About Us
Since 1972, we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the community
We exist to serve the unique needs of every family. Learn our story. Lean on us. And let our expertise lead you through the best experience possible.
Meet the Team
Tiffany Sheehan
.
Paula Stevens
Receptionist
Mo Simon
.
Frank Stevens
Immediate Response Team
Ethan McNeal
Immediate Response Team
Joe Carinduff
.
Bob Beers
Immediate Response Team
John Sparks
.
Melissa L. Janowicz
President/Licensed Funeral Director
Melissa is a wife, mother of four, licensed funeral director, and president of Janowicz Family Funeral Home. She and husband, Chad, bought Crittenden Hansen Funeral Home in November of 2012, and have enjoyed 11 years of serving this wonderful community since.
Aside from chasing kids and conducting funerals, Melissa enjoys personal development. Reading books, listening to podcasts, and working on physical fitness are a few of her favorite hobbies. She enjoys a good challenge (which might be why she has four small children), and is always up for learning something new and expanding her being. Her belief in family, kindness, mutual respect and professionalism has attracted the most amazing team members to the "Janowicz Family".
Michael Mohnke
Funeral Director
Mike is a life-long resident of Big Rapids and second generation funeral director and former owner of Mohnke Funeral Home, now known as Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home. After selling the funeral home in January of 2024 to Melissa Janowicz, Mike decided to continue serving families in the community he lives in and loves so much.
Shari Blades
Office Manager
Shari was born and raised in Big Rapids, where her deep roots in the community have shaped her passion for serving those around her. She is married to Darren, and together they have two children, Derek and Renee. Shari is an avid reader and enjoys spending her free time outdoors, especially in her gardens. Family is very important to her and she loves spending time with them. Her lifelong connection to Big Rapids fuels her commitment to serving the community she knows and loves.
Margo Sisco
Apprentice Funeral Director
Margo is a daughter and dog mom. She is currently spending most of her days studying for her Mortuary Science classes at Wayne State University, and spending time with family. She enjoys hunting, fishing, and quality time with her family. Her gentle nature and personal experience with loss puts families at ease and allows her to connect with them on a deeper level. She is always eager to learn and grow, and we look forward to watching her bloom into an amazing funeral director.
Mark Klumpp
Immediate Response Team/ Funeral Assistant
Mark is a life-long resident of the Remus/Canadian Lakes area. He is currently the Morton Twp. Supervisor and is the former Assistant Superintendent of both Mecosta Osceola Intermediate School District, and Big Rapids Public Schools. He and his wife, Janika currently live in Canadian Lakes, where they enjoy time spent with family.
Our promise
Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.
Dignity
Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.
Guidance
Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.
Legacy
Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.
As one of the oldest and most recognizable landmarks in the area, Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home is a stately ode to Big Rapids history. Established in 1972, our funeral home has evolved greatly over the years to accommodate the evolving needs of our community. Yet our commitment to service remains the same. Even as we modernize our services and facilities, we stay true to our belief that honoring and celebrating life is deeply sacred and personal.
1916
In 1916 Irving Wagner opened a new business on Michigan Avenue in downtown Big Rapids, called Wagner Funeral Home and Furniture Store. In 1929 he purchased property less than a block away on the corner of Warren and Elm where he built his new funeral home. At that time, this facility was the largest building between Grand Rapids and Traverse City that was built specifically to be a funeral home.
1945
Following Mr. Wagner's death in 1945, Harry G. Rogers purchased the business from Mrs. Wagner. Mr. Rogers served the Big Rapids area for many years as funeral director and ambulance service.
1972
In 1972 Ronald Mohnke moved to Big Rapids to become Harry's partner. Ron worked in funeral service in Lansing, Flint and Dearborn. Upon Mr. Roger's retirement in 1976, Ron took over as the sole owner of the Rogers-Mohnke Funeral Home.
1984
In 1984 Ron's son Mike joined his father in the family business. In 1996, Mike bought the business from his father but Ron remained active in the business he loved until his death in November 2010. Mike graduated from Big Rapids High School, Ferris State University and the Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science.
2024
As manager and funeral director Mike continues the tradition of care and compassionate service that generations have associated with Mohnke Funeral Home.
The perfect place to hold a meaningful and unique ceremony.
Where the memory of your loved one can be uniquely celebrated
One-Stop Arrangements
Personalized Services
24/7/365 Support Staff
Mohnke Janowicz is honored as one of the Best Places to Work in 2023.
“These folks are great to work with. They are kind, knowledgeable, and get things done.”
Author:— Alex Mallory rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home has provided funeral services for our family for many years.”
Author:— Janalee Graham rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Felt very comfortable using this funeral home, everyone treated us like royalty, I will be telling everyone about it. Thank you for everything.”
Author:— Mo Simon rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Melissa and Margo were so caring, compassionate and professional.”
Author:— Bonnie Nelson rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Thank u Melissa your an amazing lady and my blessings to u all”
Author:— Crista rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Very caring willing to help in anyway. Very respectful.”
Author:— Ann rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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Join us
Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.