John Gerard Charette

John Gerard Charette, 68 of Manistee, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

He was born on August 15, 1957 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Robert and Genevieve (Boatman) Charette.

John is survived by his wife of 46 years Kathy (Smith) Charette, son Andrew Charette and daughter-in-law Anne Charette (Gabriel), granddaughter Alice, son Adam Charette and daughter-in-law Allison Terrazas, grandson Noel, son Jacob Charette and daughter-in-law Jamie Charette (Kruse), granddaughter Eleanore, and son Joseph Charette.

He is also survived by 12 siblings, Mark (Pat) Charette of Arlington, VA, Paul (Cindy) Charette of Lansing, MI, Margaret (Peter) Corrigan of Manchester, NH, Peter (Anne) Charette of Monterey, CA, Teresa (Doug) Fuller of Grand Ledge, MI, Tom Charette of DeWitt, MI, Joan (Rick) Showalter of Williamston, MI, Christina Fisher of Detroit, MI, Anna Fisher of East Lansing, MI, Dennis (Sharon) Fisher of Williamston, MI, Tim (Alma) Fisher of Monterey, CA and Mary Jo (Marty) Stowe of Carlsbad, CA; brother-in-law Kevin Smith (Terri) of Haslett, MI, brother-in-law Craig Smith (Anita Knuth) Silver Spring, MD, sister-in-law Carrie Cirino (Anthony) of Kirtland Hills, OH, and loved being an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by Robert and Genevieve (Boatman) Charette, foster parents, Kerry Fisher and Chuck Fisher; his father-in-law, Bruce Smith, mother-in-law Lyn Smith, sister Mary Ellen Schimmel, niece Heidi J. Schimmel, and nephew Albert W. Schimmel IV.

John graduated from Haslett High School in 1975 and attended Michigan State University and the Police Academy at Lansing Community College. John held many different positions including but not limited to 27 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections, moving from the title of Officer to Sergeant, and then Lieutenant. He then worked for West Shore Hospital/Munson Manistee Hospital, in the rehab/therapy department for the last 14 years. He also immensely enjoyed coaching JV football for Manistee High School for several seasons.

John was a caring and committed husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. His love and devotion to his wife Kathy of 46 years and his four boys was steadfast and boundless. He loved and adored his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and they adored him. He was an avid fan and owner of the 13-time world champion Green Bay Packers. John loved being an important part of and serving his family and friends and the Manistee community which brought him so much joy. If you ever met this charismatic man, you will never forget him.

Celebration of life will be held on September 20, 2025 at 1:00pm at Faith Covenant Church, 475 8th Street Manistee, MI 49660 Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of the organizations below.

Guardian Angel Historic Preservation Project: https://www.osvhub.com/catholic-community-of-manistee/giving/funds/guardian-angel-historic-preservation-project (Since November 1986, John and his family have lived in a loving home and neighborhood surrounded by the sights and sounds of this historical landmark. The soaring steeple of Guardian Angels serves as a beacon and symbol of home.)

Hospice of Michigan: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/hospiceofmichigan (For their devotion and care to John and his family.)

North Sky Raptor Sanctuary: https://www.northskyraptor.org/getinvolved (John had a profound love for Michigan's birds of prey and God's beauty through them.)