Joseph M. Mihelich Obituary
A memorial mass will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, beginning at 11:00 AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, with Fr. Leo Cartagena officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be held at Portage Central Cemetery with Fr. Michael Hazard officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Kairos Dwelling or to the Sister's of St. Joseph of Nazareth, c/o the funeral home.
Age 84, passed away at Kairos Dwelling on June 16, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Joe was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on August 29, 1939, the son of the late Joseph J. and Freida (Potter) Mihelich. He graduated from St. Augustine High School, Class of 1957, where he pitched for the baseball team and also played football. He would remain a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo-Portage area. In 1961, he married Nancy Meyers. He later married Deborah W. Parker. He was employed at Fisher Body and later found work as a meatcutter for Town & Country, Harding's and Meijer stores; he was also a real estate agent. When not working, Joe enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening and bird watching. He loved animals, especially his pet cats and squirrel he named "Timmy". He hand fed Timmy and was always concerned about him during storms. He would go to the deck, look up into the tree and yell 'Hang on, Timmy!'. Joe's kind acts did not stop with animals; he made a difference in the lives of his family, friends and those he met. His smile and laughter will be missed by all who loved him. Joe is survived by his children, Michael (Kim) Mihelich of New Baltimore, MI, Mark (Sharon) Mihelich of Plainwell, MI, Melinda (Jason) Sellers of Phenix City, AL; three grandchildren, Matthew Mihelich, Patrick (Stephanie) Mihelich and Emma Scout Sellers; brothers, John and Robert (Gloria) Mihelich; sister-in-law, Joan Parker; first wife, Nancy Loofboro; several nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and friends. He was also preceded in passing by wife, Debbie; brother, Patrick D. Mihelich and brother-in-law, Peter M. Parker.
