Michelle Tubicsak Obituary
Michelle Leigh Tubicsak, age 46 years of Niles, Michigan, wife, mother, daughter, sister, traveler, softball player, and artist died peacefully at 4:48 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023 with her family gathered around her bed at her home after fighting a long illness. Her family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care from the staff of Corewell Health Infusion Clinic, Dr. Douce and staff, and the staff of Caring Circle Hospice at Home. She was born on August 24, 1977 in Niles to Clyde A. "Skip" and Ann E. (Meyers) Frantz, Jr., and was graduated from Brandywine High School.
She continued her education at Southwestern Michigan College, pursuing the allied healthcare program, but worked for many years in area manufacturing plants, and has lived here all of her life. Michelle enjoyed travelling, often to Gatlinburg or Florida, and had season tickets for Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio, where she rode every roller coaster as often as possible. In Michigan she enjoyed day trips up the coast of Lake Michigan, exploring the beaches and local restaurants. At home, she enjoyed reading novels, painting, and diamond art.
She attended many wine and canvas events, and one of her favorite subjects was sunflowers. As a child, she became active in Girl Scouts, and continued through the Senior Scout level culminating in a trip to Hawaii. She also played softball at Fireman's Park, and continued in adult co-ed leagues. On July 14, 2018 at Arthur Dodd Park in Sumnerville, Michigan she married Eugene A. "Gene" Tubicsak, Jr., who survives, along with her children, Bret Smith and Korie Smith, and Gene's daughter, Peyton Tubicsak; Michelle's parents, Skip and Ann Frantz of Niles; her brothers, Michael (& Merri) Frantz of Niles and Bradley Frantz of Crofton, Maryland; a niece and nephews, Christopher, Justin, Cade, Gavin, and Cecelia Frantz; and Gene's mother, Louise Layba of South Bend, Indiana.
The family of Michelle Tubicsak is gathering privately to share memories and honor her life, and – in the spring – will host a Celebration of her life for her family and friends. Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Michelle's forty-six years seem far too short, but she used those years well, as a successful Scout and ball player, as a traveler, and taking-on the big rides; and all of this was best done with fellow scouts, teammates, and traveling companions; caring for everyone along the way, especially her parents, her children, and – above all – Gene.
