Ochalek Funeral Service

08/30/2025

🌿 National Grief Awareness Day — August 30 🌿

Today, we pause to honor National Grief Awareness Day, a reminder that grief touches every life in different ways. There is no “right” way to grieve, no set timetable, and no single path. Each journey is deeply personal.

If this day feels heavy for you, please know you are not alone. Take time for a quiet moment, share a memory, light a candle, or reach out to someone you trust. Healing begins with connection.

💜 Ways to Support Yourself or Others Today

Allow yourself or a loved one to feel without judgment.

Share memories and stories of those you love.

Offer small acts of kindness—listening, bringing a meal, or simply checking in.

Explore grief support groups, counseling, or journaling as a healthy outlet.

Our staff is committed to walking alongside families not only in times of loss but also in the ongoing journey of healing.

Ochalek-stark Funeral Service
📞 734-439-1100
💻 www.ochalekstark.com

You matter. Your grief matters. Today, and always.

08/22/2025

08/15/2025

Funeral Fact Friday

Jazz Funerals in New Orleans 🎷
• A vibrant tradition blending mourning and celebration.
• The procession starts somber, then erupts into joyful music and dancing.
• It’s a way to honor life with rhythm and soul.

08/13/2025

Planning Ahead Brings Peace of Mind
Making your final arrangements in advance can be one of the most loving gifts you give your family. Whether you’re interested in setting up funeral prearrangements or selecting a headstone, our caring staff is here to guide you every step of the way.

By planning ahead, you can:

Ensure your wishes are honored

Ease the emotional and financial burden on loved ones

Take your time making thoughtful decisions

📅 Call us today to schedule a personal appointment — we’ll answer your questions, walk you through options, and help you create a plan that feels right for you and your family.

📍 Ochalek-Stark Funeral Service
📞 734-439-1100
💻 ochalekstark.com

Because every life deserves to be remembered with dignity and care. ❤️

07/31/2025

🕊️ Did You Know?
The average person makes over 200 decisions when planning a funeral — from music and readings to flowers and final resting place.
💬 Imagine lifting that burden from your loved ones. Preplanning isn’t just practical — it’s a gift of clarity, comfort, and peace.
📞 At Ochalek Funeral Service, we’re here to guide you through every step, with compassion and care. Whether you’re curious or ready to begin, we welcome your call.
✅ Call us today to learn more about preplanning options — and discover how a few thoughtful choices now can make all the difference later.
📍 Serving Milan and surrounding communities with dignity and dedication
734-439-1100

07/23/2025

🕊️ Plan Today for Peace Tomorrow 🕊️
Life is unpredictable, but your legacy doesn’t have to be.
At the Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home, we believe that prearranging your services is a loving gift to your family — one that lifts the burden during difficult times and ensures your wishes are honored.
Our caring team is here to guide you through the process with compassion and clarity. Whether you have questions or simply want to explore your options, we’re ready to help.
📍 Stop by or call us to schedule a personalized consultation.
📅 Planning ahead brings peace of mind, and we’re here every step of the way
734-439-1100

07/02/2025

Call to schedule your appointment with a marker specialist, 734-439-1100

06/04/2025

🌿 Plan Today for Peace Tomorrow 🌿

None of us like to think about it—but making your funeral arrangements in advance is one of the most thoughtful and loving gifts you can give your family.

By preplanning, you:
✅ Relieve loved ones from tough decisions during a difficult time
✅ Ensure your wishes are honored
✅ Lock in today’s prices and avoid future cost increases

Whether you're ready to make your arrangements or just have questions, we're here to help—no pressure, no obligation.

📅 Schedule a free consultation today. Let’s talk about what matters most: peace of mind for you and your family.

📍 Ochalek-Stark Funeral Service
📞 734-439-1100
💬 Message us right here on Facebook!

