Obituaries

David D. Harat
Of Jackson, formerly of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 52, died Saturday, May 18, 2013. He was born on Dec.3, 1960 in Dearborn, Michigan, the son Henry and Kathyrine (Bresko) Harat. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on cars and landscaping.

Surviving are three siblings, Monica (Daniel) Maurer of Grass Lake, Anita (Rodger) Stewart also of Grass Lake, and Linda (Bruce) Dygert of Pleasant Lake; nine nieces and nephews, and eight great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Henry, Donald, and Matthew.

A Memorial Service will be Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 11 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. William
J. Turner officiating. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Remegia (Angelocci) Nalli
Jackson, Michigan

Age 98, died Friday, May 17, 2013 at RidgeCrest in Jackson. She was born Oct. 4, 1914 in Sibley, MI (now Trenton, MI), the daughter of Alexander “Angelo” and Agatha (Cima) Angelocci.

Remegia lived in the down river area most of her adult life, and in Birmingham, Michigan, from 1985 until  2006, when she moved to Chelsea. She moved to Jackson in November 2011.  Remegia was a bookkeeper for Hungerford, Cooper, Luxon & Co. in Wyandotte.  She was a member St. James Episcopal Church in Birmingham.  Remegia graduated from A.E. Smith High School in 1932. She was active in many sports, including  Tennis, Basketball, Softball, Bowling, and Golf.

On June 1, 1940, she married Alvin Dietz and he preceded her in death on July 24, 1958 .  She then married Anthony Nalli on Jan. 6, 1968 and he preceded her in death on Jan. 22, 1980.  Survivors include one daughter, Shiela Dietz of Chicago, Illinois; one granddaughter, Melissa Benham of Chicago; one brother Angelo Angelocci of Chelsea; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Kelly Cottage and Frances Willett, and three brothers, Samuel, Lawrence, and John Angelocci.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 14, 11 a.m. at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Chelsea, with Fr. David Glaser  officiating.  Burial will be at the Memorial Garden at St. James Episcopal Church in Dexter, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

Peggy Sue (Marshall) Shepherd
of Stockbridge, MI

Age 43, died Sunday, May 12, 2013 at her home. She was born July 2, 1969 in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Magaline Marshall Watkins Bedell.

Peggy spent the majority of her life as a stay-at-home-mother to her five children. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She was known for her spunky attitude and goofy personality. She wasn’t afraid to say how she felt and that’s what everyone loved so much about her. She was so honest, caring, and outspoken. She was fun-loving and had a heart of
gold. Peggy also had a strong love for animals, especially dogs. But above all else, Peggy adored her five children. They were her pride and joy.

Survivors include three sons, Tyler Marshall of Louisville, KY, Alex Shepherd of Mount Sterling, KY, Joshua Shepherd of Plano, TX; two daughters, Andrea (Zachariah) Marshall Conley of Ridgecrest, CA, Tamara Shepherd of Morehead, KY; their father and Peggy’s husband of 18 years, Douglas Shepherd;a brother, Robby Watkins; a sister, Patty Watkins (Micky) Dunaway; 2 grandchildren, several nieces & nephews, and her partner of several years, Dan Lovely. She was preceded in death by her mother, Magaline Marshall Watkins Bedell; and her maternal grandparents, Walter & Alta Marshall.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 17, 1 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea. The family will receive friends Friday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Albert Logelin
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Al Logelin was born Jan. 17, 1925 in Minneapolis and raised in Winona, MN. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, on a destroyer stationed in the Philippines. He earned his degree in physics from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Al was a well-known businessman around Ann Arbor, owning and operating audio and electronic shops for over 50 years. He was a long-time member of the Ann Arbor Schwaben (German- American) Club, and most enjoyed times spent at The Old German restaurant where he often prepared early morning breakfasts for Chef Dettling and the kitchen staff. Al enjoyed good times in the company of his many friends, good food and wine, computers and the internet.

He is preceded in death by his very best friends Bud Metzger and Joan Otis, both of Ann Arbor, (and of course, Sammy, his bull dog), and parents, Joseph and Catherine (Widmer) Logelin of Winona; sisters Jeanette Schuh of Rolingstone, MN and Lucille Cichanowski of Winona. He is survived by two brothers, Joe (Helen) Logelin of Ann Arbor and Don (Lois) of La Crosse, WI; two sisters, Kathryn (John) Degnan of La Crosse, WI and Clarice Bidney of Shoreview, MN; along with 23 nieces and nephews, all who mourn his loss.

A memorial gathering will be held at The Grotto, 2070 W. Stadium Blvd. on June 1, from 3-6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Voluntary Service Office, Main Hospital Building, Room AB-28, 2215 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

Leonard D. Quigley
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 86, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2013 Heartland Health Care Center in Jackson.

He was born on Aug. 12, 1926 in Chelsea, the son of T.B. and Nellie (Price) Quigley. Leonard had lived in the area most of his life and graduated from Chelsea High School. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army, and was employed at Chrysler Proving Grounds for 33 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, managing his properties, masonry work and general contracting, and he wrote several short stories that were published anonymously.

On Aug.23, 2003 he married Janet E. (Peterson) Stull, and she survives. Also surviving are five children: Robin (Charles) Dixon, David (Jenny) Quigley, Robert (Pam) Peterson, Mary Stull, and James (Rebecca) Stull, all of Jackson, 13 grandchildren, and 10.5 great-grandchildren. He was the last of 12 brothers and sisters. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Ardis Quigley, and his second wife, Betty Messman.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Heartland Hospice of Mason. Private burial will take place at Vermont Cemetery, Chelsea.

Donald Earl Jones
Whitmore Lake, MI

Age 85, died Friday, May 10, 2013 at the Residence of Arbor Hospice. He was born May 14, 1927 in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of Paul W. & Gwendolyn (Baldwin) Jones. Don was a proud Marine Corps Veteran and Ford Motor Company retiree.

On Aug. 7, 1949, he married Eva Louise Hall in Lincoln, Nebraska, and she survives.Other survivors include two daughters, Deborah (Carey) Strykowski of Zeeland, Carol (Timothy) Carr of Dexter, 6 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 14, 11 a.m. at Dexter Gospel Church, with Rev. John O’Dell officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor.

The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Monday, May 13, from 4-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Dexter Gospel Church Building Fund.

Donald L. Newsted
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 80, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2013 in Ann Arbor. He was born Oct. 24, 1932 in Detroit, MI, the son of Jack and Beatrice Newsted.

He resided in Chelsea, MI. Don retired from the Ann Arbor Public Schools in 1986 after almost 30 years of teaching Math at the high school level for Pioneer and Huron High Schools.Don received his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University and a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan.He introduced computers to the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

He was former President of the Ann Arbor Teacher’s Association. While at Huron High School he was a department chair of Mathematics for 5 years. Don invented many math teaching and learning aids and founded Lano Company to sell them nationwide. Don participated in sports and played in several men’s golf leagues, bowling league, and the faculty softball team. He was avid golfer that loved to travel over many continents with his wife, playing golf. They also shared a passion for antiquing.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, who he married on June 11, 1954, and his three children: Don (Beth) Newsted, Kathryn (Tony) Nelson, and Gary Newsted. He has five grandchildren: Tricia (Jeff) Carter, Adam (Brynn) Newsted, Lauren Newsted, Aaron Newsted, Shelby Newsted, and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Marvin, and grandson Nick.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 10, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Robert J. Freysinger officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea.The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Lawrence “Larry” N. Lup
Ann Arbor, MI

Age 77, died Sunday, April 28, 2013 at Arbor Hospice.He was born July 25, 1935 in Highland Park, Michigan, the son of Nicholas S. & Elva “Pat” V. (Strong) Lup.

Larry graduated from Hope College, the University of Michigan, and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Larry has practiced dentistry in Ann Arbor since 1966.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, May 17, 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. A private burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in  Detroit.

Memorial contributions may be made to Food Gatherers, P.O. Box 7971, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-7971 or Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103-8944. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

Thomas  Joseph Risdon
Dexter, MI

Age 73, died peacefully at his home after a long battle with lung cancer and leukemia, on Tuesday, April 30, 2013. He was born Sept. 22, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Walter Joseph & Mary Virginia (Hitchcock) Risdon.

Tom graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit in 1957, and earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Detroit in 1962. He worked summers delivering laundry for his family’s business in downtown Detroit, and started working for Climax Molybdenum Co. in 1963. He founded Solid Lubricants Solutions consulting company in 2000. Tom was a world renowned expert in the field of solid lubricants, and wrote & presented numerous papers on the subject area of greases and molybdenum disulfide containing greases. He was a member of Society of Automotive Engineers, Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (Fellows Award), National Lubricating Grease Institute (Fellows Award & served 3 years on the Board of Directors). Tom was a faithful member of Faith Ev. Lutheran Church since 1979, serving on the church council as Secretary, President, and Elder and  sang in the church choir. He also was a faithful attendee of Dexter Community Band concerts from their beginning, watching his wife play trumpet.

On May 5, 1979, he married Phyllis Jedele, and they moved into their current home in Dexter. Other survivors include his two children, Dan (Sara) of Roseville, CA, Lori of Ellicott City, MD; brother- and sisters-in-law, James & Nancy Jedele, Carol Tunningley; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, Richard W. Risdon.

His children were the joy of his life. He was proud of Dan’s graduation from Kettering University, and Lori’s graduation from the US Air Force Academy. He was blessed by Dan & Sara’s wedding and was anticipating the birth of his first grandchild due in September.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 4, 5 p.m. at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dexter, with Rev. Mark Porinsky officiating. Burial will be Monday at Lodi Cemetery, Saline.

The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Friday 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Ev. Lutheran Church or St. Joseph Cancer Care Center.

Sola B. Hopkins
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 97, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on June 23, 1915 in Swampton, Kentucky, the daughter of Farmer and Emma (Salyer) Holiday. On Dec. 20, 1934 she married Malcolm Bruce Hopkins and he preceded her in death on March 17, 1996.  Sola had lived in the area since 1942, coming from West Virginia, and was a member of North Sharon Baptist Church in Grass Lake.She enjoyed crochet, knitting, quilting, canning, and cooking for her family.

Surviving are her children: Silas K. Hopkins of Chelsea, Karen F. Lentz of Chelsea, and Coyne Holiday of Dexter; four grandchildren: Kenneth S. Hopkins, Kim T. (Wes) Treaster, Lynette D. Mepyans, and Kristi (Michael) Moody; three great-grandchildren: Lindsey Hopkins, Maegen Hopkins, and Haleigh Mepyans; and extended family members Sharon Hopkins of Fowlerville and James (Madelyn) Craft of Chelsea. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Paul Hopkins in 1957, and 11 siblings.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 3, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Pastor Bobby Toler officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to North Sharon Baptist Church or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Nell Louise Rooke
Chelsea, MI

Age 83, died Thursday, April 25, 2013 in Chelsea, Michigan. She was born Nov. 26, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Hubbard Hoyt & Virginia (Bennett) Moore.

She resided in Chelsea since November of 1952. Nell was a member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church, where she had also served as church secretary for many years. She was also a secretary at Webster United Church of Christ. Nell was a beloved mother and grandmother. She enjoyed life, independence, reading, and group Bible studies with friends.

She married William Nelson Rooke in Detroit on June 25, 1949, and he preceded her in death on Oct. 8, 1991. Survivors include a son, James (Rosse Marie) of Florida; one daughter, Debby Cicchella of Kansas; two grandsons, Bryan & Ethan Rooke. She was preceded in death by two sons, Glen in 2001 and David in 2002.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, May 9, 2013, at Noon, at the First United Methodist Church, 128 Park Street, Chelsea. A private burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

Bruce Kevin Schlegelmilch
Jackson, Michigan

Age 52,  passed away peacefully with his family present on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at U of M Hospital.He was born Jan. 14, 1961 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Ralph Bernard & Barbara Jean (Green) Schlegelmilch.

Bruce graduated from Huron High School in 1979. He worked at Thompson Shore in Dexter and Sheridan Books in Chelsea. Bruce was an active volunteer with Boy Scouts.

Survivors include his parents of Dexter; his son, Dylan Seeger of Michigan Center, and Dylan’s mother, Debbie Ledwedge; his siblings, June Schlegelmilch of Tom’s River, NJ, Tom Schlegelmilch of Ypsilanti, Ron (Bev) Schlegelmilch of Chelsea, Renee (Keith) Hafner of Ann Arbor, Kathy Schlegelmilch of Saline, Kris (Bill) McCarthy of Charlotte, NC; several nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy, and his grandparents.

To celebrate Bruce’s life, the family will receive friends Thursday, May 2, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his son’s college fund.

Michael Jennings Koch
Brooklyn, MI, formerly of Dexter

Age 48, died Monday, April 22, 2013 due to an accident in Dexter. He was born May 25, 1964 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Paul C. & Rosemary (Birchmeier) Koch.

Mike graduated from Dexter High School in 1982. He was a member of Local 190. He could fix or build anything. Mike spent all of his free time with his wife and kids. He enjoyed golfing and riding his bike, and loved to fix cars.

On March 26, 1988, he married Susan Bell in Pinckney, and she survives. Other survivors include his mother of Dexter; three daughters, Katherine (Ian) Parish of Brooklyn, Elizabeth (Joshua) Clemet of Washington, Melissa Koch of Brooklyn; one son, Dylan Koch of Brooklyn; three brothers, Christian, Paul (Anne), and Daniel (Caitlin) Koch; one granddaughter, Natalie Clemet;  sisters/brothers-in-law, Linda Fenlon of Cheboygan, Roger (Ginger) Fenlon of Salida, CO, Gail Robillard of Litchfield, Cheryl (Don) Spies of Cheboygan, Cathy Bell of Bend, OR; and several wonderful nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father, a sister, Julie Koch, and loving in-laws, James & Theresa Bell.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 27, 1 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Rev. Kerry Snyder officiating. The family will receive friends Friday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for his children’s college funds.

Glendora L. “Pennie” Delano
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 64, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on Nov.27, 1948 in Meadville, Pennsylvania.She had lived in the area since 1983, coming from California.
She married Clarence T. Delano on Jan. 28, 1984 in Jackson, MI, and he survives.

Pennie enjoyed sewing, crafts, making jewelry, and spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Tina (Randy) Dale and Ronald (Elizabeth) Stacy, Jr., both of Chelsea, and five grandchildren: R.J., Paige, Corrine, Ty, and Cal. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ronald G. Stacy, Sr. in 1983.

A private family service will be held at later date. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation.  Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

 

Robert W. Pyle
Of Manchester, Michigan

Age 54, passed away Friday, April 19, 2013, at the University of Michigan Hospital. He was born on Dec. 27, 1958, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the son of Thomas and Beverly (Hoekstra) Pyle.

Robert had lived in the area since he was nine years old. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1977 and worked for the Washtenaw County Road Commission for 27 years, retiring in 2005. To all he was known as Mr. International, and at age 14 he received first place at the Autumn Harvest Festival Tractor Pull at Henry Ford Greenfield Village. His passion was traveling the United States Tractor Pulling, and being a member of Michigan Tractors Pulling Association.

On Oct. 26, 1996, he married Janet Lynn Schenk and she survives; also surviving are his parents of Belleville, five children, Thomas (Amy) Pyle of Manchester, Julie Shopshear of OK, Timothy (Barbie) Pyle of SC, Suzanne Pyle age 14 and Carl Pyle age 12, both of Manchester; one sister, Bonnie (Ted) Kowalski of Pittsfield Twp., five grandchildren and four nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Frederick (Gertrude) Hoekstra and Abe (Irene) Pyle, also father-in-law Albert Schenk.

Funeral services will be Wednesday April 24, 2013, at 11 a.m. from Zion Lutheran Church, Chelsea. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Freedom Township. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Suzanne and Carl’s educational fund. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Monday from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

 

Julia Ann Smith       
Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Lake Leelanau and Muskegon

Age 79, died of pulmonary fibrosis on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 under the wonderful care of the staff at the Arbor Hospice Residence. She was born Oct. 30, 1933 in Muskegon, Michigan, the daughter of Abraham S. & Dorothy M. (Edick) St. Amand.

Julia was very active in the Greek Orthodox Church in Muskegon. She was politically active, and worked many elections in Cedar, MI. Julia loved music. She was the first female drummer in the Muskegon High School Band. She also loved boating, fishing, reading and ceramics. Julia was a very loving grandmother.

She married John J. Courtis on Jan. 25, 1959, and he preceded her in death on May 6, 1974. She married Chuck Smith on Feb. 12, 1977, and he survives. Other survivors include a son, John (Brenda) Courtis of Cedar, MI; two daughters, Francine (Timothy) Egeler of Dexter, Marina (Bill) Kaufman of Dexter; 5 grandchildren, Katy, Jacob, Julia, Madelyn, Zachary; 4 step-grandchildren, Danielle, Nicole, Dayna, Brandon; and 4 step-children, Debbie, Katherine, Sharon, Charles Jr., and their children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 22, 11:00 am at Silver Maples with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or Arbor Hospice. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

Kenneth “Bill” Stanfield
Of Chelsea, formerly Stockbridge, Michigan

Age 100, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at Silver Maples Retirement Community in Chelsea. He was born on Sept. 14, 1912 in Stockbridge, MI, the son of Oland and Clara (Neithammer) Stanfield.  He had lived in the area all of his life and was a 1932 graduate of Stockbridge High School. 

