Richard "Mike" Michael Shaft

Richard “Mike” Michael Shaft, 84, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at his home in Williamston, Michigan. He was born January 3, 1941, in Nashville, Michigan, to Richard Franklin and Dorothy Mabel (Stephenson) Shaft. They preceded him in death along with his brother Roy Franklin Shaft. Mike married Sharon Kay (Oesterle) Shaft December 19, 1964, in Williamston, Michigan.

Growing up in Michigan, Mike had fond memories of farming on Runnymede Farm, and The Old Colby Farm in Shaftsburg, and riding Melody. He attended a two-room schoolhouse in Shaftsburg with cousins for classmates. In Williamston, Mike participated in football, basketball, and track and graduated from Williamston High School in 1959. His time at MSU was split by 2 years in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. In 1968 he earned a B.A. degree in English, and then a teaching certificate. Mike earned an M.A. in Curriculum and Instructional Technology from MSU in 1976, and an M.A. in Community Leadership and Education Administration from Central Michigan University in 1982.

Mike’s work included business and education over many decades. He worked at the family gas station while in high school; edited and published the Straitsland Resorter in Indian River; and owned Bigelow Hardware in Cass City. His career in Education included: teaching middle and high school English and History, and coaching in Indian River and Webberville. He transitioned to adult education, then administration, finishing at Morey Charter School.

Living an active life, Mike enjoyed golfing, traveling, camping, boating, fishing, playing harmonica, and writing. He watched his favorite teams: MSU Spartans football and basketball, Detroit Lions, and Detroit Tigers. His interest in community and history led him to serving as a member of Kiwanis Club of Williamston, the Shaftsburg United Methodist Church, and the Owosso Historical Society. His final endeavor was compiling all of the photos, stories, and history of Shaftsburg (where he had lived for almost 20 years), into writing and publishing his book, “Shaftsburg a Hidden Gem.”

Mike is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon; daughters, Medina (Ray) Gregory of North Port, Florida and Sheela Shaft of Haslett, Michigan. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Mariah (Jonathan) Scott; Adrienne (Collin) Halvorson, Griselda “Zelda” Starlight, and Ashton Shaltry; great-grandson, Rowan Scott; sister Wendy Shaft and brother-in-law Donald Bixler; sister-in-law Margaret “Margy” Shaft; brother-in-law Randall “Randy” Oesterle and sister-in-law Linda Oesterle; and several nieces and nephews.

Mike loved spending time with his friends, classmates, and most of all his family, and he will be missed by many.

A funeral service will be held Saturday February 8, 2025, at Faith Community Church UMC, with Pastor Coleen Wilsdon officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday 10:00-11:00 am. Interment will be at Oak Plain Cemetery, Shaftsburg, Michigan, following the service. A luncheon will then be served at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made the Williamston Depot Museum, or Faith Community Church UMC.