Finding a specific name in the local news shouldn't feel like a chore, but honestly, it often does. If you've been searching for abc12 obituaries today michigan, you're probably looking for more than just a list of names. You're looking for a way to honor a neighbor, a former coworker, or a family friend who just passed away in the Flint or Mid-Michigan area.
Most people think they have to wait for a 6:00 PM broadcast or flip through a physical newspaper to find these updates. That's not really how it works anymore. The digital landscape for local memorials has shifted quite a bit, and knowing where to click can save you a lot of frustration during a time that's already stressful enough.
The Reality of abc12 obituaries today michigan
WJRT, known locally as ABC12, has been the go-to news source for Genesee, Lapeer, and Shiawassee counties for decades. But when it comes to "obituaries today," the station usually acts as a bridge rather than the primary host. Essentially, they partner with platforms like Legacy or local funeral homes to ensure the community stays informed.
If you head to their site today, January 15, 2026, you'll see a mix of recent notices. For example, the community is currently remembering individuals like Betty Shoults of Mayville and Edythe "Edie" Prince of Grand Blanc. These aren't just names; they're people who spent decades building the fabric of Mid-Michigan.
One thing people often get wrong is assuming every death in Michigan appears on the ABC12 list immediately. There’s a process. Usually, the funeral home has to submit the notice, and there can be a 24-to-48-hour lag depending on when the services are finalized. If you don't see someone right away, don't panic. Check back in the evening or the following morning.
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Who We Are Remembering Right Now
Looking at the most recent updates for mid-January 2026, several names have been published through local channels associated with ABC12 and the Flint Journal:
- Craig Leroy Horning Sr.: A man of deep faith whose funeral mass is scheduled for today, January 15, at St. John the Evangelist in Fenton.
- Robert Sanocki: A Birch Run resident whose services are also being held this afternoon.
- Richard Tokar: A well-known name in Flint; his service is set for 1:00 PM today.
- James Kenneth Vliet: A U.S. Army veteran and paratrooper from Swartz Creek who passed away at Hurley Medical Center earlier this week.
It's a heavy week for the region. We also lost Kevin Rooker, a dedicated member of the Saginaw Public Schools board. His passing at age 67 has hit the Saginaw community particularly hard, especially given his high-profile involvement in local politics alongside his husband, Bill Ostash.
Why the Search is Kinda Tricky
The reason people struggle with finding abc12 obituaries today michigan is that the search results can be a bit of a mess. You’ll often find "Direct Obits" or "Legacy" pages that look like they belong to the TV station, but they are third-party aggregators.
The best way to get the full story is to look for the "Online Services" or "Obituaries" tab directly on the ABC12 website. They often use an iframe—basically a window inside their site—that pulls data from local funeral directors. This is helpful because it centralizes names from Sharp Funeral Homes, Lawrence E. Moon, and Swartz Funeral Home all in one place.
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How to Actually Find What You Need
If you're trying to track down a specific service time for someone in Flint, Davison, or Grand Blanc today, follow these steps:
- Check the "Obituaries" section on ABC12.com: This is the most direct local link.
- Use the Flint Journal/MLive affiliate search: Since many families cross-post, the Flint Journal's database often has more long-form narratives than the quick TV blurbs.
- Search by Funeral Home: If you know which home is handling the arrangements (like Sharp or Dodds Dumanois), go to their site directly. They update their "Current Services" pages faster than any news outlet.
It’s worth noting that the "Today" in your search is the most important part. Because service dates change—especially with Michigan's unpredictable January weather—the digital listings are way more reliable than a printed notice from three days ago.
Surprising Details About Local Memorials
Did you know that many of the obituaries you see on ABC12 now include live-stream links? This started becoming a standard feature a few years back. For instance, the service for Gwen M. Jensen in Fenton (scheduled for January 17) will be live-streamed for those who can't make it to the Silver Lake Road chapel.
Also, keep an eye on the "Memories" or "Guestbook" sections. In Flint specifically, the community is very active online. People like Lynne Messler or Raleigh Norman Ostrander have dozens of digital tributes from people they haven't seen in twenty years. It's a small way the "Flint Strong" mentality shows up online.
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Making the Search Easier for Next Time
Instead of typing the whole "abc12 obituaries today michigan" phrase every time, you’ve basically got two better options. You can bookmark the specific "Direct Obits" portal that ABC12 uses, or you can sign up for "Obituary Alerts" via Legacy. You just put in a zip code—like 48503 or 48439—and it emails you when a new notice is posted.
It sounds a bit morbid to some, but in a tight-knit place like Mid-Michigan, it’s how we stay connected. It’s how you find out the guy who used to fix your car or the lady who taught your third-grade class has passed on.
To stay updated on the most recent deaths and funeral arrangements in the Flint and Tri-County area, visit the ABC12 obituary portal or the MLive Flint Journal database. If you are looking for a specific service time for today, January 15, verify the details directly with the funeral home's website to ensure no last-minute changes have occurred due to weather or private family requests.