Jan Huyck Fehner, age 67, of Pickford, Michigan, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend died peacefully December 22, 2024, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital with her devoted husband, John, at her side. She was born on March 31, 1957, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Darrell and Barbara (Jahsan) Huyck.
Jan grew up in Pickford and graduated from Pickford High School in 1975. She was looking forward to her upcoming 50th class reunion this coming summer. After high school, Jan attended Michigan State University and then transferred to Lake Superior State University, where she received her associate’s degree in accounting.
Jan spoke fondly about her growing up years as a member of the Dewey Street Gang on the east side of town and the many wonderful neighbors and friends she had and how she drew on their strength and compassion when her mother passed away in 1973.
Jan served as Marquette Township Treasurer from 1991-2018, she took great pride in this job and was also very proud of the fact she was the only Democrat on the board all those years.
Jan was also employed at Pickford Public Schools first as playground supervisor, then as a para-pro and eventually retiring as high school secretary. She was also very proud of her union involvement as President of the Support Staff Local. While at Pickford Schools, Jan developed a close bond with students and staff that continued even after her retirement. She was always interested in and extremely proud of their accomplishments.
In 1975 Jan’s father Darrell married Raeona Ball and Jan and her brother Jeff became members of a loving, close blended family. After her father’s death in 1979, Jan was so grateful and appreciative of her extended family, she loved them dearly.
Jan was very devoted to her husband John, her children, and grandchildren. John was her rock and very supportive of her. With her son Craig, she enjoyed her morning cribbage games and weekly trips to the Sault. She enjoyed trips to Georgia to see Chad and his family and to California to see Paige.
Jan was very supportive of Chad’s and Paige’s Naval careers and was a proud Navy Mom. Jan corresponded with and sent care packages to service people that she met through Chad and Paige.
Jan left a lasting legacy of kindness, compassion, humor and caring. She was always concerned about others and was always there for whoever needed it. Jan made an impact and will be missed.
Jan is survived by her husband, John; sons, Craig Fireck of Pickford, Chad (Amy) Fireck of Guyton, Georgia; daughter, Paige (Jacob) Fehner of Lemoore, California; grandchildren, Ayden Fireck and Kamdyn Fireck of Guyton; stepmother, Raeona Armstrong of Barbeau, Michigan; brother, Jeff (Pat) Huyck of Traverse City, Michigan; step-siblings, Kristin (Mark) Taylor of Pickford, Dan (Christie) Ball of Brookville, Indiana, and Jennifer (Mike) Kennedy of Pickford; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; and special aunt, Beverly (Jahson) Fanslow of Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Darrell and Barbara; and stepfather, Nathaniel “Tanny” Armstrong.
Per Jan’s wishes, no services will be held. R.I.P Jan.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Jan’s memory to Bay Cliff Health Camp, N4175 Baycliff Dr, Big Bay, MI 49808.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
Obituary as submitted by family.