Bill was co-owner of Stanfield Brothers Grocery Store in Stockbridge for 33 years, retiring in 1969, and was a member of Stockbridge United Methodist Church for over 75 years. He enjoyed gardening, garage sales, senior dinners at the town hall, hunting, and fishing, and was also a member of the Stockbridge Lions Club and the Stockbridge Masonic Lodge.

On Nov. 23, 1935, he married Doris E. (Walz) and she preceded him in death on Jan. 28, 2012. Surviving are three daughters: Barb (Wayne) Malcho of Dansville, Beverly Basore of Stockbridge, and Delores Buege of Ann Arbor; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; and his brother, Neil Stanfield of Napoleon. He was also preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Bob Basore and Lynn Buege, and two brothers, Maynard “Tom” Stanfield and David Stanfield. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Rev. Robert J. Freysinger and Rev. Kathy Schell co-officiating.  Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Stockbridge United Methodist Church or the Arbor Hospice Foundation. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 3-7 p.m. with Masonic service at 6:30 p.m.

 

 

Carl F. Koch
Of Dexter, Michigan

Age 80, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.

He was born on Feb. 12, 1933 in Chelsea, MI, the son of George and Louise (Haarer) Koch. Carl had lived in Washtenaw County all of his life and was a life member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Chelsea. He enjoyed hunting when he was younger, tinkering, gardening, and was a rug binder for years. He was a former police officer for Chelsea, Ann Arbor, and Washtenaw County, and then retired from Merkel’s Furniture Store in 2004 after over 30 years. He had also been involved with the Cemetery Board for Mount Hope Cemetery in Freedom Township.

Surviving are his children: Susan Koch of Dexter, Nancy (David) Broxholm of Pinckney, Gary (Debra) Koch of Dexter, Amy (Brett) Bishop of Nebraska, Michael (Trisha) Koch of Dexter, and daughter-in-law LuAnn Koch (widow of Brian) of Chelsea.  His children’s mother is Janice L. Ano (Mannlein). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his brother Norman (Barb) Koch of Ann Arbor. In addition to his son, Brian, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Koch.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Chelsea, with Pastor Lynn Finkbeiner officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Freedom Twp. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Friday from 3-7 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ, 12376 Waters Road, Chelsea, MI 48118.

Russell D. “Rusty” LeFurge
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 64, died peacefully Monday, April 15, 2013 at his home. He was born July 12, 1948 in Tecumseh, MI, the son of Donald I. and Violet A. (Haight) LeFurge.

Rusty graduated from Pioneer High School. He was a US Army Veteran, serving in Vietnam. Rusty was a union carpenter in Lansing and Detroit. He was an antique collector, who especially enjoyed Massey-Harris tractors, farm equipment, his ’69 Chevy C-10 and 1982 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. He enjoyed NASCAR, gardening, farming and riding mules. Rusty was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ.

On May 16, 1970, he married Kay E. Buss at St. Paul United Church of Christ. Other survivors include a son, Eric (Amy) LeFurge of Jacksonville, NC, a daughter, Melissa LeFurge of Sacramento, CA; 2 grandchildren, Andrew and Elizabeth LeFurge; his siblings, Donna (Richard) Spears, Dale LeFurge and Rita Morgan all of Ann Arbor; also many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 18, 11 a.m at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Chelsea, with Pastor Jim Coyl officiating.  Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Wednesday 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. and at the church Thursday 10-11a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Paul United Church of Christ.

Edna A. Johnson
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 84, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at her home surrounded by her family. 

She was born on Feb. 2, 1929, in Hudson, MI, the daughter of George H. and Lily Fern (Frisbee) Snyder. She married Roy W. Johnston in October 1948 and he preceded her in death in December 1993. 

EJ had lived in the area for the past 17 years, coming from Northville, and was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ.  She was also an artist, interior decorator, horse enthusiast, a patron of the Chelsea District Library, and enjoyed antiques and traveling.

Surviving are her children: Kay (Bruce) Johnston-McClurg of AuGres, MI, Kenneth (Marsha) Johnston of Lewistown, MT, and Kirk (Nancy) Johnston of Vanderbilt, MI, granddaughter Corrine, and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and four sisters.

Private services and interment will take place at later date. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Chelsea District Library or the Chelsea Community Hospital Cancer Center. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Christopher Carl Bieske
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 49, died in Tecumseh, MI on April 12, 2013. He was born the son of Daniel Carl Bieske and Susan (Hultz) Luther on July 8, 1963 in Elyria, OH.

Chris was an avid outdoorsman and he loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed writing and cooking especially cheesecake and wild game. The outdoors was where he was most comfortable and turned his passion into a Taxidermy business.

In addition to his mother and father, he is survived by his children Amanda Celia Bieske of Reno, NV, Hollie Nicole Bieske of Grass Lake, MI, and Hunter Christin Danielle Bieske of Tecumseh, and grandson Raiden Layne Going of Reno, NV. Also surviving are his siblings Susan (Andy) Steele of Elyria, OH, Carl A. (Sandra) Bieske of Tecumseh, and Carrie (Keith) Neibauer of Grass Lake, as well as his step mother Paula Bieske, and stepfather Lawrence Luther, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Chris was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Gerald and Margret Hultz, paternal grandparents Carl A. and Jean Bieske, one nephew Tyler C. Hallauer and his best friend Cliff Williams.

A Memorial Service will take place on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at 11a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

William S. Yukich
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 92, passed away at the Chelsea Retirement Community on Sunday, April 14, 2013. He was known as a quiet soul that enjoyed the peace and quiet of his home. William proudly served his country in the North African Theater in the United States Army during World War II.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon M. Galardi of Brighton, and grandchildren Coby Cubic of Denver, CO, Tony Galardi of Denver, CO, and Andy (Jennifer) Galardi of Grand Rapids and their son Luca. Also surviving is his sister, Madeline Anderson of Chicago, IL, and former spouse and close friend, Helen Yukich of Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

A private burial and service will take place at a later date. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Rosalyn Shari Wolff Skidmore
May 21, 1951 ~ April 13, 2013

Rosalyn Shari Wolff Skidmore was truly an amazing woman who finally succumbed to the cancer that she so valiantly fought.

She was born to Russell and Delores Mahrle Wolff in Jackson, Michigan on May 21, 1951. She was raised and went to school in Manchester, Michigan. She attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She lived and worked in Orem, Utah, and later moved to California for several years. Later she moved back to Michigan, and married Ronald Roy Skidmore July 26, 1996 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple in Chicago, Illinois.

Rosalyn’s love for her family and wide circle of friends will be sorely missed. They will all remember her for her unconditional love, and her unwavering strong faith. She was an incredibly strong woman, and was an inspiration to all that knew her.
Rosalyn loved life and enjoyed many things such as snow skiing, dancing, swimming, boating, gardening with her mother, going to the flea market in Shipshewana, and the Jackson Fair. She was a master at painting the interior and exterior of people’s homes. She enjoyed the challenge of rehabbing homes. Her latest desire was learning the art of interior design. She was attending Lawrence Tech University, and her latest accomplishment was designing a Cancer Center.

She was preceded in death by her father Russell Emanuel Wolff, and her husband Ronald Skidmore. She is survived by her mother Delores Wolff, her sister Markeita Wolff, her brother Delruss Wolff (Rhonda). She also has one niece Tamar Murphy (Kevin), and two nephews Seth Wolff and Joshua Wolff (Shelby). She is survived by three grandnieces Noelle and Eva Murphy and Ellie Wolff.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 16, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1330 Freer Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118. The viewing will be held on Monday, April 15, from 4-8 p.m. at the church and also one hour before the funeral. Expressions of Sympathy may be made to the family. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

 

Elaine Rosamond Hawker

Elaine Rosamond Hawker was born on April 27, 1912 in Laingsburg, Michigan the daughter of Earl and Mabel (Stone) Finch. She passed away quietly on March 16, 2013, at her home in Chelsea Retirement Community with loving family members by her side.

Elaine graduated from Lincoln High School in 1930 and then attended Michigan State Normal College in Ypsilanti. In 1932 she married Neil Leonard Hawker and began her teaching career. She taught in the school districts of Flint, Romulus and Taylor during which time she furthered her own education by attending U of M. and graduating with a Masters of Education in Administration. Elaine spent 15 years in the Taylor school district in which she taught elementary school and also became the Director of Special Education. She then moved to the district of Oak Park where she was a principal and retired from after 13 years.

Elaine and Neil had two sons, Larry N. Hawker and Lynn Hawker, both of which have preceded her in death. Elaine was also preceded in death by her loving husband Neil, her parents, two sisters, daughter-in-law Antoinette (Passafiume) Hawker and many close friends.
Elaine is survived by her six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren: Lori (Robert) Mitchell, Michael (Kati Dakin) Mitchell, Stephanie Mitchell, Tracy Santure, Jacob Santure, Jenna Santure, Jessica Santure, Steven (Christine) Hawker, Kelsey Hawker, Alyssa Hawker, Gail (Fred) Greal, Nicole Greal, Justin Greal, Kelly (Thomas) Hickey, Tommy Hickey, Megan Hickey and Matthew (Anna) Hawker.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the main chapel at the Chelsea Retirement Community with Rev. Cathy Rafferty officiating. Memorial contributions can be made in Elaine’s honor to Arbor Hospice or the American Heart Association. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

 

Arthur O. Fehr
Manchester, Michigan

Age 95, died Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at his home. He was born March 26, 1918 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Arthur H. and Jennie B. (Osborne) Fehr.

Arthur was a hard working dairy farmer for over thirty years. He loved his animals and was honored as Farmer of the Week from WPAG, Ann Arbor. He was a member of the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau and the Sharon United Methodist Church.

He married Gertrude A. Huesman on Oct. 11, 1941 and she survives. They celebrated 71 years together. Also surviving is a daughter, Joan (Will Wright) Schindler; and a grandson, Patrick Schindler, all of Ann Arbor. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Harold.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 15, 11 a.m. at Sharon United Methodist Church with Pastor Peter Harris officiating. A private burial will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Manchester. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Sunday 2-4 p.m. and at the church Monday 10-11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Sharon United Methodist Church or the Manchester Fire Department.

 

Connie A. Woodruff
Chelsea, MI

Age 53, passed away Monday, April 8, 2013 at home after a courageous fight with cancer, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born June 13, 1959 in Saginaw, MI, to Fred and Patricia (Schnepf) Birnbaum. On Aug. 7, 1982, she married Christopher Woodruff in Saginaw and he survives. Connie was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter and was a realtor in the Ann Arbor area for over twenty years. Connie lived life to the fullest and was a loving wife, mother, and friend to all. She was kind hearted, wrapped with energy and capable of lighting up a room with laughter.

In addition to her devoted husband Chris of 30 years, she is survived by a daughter, Emily of Lansing, a son, Lee (Amanda) of Baltimore, MD; mother, Patricia (Dick) Redifer of Freeland, MI; father, Fred (Jan) Birnbaum of Linwood, MI; one sister, Beth (Dave) Blank of Saginaw, two brothers, Mark (Suzanne) Birnbaum of Linwood and Steve (Jennifer) Birnbaum of Freeland; several nieces and nephews and her adorable sidekick, Lucy.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Thursday from 2-8 p.m. where a vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed at the new St. Joseph Church, 6805 Mast Rd., Dexter, 11 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2013 (visitation at 10 a.m.) with Fr. Brendan Walsh officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea. Contributions in her memory may be made to Arbor Hospice or St. Joseph Catholic Church. Please sign her guest book at www.ochalekstark.com.

 

 

Mildred L. Connell
Of Jackson, formerly Chelsea, Michigan

Age 99, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2013 at Heartland Health Care Center in Jackson.

She was born on Nov. 3, 1913 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Clyde and Pearl (Neff) Trombley. She loved to play the piano, crossword puzzles, travel, cook, be the neighborhood doctor and nurse, and plan their family parties.

Surviving are three children: Clyde (April) Connell of Ann Arbor, Doug (Patricia) Connell and Bruce (Amy) Connell, all of Chelsea; three sisters: Florence of Milford, June of Livonia, and Thelma of Clinton; nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; and also many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hector Connell; two brothers, Ray and Robert Trombley; one sister, Gladys Gaddey; one grandson, Michael Connell; and one great-grandson, Josh McCalla.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 3 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Cathy Freeman officiating.  Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea.  Expressions of sympathy can be made to Heartland Hospice. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 p.m. until the time of service.

 

Madonna Helen Ruhlig
Dexter, MI

Age 89, died Friday, April 5, 2013 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born June 4, 1923 in Monroe, Michigan, the daughter of Paul A. and Minnie C. (Muehleisen) Guhl.

Madonna was employed at Monroe State Savings Bank from 1940 to 1948. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Chelsea, where she was a past Sunday School Teacher and Junior Bible Class Leader. Madonna was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League since 1952 and served as Michigan President, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian. She served on several Boards and Committees of the Synodical and Michigan District Lutheran Church. Madonna was a member of the Board of Regents of Concordia College, Ann Arbor, from 1982 to 1991, and served as Vice-President and President of the Board. She was the recipient of the Christus Primus Award from Concordia College (now Concordia University) in 1975. She had previously been active in Farm Bureau Women, Washtenaw Women’s Extension, and the Republican County Committee. She was a member of the Dexter Antiquarians. Madonna enjoyed genealogy and was the family historian.

On April 17, 1948, she married Albert F. Ruhlig at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe, Michigan, and he survives. Other survivors include three sons, Mark (Marcia)Ruhlig of Sharpsville, IN, John Ruhlig of Chelsea, and David (Lori) Ruhlig of Dexter; eight grandchildren, David (Kristen), Clare, Aaron, Betsy, Brian, and Scott Ruhlig, Roman (Mila) Kisz and Kasie (Ryan) Cousino; two great-grandchildren, Hunter Ruhlig and Avery Cousino; a sister, Marian (Harold) McConnell of Monroe; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 16, 11 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Chelsea, with Rev. Dale Grimm officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel, Sunday 12:30-6 p.m. and at the church Tuesday 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Women’s Missionary League or Our Savior Lutheran Church.

 

Paul J. Craft
Whitmore Lake, MI

Age 69, died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at University of Michigan Hospital. He was born July 15, 1943 in Carey, Ohio, the son of Carl & Mary (Montgomery) Craft.

Paul graduated from Manchester High School, class of 1965. He worked for Craft Appliance as an appliance technician since he was a teenager. Paul was a volunteer fireman for Whitmore Lake. He loved fishing, roller skating, dancing and playing cards.

Survivors include a son, Steve (Sonia) Craft of Nottingham, VT; a brother, Frealin (Mary Ellen) Craft of Manchester; two sisters, Josephine (Harold) Murphy of Brighton, Letha Atkinson of Chelsea; several grandchildren; and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Paul A. Craft; two wives, Cheri Mitchell and Cathy Florida; a brother, JW Craft, a brother-in-law, Warren B. Atkinson, and his parents.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 4, 11 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with burial following at Rowe’s Corners Cemetery, Manchester. Visitation will be Wednesday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family for funeral expenses.

 

 

Francis L. Donovan
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 80, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2013 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.

He was born on Nov. 2, 1932 in Grass Lake, Michigan, the son of James and Lottie (Haas) Donovan. Francis had worked for the University of Michigan Hospital for 35 years, retiring in 1993. He was a life member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Army, and being discharged in November of 1954. He was a jack of all trades, loved music and history, and was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

On June 14, 1958, he married Constance Cassort in New York, and she preceded him in death in January of 2001. Surviving are one son, Brian (Kimberly) Donovan of Whitmore Lake; three sisters: Doris Gaynor of California, LaVonda Cameron of Wisconsin, and Charlotte DeBoe of Grass Lake; three grandchildren: Sean, Grace, and Maeve; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Ellen, and two brothers, Lyle and Ralph Donovan.

Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2013, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Parkinson Foundation or St. Mary Catholic Church. Visitation will be at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30 p.m.

 

 

Kelly Renee Howard
Of Dexter Township, Michigan

Age 37, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at her home.

She was born on April 7, 1975 in Royal Oak, Michigan, the daughter of Douglas and Shirley (Brzezinski) Brown, Jr.

She had lived in the area all of her life and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1993. She was also a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, and thoroughly enjoyed shopping, fashion, decorating, and cooking.

On Nov. 27, 1999, she married M. Eric Howard in Whitmore Lake, and he survives. Also surviving are her parents of Chelsea; one daughter, Taylor Nicole Howard (age 11); brother, Daniel Brown of Belleville; two sisters, Nikole (Kevin) Laube of Rochester Hills and Colleen (Daryl) Lohrer of Commerce Twp.; grandmother, Mary (Judson) Beckwith of Livonia; two aunts, one uncle, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Richard and Helen Brzezinski, and paternal grandfather, Douglas Brown Sr.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Dexter. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Taylor Howard’s education fund. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m.

