Marvin Winkelman (seated at table) was honored by Masonic Lodge 369 for 70 years of service Thursday, March 26, at a gathering at his St. Ignace home. Pictured with Mr. Winkelman are Masonic Lodge members (front, from left) Ron Peterka, William Leveque, grand marshal of the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons for the state of Michigan; (back) Ernie Krause, Dave Martin, Paul Krause, Ron Tamlyn, Joe Krause, Bill Harju, Robert Mowery, Al Colegrove, Justin Cooney, Skip Jarman, and Mark Eby. (Photograph provided by Ron Peterka) Marvin Winkelman was honored for 70 years of service to the Masonic Lodge Thursday, March 26. The 91-year-old St. Ignace resident is a member of Masonic Lodge 369.

Several of Mr. Winkelman's lodge brothers joined Mr. Winkelman at his Marley Street home Thursday evening for the rare 70- year recognition ceremony, where William Leveque, grand marshal of the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons for the state of Michigan, presented Mr. Winkelman with a 70-year lapel pin and a Masonic patch honoring his years of military service in World War II.

"This is in recognition of keeping your life spotless and pure," Mr. Leveque said, mentioning two precepts of Masonic service.

"Thank you. It's an honor I will always remember," Mr. Winkelman said. "I am proud to be a member.

"I only wish my dad were here to see it," he continued. "I remember when he took me by the ear and marched me down there [to the Masonic Lodge] when I was 21."

His father, the late Saul Winkelman, was a longtime merchant in St. Ignace and a member of the lodge. Marvin Winkelman also has been a lifelong businessman in town, owning and operating the former Winkelman's clothing store on State Street. He has been active in several civic organizations, including St. Ignace Kiwanis Club, where he is one of two remaining charter members, with Prentiss "Moie" Brown, Jr. Mr. Winkelman is one of the founding organizers of the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce, founded in the 1950s, and one of the original members of the first Mackinac Straits Hospital board. He is an American Legion member and served as treasurer of the American Red Cross in Mackinac County for some 20 years. Mr. Winkelman is a member of B'nai Israel synagogue in Petoskey. He and his wife of 64 years, Doree, have three children and their families, Rob Winkelman of St. Ignace, Virginia "Ginny" Michalowski, and Margaret "Peggy" Winkelman, both of Maryland.

Only about five 70-year pins are given for Masonic service in Michi- gan in a typical year, said Mr. Leveque of Munising. Service awards are also given at the 50-year and 60- year marks.

In attendance at the ceremony with Mr. Winkelman and Mr. Leveque were lodge members Robert Mowery, Skip Jarman, Ernie Krause, Paul Krause, Joe Krause, Justin Cooney, Bill Harju, Dave Martin, Mark Eby, Al Colegrove, Ron Peterka, and the lodge's Worshipful Master, Ron Tamlyn.

"Marv is not only a longtime member, but an active member, in the lodge, in other organizations, and in the community," Mr. Jarman said. "He's been a good member, and a good Mason."

"Masons were the builders, and that's what we feel we are, we're building our society," Mr. Jarman said. "It's a great deal of commitment by the individual."

Masonic service includes a focus on charitable works and morally upright conduct among its members.

The St. Ignace Masonic Lodge was established in 1883, Mr. Jarman pointed out, and has operated continuously since that year. Its current projects include assisting youth groups, hosting an annual fundraising breakfast for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, providing needed items for the hospital's long term care unit, and providing college scholarships.

A number of the lodge members are scattered across the country. The group enjoyed an upswing in membership in the 1950s, when the town saw an influx of families during the building of the Mackinac Bridge, and although work later took many of those families to other communities, many of them remain members of the St. Ignace lodge.

With 67 members, the Masonic Lodge has lost six who have passed away in the past year, while adding five new members during that year. New members are welcome, Mr. Jarman said.

"We do want more men interested in becoming Masons," he said. "If they are inquisitive about Masonic service, we'll provide information and encourage them to join."

Members go through three degrees of Masonry, he explained, and must be at least 21 years of age to join. The first is the degree of Entered Apprentice, in which members learn about the background of Masonry. This is followed by Fellowcraft, a more involved portion of learning about the historical background of the fraternal organization. The final degree is Master Mason, a full membership.

Members of the St. Ignace Masonic Lodge meet on the third Wednesday evening of each month at the Masonic Lodge on State Street. A Wednesday morning casual breakfast takes place at the lodge every week beginning at 8 a.m. Those who would like to learn more about Masonic Lodge membership may stop by the breakfast on Wednesday mornings, or call Mr. Jarman at 643-6351.