Obituaries

Jantje Mikail Wingo was born on July 12, 2001, in Edgewood, Kentucky, to his loving mother, Shekinah Shauniece Wingo. Though born in Kentucky, his roots also traced back to Chicago, Illinois. Jantje was raised with the unwavering love, support, and guidance of his Nana, Yolanda Wingo, and his Papa, Andre Coleman, both of whom played an instrumental role in shaping the remarkable young man he became.

Jantje attended and graduated from Boone County High School. Throughout his school years, he participated in track and field, basketball, and football. Football was truly the highlight of his athletic career, and he became well known for his fearless tackling style and passion for the game. During his junior and senior years, Jantje also became actively involved in Unified Track and Field, where he helped coach and mentor athletes with intellectual disabilities while fostering teamwork and inclusion among individuals of all abilities. His dedication, leadership, and compassionate spirit made a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Following high school, Jantje attended Lindsey Wilson University and Western Kentucky University, where he completed coursework toward a degree in Criminal Justice. He later discovered a passion for the construction industry, where his strong work ethic, determination, and dedication quickly became evident. Jantje was known as an outstanding employee whose reliability, commitment, and willingness to work hard earned the respect and admiration of his coworkers and supervisors alike.

Jantje was known for his adventurous spirit, larger-than-life personality, and the joy he brought to everyone around him. During his youth years, Jantje enjoyed playing soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and archery. Also, he enjoyed traveling, swimming, snowboarding, jet skiing, canoe, dancing, horseback riding, golfing, fishing, volleyball and spending time outdoors. One of his favorite pastimes was taking his beloved dog, Draco, to the creek for a swim.

Jantje also had a special love for food, particularly macaroni and cheese. He never missed an opportunity to make others laugh with his infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor. His presence could brighten any room, and his laughter was truly unforgettable.

Family and friendship were at the center of Jantje’s life. He was respectful, dependable, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether spending time with loved ones or creating lasting memories with friends, Jantje embraced life wholeheartedly and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Jantje was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Odessa Sanders, and his great-uncle, Carl Dennis Wingo.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving mother, Shekinah S. Wingo; his grandmother, Yolanda Wingo; his grandfather, Andre Coleman; his uncle, Steven (Ali) Wingo; his four beloved little cousins, Nyaomi, Zuri, Kingston, and Oaklynn Wingo; his faithful companion dog, Draco Wingo; as well as a host of great-uncles, great-aunts, extended family members, and many dear friends.

Jantje’s love, laughter, and spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His memory will be treasured always, and his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.