 

Kathryn A. Staffan

Kathryn A. Staffan, a life-long resident of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at the age of 101 at the Bay Bluffs Emmet County Medical Care Facility in Harbor Springs, MI.

Kathryn was born on Jan. 2, 1912, to A.G. and Agnes (Farrell) Hindelang. Kathryn graduated from Chelsea High School in 1929 and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University.  On Nov. 28, 1932, she married George L. Staffan who preceded her in death in January 2007.

She worked by her husband’s side at the Staffan Funeral Home and taught school for 35 years, retiring from Jackson City Schools in 1970. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea and the Ladies of St. Mary, serving on many committees when it was St. Mary’s Altar Society. She was a former member of the Child Study Club and served many years as a volunteer at the Chelsea Community Hospital. She was a life-member of both the Michigan and National Education Associations.

Kathryn is survived by her son, George A. Staffan; sister, Gertrude Hindelang; sisters-in-law, Katherine Wagner and Dorothy Hindelang; daughter-in-law, Joanne Ingles; granddaughters: Susan Staffan, Kristin (Paul) Rossi, and Andrea (Christopher) Dolinsky; great-grandchildren: Forrest, Anders, and Everett Lundgren, Lucia and Jack Rossi, and Wyatt and Samuel Dolinsky; many nieces and nephews including Frederick “Fritz” (Margaret) Wagner, John Wagner, Nancy Mae Whitmire, Patricia (Frank) Woods, and Charlene (Richard) Schoeder; many cousins, including John Keusch; and special friend, Josephine Bennett. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three siblings: Victor Hindelang, Noreene Paton, and Helen Stoinski; niece, Stephanie “Sis” Kanten; and cousin, Madeleine Keusch.

Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Chelsea Community Hospital. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

 

Donald R. Young
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 84, died peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013 at the Evangelical Home in Saline. He was born Dec. 8, 1928 in Edon, Ohio, the son of Earl L. & Clara H. (Walz) Young.

Don graduated from Edon High School in 1946. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Don earned his Bachelors in Business Administration and a Bachelors in Education from Bowling Green State University. He went on to earn his Master’s in Education from Bowling Green, and did additional work at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. Don was a teacher for 33 years, most recently at Beach Middle School, retiring in 1991. He worked on numerous school committees and projects, and was an active member and Vice President of MESSA. Don belonged to Zion Lutheran Church

On Dec. 24, 1950, he married Betty E. Foust, and she survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Pat (Stanley) Parr of Manchester; two sons, John “Randy” Young of Chelsea, Thomas (Joan) Young of Canton, OH; two sisters, Donna Stickney and Gloria (Willie) Anderson; 4 grandchildren, Emily (Jeff) McHale, Zachary (Jenna) Young, Stephanie and Nicholas Young; one great-granddaughter, Aranka McHale. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lloyd, and a sister, Mary Jane Sinclair.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 2, 11 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Stanley J. Eckermann officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends Friday, 3-5 & 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or Parkinson Foundation.

 

Marjorie Ellen Rosentreter
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Age 77, died suddenly Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013 at her home in Ann Arbor. She was born March 31, 1935 in Howell, the daughter of James “Frank” & Thelma (Hecox) Burke.

Marjorie was a graduate of Ann Arbor High School. She retired as a phlebotomist after 27 years, from St. Joseph Hospital. Marjorie loved animals, enjoyed playing cards, bowling and was an avid Longaberger Basket collector. She loved to visit with family and friends. Marjorie was extremely proud of her grandsons, and great granddaughter.

Survivors include two children, Randy (Janet) Rosentreter of Chelsea, and Cindy (Bill) Seets of Clinton; their father Albert Rosentreter of Chelsea; 3 grandsons, Joel (Evelyn) Rosentreter, Kevin Rosentreter, Tim Rosentreter; a great granddaughter, Savanah Rosentreter; her aunt, Lois Hecox; a nephew and several nieces and cousins, along with many friends. Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Gordon Burke.

A memorial service will be held Monday, March 4, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Pastor Joe Jeffreys officiating. A private burial will be held at Sanford Cemetery, Cohoctah, Michigan at a later date. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2-6 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association.

 

Frederick Stinnett, Jr.
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 87, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born on Aug. 23, 1925 in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Fred and Anna Mae (Holiday) Stinnett. On April 13, 1956 he married Glenda Doreen Ebert in Jackson, MI.

He had lived in the area since the 1960s, coming from Dearborn, and had worked for the Ford Motor Company for 30 years, retiring in 1980. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Argery Mae Rowe.

A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery in Waterloo Twp. with Rev. Cathy Rafferty officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the United Methodist Retirement Communities Heritage Foundation. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

 

Raymond Paul Chlebek
Of Dexter, Michigan

Age 67, passed peacefully on Monday, Feb.25, 2013 at his home in Dexter.

Ray was born on May 29, 1945, in Uniontown, PA to Anna and Stanley W. Chlebek. He was a beloved husband to Cathy, loving father and father-in-law to Jennifer and Robert (Bob) Flisher, and proud, dedicated grandfather of Chasen and Alexander (Xan) Flisher. He was the brother of Stanley, Edward, Thomas, Vincent, and Theresa. He is preceded in death by both parents and a brother, Henry.

Ray was an industrial arts teacher at Monroe Public Schools for 33 years until he retired in 2002. He was passionate about sports, coaching football, community activism, and most importantly, family. He was a member of the Dexter Lions Club.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. A memorial gathering will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Dexter Lions Club.

 

 

Robert “Bob” Alan Salyer
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 60, died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at his home. He was born Feb. 5, 1953 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Role Salyer Jr. and Roma Jean (Vaughn) Salyer.

Bob graduated from Chelsea High School in 1971, where he excelled in sports and music. After graduation, he was in the US Army, serving in Germany. Bob attended Washtenaw Community College, worked for Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea during the 80s, and later went into sales, working as a Sales Manager for Harley-Davidson. He coached and played softball in many leagues, and was a member of the American Legion Post 31. He enjoyed riding his Harley, traveling to warm beaches, and he loved to grill and entertain.

On May 15, 1993, he married Martha Kay Ewald in Chelsea, Michigan, and she survives. Other survivors include his children, Brett (Mike Jones) Salyer of Alameda, CA, Sarah (Tim) VanSchoick of Chelsea, Gregory McKeighan of Brooklyn, NY; his sisters, Wanda (Don) Koengeter of Chelsea, Brenda (Annette Tector) Salyer of East Hampton, MA; and his brothers, Rodney (Ann) Salyer of Chelsea, Howard (Patricia) Salyer of Salem, OR, and Mike (Adi) Sullivan of Rockford, IL; many nieces & nephews; aunts & uncles, numerous cousins; and many loving friends who have assisted during Bob’s illness.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 27, 11 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Ann Salyer officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, with military honors by American Legion Post 31.

The family will receive friends Tuesday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Hospice, 900 Cooper St, Jackson, MI 49202 or American Legion Post 31, PO Box 293, Chelsea, MI 48118.

 

Bethke, Helen Vantika (Rayment)
Of Chelsea, formerly of Ann Arbor, Michigan

Age 103, Helen went to live in Heaven with her Lord on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013. She was born to William and Minnie Rayment on April 8, 1909, in Ann Arbor, where she lived her entire life. She grew up on Gott Street, spending her youth ice-skating at West Park and watching her four brothers play ball there. She worked at King Seeley and Argus in her younger days, and was a full-time homemaker after her marriage to Emil.

On Aug. 31, 1930, Helen married Emil Carl Bethke, and after 64 years of marriage, he preceded her in death in June of 1995. They built their Sears kit home in 1931, and raised their children in that old West Side home on Koch Street. They loved to camp and trailer in Northern Michigan. Living so close to the stadium, parking cars on football Saturdays was a favorite fall event at their house.
Helen was a lifetime member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ  where she taught Sunday School for years, was a member of the Auxiliary Group and Bible Study. She was an avid Wednesday night bowler, Girl Scout leader at Bach School and worked the voting polls at Angle School for many years.

Helen enjoyed traveling to Frankenmuth and Lake Columbia to watch the water activities and wildlife.  She loved family reunions, visiting with her friends at Tiara Beauty Shop, receiving cards from traveling friends.  Most recently, Helen enjoyed her new friends and the wonderful staff at Silver Maples in Chelsea. Many thanks to the staff, aids, and dining room helpers at Silver Maples.

They had three children:  Bill (Nancy), Nancie (Gary) Dresselhouse, and Judi (Jack) Erwin. Also surviving are six wonderful grandchildren, Bob (Carlin) Dresselhouse, Becky (Bob) Nauss, Carrie (Jay) Barosso, Jenny (J.C.) Campbell, Brad Erwin and Derek Erwin;  12 great-grandchildren, Andy (Amanda) Dresselhouse, Danny Dresselhouse, Courtney and Alex Bertoia, Morgen and Erik Barosso, Spencer and Blake Campbell, Tyler Erwin and Kaelyn Erwin. She has many loving nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Lois Bethke Brown, who was a part of Helen’s household and spent vacations at Otsego Lake in Gaylord with the family. Helen was preceded in death by all her siblings,  Percy (Edna), Merrill (Vie), Donald (Marge), Thurlow (Betty, sister-in-law survives), Estella (Hazen ) Figg, Nettie (Gunnell) Parks and Mable (Joseph) O’Donnell.

At Helen’s request, cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held.  Donations in Helen’s memory may be sent to the Sunday School Fund at Bethlehem United Church of Christ. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

 

Brett Allen Martzolff
Of Ypsilanti, formerly Dexter, Michigan

Age 54, passed away on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. He was born on March 30, 1958 in Detroit, MI, the son of Sturrel and Joyce (Lavasseur) Martzolff.

Brett grew up in Dexter and loved to be outdoors, especially fishing and working on cars. He also enjoyed Nascar and University of Michigan football.

Survivors include four sons: Jeremy Allen Martzolff of Ludington, Joshua Allen Martzolff of Manistee, Samuel Allen Martzolff of Ludington, Matthew Allen Martzolff of Ann Arbor, and partner Jane Elliott of Ypsilanti; his grandchildren: Krystal Mari, Scylla Kye, and Alixandir Allen; his father; and his brother, Norman (Karen) Martzolff of Dexter. He was preceded in death by his mother and his brother John Emerson.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Monday, Feb. 18, 2013 from 11-1 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

 

Virgil Leon Clark
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 78, died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 at his home. He was born April 24, 1934 in Lyndon Township, the son of Carroll E. and Loretta (Slane) Clark.

Virgil graduated from Chelsea High School with the class of 1953. He worked at Rockwell International in Chelsea. Later he owned Virgil Clark Construction.

On Nov. 19, 1966, Virgil married Gail Lynn Tengman in Grass Lake, and she survives. Other survivors include their two sons, Clayton (Jessica) Clark of Gregory, and James (Kristin) Clark of Stockbridge; children from his previous marriage, Phyllis Vasas of Jackson, Richard Clark of Chelsea, Elizabeth Turner of Whitmore Lake, Anthony (Paula) Clark of Chelsea; three brothers, Carroll (Linda) Clark Jr., Myron (Ruby) Clark, and Fred Clark; a brother-in-law, Ray Peebles; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Donna Jean Peebles.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. A private burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea.

The family will receive friends Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association.

 

Maryjane Alice Buck
of Dexter, Michigan

Age 92, passed away on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 at the Arbor Hospice Residence in Ann Arbor.

She was born on June 5, 1920 in Grayling, Michigan, the daughter of Augusto G. and Ardis C. (Wilburt) Wendt. She had lived in the area since 1979, moving from Dearborn. She enjoyed working on rug looms, sewing, needlepoint, candy making, and playing the organ and piano.

She married Merril F. Buck on Feb. 14, 1943. She is survived by two children, Patricia A. (David) Pieper of Texas and Charles M. Buck of Florida; her siblings: Richard Wendt, George Wendt, William Wendt, Karl Wendt, and Gwen Smith; and many grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and a handful of great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Duym, and her sisters Betty Priebe, Jan Morrison, Pat Miller, and Barbara Conway.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 at 11 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Private interment will be held in Grayling at a later date. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, Ann Arbor.

 

 

 

Sharon Elizabeth Roehm
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 66, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 at her home. She was born Sept. 22, 1946 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Norman & Cassie (Rowland) MacLeod.

Sharon graduated from Manchester High School in 1964.  She retired from Thompson Reuters in 2011.  Sharon was a member of Bethel United Church of Christ, Manchester.

On Aug. 17, 1968, she married David N. Roehm in Manchester, and he survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Tracy (Richard) Slater of Manchester, Tara (Dave) Stone of West Bloomfield; a brother, Norm (Linda) MacLeod of Jacksonville, FL; three grandchildren, Sophia, Noah, Braedon Stone; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m. at Bethel United Church of Christ, Manchester, with Rev. David Bucholtz officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery, Manchester. The family will receive friends Friday from noon until the time of the funeral. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Brian Carl Koch
Chelsea, Michigan

Brian, age 55, passed away on Thursday Feb. 7, 2013 at the University of Michigan Hospital.

He was born on Oct. 19, 1957 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Carl and Janice (Mannlien) Koch.  Graduating in 1975 from Dexter, Brian moved to Chelsea in 1981 where he was employed at the Chelsea Proving Grounds. During his 30 years, he was Stewart of the Local UAW 1284 for several years.  He also had his business, Brian Koch Heating & Cooling, loved farming, tractors and showing sheep with his kids.

On June 26, 1982, he married LuAnn Strieter and she survives. Also surviving are his mother of Pinckney, his father of Dexter, five children: Christie (Joe) Combs of Minn., Tara (Jeff Knirk) Koch of Coldwater, Melissa (Andy) Vainner of Grass Lake, Jeff Koch of Chelsea and Amanda Koch of Brookings, SD;  siblings, Gary (Debbie) Koch, Mike (Trish O’Brien) Koch, Susan Koch all of Dexter, Nancy (David) Broxholm of Pinckney, and Amy (Brett) Bishop of Nebraska; a sister-in-law Sally Strieter of Chelsea; three grandchildren  Joey, Allison, and Clint; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday from 2-6 p.m. Private burial will take place at a later date. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Clint Brian Vainner Educational Fund.

 

Bertha “Betty” Louise Schultz
Dexter, MI

Age 101, died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 in her home with her family at her side. She was born Oct. 22, 1911 in Grape, Michigan (in Monroe County), the daughter of Friedrich & Louise Augusta (Fischer) Colvia.

Betty has lived in Dexter since 1946, coming from Detroit. She was the Mid-Michigan Circuit Secretary for the Lutheran Women’s Mission Society. As an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, Betty mailed cards to church visitors, and sent birthday cards and letters to church members.

On Oct. 26, 1929, she married Brenton W. Schultz in Taylor, Michigan, and he preceded her in death on March 22, 1986. Survivors include a son, Brenton (Marcella) Schultz of Petoskey; a daughter, Marielayne Tenpenny (Raymond) Newell of Dexter; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great grandchildren; and several nieces & nephews. In addition to her husband, Betty was preceded in death by Brenton Jr.’s twin, Robert; and grandson, Jessie; and three sisters, Elva Johnsen, Clara Ferry, and Elma Dove.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 9575 N Territorial Road, Dexter, with Rev. Mark Porinsky officiating. Burial will be at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor.

The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Friday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. and at the church Saturday 9:30-10 am.  Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church.

 

Verglinda Stephens-Hoppe
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 88, passed away on Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on Jan. 19, 1925 in Salyersville, Kentucky, the daughter of Kern and Willie (Bailey) Patrick. On July 19, 1941 she married Charles William Stephens and he preceded her in death on June 28, 1996.

Verglinda had lived in the area since 1946, coming from Prestonsburg, Kentucky, and was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Chelsea. She enjoyed quilting, reading, canning, and spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving are three daughters: Glinda Katheryn (Charles) Kocsis of Texas, Janice (Robert) Taylor of Chelsea, and Joyce Policht of Chelsea; one step-son, Danny Hoppe of Saline; seven grandchildren: James Policht, Scott Policht, Stephen Dault, Sheryl Lancaster, Susan Rodriguez, Stacie (Roger) Manning, and Elizabeth (Jamie) Curran; eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Cassie Allen of Prestonsburg; her sister-in-law, Nola Stumbo of Prestonsburg; and several special nieces and nephews.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; two infant great-grandchildren, Jack and Curran, and one great-granddaughter, Kayanna Jeanes; her siblings: Edgar Patrick, Norvell Patrick, Alta Patton, Lucy McElone, Virgie Harrety, Edith Smith, an infant brother, and an infant sister; a son-in-law, Brian Policht; and her second husband, Douglas Clifford Hoppe.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Adam Summers and Pastor Jack Story co-officiating.  Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Hymn Sing at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.  Expressions of sympathy may be made to Faith Baptist Church, Chelsea.

