Janet P. Kaarto

Lake Orion, MI

Janet Pauline (Shafer) Kaarto, 88, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025. Janet was born on August 9,

1936, the daughter of the late Charles and Esther (Aho) Shafer. She graduated from the Mass High

School, Mass City, Mi., as the valedictorian of the class of 1954, and worked briefly in the Waukegan,

Illinois area before moving to Detroit Michigan.

Janet married her high school sweetheart, Roger Kaarto, on August 18, 1956, making their home in

Detroit and later Redford Township Mi. 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, MI. Following their relocation, Janet was employed with the law firm of Wiisti 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, MI.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Julie (Mark) Branton of Lake Orion, MI. and her son, Greg (Heidi)

Kaarto of Fenton, MI., 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 1:00 pm at Maple Grove Cemetery in

Greenland, MI.

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.