owensboro; Lawrence Willinger, 27, Las Vegas, NV.; Tiffany Willinger, 26, Fredonia, KY.; Sabrika Willinger, 19, Aliso Viejo, CA.; Alicia Kessenger, (Devon) 21, Ft. Bragg, NC; "Isaac" Czamir Willinger, 5, Aliso Viejo, CA.

He is survived by one grandparent, Dolores Pierson, Toledo, Ohio. Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, Glenn and Dorothy Miller of Sacramento, Calif.; and paternal grandfather Dick Pierson, of Toledo.

The large family that loves Michael also includes numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and eight nieces and nephews:

Randy and Alesia Thayer, of Owensboro, and their children: Jared, Owensboro, Devin (Kelly), Dustin, Ryan, all of Louisville, Cody, FL; Sean and Karen Howard, Owensboro, and their children: Jessie, Richard, Traci, and Chris; Michael L. Willinger of Toledo and his children, Melissa Batteline (Brock), Jessica Willinger; John Willinger, Toledo and his children, Alison Maples, and Danny Willinger, CO.; Sandy Willinger, Toledo; Linda Willinger, AR.

Michael touched the lives of many people with his passion for life and sweet and generous spirit. A former student at OCTC in Owensboro and Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, he was also an alumnus of Heritage Christian School and active in numerous organizations at Daviess County High School. He played basketball on the DCHS freshmen team, swam three years for the Panthers swim team, and played soccer on the DCHS varsity team. He spent numerous summers as a lifeguard at Splash Swim Club and was a supervisor at Fuji of Japan Restaurant, Owensboro. He attended Owensboro Christian Church and Bellevue Baptist Church.

He aspired to live his life by his favorite scripture: "For I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives within me. And the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20. Sadly missed by family and friends, Michael is now rejoicing in the arms of Jesus.

Visitation will be held from 3-8 pm Thursday at Glenn Funeral Home in Owensboro with visitation 12-2 Friday at Bellevue Baptist Church. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 6, at Bellevue Baptist Church. Graveside services will be held at Macedonia Baptist Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Family of Michael Willinger, c/o Joe Willinger, 7 Parkwood, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.glennfuneralhome.com.