 

 

 

Geraldine “Gerry” C. Blackwell

Age 82, of Jasper, Alabama, formerly of Chelsea, Michigan, died on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at her home.

She was born on June 26, 1930, in Nauvoo, Alabama, the daughter of Clarence and Nellie Gilbreath Cheatham. Her siblings were Clara Nell (Ray Henson), Imogene (Owen Glass), Carl (Faynell), Charles (Maud), Ramona (Clifford Cain), Sylvia “Faye” (Ferrell Keeton), and Dwight (Dorothy).

Gerry lived in Chelsea, Michigan most of her adult life. She worked at University Microfilms as she raised her children, Sherry Anda Baibak (Donald) of Chelsea, MI, Larry Richard (Marie) of Florida, Donna Ann Rodriguez (Randy) of Westland, MI and Pamela Kay Browning (Rocky) of Jasper, AL.

She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Chelsea. After retirement, she volunteered for the Chelsea Community Hospital Auxiliary for many years before moving back to Alabama.

Gerry was the mother of four children, 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Andy; son-in-law Randy; grandson Matthew; great-granddaughter McKenzie; sister Ramona; and brothers Charles, Carl, and Dwight.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 from 1-2 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel with a brief memorial service at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Vermont Cemetery at a date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea First United Methodist Church, 128 Park St., Chelsea, MI 48118.

 

 

John Rudolf Peyser
Ann Arbor, MI

Age 89, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 in Chelsea, Michigan. He was born Aug. 18, 1923 in Eschwege, Germany, the son of Otto & Antonie (Martin) Peyser.

John moved to the United States in 1936, and served in Japan in the US Army during World War II.  He graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Pharmaceutical Science.  John worked as a pharmacist at St. Joseph Mercy in Hamtramck. He loved music, nature, canoeing, hiking, painting, and was a voracious reader.  He traveled throughout the world throughout his lifetime.  He enjoyed living in downtown Ann Arbor for the last 20 years, and attended many lectures, especially enjoying the ones about philosophy and science research.  He enjoyed many live classical music performances there.

Survivors include a son, Mike (Tina) Peyser of Hoffman Estates, IL; three daughters, Lisa (Dave Buckley) Peyser of Waterford, Ruth (Curt) Walker of Rochester Hills, Anita (Pete) Kapelke of Chelsea; a sister Gabrielle (Hellmuth) Kornmueller of Sault Ste Marie; 7 grandchildren, Dylan Buckley, Aaron & Elise Walker, Keaton & Kyla Peyser, Hugo & Tess Kapelke.

A private graveside service was held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.  Memorial contributions may be made to Detroit Symphony Orchestra. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

 

Thomas C. Palmer
Bellevue, MI, formerly of Dexter, MI

Age 60, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at his home in Bellevue, Michigan. He was born May 22, 1952 in Ann Arbor, the son of Thomas H. & Kathleen R. (Crosby) Palmer.

He was a piano tuner & pianist, who also enjoyed playing the guitar.

Thomas is survived by two brothers; William John (Sandra) Palmer of Grass Lake, and Sean Rieno Palmer of Michigan Center. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Kelly Thomas; and a sister, Elizabeth Helen.

A private burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Dexter at a later date. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Bertha M. Clemons     

Bertha M. Clemons, age 87 years, of Wauseon, passed away Monday morning, Jan. 28, 2013, at the University of Toledo Medical Center. She was born July 15, 1925 at Liberty Center, the daughter of Carl and Helen (Corwin) Kruger. She married Roy Clemons on Aug. 24, 1946 and he preceded her in death on May 1, 2010.

A resident of the Wauseon area since 1999, she was a homemaker. She enjoyed her family, flowers and listening to music. She was a member of the Eagles Point Worship Center in Wauseon, and the Gideons International Auxiliary.

She is survived by six children, Rebecca (Gary) Tuttle of Adrian, MI, Vickie (Ernest) Hinderer of Chelsea, MI, Tonya Short of Grand Ledge, MI, Rev. Charles Clemons of Ypsilanti, MI, Thomas (Patricia) Clemons of Chelsea, MI, and Charity (Keith) Frank of Saline, MI; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one brother, Charles Kruger; and two sisters, Betty Snyder, and Lois Newcomer.

Services will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at Eagles Point Worship Center located at 1075-3 North Shoop Ave. in Wauseon, with Pastors Michael Lulfs assisted by Chuck Clemons officiating.

Interment will be at 2 p.m. on Friday at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, MI. Friends may call at Eagles Point Worship Center from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday. The family suggests that memorials be given to Eagles Point Worship Center.

 

Junie Carpenter

Of Jackson, Michigan

Age 93, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013 at home surrounded by her family.

She was born on Sept. 11, 1919 in Salyersville, Kentucky, the daughter of Sam and Fannie (Minix) Salyer. In March 1939, she married Zephyr Carpenter in Salyersville and he preceded her in death in April 1977.

Junie was an excellent cook, enjoyed candies and baking, and she never had to measure her ingredients; she will be especially remembered for her corn bread and beans.  Most of all, she was a loving mother to her children and grandchildren.

Surviving are nine children: Dennis R. (Barbara) Carpenter of Daytona Beach, FL, Sam (Ramona) Carpenter of Harrison, AR, Jimmie (Cathy) Carpenter of Dansville, Vickie (Randy) McClelland of Pampa, TX, Helbert Lynn Carpenter of Clearwater, FL, Joyace Ann Carpenter of Ann Arbor, Jerry Lee (Kathy) Carpenter of Sarasota, FL, Kathy (Ben) Kincer of Grass Lake, and Doug Carpenter of Jackson; many grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.  She was also preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Carpenter.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Paul Arnold officiating.  Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

 

Arlene Louise West
Of Ypsilanti, formerly Sylvan Twp., Michigan

Age 89, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor.

She was born on Aug. 5, 1923 in Sylvan Township, the daughter of Fred and Louise (Straub) Hafley. Arlene graduated from Chelsea High School. On Nov. 29, 1947, she married J.D. West at St. Paul Lutheran Church. He preceded her in death in 1985.

Arlene worked for the Huron Valley Child Guidance Clinic in Ypsilanti for 46 years. She also worked for the Ypsilanti Thrift Shop and was a former member of the Ypsilanti Business and Professional Women’s Club. She also liked to volunteer at Zion Lutheran Church.

Surviving are one son, James West of Dexter, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one sister-in-law, Bernadine Hafley of Chelsea. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Meryl Hafley, Pearl Hartman, Veryl “Tobe” Hafley, Glenn Hafley, Don Hafley, Duane Hafley, and Earl Hafley.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at 11 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Sylvan Township. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Joseph Mercy Health Care Systems.

 

Richard “Dick” L. Davis
Dexter, MI

Age 68, died peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013.  He was born Sept. 1, 1944 in Park Rapids, MN, the son of Leroy “Jack” & Lucille (Mackey) Davis.

On Aug. 25, 1961, he married Joy M. Hazard, and she preceded him in death on Aug. 14, 2012.

Dick went to work for Ford Motor Company in 1962.  After becoming a Tool & Die Journeyman and obtaining a degree in Engineering, he left Ford in 1971 to pursue a career as a Design & Sales Engineer representing tool manufacturers to Ford.  He started Davis Equipment Co., Inc. in 1981 and worked independently until he retired in 1992.  He was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Society of Carbide Engineers, and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Dick enjoyed NASCAR Racing, U of M football, and entertaining his customers, colleagues & friends.

He was also preceded in death by his Father, Leroy “Jack” Davis in 1985, his brother, Maynard Davis in 1987, and his son, Rick Davis in 2008.  Survivors include two daughters, Rhonda (Phillip) Miller and Helen Hergott; two grandchildren, Mitchell Granet and Jillian (Bill) Poteracki; his Mother, Lucille Davis; two brothers, Michael (Sue) Davis, Milton (Kay) Davis; and one sister, Marilyn (Mark) Parraghi.

A memorial service will be held Jan. 30, 2013, 4 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. Family will begin receiving guests at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Arbor Hospice.

 

 

Roy “Mike” Cupps
Gregory, MI, formerly of Garden City

Age 62, died peacefully Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013 at his home with his loving wife by his side. He was born Nov. 6, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Eugene Stanley & Joan Rita (Lane) Cupps.

Mike graduated from Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights. He served as an aircraft mechanic in the US Naval Reserves. Mike worked for CSX Railroad as a conductor until May 2009. He volunteered with the Shriners. He loved gardening, fishing, cooking and baking, and he worked on cars and motorcycles.

Survivors include his wife, Janice Marie (Kochanowski) Cupps; his mother, Joan Rantala; a son, Michael Ryan Slavens of Milford; three daughters, Shelly (Jeffrey) Hayes of Gregory, Christine Cupps of Gregory, April Cupps of Novi; a brother, Geoffrey Rantala of Carleton; 4 grandchildren, Danielle Hood, Christopher Gordenier, Drew & Jon Hayes, and a grandson expected in May.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Rick Cupps and David Cupps, and his father.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, 3 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Suzanne Walls officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1-3:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

 

Joesph Martin Merkel
of Chelsea, MI

Age 66 passed away at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital on Jan. 18, 2013. He was born the son of Joseph E. and Betty M. (Smith) Merkel Sr. on Sept. 21, 1946.

After attending Junior High School in Chelsea his family moved to Owosso where Joe attended high school and met his wife Judy V. Pazzi. Joe and Judy were married at St. Paul Catholic Church in Owosso on May 14, 1966.

Joe was a member of the National Guard and served with the 146 Military Police Company for six years and was activated for the Detroit Riots. In 1968, he purchased the Wolverine Food and Spirits Restaurant. Joe enjoyed hunting and fishing, going to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He was always willing to help, he served as a Knight of Columbus, a member of the Fair Board, Police Commissioner, Construction Captain for Timber Town, Village Council, American Legion, Citizen of the year in 1996. Joe was a long-time member of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club, a committee member of Fallen Heroes, and received a citizenship award from St. Louis Center in 2000 and received recognition from D.A.R.E. for contributions and support. Family was most important to Joe especially his six grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Judy, Joe is survived by his father Joseph E. Merkel Sr. of Owosso, his children Joseph A. (Tina) Merkel of Chelsea, Michael (Michelle) Merkel of Canton and Christina (Jason) Scripter of Chelsea. Also surviving are his grandchildren Nicholas, Lauren, Elise, Branden, Ava and Landon, as well as his siblings Sharol Haskins of Owosso, Mark (Mary) Merkel of Commerce Twp. and Lisa (Jack) Phillips of Bath Twp. Joe was preceded in death by his mother Betty M. Merkel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 from St. Mary Catholic Church at 11 a.m. with The Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating.  The family will receive friends at the Staffan Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or the St. Louis Center.

 

 

Clifford Henry Peterson
Grass Lake, MI

Age 94, died Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 at Chelsea Community Hospital. He was born Nov. 7, 1918 in Waterloo Township, Michigan, the son of Nelson C. & Rhoana M. (Ortbring) Peterson.

Cliff has lived in Grass Lake all of his life. He was a WWII Navy Veteran who served in the Pacific. Cliff attended Salem Grove United Methodist Church. He was a member for many years of the Michigan Steam Engine & Threshers Club, was a founding member & Secretary/Treasurer of Charlton Park Antique Engine Club, and a founding member of the Alpena Tractor & Steam Engine Club.  Cliff had helped many, many people with building & re-building engines, model oil pulls (pup) and other projects. He was a tool & die maker in New Jersey with Rockwell from 1950-1957, retiring from Manchester Stamping in 1980.

On June 1, 1940, he married Marcella “Sally” Catherine Schultz at Salem Grove Methodist parsonage, and she preceded him in death on Jan. 2, 2000. Survivors include one sister, Elsie (Rudolph) Rohde of Grass Lake; 3 nephews, Donald (Donna) Rohde, Randy (Becky) Rohde, Ronald Peterson; 2 nieces, Vivian (Lee) Boobier, Dee (Darren) Heltahidel ; a special grand-nephew, Tim (Katie) Rohde; and many great-nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was preceded in death by three brothers, Donald, Norman, & Raymond.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 21, 1:30 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Carolyn Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Waterloo, Michigan. The family will receive friends Sunday 1-6 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Grove United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.

 

Lester Ernest Miller
Of Holly, Michigan
Formerly of Ann Arbor, St. Helen, and Chelsea, MI

Age 95, passed away at Wynwood of Grand Blanc, Senior Living on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013. He was born the son of Ernest and Marie (Goldner) Miller on Aug. 25, 1917, in Detroit, MI. He graduated from Southwestern High School in 1937. He worked with his good friend, Gene Butman, at Bob Ford in Dearborn for several years, and again in 1963, retiring as General Manager of Gene Butman Ford, Inc., Ypsilanti, in 1982.

He took great pleasure in playing golf and he was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. He also enjoyed playing cards, Wii bowling, reading, and dining with his friends, but he would give up any of those activities if the Tigers were playing. Lester was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd and 4th degree in Roscommon County, Michigan. Most of all, Lester loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children: Claudia (Roger) Day of The Villages, FL, Sandra (Michael) Glance of Anaheim, CA, Bill (Maggie) Miller of Fenton, MI, and Pam (Paul) Mazmanian of Crozier, VA, as well as eleven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Les was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Evelyn Grace Miller; son, Matthew (Duke) Miller OSB; grandson, Soren Miller; and great-granddaughter, Jennifer Young.

Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Visitation will be at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

 

 

Norman Harold Bauer
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 79, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at his home. He was born Feb. 2, 1933 in Chelsea, the son of George F. & Ruby M. (Hadley) Bauer Jr.

Norm was a member of the Chelsea High School class of 1953.  While at CHS, he placed 4th in the state in the 440 yard dash. Norm served in the US Air Force in Korea. He owned Norm’s Body Shop for many years. Norm was a member of the Chelsea Police Auxiliary, Chelsea Kiwanis Club, and Chelsea Rod & Gun Club. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, where he served on the Church Council and sang in the choir. Norm was an avid supporter of Chelsea athletics and music. He was a founding member of Chelsea Area Players and the Purple Rose Theatre. Norm was a farmer all of his life, and was the 3rd generation on his homestead.

On May 18, 1957, he married Gail Provance in Chelsea, and she survives. Other survivors include two sons, Dennis (Susan) of Chelsea, Bartley (Alisa) of Chelsea, a daughter, Gayla (Tor) Bauer Blaisdell of Ellensburg, WA; three brothers, Walter (Jayne), Robert (Mary), Donald (Lelia); one sister, Barbara (Charley) Fredette; he was “Granddad” to 7 grandchildren, Darl (Carly) Bauer, Cal Bauer, Adam Bauer, Devyn Bauer, Nathan Bauer, Tristan Blaisdell, Lydia Blaisdell; and many extended family members.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 21, 11 a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Chelsea, with Pastor Jim Coyl officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, and Monday 10-11 a.m. at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to St Paul United Church of Christ or the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

 

Viola Estella Lundell
Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Saline, Southfield, and Detroit

Age 87, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born Feb. 1, 1925 in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Robert & Bertha (Emmenheiser) Richter.

Viola attended Highland Park Baptist Church in Southfield, and Grace Bible Church in Ann Arbor. She was a Registered Nurse, earning her degree from Henry Ford, working with the Dearborn Public Schools, as a school nurse. She earned a Master’s Degree from U of M.

On Aug. 14, 1948, she married James G. Lundell, in Detroit, Michigan. James preceded her in death on Nov. 30, 2004.  Survivors include three children, Paul James (Ilene) Lundell of Okemos, Mark Lundell of Chicago, IL, and Esther (Derek) Hitchcock of Jackson, and Jean Hodgson Lundell; 9 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.  She was also preceded in death by a son, Timothy Robert Lundell.

Viola was a loving, devoted mother, grandmother, wife and avid Christian. She devoted her love to the care of others, as a nurse, a Sunday school teacher, and Bible study leader. She attended her children’s, and grand children’s activities, sport events, and performances. She worked many a summer as a camp nurse for each of her children’s summer camp experiences. She had an interest in music and encouraged her children and grandchildren to follow their musical interests.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Jan. 27, 2 p.m. at Chelsea Retirement Community, with Rev. Cathy Rafferty officiating. Burial will be at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Samuel Lee Hoover
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 61, died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013 in his home. He was born June 10, 1951 in Stockbridge, Michigan, the son of Warren M. & Anna (VanBlaircum) Hoover.

Sam graduated from Chelsea High School in 1969. He worked for Dana Corp. for many years. Later he worked for Bookcrafters, and more recently, Polly’s in Chelsea. Sam was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea. He was a member of the Chelsea Rod & Gun Club.

Survivors include a daughter, Kym Parker of Jackson; a son, Eric (Carissa) Hoover of Jackson; 7 grandchildren, Kyle & Skylar, Caleb, Cody, Kaitlyn, Audrey, & Jeremy; two brothers, Bruce Hoover of Sumpter, OR, Daniel (Janet) Hoover of Chelsea; two sisters, Jaqueline (Roy) Wentz of Chelsea, Elizabeth Kalmbach of Chelsea; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea with pastors Stanley Eckermann and John Morris officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday 3-7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

 

 

Keith Eric Bragg

At age 51, Keith Eric Bragg passed away Friday, Jan. 11, 2013 at his home.