05/12/2025

Margaret Ann Rodriguez-Bertz
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Age 69 passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 8, 1955, in St. Joseph, Michigan to Joe and Winifred (Spaulding) Rodriguez.
Margaret married John Bertz on August 22, 1991 and he survives.
She worked for many years as an aide for the St. Louis Center and loved being a wife, and a mom to many. She took pride in being called a softball and baseball mom. She also enjoyed photography, crafting, gardening and floral arranging, but her greatest joy was being with family.

Besides her husband she is survived by two daughters: Kristen (Christopher) Vasill, and Ashleigh (Andrew) Dunn, a God-daughter Marisa Reyes, a granddaughter Alice, two sisters: JoAnne (Robert) Cullip and Denise Rodriguez, a brother DeWayne “Pete” Rodriguez, in-laws Bruce, Mark, Kurt Bertz, Nancy Fox and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Winifred and sister Marlene “Boomer” Rodriguez.

Visitation will be held at the Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home, Milan, on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dr. Judith Harmon officiating. Burial will follow at a later date at St. Thomas Cemetery in Ann Arbor.
www.ochalekstark.com.

05/12/2025

Stephanie Johnson
Milan, MI

Age 70, passed away peacefully, Friday evening, May 9, 2025, at Vibrant Life Facility in Temperance, Michigan. She was born on April 23, 1955, in Middletown, Ohio and on October 26, 1973, she married Donald Johnson also in Middletown, Ohio.

Stephanie’s biggest joy in life was spending time with her family. She loved going to craft shows and hosting events that included the company of those she loved most. Especially her grandchild and great grandchildren!

She is survived by her children: Amy (Scott) Foerster and Charlie Johnson, granddaughter, Cheyenne (Jacob) Schmidt, great grandchildren: Sawyer, Re*****on and Liam, siblings: Marlene (Joe) Knight, Betty (Tom) McRitchie and Charles (Donna) Smith.

Besides her husband, Donald, she was preceded in death by her father Charles Smith, her sister, Judy Crumrine, and brother Mike (Jackie) Smith.

Visitation will be held at the Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home, Milan on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon, when funeral services will begin with Pastor Justin Powell of Fieldstone Church in Milan officiating. Burial will follow at Union Udell Cemetery, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Contributions may be made to the family.
www.ochalekstark.com

05/08/2025

Spring is the best time to order your memorial.
The transition from the design process to the final product of a cemetery headstone is a delicate journey that combines creativity with craftsmanship. It begins with understanding the family’s vision, honoring the deceased, and ensuring the design reflects their legacy. We can help you design it today.
Contact us today for all of your memorial needs!

04/21/2025

Peggy Jean Hooper
Ypsilanti, MI

Age 91, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2025 at Trinity Health Hospital in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She was born on December 16, 1933 in Blytheville, Arkansas to Marquis and Rosie (Caldwell) Hutchinson. On September 4, 1954 in Mississippi, she married Raymond Hooper who preceded her in death.

Peggy had a smile that lit up the room. She was a longtime member of Ypsilanti Baptist Temple. Her and her sisters where know as the “Golden Girls”. Peggy had a love for people especially her grandchildren. Her faith, family and grandchildren were the most important things in her life.

She is survived by her children, Susan (Timothy) Gross, Randy (Carrie) Hooper and Phillip Hooper, and daughter-in-law, Kathy Hooper, grandchildren, Brandon (Leslie), Micah (Jeana), Tanner (Brigitte), Kara (Brian), Bryce (Maya), Erin (Justin), Andrea (Grant), Kyle (Hayden), Tyler (Marissa), Crystal, Rachel, Mike (Angie), Melissa (Steve), 20 great grandchildren, and sister, Wilma Baker.

Besides her husband, Raymond, she was preceded in death by her son, Donald Hooper and siblings, Lois, Joyce, Evelyn, Elizabeth and Stan.

Visitation will be held at Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home, Milan on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 3:00pm-7:00pm. Funeral Services will be held at Ypsilanti Baptist Temple on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:00am with visitation beginning at 10:00am. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.