Obituaries

John Michael Causley, age 75, of Hessel, Michigan, died on Monday, June 30, 2025, at his home. He was born on November 29, 1949, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to John and Lorraine (Perry) Causley.

John grew up in Hessel and remained deeply rooted in his community throughout his life. A proud member and leader of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, he served in numerous roles including past Tribal Board Member, Chairman of the Hessel Elder Committee (a special thank you to Perry, Betty, Mig), Appellate Reserve Elder Judge, and Chairman of the Pow Wow Committee. John was a survivor of the Holy Childhood Boarding School in Harbors Springs and he was a profound advocate to ensure healing with all the survivors and their families. His legacy of keeping his culture and tradition alive will remain with each person he touched.

One of his proudest endeavors to his family was helping establish the first Native American Golf Invitational over 40 years ago alongside his father, brother, and cousins—an event that continues to thrive today.

After attending business school in Lansing, John returned home and co-founded Westside Painting in the 1980s with his family. Painting wasn’t just a job to him; it was a passion. He took pride in every project, always striving to do his best work.

John had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether he was hunting, fishing, or golfing, he found peace and joy in nature. Golfing, in particular, held a special place in his heart. Above all, John was a devoted family man who valued time with his loved ones. He was a member of Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church in Hessel.

Diagnosed in his late teens with Ankylosing Spondylitis, John faced many physical challenges but never let them define or limit him. His strength, determination, and spirit were an inspiration to all who knew him.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia Causley; children, John R. (Kristi) Causley, Lana (Steve) Causley-Smith, Theresa Causley, Lucinda (Richard) McFarland, Crystal Causley, Miranda Causley, Shalenia Causley, Michael Causley and Melissa (Dennis) LaPire; mothers of his children, Janice Jonas and Anna Corwin; siblings, Dalinda Causley, Jeff (Connie Benoit) Causley and Debra Causley; grandchildren, Sierra Krogh, Shannon Causley, Taylor Causley, Madison Causley, Nathaniel Causley, Jayce Causley, Ronald Paquin, Erica Emerson, Brittany Mallory, Morgan Marshell, Collin Marshell, Skylar Causley, Cassidy Reed, Bryson Causley, Tavis Causley, Axel Causley, Shawn Brewer, Cassandra LaPire, Isabella LaPire, Adrianna Causley, and Declan Causley; many great-grandchildren; and a lifelong friend who was more like a brother, Calvin Burnside.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lorraine; brothers, James Causley, Jerry Causley, Daryll Causley, Donald Causley; and many aunts and uncles.

A Traditional Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Anaamianag Nopaming Tribal Center, 3355 North 3 Mile Rd. Hessel, MI 49745, at 11:00 AM. The Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Snows, 261 South Island View Rd. Hessel, at 2:00 PM with a luncheon to follow at the Hessel Tribal Center.