He was born on Nov. 7, 1961 in Ypsilanti, MI, the son of Dennis and Rosie (Dulin) Bragg. Keith lived in the area of Chelsea  for the last 12 years and owned and operated K E B Inc. /AACHEN Auto in Ypsilanti.

Keith enjoyed water skiing, collecting monopoly games, cuckoo clocks, hunting, building and working on cars, raising German Shepherds, and spending time with family and friends.

On June 30, 2007 he married Dawn M. Terrazas. They had been together 21 years, and she survives; also surviving are their five children, Tomasa (Wesley) Baldwin of Ann Arbor, Eric 18, Killian 14, Leif 12, and Kyle Emm 11; his mother Rosie Williamson of Ypsilanti, one brother, Danny (Diane) Bragg of Saline, one sister Sheila (Bill) Dorsey of Mississippi; and one granddaughter, Izabella Baldwin; also several aunts and uncles, and several nieces and nephews as well.

He was preceded in death by his father Dennis Bragg, a baby brother Tracy Bragg, his sister Cherie Ray, his granddaughter Payge, as well as two infant children.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at 1 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Donald R. Viers officiating. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Bragg Children’s Educational Fund. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. and also on Thursday from noon until the time of service.

 

Kenneth Ryan Patrick
Jackson, Michigan

Age 49, died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 at his home. He was born March 14, 1963 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Bishop Russell & Lou Jean (Eastep) Patrick.

Kenneth attended Chelsea High School. He worked in landscaping with his brother Lanny. Kenneth enjoyed computers and the CB Radio.

Survivors include a son, Keith Patrick of Napoleon; 3 daughters, Angela (Joe) Shankland of Jackson, Heather (Greg) Bird of Columbia, Missouri, Karlee Patrick of Napoleon; 2 grandchildren, Morgan and Mollie; a sister Judith (Tim) Ehnis of Grass Lake; a brother Lanny (Kathie) Patrick of Manchester; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends Friday, Jan. 11, from 6-8 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel. A private burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

 

 

Gladys Spike
Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ypsilanti

Age 96, died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born Dec. 13, 1916 in Knox County, Kentucky, the daughter of Henry & Minnie (Tye) Young.

Gladys moved from Kentucky to Ann Arbor in 1937. She lived her entire married life in Ypsilanti until she moved to the Chelsea Retirement Community in 2007. She graduated from Willow Run High School in 1969, earned an Associate’s Degree from Washtenaw Community College, then attended the University of Michigan. She was a charter member of Forest Avenue Baptist Church in Ypsilanti.

She married G. Wayne Spike in 1941, who preceded her in death in May of 1998. Survivors include a daughter, Ruth (Mark) Theobald of Bloomfield Hills; three sons, Rev. Daniel Spike of Algonquin, IL, Fred (Karen) Spike of Wilmington, NC, Paul (Susan) Spike of Ypsilanti; 6 grandchildren, Paul Bell, Kathie (Darryl) Turner, Scott (Martha) Spike, Jess (Nan) Spike, Rachel Spike, and Ben (Kristen) Spike; and; 7 great-grandchildren, Preston & Julian Spike, Nathaniel &  Joanna Turner,  Otis & Nevis Spike, and Elijah Spike; and many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, Embie Fore; a daughter, Dr. Mary Elizabeth “Skippy” Bell, one sister, and 4 brothers.

A private graveside service was held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea.  A private memorial service will be held in the Spring.  Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Retirement Community, 801 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118 or Reading Is Fundamental, Attn: Development Department, P.O. Box 33728, Washington, DC 20033. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

William A. Maier
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 80, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013 at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson.

He was born Sept. 16, 1932 in Ann Arbor, MI the son of Walter and Elizabeth (Benz) Maier. On July 23, 1967, he married Minnie E. Moss, and she survives. He worked as an electrician for Local Union 252 in Ann Arbor for 44 years, retiring in 1994. He loved to duck hunt, deer hunt, and steelhead and salmon fishing as well.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children: Ross (Corrine) Maier of Chelsea, Robert (Cheri) Maier of Virginia, Richard (Delores) Maier of North Carolina, Randall (Jodee) Maier of Westland, and Ronald (Kay) Maier of North Carolina; one sister Margaret (Larry) Hough of California; also fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Jan. 11, 2013 at 10 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Legacy Assisted Living.

 

Ruth Louise Bristle
Of Dowagiac, formerly of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 84, passed away on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 at the Timbers of Cass County in Dowagiac.

She was born on Dec. 19, 1928 in Grass Lake Twp., the daughter of Walter and Norma (Sluyter) Schittenhelm. On Sept. 2, 1949, she married Leroy E. Bristle in Chelsea and he preceded her in death on May 9, 2003.

Ruth had resided in the Dowagiac area since February 2003 and was also a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea. She enjoyed cooking, canning, and baking.

Surviving are three children: Elaine (Ronald) Falcone of Beavercreek, OH, Eileen (Charles) Rubino of Dowagiac, and Ernest (Karren) Bristle of Royal Oak; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two siblings, John (Ramona) Skittenhelm and Mary (Robert) Bauer, both of Chelsea.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Chelsea with Pastor Stanley J. Eckermann officiating.  Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the church.

 

Emerson Arthur “Skip” Wheeler
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 77, passed away on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 at the Foundation Park Alzheimers Care Center in Toledo, OH.

He was born on March 15, 1935 in Dexter, MI, the son of Harold and Agnes (Bell) Wheeler.  On Oct. 29, 1960, he married Eva K. Trinkle in Chelsea. Skip had lived in the area his entire life, was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, and had worked for the Washtenaw County Road Commission for over 40 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and taking rides with his friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter-in-law, Viola (Doug) Sherman of Chelsea; granddaughter, Cindy Wheeler; sister, Betty Hough of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his son, Leon Wheeler, and two sisters, Lorine Ellenwood and Mary Ann Eder.

Mass will be held on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea. Private interment will take place at a later date at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.  Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Heartland Hospice.

 

Winchell Robert Faucett
of Chelsea, MI, formerly of India and Naperville, Illinois

Age 105, died Nov. 21, 2012 at Chelsea Retirement Community after moving there several weeks ago from Naperville, Illinois to be close to his loving sister, Evelyn Faucett, his nephew Robert Holmes and his “honorary” niece Sara Holmes. At his 100th birthday party on Nov. 16, 2007 Winchell informed everyone that his next goal was 105, and to everyone’s joy he made it!

Winchell was a citizen of the world and like all members of his family had a deep appreciation for diverse international cultures and peoples. He was born in Bareilly, India to Robert Isaac Faucett and Myrtle (Bare) Faucett. Winchell’s parents and grandparents were Methodist Missionaries in India over a period of many decades. He attended grammar school and high school at Philander Smith College in the hill station of Naini Tal, India.

Winchell was a true son of India. As a boy, he had to shake his shoes before putting them on to dislodge any poisonous scorpions or snakes. Homes where the family lived often had King Cobras in the years and sometimes inside the house. Leopards roamed in the surrounding jungle and sometimes in the yard as well. In his early teenage years, he hunted in the jungle with his younger brother, Leonard, and once swam (unknowingly) across a crocodile infested river. He survived many serious tropical diseases in his early life with the result that he had an amazingly strong immune system. He was fluent throughout his life in Hindustani and various Indian dialects.

Winchell graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa where he met his future wife, Velma Day. After graduation from college, Winchell worked for Firestone in Burma. Velma, who had never been out of Iowa, subsequently traveled 30 days by ship with Winchell’s older sister, Marguerite, to Rangoon where she and Winchell were married by his father. The couple honeymooned on the “Road to Mandalay.” After working and living in Burma and India for a time, Winchell and Velma moved back to the United States where he had a 35-year career as an executive with the Brunswick Corporation.

Winchell was an avid photographer and he loved to cook Indian cuisine and eat in Indian restaurants.

He was President of Mill Crossing Condominium Association in Naperville, Illinois until he was 95 years old and was also an active member of the hunger committee at Community United Methodist Church where he and Velma were members since 1976. He regularly drove his car which was heavily laden with food from Naperville to food pantries in Chicago until his mid-90s.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Velma; their daughter, Susan, his sister Marguerite Faucett Holmes and his brother Leonard Faucett. Winchell is survived by his sister, Evelyn Faucett, who moved in May to Chelsea, Michigan from Madison, Tennessee. He is also survived by nieces Ellen Faucett, Deb Faucett, and Nancy Casey and nephew Ben Feldt. He is also survived by a nephew Robert and Sara Holmes, their daughter, Elizabeth Spaulding and their son, Charles Homes. He was also the great-great-uncle to Abby Spaulding and Sophie, Will, and Ingrid Holmes.

The family expresses its love and appreciation to:
* Rosea and Frank Ortiz of Naperville who saved Winchell’s life a number of years ago after a very serious fall.
* Roumi Petrova and Greta Woods who were excellent care givers and dear friends in Naperville.  Since Winchell was a life-long learner and teacher, he taught them a bit of Hindustani and they taught him a few words of Bulgarian.

Cremation has taken place. A brief memorial service will be held in the main chapel of Chelsea Retirement Community on Dec. 30 at 3 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to Community United Methodist Church 20 N. Center St., Naperville, IL 60540-4611.

 

Rose Kress
Howell, Michigan, formerly of Hamtramck, Detroit, Redford, and Oscoda, MI.

Age 92, died Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012 at Towns Commons Assisted Living in Howell. She was born June 1, 1920 in Hamtramck, Michigan, the daughter of Frank & Theresa (Czech) Wojciechowski.

Rose retired to Oscoda, MI with Raymond, where she was a member of Sacred Heart Church, and the Greenbush Seniors. Rose and Raymond were members of the National Doll Collectors Club.

She married Raymond Kress in 1941 at St. Florian Church in Hamtramck. He preceded her in death on Feb. 25, 1989. Survivors include three daughters, Theresa Kress of Chelsea, Susan Taylor of West Bloomfield, Barbara Dietz of Solana Beach, CA; a son, Robert Kress of Commerce Township; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Rose is preceded in death by a brother, Edward Ochal; and two sisters, Genevieve Brylewski and Anna Swietkewicz.

A memorial service will be held in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul of Mikado, MI. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Verglenda Salyer
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 86, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 2, 1926 in Royalton, KY, the daughter of Sheridan and Rebecca (Fletcher) Marshall. She moved to Michigan at the age of 12 and called Chelsea home for more than 60 years. On Feb. 26, 1944, she married the love of her life, Alonzo Ford Salyer, and together they celebrated nine beautiful children.

Verglenda touched the lives of many people with her smile, generosity, and warm heart. Her love for the Lord shined in everything she did, singing his praises until the very end. She cherished every moment with her family, loved each one unconditionally, and leaves a legacy of honor and faithfulness.

She was privileged to work at Chelsea Milling Company for 37 years, retiring in 1990. She enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, sewing, the many vacations to Florida, her “cowboys” and most of all music and praises unto the Lord. She was a founding member of the Trinity Pentecostal House of Prayer.

Verglenda is preceded in death by her parents, Sheridan and Rebecca; her husband, Alonzo; her children: Donald Ray Salyer, Sheila Salyer, Barbara Salyer, Linda Diane Salyer, and Mary Susan Salyer; her brothers, Ronald Marshall and Carl Marshall; and her sisters, Mildred (Marshall) Pinks and Dorothy (Risner) Little. She is survived by her daughters: Kathleen (Chalmer) Dyer of Kalamazoo, MI, Charlotte (Greg) Craft of Chelsea, MI, Karen Salyer of Jackson, MI, and Donna Rowe (Jim Richmond) of Jackson, MI; her sister, best friend, and closest confidante, Kathleen Salyer of Chelsea, MI; and her sister Opal Risner and brother Ellis Marshall, both of Orangeville, MI.  She will be missed dearly by her 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012 at 1 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Susan O’Bryan officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of service.

 

Richard Martin Schenk
Of Grass Lake, Michigan

Age 68, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.  He was born on Oct. 19, 1944 in Jackson, MI, the son of Winston H. and Betty Jean (Harshberger) Schenk. He loved farming, trucking, and spending time with his family and friends, going out to eat.

Surviving are his siblings: Robert Schenk of Key West, FL, Jon (Gwen) Schenk of Jackson, Janice Schenk of Janesville, WI, and Howard Schenk of Grass Lake; nephew, Michael Henry Schenk; and niece, Danielle Rumbler. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Mike Pisney officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery (Grass Lake West).  The family will receive friends from 12 noon until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

 

Eileen L. “Mary” Salyer
East Lansing, MI formerly of Chelsea, MI, and Salyersville, KY

Age 82, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 at Timber Ridge Senior Assisted Living Facility in East Lansing. She was born April 8, 1930 in Royalton, KY, the daughter of Henry & Maggie (Elam) Lewis.

Eileen was a member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church. She was retired from Federal Screw Works in Chelsea. She enjoyed her time in Sarasota, Florida, as well as gardening, flowers, and cooking.

On July 1, 1946, she married Marvin E. Salyer, and he preceded her in death on June 30, 2010. Survivors include a daughter, Denise (Michael) Long of Chelsea, grandchildren, Katy (Derek) Summers of Holland, MI., Cara Long of Kalamazoo, Scott (Amy) Long of Longmont, Co., as well as devoted extended family members, Sheila (Michael) Hughes of East Lansing; grandchildren, Andrew (Penny) Hughes, Geoffrey (Katie) Hughes, Sean (Tiffany) Hughes; great-grandchildren, Sarah & Mitchell Long, Alex & Andrew Jr. Hughes, Olivia & Michael Hughes; two brothers, Joe(Linda) Lewis of NM, John David Lewis of DeLand, FL. and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Keith E. Salyer in 1972, as well as her parents, a brother, Paul Lewis, and a sister, Clara Madge Scott.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the extremely devoted caregivers at Timber Ridge Assisted Living Facility.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Private burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church, 128 Park St. Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Janice “Jan” Karen Westphal
Chelsea, MI

Age 68, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at her home under Will’s loving care. Jan was born July 6, 1944 in Mankato, Minnesota, the daughter of Richard G. & Edna C. (Fesselt) Schull.

After growing up in Minnesota, Jan traveled with her husband, who was in the Air Force, until 1968. They ended up in Chelsea in 1970, and have lived in the same house since then.

She went to work at Michigan District of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor in 1982, and worked there until her retirement on Dec. 31, 2007.  Jan was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and going to auctions.

On Jan. 17, 1965, she married Willis “Will” D. Westphal  in St. Clair, MN, and he survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Wendy (Allen) Cole of Chelsea; a son, Scott (Melissa) Westphal of San Diego, CA; four sisters, Ida (Conley) Birr of MN, Carol More of MN, Joan (Dean) Lavitschke of MN, and her twin sister, Janelle Imm of TX; 3 grandsons, Brian, Joshua, and Nathan Cole; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Dale Grimm officiating.  Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.  The family will receive friends Friday 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118.

 

Charles C. “Chuck” Wilsonof Chelsea, MI.

Age 77, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on Aug. 24, 1935 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Ralph and Agnes (Bachman) Wilson.

Chuck had lived in the area since 1973, coming from Ann Arbor, and had graduated from University High School in 1952 followed by two years of college.

He was a past Inverness Country Club Men’s Club Champion and thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of his poker friends and golfing buddies at Inverness. Chuck was also a Kiwanian of Ann Arbor, a member of the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors, Wisconsin Board of Architects and Professional Engineers, and was a registered land surveyor in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

In 1977, he established C. Wilson and Associates in Chelsea and in 2002 he sold the business back to his employees.

On July 2, 1960 he married Tanya “Toni” Poe and she survives.  Also surviving are two sons, David (Denise) Wilson of Commerce Twp. and Steven Wilson of Delray Beach, FL; his step-brother, Larry Wilson of Florida; two grandchildren, Lauren and Jacob Wilson; and his niece Carlin and two nephews, Mike and Jeff.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara Kuehn.

Mass will be held on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner presiding.  Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea.  The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or to the Chelsea Health Center, 14700 E. Old US-12, Chelsea, in care of Dr. James Peggs, who has been an invaluable friend and physician.

 

Lori Lynn Luckhardt
Lifelong resident of Dexter, recently of Pinckney, Michigan

Lori was born in Ann Arbor to Norman and Wilma (Hertler) Luckhardt in 1957 and a life-long resident of Dexter. She graduated with honors from Dexter High School in 1975.

Following graduation she joined Drs. Butler and Fink in Ann Arbor working as a scheduler, transcriptionist and biller while taking classes at Washtenaw Community College. When Drs. Butler and Fink closed their office, Lori moved to the group now known as Michigan Heart in Ann Arbor as a medical biller.

