The Father and Brother of Hinckley Dem Rosie Collier Passed Away

Rosie Collier and Al Junke sent us this notice about her dad and brother passing away. Our condolences to Rosie on her loss. Our prayers are with them.

For those in Medina County that know Rosie Collier and Al Junke, we would like to thank you for the outpouring of support we have received over the past week. Rosie lost her brother, David Wolnik, 72, of Wickliffe, last Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. He was buried at Chester Township Cemetery February 5, 2008. Some ten hours later Rosies beloved father, Jack Wolnik, 97, of Hinckley also left us.

David Wolnik served in the U.S. Army Reserve, retired after 35 years of service from Sohio as a chemical lab technician. He then worked for Lubrizol, retiring after ten years. Polka music was Dave's passion. His career as a drummer spanned over 50 years and included 84 bands. He appeared on numerous recordings and performed with Cleveland polka legends such as Bobby Timko, Joey Miskulin and Joe Fedorchak.

David performed with America's Polka King, Frankie Yankovic who, along with Dave on the drums, recorded the first Grammy winning polka record and performed with Frankie Yankovic on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. In 2001, he was inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame.

Jack Wolnik also served in the U.S. Army Reserve, rising to a rank of second lieutenant. Jack lived much of his working life in Clevelands Tremont area and in Parma, he like his two sons, Dave and Ken, and his daughter, Rosie, also retired from Sohio after long careers. Jack spent the last 12 years living with Rosie and Al in Hinckley. Jack was one of the charter members of the Friends of Medina County Home. He loved to visit the county home and talk with the residents and the staff.

Jack helped Al and Rosie thru both levy campaigns to save the County Home, Jim Dudeks campaign and the Kerry/Edwards campaign. He truly was a lifelong democrat. One time we took Jack to a event to meet Dennis Kucinich, as Dennis approached Jack, he said, "I remember you, west 7th street [Jacks old neighborhood]" turns out as a child Dennis had talked with Jack, played in the area Jack lived and remembered Jack.

Please donate to the Friends of Medina County Home, P.O. Box 1997, Medina, Ohio 44258, in the name of Jack and David Wolnik.

Rosie Collier
Al Junke
Hinckley Ohio