Presque Isle County Death Records
Presque Isle County obituary and death records are filed with the County Clerk in Rogers City. Records go back to 1871. You can search in person at the courthouse or request copies by mail. State-level death records are also available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for deaths since 1897. This page covers how to find and access Presque Isle County death records from multiple sources.
Presque Isle County Overview
Presque Isle County Clerk Office
The Presque Isle County Clerk in Rogers City holds all local death records. The clerk's office maintains death certificates filed with the county since 1871. Staff can search records by name and date. You can get certified copies in person or by sending a written request with payment. The fee is $12 per copy, or $8 for residents age 65 and older.
When you visit in person, bring the full name of the person and the year of death. The clerk may need extra details like the date of birth or place of death to locate a specific record. Written requests should include the same details along with your contact info and a check or money order made out to the Presque Isle County Clerk. Under MCL 333.2882, anyone can request a copy of a death certificate. You do not need to be a family member or prove a reason for your request.
The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours before you visit.
| Office | Presque Isle County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Rogers City, MI 49779 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
| Fee | $12 per copy ($8 for age 65 and older) |
| Records Start | 1871 |
Presque Isle County Genealogy Records
The Presque Isle County MIGenWeb site is a key starting point for genealogy research in this county. Volunteers have compiled obituary indexes, cemetery records, and early death data going back well over a century. The site links to transcribed records and other local resources that can fill gaps left by official sources.
The Presque Isle County Historical Society in Rogers City holds photographs, newspaper files, and local history materials that often include death notices and obituary clippings. They can be a useful supplement when you already have partial information and need more context about a person's life. Their collection reflects the county's deep ties to limestone quarry work and Lake Huron maritime activity, both of which shaped the local population for generations.
FamilySearch has a county-level wiki for Presque Isle County that lists available record sets, repositories, and research tips. Visit FamilySearch Presque Isle County Michigan for a guide to what records exist and where to find them. This page is especially helpful if you are just starting and are not sure which records cover your time period.
The lead-in to the MIGenWeb resource for Presque Isle County gives a clear look at what volunteer researchers have compiled for this area.
The site holds transcribed obituaries, cemetery listings, and early vital records that can help researchers trace family lines in this part of northern Michigan.
Note: The Presque Isle County Historical Society may have limited hours. It is worth calling before you visit to confirm they are open and that the materials you need are accessible.
Michigan Death Records for Presque Isle County
Michigan began requiring statewide death registration under Public Act 194 of 1867. That law set the framework for the record-keeping system still in use today. Deaths in Presque Isle County from 1897 onward are available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). You can order a certified copy for $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy.
MDHHS processes orders by mail or through VitalChek. To order online through VitalChek, expect a $12.95 service fee on top of the state cost. Mail requests go to the Vital Records office in Lansing. You can reach MDHHS at 517-335-8666 with questions about state-level records.
Public Act 73 of 2006 put a 75-year privacy rule on death record images. This means death records less than 75 years old may not be available in full image form through public genealogy sites. After 75 years, the records are open. For genealogy work, the free Michiganology database covers death records from 1897 to 1952. Visit michiganology.org to search those records at no cost.
The GENDIS (Genealogy Death Indexing System) tool at michiganology.org/gendis covers even earlier records. It is a free index that can help you locate a record before you order a certified copy from the state.
Obituaries and Newspaper Records
Newspaper obituaries are often the richest source of family detail for Presque Isle County deaths. The local paper in Rogers City has published obituary notices for well over a century. These notices tend to list survivors, occupations, church affiliations, and burial locations, all of which are hard to find in official death certificates.
The Presque Isle County Advance served the Rogers City area for many years and is the primary historical paper for the county. Microfilm copies of this paper are held at libraries in the region and in some cases at the Library of Michigan in Lansing. If you are researching a death from the early 1900s through the mid-20th century, newspaper files are often your best path to an obituary when the person did not leave behind other documented records.
Genealogy sites like FamilySearch and the MIGenWeb network have indexed some of these older newspaper items. Search those databases first. If you do not find what you need, contact the local library in Rogers City to ask about microfilm access.
Note: Digitized newspaper archives for small northern Michigan counties can be incomplete. Plan for some in-person research if your search covers the early 20th century.
Cities in Presque Isle County
Presque Isle County is a rural northern Michigan county. Rogers City is the county seat and largest community. No cities in this county meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page.
Communities in Presque Isle County include Rogers City, Onaway, Posen, and Metz. All death records for this county are filed with the Presque Isle County Clerk in Rogers City.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Presque Isle County. If you are not sure which county holds the record you need, check the location where the person lived or died at the time of death.