Janet Kaarto

Janet married her high school sweetheart, Roger Kaarto, on Aug.18, 1956, making their home in Detroit and later Redford Township, Michigan. She was employed as a secretary for the Detroit Office of International Relations, as production supervisor for Computer Language Research/Fast Tax, and later as a secretary for the American Concrete Institute.

In 1986, Janet and Roger left Redford Township to move back “home” to the Upper Peninsula, settling in Chassell. Following their relocation, Janet was employed with the law firm of Wisti and Jaaskalainen, and finally as a secretary to the director of corporate relations at Michigan Tech University, until her retirement in 1998.

Janet was very active in the Wainola Lutheran Church, serving as treasurer and secretary as well as president of the Wainola Ladies Group and she and Roger enjoyed their time spent at their cottage/home away from home on Twin Lakes.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Julie (Mark) Branton of Lake Orion; and her son, Greg (Heidi) Kaarto of Fenton, Michigan; five grandchildren, Lindsay (Andrew) Higham, Kayla Branton, Jacob (Patti) Kaarto, Seth (Megan) Kaarto, and Luke Kaarto; five great-grandchildren, Emmi, Oliviya, Henrik, and Mikko Higham, and Jayce Kaarto. Janet is also survived by her sister, Joyce (James) Torvinen; and brother-in-law, Howard Miilu.

Preceding Janet in death were her mother and father; her husband, Roger; sister and brother-in-law, Joan (Norman) Makinen; brother and sister-in-law, Jim (Lori) Shafer; and sister Judy Miilu.

A graveside service will be held for Janet on June 21, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland.

To view this obituary or to send condolences online to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

Memorial Chapel Funeral Home – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.