Clinton Wininger

Frankenmuth, MI

Clinton Wolfe Wininger, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away in a hiking accident in the Allegheny National Forest on July 3, 2026. Born on March 31, 1982, in Saginaw, Michigan. Clint spent his youth cultivating a deep love for music and the outdoors. Whether through family camping trips, summers spent at Murphy Lake, his time in the Boy Scouts, or his dedicated guitar lessons, Clint was always exploring the world around him. A gifted student, he graduated as the Valedictorian of the Frankenmuth High School Class of 2000, where he also competed on the school’s soccer and tennis teams and distinguished himself as a State Champion in both Debate and Forensics.

Clint went on to attend Michigan Technological University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. His college years in Houghton were filled with the joy of life-long friendships, volunteering at the local high school, playing broomball, and a backpacking trip to Isle Royale. He later pursued a doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering at Arizona State University, involved in research and publishing his work while living in Tempe, AZ. Clint’s adventurous spirit took him across the globe, including time spent teaching English in South Korea, extensive travel through Southeast Asia and South America, and joining his family for travels out west, to the Floridian islands, and throughout the Caribbean. Whether writing his own music, dancing at family gatherings, or leading sing-alongs on his guitar, Clint’s presence was always felt. He will be remembered for his tremendous wit, his loyalty as a friend, and, most of all, for his beautiful mind. A keen thinker and natural problem solver, he could converse on any topic—from religion and politics to fiction and pop music—with remarkable knowledge and ease. His generosity was legendary, bestowing his time, money and belongings to those he loved. He had a deep capacity for empathy, feeling the emotions of others sincerely and completely.

Clint is survived by his parents, Hal and Kim Wininger, and his siblings: Anne (Erich Balbach) Wininger, Wes (Meghan) Wininger, and John (Lake Sweet) Wininger. He was a proud uncle to Ryan, Eli, Nolah, Max, Ivan, Lena, Matilda, Lucy, Grover, and August. He also leaves behind his devoted and treasured dog, Kevin, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors who will miss him dearly.

Clint was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alvin and Winn Saeger, Beverly Wininger, and Harold Wininger Sr., and a special cousin, Lance Formolo.

Though his world had become smaller in recent years, his family finds comfort in knowing he was able to take one final trip, with his faithful dog by his side until the end.

Memorial Service will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin Street. Clinton’s family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Rescue Mission in Saginaw.