Growing up, Lori played piano and was involved with 4-H in sewing, knitting, and crocheting as well as showing sheep and rabbits. She continued to sew and crochet throughout her life creating afghan’s for family and friends, and took quilting classes. Lori enjoyed learning new skills and making new friends. She became a skilled artisan of stained glass creating many beautiful lamp shades and window panes.

Lori was also an avid reader and could always be found wrapped in an afghan surrounded by books and magazines. She was very caring and giving to everyone she met and this extended to all her pets.

Lori was a member of St. Andrews United Church of Christ in Dexter where she was baptized, confirmed and married in 1989.

She is survived by her son, Kyle Gorny, and Kyle’s father, Patrick Gorny, Jr., of Dexter; a sister, Ruth Luckhardt, of Dexter; and her dog, Rascal; along with aunts, uncles and cousins in the Saline area. She is preceded in death by her parents, and several aunts, uncles and a cousin.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at 11 a.m. am at St. Andrews UCC in Dexter with Rev. Larry VanSlambrook officiating. A private burial was held at Arborcrest Memorial Park in Ann Arbor.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd, Ann Arbor, 48105 or St. Andrews UCC, 7610 Ann Arbor St., Dexter, 48130. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Jeffery Allen Breakefield
Brighton, MI

Age 55, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012 in his home. He was born Feb. 17, 1957 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Tilson Samuel & Losie E. (Pratt) Breakefield.

Jeff worked at the 360 corporation in Howell.

Survivors include a brother; Steven T. (Jackie) Breakefield of Stockbridge. He was preceded in death by his parents.

No services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to Huron Valley Humane Society. Arrangements are being handled by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

 

Gloria June Foster
of Chelsea, MI,  formerly of Youngstown, OH, Alexandria & Stafford, VA

Age 72, died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born April 20, 1940 in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of Vias & Violet Amelia (Wood) Harris.

On May 28, 1960, she married Bob Foster in Alexandria, VA, and he preceded her in death on Sept. 8, 2012. Survivors include a daughter, Laura (John) Thorhauer of Chelsea; a son, Bob (Diana) of Fredericksburg, VA; 3 grandchildren, Casey Foster, Travis Foster and Kirsten Thorhauer; and many nieces and nephews.

In accordance with her family’s wishes, a local service will not be held. Burial will take place at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution to UMRC Heritage Foundation, 805 W. Middle St, Chelsea, MI 48118 (c/o Howard S. Holmes Endowment to support charitable care at Towsley Village). Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

 

Ethel Lorraine Perna
Lifelong resident of Hesperia, MI.

Age 92, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 at Jackson County Medical Care. She was born Aug. 29, 1920 in Hesperia, Michigan, the daughter of William Lee & Margaret Esther (Johnson) Hunt.

She moved to Chelsea to live with her daughter in 2007, and moved to Jackson in 2010. Ethel was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Hesperia, MI and was part of the ladies group at church. She worked at Howmet-Misco in Whitehall, MI. Ethel and Steve owned a farm, and she was a 4-H leader, teaching cooking, sewing, canning, as well as arts and crafts.

On April 18, 1942, she married Steve John Perna, and he preceded her in death on July 11, 1971. Survivors include her daughter, Linda Perna; son-in-law, Dick Melton of Traverse City; five grandsons, Jeremy, Joshua, Justin, Jared, and Judson Melton; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Kay Melton in 2002, grandson, Jason Brent Melton in 1991; and her brothers, Harold, Elvis “Buck” and Donald Hunt.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring at Hunt Family Chapel, Hesperia, MI.  Burial will follow at West Cemetery, Hesperia, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Mary W. England
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 92, died on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. She was born on March 24, 1920 in Paducah, Kentucky, to Richard Penn and Lena (Toon).

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, H. Wayne England. Surviving are her son, Robert England (Jill Greenstreet); daughter, Beverly (Walter) Schmid; three grandchildren: Rob England, Walter (Jr.) Schmid (Christina Katka), and Sandra Schmid (Joseph Dunny); four great-grandchildren who will miss their “G.G.”: Oliver Katka Schmid, Ihla Katka Schmid, Joseph Walter Dunny, and Michael Walter Dunny; and a sister, Willie Francis Rogers.

G.G. was a wonderful cook and loved get-togethers with family and friends. She always had a positive outlook on life. She was also a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, MI.

A private service and interment will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Washtenaw County Public Health Department, 555 Towner St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197, to benefit the Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP). Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

 

Clarence Edgar Bass
Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Livonia

Age 97, died Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 at Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born Jan. 11, 1915 in Oconee, Illinois, the son of Edgar & Clarissa M. (Neathery) Bass.

Clarence was a mechanic, and a member of the Operating Engineers Union for 65 years.  He worked for commercial contractor Darin & Armstong (now known as Walbridge Aldinger Company). Clarence was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hunting for morel mushrooms. He had an innovative mind and enjoyed repurposing items around the house for a new and creative use. He was a wonderful gardener, and took pleasure in supplying his neighbors with vegetables each summer.

On June 25, 1937, he married Esther Chamberlain, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 27, 2008. He was a loving father to Nancy (Donald) Kwasny of Howell and Michael (Kimberly) Bass of Chelsea; proud grandfather of Mark (Lisa), Brian, Taylor and Lauren; and great-grandfather to Matthew and Hannah.

A private memorial service will be held at the Chelsea Retirement Community. Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Patrice S. Reilly
of Jackson, MI, formerly of Southampton, NY, Hammond, IN

Age 90, died Wednesday, Dec.  5, 2012 at Allegiance Hospice in Jackson, Michigan. She was born Oct. 6, 1922 in Mishawaka, IN, the daughter of Raymond A. & Catherine A. (Guthrie) Schaub.

Pat attended Dunbarton College in Washington DC. She was an elementary school teacher at Our Lady of Grace in Highland, IN.

On May 15, 1948, she married Robert P. Reilly in Washington DC and he preceded her in death on Aug. 18, 1999. Survivors include 2 sons, Michael (Dorothy) Reilly of Southampton, NY, Thomas Reilly of Chelsea; 5 daughters, Cathy (Joe Riener) Reilly of Washington DC, Francey (Jack) Wheeler of Chelsea, Tese (Bruno) Frohlich of Williamstown, VT, Mary(Greg Putalik) Reilly of Harbor Springs, Anne (Arthur) Pomponio of New York, NY; a brother, Thomas (Marilyn) Schaub of Pittsburgh, PA; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Pat will be interned with her husband, Bob, at Arlington National Cemetery, VA. Memorial contributions may be made to Jackson Friendly Home, 435 W. North St., Jackson, MI 49202. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Randy Joseph Willrich
Grass Lake, Michigan, formerly of Matlacha Island, FL & Ann Arbor, MI

Age 55, died peacefully Monday, Dec. 3, 2012 at his home in Grass Lake. He was born March 28, 1957 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Herbert & Donna J. (Weible) Willrich.

Randy was a care-free, happy spirit with a great sense of humor. He was self-employed his entire life, and particularly enjoyed shrimping in the Ft. Myers, Florida area. He was very loving, especially to his nieces and nephews.  He never put himself before others. Although he enjoyed being with other people, he was content to be by himself, and enjoyed the serenity of the Gulf of Mexico and the mountains of the West. One of his favorite memories was from when he was young and would escape to go fishing by himself, where he would find “time to think”.

Survivors include his mother of Battle Creek; three sisters, Juanita Cain of LaFayette, Indiana, Julia (Erik) Jensen of Grass Lake, and Karen (Craig) Griffin of Battle Creek; as well as 3 nieces and 3 nephews; and 3 great nieces and 5 great nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father and his life-time love, Lucy Hodges.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to Huron Valley Humane Society or Arbor Hospice. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Deborah Burnett
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 58, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2012 at her home in Chelsea. She was born Nov. 16, 1954 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Rodger & Margaret (Umsted) Williams.

Deborah enjoyed spending time with her family, her grandkids, her friend Jackie, and her dog Maggie May.

On Dec. 26, 1972, she married Harry Burnett II in Ann Arbor. He preceded her in death in July of 2005. Survivors include a daughter, Beth (Jason) Hewitt; two grandchildren, Devin and Konner Hewitt; two brothers, Brent Williams and Steve (Sharon) Williams both of Ann Arbor; a sister, Sherry Parks of Ann Arbor; and a nephew Michael Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sons, Jason Burnett and Harry Burnett III. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Margaret Matilda Bauer
of Chelsea, MI

Age 92, died Tuesday, Dec.  4, 2012 at Regency at Whitmore Lake just 4 days before her birthday.

She was born Dec. 8, 1919 in Dearborn, Michigan, the daughter of Henry & Flossie (Pelton) Bauer.

She lived on her family farm in Saline. Margaret worked at Kresge and K-Mart for 30 years, retiring in 1987. She enjoyed baking.

Survivors include her daughter, Linda (Craig) Sayers of Chelsea; a grandson, Brian Sayers; and a cousin, Howard Bauer. She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Ethel Grace Bauer in 2003 and Mable Peters in 2005, and many cousins.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Pastor Keith Worrell  officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends Friday 2-4 & 6-8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea High School Athletic Department.

 

Norma “Gerry” Wilkerson
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Passed away on Monday, Dec. 3, 2012 at her home after a courageous 23-year battle with cancer. She was born on Feb. 4, 1930 in Escanaba, MI and moved to Chelsea in 1946.

Gerry had worked as a driver-mechanic at the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea and retired in 1988.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, playing bingo, and going to the casino.

She is survived by her daughters, Vickie (Dennis) Price of Chelsea and Carrie Kee of Elizabeth, CO; brother, Norman (Bonnie) Hayes; and sister, Faith (John) Stone. She will be dearly missed by her granddaughter, Stacie Eresten, and grandsons, Zac Eresten, Austin Downs, and Joseph Downs.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Hayes, and brothers, Glenn “Butch” and Bill Hayes.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Great Lakes Hospice.

 

Donald Thompson
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 76, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012 at Chelsea Community Hospital. He was born on June 9, 1936 in Inkster, MI, the son of John and Stella (Kostrzewa) Thompson.

He had lived in the area since 1970, coming from Saline, and was the co-owner of Thompson’s Pizzeria in Chelsea, retiring in 2001. He enjoyed farming, red tractors, hunting, fishing, and playing all kinds of card games.

On June 7, 1958 he married Denice C. DesArmo in Munising and she survives. Also surviving are four children: Dean (Colleen) Thompson of Chelsea, Dennis Thompson of Manchester, Diane (Jesse Jr.) Coburn of Chelsea, and David (Jody) Thompson of Tecumseh; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy Moore of California; and sister-in-law, Doris Thompson of Ann Arbor. He was preceded in death by three brothers: Thomas, Jack, and Gerald Thompson, and two granddaughters, Delyn and Celora Thompson.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair.

 

Lyle Henry Lightner
Horton, Michigan

Age 61, died Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 at Eaton Community Palliative Care Center in Charlotte, Michigan. He was born Dec. 11, 1950 in Watervliet, Michigan, the son of Keith H. & Florence E. (Heim) Lightner.

Lyle loved farming, and farmed in the Sylvan Center area.  He was a Farmall fanatic.  Lyle was a member of the Grass Lake Class of 1969. He worked for Federal Screw in Chelsea, Pittsfield Products in Ann Arbor, Taylor Postal Trucking, and also maintained a lawn care service.  He attended St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. Lyle was a good dad.

Survivors include a son, Travis Lightner of Ann Arbor; a sister, Joyce (Paul) Easter of Vandercook Lake; two brothers, Dan (Georgia) of Jackson, James (Debra) of Springport. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Mary.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner and  Fr. Harvey officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Elizabeth G. “Betty” Smith
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 95, died on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012 at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Towsley Village. She was born on Aug. 6, 1917 in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Clarence R. and Martha (Milaskowski) Edmonds.

Betty had been a resident of Chelsea since 1952. On Nov. 28, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, she married Byron E. Smith. Byron preceded her in death on April 17, 1983.

For 22 years, Betty was the Executive Secretary at Dana Corporation in Chelsea. A life-long Catholic, she was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church, a member and past-president of the Women of St. Mary, a past-president of the VFW Auxiliary Post 4076, and a volunteer at Chelsea Community Hospital and Faith-in-Action.

Surviving is her sister, Lois J. Bauer of Parma, OH; nieces, Bonnie Bauer, Jackie (Don) Austin, and Patricia (Lew) Meggitt; nephews, Mark (Janet) Bauer and George (Donna) Ramsey; grand-nieces, Megan Bauer and Kristen Bauer; and grand-nephews, Ryan Bauer, Matt Ramsey, and Michael Ramsey. Her sister, Helen V. Ramsey, preceded her in death. She is also survived by her adopted family, John and Gloria Mitchell and their children and grandchildren.

Mass will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating and Senior Deacon Richard Shaneyfelt assisting. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Louis Center. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

 

Linda Susan Brooks
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 57, passed away on Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.  She was born on Nov. 13, 1955 in Pinckney, MI, the daughter of Charles and Edith (Bower) Kaiser.

Linda Susan Brooks was an extremely hard worker as she drove a bus for the Chelsea school system for many years while being a farrier in the Chelsea area.  During this time, she went back to school herself, earning a Registered Nursing degree, then going to work at Herrick Memorial Hospital. She loved the outdoors, walking the many trails in the area if not horseback riding them. Some of her other many interests were reading, dancing, music, gardening, cooking, birds, especially crane and hawk watching and many other different kinds of wildlife along with astrology and attending older model car shows. She will be deeply missed and loved by the many people that she touched, especially her family members. Love ya.

Surviving are her husband, Thaddeus Bombrys of Chelsea; three children: Scott (Allison) Brooks of Michigan, Julie Brooks (Darrin Makowski) of California, and Cody Brooks of Grand Rapids; two grandchildren, Ariana Brooks of California and Quinten Smith of Clinton; and her siblings: Mike Kaiser of Louisiana, Chuck (Lorie) Kaiser of Pinckney, Pete (Tami) Kaiser of Cement City, Sherrie, Stevie, Karen, and Holly. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Dave.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

 

Joan Marie Schnaidt
Of Chelsea, MI

Mrs. Joan Marie Schnaidt (nee Dunne), a long-time resident of Chelsea, Michigan, died on Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 in her home surrounded by her family.

Joan was born on May 4, 1937, the fifth of seven children of James and Helen Dunne in Queens, New York. Joan graduated from Queens Nursing School in 1960 as a Registered Nurse. She was married in June 1960, and had five children: Michael, Michele, and Matthew were born in New York City; Joan and Nancy were born in Ann Arbor, MI, where the family moved in 1967. In 1979, Joan was remarried to Dan Schnaidt and adopted three children: Alonzo, Benita, and Dan.

The family lived in the Jackson and Chelsea areas. Even while busy raising a family, Joan worked as an RN at the University of Michigan Hospital and other healthcare organizations in the Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and Jackson areas. Joan loved University of Michigan football, had season tickets for over 30 years, and watched the last two 2012 games at her home while in hospice care.

Although raised in the city, Joan began farming with Dan and her children and was active in 4-H. Joan was a devout Catholic, she volunteered at Faith in Action, and was an active member of the Third Order of St. Francis.

She is survived by her sister, Virginia, and brother, Francis, her eight children, four grandchildren, and her loving husband Dan. She was preceded by her parents, and siblings Cathleen, Joseph, James and Dorothy.

Mass will be held on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 East Old US-12, Chelsea, MI 48118 with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. Visitation will be held at church from 9-10 a.m. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

 

Edna M. Brown
Of Chelsea, MI

Age 92, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family on Nov. 17, 2012. She was born Sept. 1, 1920 in Shaftsburg, MI the daughter of Frederick and Ada Maud (Pascoe) Stone. She married her beloved William D. Brown on Nov. 25, 1939.

Edna was a homemaker, raising eight children. She loved canning and baking. She did bake up a storm. Edna is survived by her sister Ruth Guenther of Chelsea, and her sister-in-law Adeline Stone of Chelsea; her children William F. (Helen) Brown of Norvel, Beverly A. (Arthur) Haab of Manchester, Robert L. (Lynn) Brown of Jackson, Mary Jane (Mark) Luckhardt of Manchester, Thomas Brown of Chelsea, Shirley England of Noblesville, IN, John E. (Pamela) Brown of Chelsea, 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband William Brown, her five brothers, her daughter Barbara K. (William) Gaddis, and her granddaughter Devonna L. Belows.

Edna enjoyed reading, puzzle books, her soaps and watching the Tigers “WIN”. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her long-time friend Geraldine Gieske.

A Graveside Service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012 at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice of Ann Arbor, 3840 Packard Rd. Suite 260, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

 

Kenneth C. Runciman
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 in Lac du Flambeau, WI, where his family had gathered to be with him – one month after turning 100 years old.

He was born on Oct. 14, 1912 in Waterloo, MI to Claude and Mary (Gorton) Runciman. After graduating from Michigan State College in 1935, he married the love of his life, Frances M. Kantlehner, whom he met in the fourth grade, on Oct. 21, 1936, in the Kantlehner family home on South Street in Chelsea. She preceded him in death in July, 2009. They had two children, Frances Kay (John) Suffron of Presque Isle, WI and David Frederick Runciman, who also preceded him in death in April, 1971.

