Four long-time POCI members pass away

It's with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of these 4 POCI members, each had a significant impact on their chapters and POCI as a whole. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time.

Michael Woody-Widetrackers Chapter

Michael John Woody, 80, of Lapeer, died peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Mr. Woody was born February 9, 1944, in Pennsylvania, to parents Joseph and Elizabeth (Mesner) Woody.

Mr. Woody, known as Mr. Pontiac, moved to Michigan in the 1960s for his job at Pontiac Motors. He had nine children and worked as a truck mechanic for GM for 37 years. He lived and breathed cars. He was a proud member of the Michigan Widetrackers POCI Club. He and his wife, Mary (Havens), who he married in 1987, would travel all around the country to attend and participate in car shows and cruises. From California to Canada, probably listening to classic rock along the way, the two went everywhere to see and show their classic cars. Most recently, Mr. Woody’s car was voted best in show out of 450 cars at a Monday night Lapeer Car Cruise. Mr. Woody also took pride in his 40 years of sobriety and was strong in his faith when he helped others through their struggles in his spiritual talks on Sundays. He loved his family, and he always had a joke or story to tell. He will be missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, his nine children, including Chris Milette, of Mt. Clemens; Frank (Tammy) Woody, of Goodrich; Shawn Woody, of Mt. Clemens, Rachel Whaley, of Holly; Jenny Gembinski, of Lapeer; Mike (Heather) Woody, of Holly; Matthew (Leah) Woody, of Beverly Hills, MI; Jeffrey (Constance) Woody, of Holly; and Suzanne Woody, of Flint. Mr. Woody is also survived by 18 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Gerry Kotcella and great-grandchild, Karson Whaley.

In keeping with Michael’s wishes cremation has been entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home, Lapeer. No services have been scheduled at this time. Memories and condolences may be shared at MuirBrothersLapeer.com.

Larry Engele-Tomahawk Chapter

Larry Engele, age 76 passed away Sunday, December 1, 2024, due to a small house fire with his constant K9 companion, Daisy by his side. To honor Larry a car show/car run will be held in Spring of 2025. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids.

Larry was born September 24, 1948, in Madison, MN. He graduated from Milaca High School in 1967 where he participated in the Milaca High School Marching Band, theatre, and was a member of the Daily Township 4-H Club. He honorably served our country in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 – 1971. Larry married Carol Vogt on June 1, 1973, at St Peter’s Catholic Church in St Cloud. To this union was born three children. Larry held various truck driving jobs including Fingerhut for over 30 years, Maiers Transport and Marson Contracting. He also drove school/charter bus for Voigts Bus Service. Classic cars were a passion of Larry’s as he belonged to several car clubs including Pantowners, Muscle Car Mafia, Pontiac Oakland Club International and took top place at the International Ford Retractable Car Show. He enjoyed spending time with his faithful companion, Daisy, working on cars, attending car shows, traveling, hunting, helping at his brother’s farm, but most of all spending time with his family. Larry was selfless, easy going, always willing to help others, constantly tinkering on various projects and a strong faith in God.

Survivors include his sons, Jason of Jacksonville, FL, Brian of Sauk Rapids, and daughter Laura of St. Joseph, his siblings, Leo Engele of Dickson, TN, Patricia Baker of Grand Rapids, LeRoy Dropps of Hinckley, and Doreen (Allen) Moonen of St Joseph, and his beloved granddaughter, Reese of Jacksonville, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Jean (Skjei) Dropps; wife, Carol (August 2024); daughter-in-law Melissa (Missy); sister, Marlene Billstrom; and sister-in-law, Pat Engele.

Lyle Haley-Tomahawk Chapter

Lyle P. Haley, age 85, of Andover, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 25, 2024.

Preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Ida; wife, Patricia Haley; son, Michael B. Carlson

Survived by his children, Pamela J. (Ken) Yell, Jeffrey H. Carlson; longtime companion, Joan Lemke; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; brother, Glen (Becky) Haley; niece, Dawn (Michael) Kelley; nephew, Scott Haley; also survived by other relatives and many friends.

Lyle enjoyed racing, flying and restoring cars. Lyle owned and operated Village Engine Supply. In retirement he started a consulting business for rebuilding engines. Lyle was a long-time member of the Tomahawk Chapter where he served as their newsletter editor, music man, flyer designer, and trophy maker. He also served as a POCI Tech Adviser for '57-'58 Fuel Injection as well as Engine Machining and Flat Head Machining.

Dale Dutoi-Hoosier Chapter

Dale R. Dutoi, 90 years old, passed away at 3:47 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Dale was born on December 4, 1934 in Mishawaka, IN to the late Julius and Marie (Frayman) Dutoi. He has been a lifelong resident. On June 6, 1958 in Mishawaka, Dale and Marilyn Hardy were united in marriage.

Along with Marilyn, his wife of 66 years, Dale is survived by their two children, Sherri (Tony) Triplet and Dave (Rachel) Dutoi, both of Bremen; four grandchildren, Zachary Triplet of Bremen, Ashlee Falls of Fishers, IN, Dana Dutoi of Lakeville and Drew (Catherine Seiler) Dutoi of Bremen. Dale is also survived by his eight great grandchildren, Charlotte Triplet, Kathryn Triplet, Jakob Triplet; Scarlett Falls, Rowan Falls, Holden Falls, Shayde Dutoi, and Clarabelle Dutoi. Dale was preceded in death by his two grandchildren, Zane and Zoie Triplet, and his sister, Evelyn Dutoi.

Dale was a self-employed farmer. He retired as Vice-President of Robertson's where he was employed from 1953-1986. Dale also was a purchasing agent for Bud's Body Shop for 13 years. Dale was a former president and member of Hoosier Oakland Pontiac Club and member of Pontiac Oakland Worldwide Club. He coached little league and was a member of LaVille Booster Club. Dale served his country with the United States Army and was a faithful member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 63568 U.S. 31 South, Lakeville, IN. Military graveside services and burial will follow at Lamb's Settlement Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the church. Palmer Funeral Home-Lakeville Chapel is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Dale R. Dutoi may be donated to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, P.O. Box 2528, South Bend, IN 46680 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be offered to Dale's family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.