Jolynn Marie Michel

Jolynn Marie Michel, 67, of Petoskey, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Jolynn was born October 3, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Gail Ellison and the late Ralph Ellison. She grew up in Fraser, Michigan, spending summers and weekends at the cherished family cabin on Huffman Lake, where she developed her lifelong love of Northern Michigan—riding trail bikes, swimming, and creating the memories she would later share with her own children.

She graduated from Fraser High School in 1976, attended Central Michigan University, and completed her associate degree at North Central Michigan College. Jolynn built a meaningful career as an administrative specialist dedicated to nonprofit fundraising and supporting the Commission on Aging. Among her accomplishments, she was especially proud of coordinating the design of the handmade tile donor wall at the McLaren Emergency Room—a project that reflected her creativity and care for her community.

On August 9, 2007, she married the love of her life, Vince Brecheisen, and together they created a blended family rooted in joy, traditions, and steadfast love. They shared 18 years of marriage and 32 years of life and family together.

Jolynn cherished Northern Michigan’s beauty—long drives, boat outings, beach days, and gatherings at her home overlooking Little Traverse Bay. She was a devoted mother, a strong source of encouragement, and a fierce protector of those she loved. She cared deeply—about her family, her home, the beauty of nature, and the small, meaningful things that made life rich.

She is survived by her mother Gail Ellison of Petoskey; her beloved husband Vince Brecheisen; her children Jessica Michel of Petoskey, Rob (Katherine) Michel of Los Angeles, Kathleen (Aaron) Marotta of Cornelius, North Carolina, Andrew (Ashley) Brecheisen of Fort Mill, South Carolina and Steven (Anna) Brecheisen of Petoskey; her grandchildren Liam, Silas, Ridge, Molly, and Dean; her sisters Julie (Dave) Dziuda and Char (Rob) Brykalski; and nephews Brandon and Brent Dziuda, as well as many loved ones who will hold her memory close.

She is preceded in death by her father, Ralph C. Ellison.

A private Celebration of Life for close family and friends was held on Sunday, December 7, at the Inn at Bay Harbor. Jolynn will rest near her father at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey, where she will, in time, be joined again by her love, Vince.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to McLaren Hospice and the caregivers at Independence Village for the compassion, dignity, and support they provided Jolynn and her family.