John Stephen Mischley, age 68, of Ann Arbor, MI, formerly of Alpena, MI, passed away unexpectedly, the result of medical complications, on Monday, January 11, 2021.
John was born in Alpena on June 21, 1952. He graduated from Catholic Central High School. He enlisted in the US Navy, proudly serving from 1972 until 1978, active duty on the USS Tripoli in the Pacific during the Vietnam War, and four years reserve. John then returned to Alpena and worked with his father at Mischley’s Shoes. He earned an Associate degree in Forestry from Alpena Community College. Following that, he moved to California where he worked with his brother, Tom, at Miracle Auto Painting; then, he earned a position with the United States Postal Service, and later transferred to the Ann Arbor Post Office, where he was employed for 25 years. He was known for being friendly, reliable, and hard working in every position he held. You could always count on John to be where he said he would be, always early. He was known for arriving an hour early to read the paper, work crossword puzzles, and visit with co-workers before the work day began. John had many friendships through his work while in Ann Arbor.
John’s Catholic faith was very strong and an important part of his life. He was active at St. Francis as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered for many parish activities. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #8989, for which he has served as Grand Knight (the highest honor). He had a deep spirituality and appreciated the quiet time in church where he said he could “talk to the Big Guy.”
John had a great sense of humor, was friendly to everyone, and often would chat and joke with store clerks and people he met to bring a smile to their faces and brighten their day. He accepted all people and was respectful. He enjoyed many years on bowling leagues as well as long rides on his bicycle (wearing his easy-to-spot, colorful biking gear). Country music and Anne Murray could always be heard on his car radio. He was close to his family, siblings, nieces, and nephews, and remembered everyone’s birthdays and special events by sending a greeting card.
John is survived by his siblings: Michael (Lynne) Mischley of Sanford, MI, Thomas Mischley of Sacramento, CA, Joanne Grosh of Dexter, MI, Rosemary (Charles) Manitz of Chelsea, MI, and Mark (Michelle) Mischley of Grand Rapids, MI. He also is survived by eight nieces and three nephews and their children. John was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Irene Mischley, and nephew, Steven Manitz. He had a special friendship with Linda Berman; they shared a common faith, enjoyed time together, and were always a great support to one another.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 16, 11:00 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, officiated by Fr. James P. Conlon. Visitation is the same day at the church, 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass. Attendees must adhere to social distancing practices and masks must be worn. Mass will also be livestreamed on the St. Francis of Assisi website: www.stfrancisa2.com. Interment will be scheduled at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery in Alpena. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity of John’s, the St. Louis Center of Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
