Janice Chapko

Janice I.  Chapko age 76, of Elsie, MI, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2017 at McLaren, Lansing, MI.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, Bannister, MI, on Monday, January 16, 2017 at 10:00 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Bill Gruden officiating.  Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2017 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI.  Rosary will be prayed on Sunday evening at 7 P.M. at the funeral home.

Janice was born in Portland, MI on July 27, 1940, the daughter of Frank and Bernita (Miller) Thelen.  She graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School in Westphalia, MI with the class of 1959. On April 30, 1960 she married William Chapko at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westphalia, MI.  Janice was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking and tending to her flower garden. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were very important to her and gave her much enjoyment. She was an active member of St. Cyril's Catholic Church, and member of the Altar Society.

She is survived by husband William Chapko of Elsie, MI, 2 sons; William F. and Tamara Chapko of Elsie, MI, Daniel and Vicky Chapko of Elsie, MI, daughter Julie Chapko and Jodie Mitchell of Lennon, MI, 8 grandchildren; DJ & Charlene Chapko of St. Johns, Phillip Chapko of Elsie, Haley Chapko of Grand Blanc, Curtis Chapko of Elsie, Miranda VanHaun of Elsie, Vanessa, Gavin and Travis Chapko of Lennon, 2 great grandchildren; Daniel III and Amelia Chapko, 3 sisters; Joanne VanHeck of Carson City, Marilyn and Charles Halfmann of  Fowler, Diane and Duane Mussell of Fowler, 2 brothers; Larry and June Thelen of Westphalia, Roy and Bert Thelen of Crystal, 3 sisters in law; Joan Thelen of St. Johns, Dolores Thelen of Westphalia, and Gladah Thelen of Fowler, and many nieces and nephews.  Janice was predeceased by her parents, sister Elaine Thelen, 3 brothers; Reynold, Francis and Allen Thelen, and 2 brothers in law; Albert Thelen and Ronald VanHeck.

Memorials may be made to St. Cyril's Catholic Church.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.