CEDAR BAY — Melvin James Staricha, 80, passed away on January 27, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital.

Melvin was born on January 31, 1945, in Calumet, MI, to Matt and Margaret (Johnson) Staricha.

He was a member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Hancock, a veteran of the National Guard and a graduate of the Calumet High

School. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, brother Matt, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy (Oja), children: Todd (Denise), Rudyard, MI, Kevin (Julie), Ashland, Wi, Rae (Robbie) Lamanen, Dollar

Bay, MI, Steve (Joleen), Cedar Bay, MI, Alayne (Shane) Kangas, Toivola, MI, Gregory (Diane) Liminga, MI, Gunnar (Alyssa), Palmer, AK;

66 grandchildren, 88 great grandchildren; His brother John, his sister, Margaret Eilola and many nieces and nephews in a large

extended family.

A funeral service for Melvin will be held 11 a.m. Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Hancock with Ron Jouppe

to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery of Ahmeek.

Friends may call on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 9 a.m. until time of services at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Hancock.

To view Melvin’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.