Ken was responsible for the grounds at Ypsilanti State Hospital until World War II, when he worked on aircraft instrumentation at the bomber plant at Willow Run Airport. Following the war, he worked for the Michigan Department of Conservation Parks Division until he founded K.C. Runciman Landscape Architects in 1946, becoming the first landscape architect in the Ann Arbor area with a degree in that field. He continued in the profession he loved for 43 years, before retiring in 1989. He greatly appreciated his collaboration with his associate landscape architects, as well as several aspiring ones whom he mentored over the years. He loved his work and enjoyed creating beautiful spaces for residents and businesses in Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, and Chelsea, including the Chelsea Community Hospital and what was once the “new” high school on Washington Street in Chelsea.

Ken was a unique and gentle person, quick to smile and often with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. Kind, hard-working, honest, and full of life, he enjoyed traveling and was able to take some wonderful trips, both in the U.S. and abroad. He drew much joy from the many friendships he made during his lifetime and was perhaps best known for his love of his home on South Street, the dogwood he planted in the backyard, church life, the game of Bridge, his golf game, watching college sports, his genuine friendliness, and his full head of white hair! His was truly a long life well lived!

Ken’s family and friends brought him great joy and pride, and he was loved and will be tremendously missed by his surviving relatives: daughter Kay Suffron and son-in-law John, granddaughter Heather Suffron, and brother Robert Brown of Jackson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 at 3 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. The family will receive visitors from 2 p.m. until the hour of service. Donations may be given in Ken’s memory to the First Congregational Church, Chelsea, the Salvation Army, the Alzheimer’s Association, or to a charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to thank all their loved ones for their support, as well as the staff at Towsley Village (Chelsea Retirement Community) and Our Home K-Care in Lac du Flambeau, WI for their kind care during his last few years with us.

 

Gerald Dennis “Jerry” Steinhauer
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 72, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday, Nov.  15, 2012 after battling Parkinson’s Disease for many years.

He was born on April 21, 1940 in Wayne, MI, the son of Lawrence and Lillian (Avery) Steinhauer. Jerry was raised in Wayne and attended Wayne Memorial High School and Wayne State University.

On Jan.  8, 1960, he married Judith Bogetta and she survives. Jerry began his 50-year career at Steinhauer Insurance Agency and was subsequently a founding partner of Professional Insurance Associates. He was a member of the Wayne Rotary Club for 40 years and served on the board of the Oakwood Foundation.

Jerry and Judi were renowned for great entertaining at their home on Sugarloaf Lake and are remembered for hosting children’s visits with Santa Claus and countless holiday and lake parties. Jerry was an accomplished boat driver for competitive water ski tournaments. He enjoyed golfing with his friends and his four sons and loved attending sporting events of his children and his grandchildren.

Jerry had an ardent interest in Native American culture and artifacts and traveled the western United States extensively with Judi. They took each of the grandchildren on a special trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons where they went on guided tours, river rafting, and were sometimes chased by buffalo. After every trip, GaGa (Grandpa Jerry) hand wrote an album for the grandchild, a memento that is cherished by each.

In addition to his wife, Judi, Jerry is survived by his five children: Philip (Kirstin), Krystn (Robert), Martin (Nancy), David (Kelly), and Matthew (Anne), and his grandchildren: Tyler, Troy, Alexander, Claire, Jacob, Michael, Collin, Eric, and Mia.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 at 3 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea. Visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, Rotary International, or Chelsea Athletics.

 

Russel E. Taylor
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 84, died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 in his home. He was born Aug. 30, 1928 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Carl Melvin & Florence Mabel (Erridge) Taylor.

Russel was a Navy veteran who served during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was a firefighter with the Ann Arbor Fire Department.  Russ enjoyed fishing and hunting, and was active in the Kaleva Snowmobile Club.

On Dec.  11, 1946, he married Patricia Willsher and she preceded him in death on April 5, 2012. Survivors include a son, Stephen A. (Susan) Taylor; 2 grandsons, Christopher (Sarah) Taylor of Grass Lake, Mark (Megan) Taylor of Chelsea; 4 great-grandchildren, Amanda, Kylie, Dominik, Kain; 5 nieces, and 1 nephew.  He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amanda S. Taylor.

A private burial will be at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor. Arrangements were handled by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

 

Anna Marie “Hope” Aaron
Of Clinton, MI

Age 86, died Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She was born Aug. 17, 1926 in Alger, Ohio, the daughter of Green & Elizabeth (Risner) Cole. Anna spent her childhood in Kentucky. She loved reading and gardening. Hope enjoyed going out to eat and running the roads to shop. Anna worked for Chelsea Milling for almost 30 years.

On March 5, 1954, she married William Aaron in Angola, IN, and he preceded her in death on April 14, 2010. Survivors include a daughter Anita Myers; a sister, Wavalene Cole; a granddaughter, Heather Myers; a great-granddaughter Amanda Sambrowsky; nieces & nephews, Doug (Debbie) Parsons, Karen (Paul) Lehman, Sharon (Erin) Parsons; great nieces & nephews, Brandon (Annie) Miller, Stacy Miller, Sara Parsons, Matthew Parsons; great-great nieces & nephews, Makayla, Brodey, and Gracin Miller. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law Doug Myers., and a sister, Dollberta Parsons.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 17, 1:30 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea. Family will receive friends from 11:30 until the service. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Huron Valley Humane Society.

 

Glenn William Douglas Hayes
Of Apache Junction, Arizona
Formerly Stockbridge, Michigan

Age 69, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 after a one year battle with lung cancer. Glenn was an employee of Chelsea Milling Company for 21 years before moving to Arizona, where he worked 21 years as a security guard for the INS in Florence, AZ.

Glenn has been a member of the Herbert J. McKune American Legion Post 31 for the past 40 years, where he proudly served his country and the United States Marine Corps at the rank of Lance Corporal from 1960-64.

On April 25, 1976, he married Margaret Ellen Dixon in Las Vegas, NV and she survives. Also surviving are his four children: James (Sharon) Mills of Jackson, Terri (Tom) Mills-Wacker of Grass Lake, Claudia Powers of Stockbridge, and Jeff (Diana) Mills of Henderson, NV; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Norman (Bonnie) Hayes of Channing, MI; sisters, Faith (John) Stone of Gladstone, MI and Gerri Wilkerson of Chelsea; as well as many nieces and nephews. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Norma Hayes, and one brother, William Hayes.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. A wake is planned for Saturday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. at the American Legion Post 31, 1700 Ridge Road, Chelsea, MI 48118. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation or donations may be made to the Lung Cancer Foundation in memory of Glenn Hayes, organized by Stacy Corbin of Phoenix, AZ.

 

James L. Hirst
Of Unadilla Township, Michigan

Age 75, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012 at his home. He was born on Dec. 13, 1936 in Saginaw, MI, the son of Harry and Charlotte (Huggins) Hirst.

Jim had lived in the area for the past 12 years, coming from Ypsilanti Township, and was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and spending time with family, friends and his faithful dog Maisy. He worked on the railroad for 42 years and retired as an Amtrak conductor in 1999.

Jim was a veteran and served in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman from 1958-60. On May 11, 1963, he married Ruth Martha Knoll in Frankenmuth and she survives. Also surviving are his mother of Saginaw; three children: Amy (Craig) Laidlaw of Dexter, Joel (Janelle) Hirst of Chelsea, and Shannon (Ben) Spence of Tecumseh; seven grandchildren: Sam, Jacob, Joe, Jordan, Danny, Jeret, and Suzie; brother, Edward (Penny) Hirst of Marshall; sister, Onalee Wickman of Hemlock; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Hirst of Burt. He was preceded in death by his father and his brother, John “Jack” Hirst.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, Nov. 12, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Dale Grimm officiating. Burial will take place at Cook Cemetery in Taymouth Twp. on Tuesday. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-6 p.m. and Monday from 1-2 p.m.  Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Arbor Hospice Foundation, or Our Savior Lutheran Church, Chelsea.

 

William Barton Silvis
formerly of Chicago, IL, Plymouth, MI, Sun City West, AZ and Chelsea, MI

Age 95, died Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 at Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born Sept.24, 1917 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Louie William & Pearl Emoline (Barton) Silvis.

William retired after 42 years from Associated Spring, a division of Barnes Group in Plymouth. He graduated from the University of Detroit in 1975 with a degree in Business Administration. He served as a City Commissioner of Plymouth and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. He loved baseball and enjoyed serving as an umpire with the Suburban Umpire Association. William was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Plymouth and Desert Palms Presbyterian Church of Sun City West, AZ. Amateur radio was an important hobby, his call signs were K8YNV and N7ERQ.

On Nov. 20, 1941, he married Mary Elizabeth Martin in Chicago, IL, and she survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Marjorie Lynch of Plymouth, Janet (Richard) Weaver of Dexter; one son, William (Barbara) Silvis of Ann Arbor; 6 grandchildren, Rebecca (Timothy) Gilbert of Nashville, TN, William Charles (Lauren) Silvis of Bethesda, MD, Benjamin (Kari) Weaver of Rochester Hills, MI, Edward Lynch of Detroit, Richard Weaver of East Lansing and Elizabeth Lynch of Wixom; 5 great-grandchildren, Katherine, Abigail and Andrew Gilbert, Samuel Silvis, and Holden Weaver, and two brothers, John Silvis of Foxboro, MA and Ralph (Dorothy) Silvis of Sardinia, OH. William was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother Eulalia Silvis, two sisters, Louisa Carr and Gretchen Hart; and two brothers George and Wirton Silvis.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m. at Chelsea Retirement Community with Rev. Cathi King officiating. The family will receive friends from noon- 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Retirement Community or Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Gladys E. Murray
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 96, died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012 at her home in Chelsea. She was born Jan. 26, 1916 in Waterloo, Michigan, the daughter of Homer & Lela (Green) Parks.  She was a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Chelsea.

She married Jack W. Murray in 1940, and he preceded her in death in 1980. Survivors include a granddaughter, Amanda Clark of Grass Lake; and three sisters, Katherine Brauer, Mary Rettig, and Helen Lake. Gladys was preceded in death by two sons, John & Donald, a baby daughter, Jane; her twin sister, Mildred Lantis, a sister, Dorothy Walbrook; and four brothers, Robert, Donald, John & Richard.

Cremation has already taken place.  A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice or the American Lung Association. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Helen Dee DeWeese
Chelsea, Michigan

Helen (Sosnoski) DeWeese, 96, died on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012 at the Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC) in Chelsea, Michigan.

Born in Freeland, Pennsylvania in 1916, she was a graduate of the Philadelphia Hospital School of Nursing. Early in her career, practicing as a surgical nurse, Helen met and married Dr. Marion S. (Bill) DeWeese, the love of her life, while they both were working at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.

During their journey together they resided in Texas, where Helen pursued additional education, earning a bachelor’s degree. They later lived in California and Missouri but returned to Ann Arbor, which they always considered as their family home.

Helen was active with numerous charitable organizations throughout her life. She always looked forward to spending time with family and friends, sewing, reading, and traveling to special places with her husband Bill. She was a nature lover who enjoyed gardening, nurturing her wildflowers and feeding the raccoons and squirrels that visited her daily. At the family cottage on Traverse Bay, she looked forward to her walks on the shoreline in search of Petoskey stones and each winter, she enthusiastically scoured the beach for special sea shells on Sanibel Island, Florida.

Helen was preceded in death by Bill, her husband of 61 years, in 2002, sister Stella and brothers Anthony, Walter and Alfred. She is survived by her sister Laura of Freeland, Pennsylvania; and three daughters, Diane (Bob) Ryan of Holland, Michigan, Dawn (Dudley) Holmes of Chelsea, Michigan and Pamela (Geoff) Gorse of St. Louis, Missouri. She dearly loved her seven grandchildren, Christopher Ryan, Kelly (Nick) Schetzsle, Heather Holmes, Scott (Meghan) Holmes, Kevin (Maleeda) Holmes,  Gwendolyn and Sabrina Gorse and three great-grandchildren, Ryan Hope Schetzsle, Drew Schetzsle and Oliver Holmes.

Helen will always be remembered as a kind hearted, loving and dedicated spouse, mother and grandmother. She loved life and the time she had with family and friends. She will be missed by all those who knew her.

Additionally, Helen’s family wishes to thank Arbor Hospice and the wonderful staff at CRC for the tremendous care and concern shown to their mother. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are being handled by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Cecilia Ann Howe
Of Jackson, formerly Chelsea, Michigan

Age 89, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012 at the Jackson County Medical Care Facility.  She was born on Nov. 11, 1922 in Arcadia, PA, the daughter of Vincent and Mary (Gavlas) Biroscak.

On Oct. 31, 1943, she married James R. Howe in Detroit and he preceded her in death in 1951.  She lived in Jackson for a year and half, coming from Chelsea and also Lake Worth, FL. She enjoyed music, attending parties, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Surviving are three daughters: Catherine McDaniels of Chelsea, Sylvia Bentley of Lake Worth, FL, and Mary (Paul) Vernier of California; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and her siblings: Theresa Robb of Cleveland, OH, Mary (Abe) Sahm of Pennsylvania, Joseph Biroscak of Stockbridge, Cathy Kolbe of Michigan, and Vincent Biroscak of Florida.  In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her daughter Alice J. Howe in 1963 and her siblings: William, Ann, Betty, John, George, Marge, Joanne, and Ronnie.

Mass will be on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. Visitation will be at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating.  Memorial Contributions may be made to the Jackson County Medical Care Facility.

 

Mary Lou Harmon-Kugler
Grass Lake, Michigan

Age 57, died Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She was born Sept. 21, 1955 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Brymer Sr. and Hildah Rae (Terry) Harmon.

Mary was passionate about animals.

On Feb. 17, 2010, she married Alan Kugler, and he survives. Other survivors include four siblings, Shirley Harmon-Marchand of Whitmore Lake, Susan Harmon of Ann Arbor, Brymer Harmon, Jr. of Eaton Rapids, Robin Harmon of Ann Arbor; and three nieces, Kim, Brittany, and Angela. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lorraine Harmon; and a niece, Corinna Harmon.

Services will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor. Memorial contributions may be made to Huron Valley Humane Society. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Robert Glenn Rentschler
Grass Lake, MI

Age 74, died Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He was born Feb. 19, 1938 in Chelsea, Mich., the son of Glenn Paul and Thelma Maurine (Loveland) Rentschler. He was a lifelong resident of Waterloo Village, Mich.

Bob was a member of Salem Grove United Methodist Church, and also attended Waterloo Methodist Church. He was a life member of the Tri-State Engine and Tractor Association.
He is survived by his cousins; Leah Herrick, Bryan (Kelly) Herrick, Jeryl Herrick, and Kristen and Kara Herrick. Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Georgie Dack officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Waterloo. The family will receive friends Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Make A Wish Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

 

Vickie Lynn Blacklaw Drummond
Chelsea, Michigan

Vickie Lynn Blacklaw Drummond, 65, died October 18, 2012 at Arbor Hospice in Ann Arbor. She was born August 26, 1947 in Royal Oak, MI, the daughter of Edward “Scotty” and Florence Blacklaw of Chelsea, who predeceased her.

Raised in Chelsea, Vickie graduated from Chelsea High School in 1965, attended Washtenaw Community College and then began her career at University Microfilms in Ann Arbor, where she worked until 1993. Vickie lived in Plano, Texas and then Sharpsburg, Georgia before returning to Michigan to live in Pinckney in 2007.

Vickie loved to entertain and had a remarkable ability to make great friends wherever she went. Her family and friends remember her for her generosity as she always remembered and celebrated the birthdays of those in her life – most especially her beloved grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Vickie was a natural artist and her beautiful and meticulously wrapped packages were always a special treat. She was an avid reader, and got great joy from her Dachshund, Mollie. She was a kind person who loved to laugh, dance and enjoy life. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She leaves behind a son, Jeffrey Mercer of Dexter and his wife, Teckla and grandchildren, Amanda, Zackery, Jacob, and Gunnar. She is survived by two sisters Cindy Beauchamp (Ken) of Chelsea and Teri Schillinger (Karl) of Pinckney and two brothers, Edward “Ned” Blacklaw (Lisa) of Pinckney and Stuart Blacklaw (Cindy) of Ypsilanti Township; nephews Kenneth E. Beauchamp (Leigh Anne) and Ward Beauchamp (Jennifer) all of Chelsea, Jeremy Beauchamp (Erika) of Richmond, VA, Adam Beauchamp (Lydia) of Suffolk, VA, Alex Schillinger of Pinckney, and Jason Craddock of Rochester, NY; nieces Rachel Blacklaw (Philip) of San Diego, CA, Hilary Spaulding (Eric) of Tecumseh, Elise Gramza (Tim) of Canadian Lakes, Erin Meyer (Matt) of Wyoming, MI, and Ashley Gardner of Ypsilanti; as well as leaving 15 grand-nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Joe Jeffreys officiating. Interment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Contributions in her memory can be made to the American Lung Association, Autism Speaks, or the American Heart Association.

