Michael “Mike” Spears, age 74, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on January 11, 2026, at Michigan Medicine Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Mike was born on December 9, 1951, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Thomas and Margaret (Conley) Spears. He was raised in Chelsea, where he had lived his entire life. On July 17, 1971, he married Anita L. (Martin), and together they shared more than 54 years of marriage.
Mike honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He spent several years working at Federal Screw Works in Chelsea before becoming self-employed, owning and operating Mike Spears Carpentry, Inc.
Family was the center of Mike’s life. He enjoyed spending time with family, and especially enjoyed sharing his passions with them. An avid outdoorsman, he loved duck and deer hunting. He also enjoyed participating in fireworks. He was a skilled craftsman and spent countless hours in his workshop in his barn, creating arts and crafts that he shared with friends and family.
Mike is survived by his wife, Anita Spears; daughter, Jayma (Donnie) Bollinger of Chelsea; daughter-in-law, Sheri Spears of Chelsea; sisters, Linda (Ron) Carlson, Mary (Erik) Hansen, and Ginger (Jack) Hackworth; grandson, Darren Bollinger; and special niece, Andrea Butler. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Spears, in 2000; grandson, Hunter Allen, in 2023; and a sister, Evelyn Spears.
Visitation will be held at the Chelsea Fairgrounds Sports Barn on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Chelsea Fairgrounds Sports Barn, with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
