Timothy Lucine Haley

Timothy L. Haley, age 89, passed away on July 4, 2026. He was born on November 5, 1936, in Menominee, Michigan, and lived a life defined by quiet dedication, steady craftsmanship, and an unwavering love for his family. 

On July 22, 1961, Timothy married the love of his life, Janis Thiel, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they met and began building a life together. Their marriage was marked by enduring partnership, shared purpose, and a deep commitment to the family they would raise together. 

He is survived by his beloved children: Beth Diedrich (partner Dave Sanborn), Alana Haley (Kent Robins), and Timothy S. Haley (Jackie Rivera). He was a proud grandfather to Grace, Jackson, Meagan (wife Grace), Eva, and Devin, and a cherished great-grandfather to Emma, Melody, and Ezra. He is also survived by his sister, Michael “Mickey” Zajac. Timothy was preceded in death by his parents, James D. and Violet Haley, and by his son-in-law, Daniel Diedrich. 

More than anything, Timothy found his greatest joy in the people he loved. Whether spending time with his children, watching his grandchildren grow, or celebrating the newest generation of his family, he treasured the life they built together. Those who knew him will remember a man of quiet strength—dependable, humble, and generous with both his time and his talents. He believed in working hard, keeping his word, and taking pride in doing things well, values that quietly shaped the lives of those around him. 

An engineer by trade, Timothy devoted his career to the City of Chicago School District, where he applied his skills with care, creativity, and precision. He had a gift for understanding how things worked and an even greater satisfaction in making them better. Whether repairing, designing, or building something from the ground up, he approached every project with patience and determination, leaving behind work that was meant to last. 

That same spirit carried into every corner of his life. As a young man, Timothy built a log cabin for his grandparents, discovering early the satisfaction of creating something lasting with his own hands. Decades later, around the age of 75, he fulfilled that dream once again by building the family’s log cabin in Michigan using logs brought from Wisconsin—a labor of love that connected his childhood, his family, and the places that shaped him. More than a building, the cabin became a reflection of Timothy himself: sturdy, welcoming, and built with patience, purpose, and love. It remains a lasting reminder that the things we build with care can become a legacy for generations to come. 

Timothy’s legacy lives on not only in the projects he completed, but in the family he cherished, the values he modeled, and the countless quiet moments of kindness, guidance, and steadfast love that will remain with those who knew him. 

Visitation for Timothy will be held from 9:30–10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, with a service beginning at 10:30 a.m., at Palmer Funeral Homes – Hoven Chapel in Buchanan, Michigan. Burial will follow at Sumnerville Cemetery in Pokagon Township, Cass County, Michigan. Palmer Funeral Home - Hoven Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Timothy to Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation, website at https://give.michaeljfox.org. If you would like to leave online condolences for Timothy and his family, please visit www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.