 

Marilyn O. Nagy
Chelsea, Michigan

Passed away at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012.

Marilyn was born in Highland Park, Mich., the daughter of Harry E. and Opal C. (Scott) Mertens. She graduated from Western High School in Detroit and received her Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics with minors in English and the Natural Sciences from Michigan State Normal College, now Eastern Michigan University in 1954. That same year, she married Andrew R. Nagy at Holy Redeemer Church in Detroit and together they shared 29 years of married life until his passing in 1983.

The family resided in Detroit until 1978, then moved to Southfield where she lived until 2004. Currently, she has resided in Chelsea.

After her husband’s death, she worked at the Arbor Cafe in Farmington Hills both in food preparation and serving. Her specialties were salads and sandwiches and also Mexican style dishes. She also served as a Girl Scout Leader and a Cub Scout Den Mother and after moving to Chelsea, became active in the local Ladies Red Hat group, the Scarlet Ladies of Chelsea.

She was also a collector, one of her interests were Boyd’s Bears. But more than anything else, she was a devoted wife and mother trying all the time to bring joy and enrichment to her husband and four children.

She is survived her children, Linda (Stephen) Herridge, Robert C. (Frank Butler) Nagy, Carol (David DeHaan and Diana (Jim) Predhomme). She is also survived by two grandchildren, Andrew and Renee Predhomme.

Visitation will be held on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 North Main St., Chelsea, and on Sunday from 5-9 p.m. at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main St., Plymouth.

One hour of visitation will begin on Monday at 10 a.m. and a Funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 Haggerty Road, Plymouth. Contributions are suggested to the Parkinson Foundation or the American Heart Association.

 

Mary Kathryn Omer
Chelsea, Michigan

Mary Kathryn Omer of Chelsea, age 64, died Oct. 13, 2012.

Beloved wife of Harold “Jim”. Loving mom of Jimmy, Debbie (Joe) Shreves, Dennis (Dena) and Charles (Kristine). Dearest grandma of 6. Great granny to Drake. Sister to Michael and James Schlaff. Also survived by other family and many friends who loved her dearly. Preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Evelyn Schlaff and 3 brothers Chuck, John and George.

Mary enjoyed playing cards and going to the casino.

Memorial contributions to honor her life may be made to the family.

Visitation Tuesday 2-9 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Mary will lie in state Wednesday 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Village Church, Dexter until funeral liturgy 11 a.m.

Interment St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements by the Allen Park Chapel-Martenson Family of Funeral Homes.

To share a memory visit www.martenson.com.

 

Betty June Wild
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 83, died Saturday, October 13, 2012 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital following a short illness.

She was born June 8, 1929 in Vandalia, Illinois, the daughter of Daniel LeRoy & Fern Erma Walker.

Betty graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1947. She worked for the Ann Arbor News, and later at Discount Tire in Ann Arbor.  She volunteered at Chelsea Community Hospital, and was a Life Member and Past President of the CCH Auxiliary. Betty was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea. She was active with the Senior Fun-Time Bowling League at Chelsea Lanes, and won a Grand Champion ribbon at Chelsea Community Fair for her knitting.

On April 23, 1949, she married Frederick C. Wild at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, and he survives. Other survivors include one son, Bruce D. (Peggy) Wild of Toledo, OH; three daughters, Diane K. (Tom) Edman of Chelsea, Jill A. (Roberto) Herrera of Warsaw, IN, Carol B. (Steven) Bonfiglio of Pinckney; 9 grandchildren, Carrie, Becky, Josh, Aaron, Sarah, Molly, Ryan, Michael, and Gina; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 18, 2012, at 2:00 pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Dale Grimm officiating. A private burial will be at Washtenong Memorial Park, Ann Arbor.

The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Wednesday 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118 or the American Cancer Society, 2010 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

 

Franklin W. Schlachter
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 82, passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2012. Frank is lovingly survived by his wife Joan, daughters Linda Pastiak, Diane Schlachter, Carol Bryant, Nancy Larson, Donna Clos, Janet Leppek; and seventeen grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Frank Schlachter served in the Coast Guard and was a graduate of the University of Detroit. He was an engineer with Ford Motor Company for 30 years, and worked in various management roles in Detroit and Southfield, Michigan; Florissant, Missouri; Chicago, Illinois; and Ramsey, New Jersey. Following an active and rewarding career at Ford, he retired with Joan to Canadian Lakes and enjoyed nineteen years as an active member of that community. Years at Canadian Lakes created memorable times with family and friends, and volunteer opportunities on the Association Board and Lakes Committee. In 2003 Chelsea became home and they now reside at Silver Maples Retirement Community.  During this phase of retirement, Frank met new friends, became an avid garage saler and took up caning chairs. As a parishioner of St. Mary Catholic Church, he enjoyed volunteering and sharing daily mass with his wife and friends.

Mass will be on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E. Old US-12, Chelsea, MI 48118. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea, and a Gathering of Families and Friends will be held at 100 Silver Maples Drive.

Visitation will be on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, with final viewing at the church on Saturday beginning at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 or St. Mary Catholic Church are appreciated.

Frank Schlachter was a kind and generous man and will be greatly missed.

 

Judith Mae Krisniski
Of Lyndon Township, Michigan

Age 63, passed away on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born on April 30, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of John and Edna (Doll) Kasparek.

She had lived in the area since 1994 and retired from the Stockbridge Pharmacy in 2010. She also was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter. She enjoyed golfing, boating, casinos, and eating at Cleary’s. However, her 11 grandchildren truly were her world.

On October 30, 1970 she married Lawrence A. Krisniski, and he survives. Also surviving are four children: Larry (Janice) Krisniski of Dearborn Heights, Amy (Jeff) Brozoski of Dearborn, Patty (Vinnie) St. Louis of Westland, and Tim (Carly) Krisniski of Middletown, Delaware; brothers and sisters, Rev. Fr. John Kasparek of Stuart, FL, William (Lynn) of South Lyon, Janet (John) Bash of Battle Creek, Sharon (John) Bartus of Canton, James (Shirley) Kasparek of Livonia, and Karen (Len) West of Lewiston, MI; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Joseph.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed at the St. Joseph Catholic Village Church, 3430 Dover St., Dexter, on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Brendan Walsh and Rev. Fr. John Kasparek presiding.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to Children’s Hospital of Michigan or St. Joseph Catholic Church.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. with Vigil at 7:30 p.m.

 

Jean M. Stanley
Of Chelsea, Michigan

85, passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at home with her family by her side.

She was born on March 1, 1927 in Ann Arbor, one of 25 children of Frederick and Marguerite (Talcott) Warden.  On April 7, 1944 she married Charles Edward Stanley, Jr. and he preceded her in death on April 5, 2011.

Jean had retired from Ann Arbor Bank, was involved at W.J. Maxey Boys Training School, was co-pastor with her husband at Spirit and Life Fellowship in Stockbridge for 30 years, and founded the Dexter Blue Grass Gospel Gathering.

Surviving are three children: Barbara Bolen of Chelsea, Sandra Stanley of Hendersonville, TN, and Alan Stanley of Ann Arbor; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Glenna (Don) Lowell of Ann Arbor and Phyllis Newsom of Madison, TN. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and her son-in-law, Howard Bolen.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Todd Hukill officiating.  Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m.

Private burial will take place at Washtenong Memorial Park, Ann Arbor.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Chelsea Community Hospital.

 

Allan Bell Rosser
Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Yardley, PA

Allan B. Rosser, a former long time resident of Yardley, Pennsylvania for more than 35 years, died peacefully at the Chelsea Retirement Community in Chelsea, Michigan on September 19, 2012.  He was 94.

Allan was born in Montreal, Quebec.  He attended the University of Toronto graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering.  In 1944, he married Alma Cliff and they resided in Montreal until 1960 when they moved to Cleveland, Ohio.  Subsequently they moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan where Allan worked for the Ford Motor Company and then to Yardley in the early 1970’s.

With his wife Alma taking the lead, they were well known in the neighborhood for their kindness to others and the joy they took in entertaining many friends and family at their home on Westover Road.  After retirement, Allan derived much satisfaction in woodworking projects and crafting small items that he would give as gifts to friends and family.  Allan also took great pride in being a naturalized American citizen.  He was fiercely patriotic and served regularly over the years as an election monitor in Morrisville.

Despite the passage of time, he was faithful in carrying out what he felt was an obligation on his part to give something back to his adopted country.

He took immense joy in his two grandchildren, Christopher and Stephanie Rosser, whom he loved dearly. He was also an enthusiastic participant in the Yardley Men’s Book club over many years.  He was generous to a fault, charitable to those in need and honest as the day is long.  What better legacy could a man leave?

Upon the death of his wife Alma in 2010, Allan moved to Chelsea, Michigan to be closer to family. He resided in his own apartment at the Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC) and was very proud of his ability to live independently. He loved being part of the retirement community and could be found in his special chair every Thursday enjoying the concert.  He could not have asked for better, more compassionate care right until the end of his life from the entire staff at CRC.

Mr. Rosser leaves two sons; Peter (and Joan) of Bedford, New Hampshire, and Paul (and Linda) of Manchester, Michigan; one daughter Jane (and Larry) of White Lake, Michigan and two grandchildren.  He also leaves three brothers:  Don of Mississauga, Ontario, David of Kingston, Ontario and Bruce of Toronto, Ontario and several nieces and nephews in Canada and the USA.

Final arrangements are private.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Allan’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

 

Lon Eddy Dickerson
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 96, passed away on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born on February 7, 1916 on the family homestead in Ogden Township, Blissfield, MI, to Mary (Eddy) and Ellsworth Dickerson.

Lon married Maxine Merryfield on October 14, 1939. Lon and Maxine moved to Plymouth, MI in 1950 where they owned and operated Dickerson’s Market until 1968. Lon then worked as a butcher for Kroger’s for the next 17 years. They moved from Plymouth to the Chelsea Retirement Community in July 2002. They had 63 years together before Maxine’s passing in 2003.

Throughout Lon’s life he enjoyed sports, fishing, and being with his family and numerous friends. Lon is survived by his partner, Alberta Sabin; his children, Lon (Anne) of Metairie, LA and Karen (Merlyn) Street of Chelsea; his grandchildren: Charna Boquette, Robert (Cara) Dickerson, Sarah Jackson, Martina (Erik) Tjolsen, and Kyung Paik (Peter Dickerson); and ten great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Leota Powers, Harper, Alice Flanagan, Myrtle Schattenheim, Elmer, and Eunice Sherbrook.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 28, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel, 801 W. Middle St., Chelsea with Janet Alford officiating. Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and also at the Chapel on Friday from 9-10 a.m. Memorial Contributions may be made to the UMRC Heritage Foundation, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118.

 

Barney Gubachy
Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor

Age 92, died Thursday, September 20, 2012 at Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born June 1, 1920 in Detroit, the son of Barney & Irene (Papp) Gubachy.

Barney worked for the Ford Motor Company and Bendix in Ann Arbor.  While at Bendix he worked on the Apollo space program including working on the Lunar landing module.  Barney was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor where he took care of the signs outside.  Barney was a tinkerer, he enjoyed fixing lawn mowers, and making his own tools. He made unicycles for each of his children.

He was married to Shirley Smith, and later to Norma Neebling, both of whom preceded him in death. Survivors include a son, Daniel (Bronwyn) Gubachy of Ann Arbor; four daughters, Diane (Alan) Knaust of Hudson, FL, Kathy (Al) Bethke of Cary, NC, Barbara (Charles) Mulder of Highland, MI, Sherry (Tim) Moore of Titus, AL; two step-daughters, Angie Showerman, Carol Ann Fleischman; 12 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Van Norman; a brother, Jim Gubachy; and a sister, Claire Maier.

A memorial service will be held at Chelsea Retirement Community Main Chapel, Thursday, September 27, 1:00 pm with Pastor Barry Ludwig officiating.  Private burial will be at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor.  Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

 

 

Russell A. McLaughlin
Chelsea, Michigan

Russell Albert McLaughlin, 98, of  Chelsea, Michigan passed away Monday, September 3, 2012.  He was born January 16, 1914, in Paxton, Nebraska, son of Otis Burns and Luella (Sayer) McLaughlin.

Russ was an active entrepreneur, having started businesses in Chelsea, Dexter, Jackson, Houghton Lake and Roscommon, Michigan.

He was active in Kiwanis, being a Past President, a life member of Olive Lodge #156 Free and Accepted Masons, President of the Chelsea School Board during the period of consolidation of the rural school districts to form what is presently the Chelsea School District, a founding member of the Board of Directors of Chelsea Products, which later became part of Dana Corporation.

Russ enjoyed his many friends over coffee each morning wherever he resided. He was a great jokester, hunter, and an avid investor.

Proceeding him in death were his wife, Elaine M. (Streeter) McLaughlin; sister, LaReine E. Heald; brother-in-law, Maxwell P. Heald; brother, Clenard O. McLaughlin; sister-in-law, Barbara (Reeves) McLaughlin; and the mother of his children, Jean F. (Dancer) McLaughlin. Survivors include his three children, James O. (Carol) McLaughlin of Harbor Springs, MI, Jane K. (Gordon) Starr of Columbus, IN, David C. (Jane) McLaughlin of Ann Arbor, MI; nine grandchildren, Sandy J. McLaughlin, his fiancée, Jeannie Magiera, Craig S. McLaughlin and friend, Phillip Smith, Beverly J. (Willis) Kiogima, Michael M. (Judy) Starr, Mark D. Starr, Maureen A. (David) Moore, Christine J. (Drew) Hazelton, Elizabeth J. McLaughlin, Damon C. (Kimberly) McLaughlin; and eleven great grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will take place at a later date. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea.  Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Patricia A. Maroney
Columbia City, Indiana, formerly of Chelsea, MI

Age 75,  died Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at Grace Village Healthcare, Winona Lake, IN.

She was born January 8, 1937 in Highland Park, Michigan, a daughter of the late Henry H. and Margaret C. (Kendall) Bowman. Her formative years were spent in the Detroit area. She graduated from Redford High School in 1955. She began college at Michigan State University and completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Wayne State University in Business with a minor in Psychology.

On September 7, 1957 she was united in marriage to Daniel R. Maroney. They made their home in Ferndale, Michigan then moved to Chelsea, then Perrysburg, Ohio before moving to Columbia City in 1968.

She was employed by Lincoln National Life Insurance, Fort Wayne until her retirement in 1995. Her memberships included Tri Kappa, Michigan State Alumni and the Michigan Jaycees.

Surviving relatives include her husband of 55 years, Dan; four children, Kathleen Patricia Vessey of Fairfax Virginia; Michael Daniel Maroney of Warsaw; Carrie Ann (Michael) Yocum of Winona Lake; Mari Lynne (Brian) Wineland of Columbia City; 6 grandchildren, Lauren and Amanda Vessey, Richard and Brandon Maroney, Katherine Yocum and Savannah Wineland; a great granddaughter Alyssa Maroney and sister Margaret “Peg” Currie of Palm Bay, Florida.  She was preceded in death by a brother Robert Bowman.

The funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm Friday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, IN with visitation from 4 to 7 pm Friday at the funeral home. Additional visitation will be at Cole Funeral Chapel, 214 E. Middle St, Chelsea, MI on Sunday, Sept. 23, from11:30 am until 1:00 pm. Burial will be immediately following at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea, MI.  Preferred memorials are to Whitley County Literary Council, 115 S. Line Street, Columbia City, IN 46725 or the Whitley County Giving Circle, 400 North Whitley Street, Columbia, IN 46725.

 

Lois P. “Sis” (Palmer) Moore
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 88, died Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born November 8, 1923 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Dr. Algernon A. & Winifred (Bacon) Palmer. She is the great-granddaughter of James M. Congdon, founder of Chelsea.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, Eta Chapter, Lois was a dental hygienist for 22 years. She then went back to college and got her teaching certificate and Masters from Eastern Michigan University. Mrs. Moore taught in the Chelsea School District at South School and Beach Middle School for 22 years, retiring in 1989. Lois was a member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church. She was the President of the Chelsea Women’s Club (92-94) and Past-President of the Chelsea Historical Society.

On November 25, 1945, she married John Barton Moore Jr. in the Martha Mary Chapel in Greenfield Village, and he preceded her in death on May 22, 1986. Survivors include 2 daughters, Martha (Craig Indyke) Moore of Chelsea, Sally Howard of Ypsilanti; 3 sons, John Moore III of Ann Arbor, William Moore of Jackson, Charles Moore of Chelsea; 6 grandchildren, Craig Indyke, Jr., Andrew, John, Matthew and Charles Howard and Elizabeth Funk; 1 great-grandson Duane Charles Funk. Lois was preceded in death by her daughter Colleen Moore; and sister, Winifred “Pap” Gies.

A private family service will be held. Burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Leonard F. Motsinger

Of Dexter, Michigan

Age 86, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2012.  He was born on May 18, 1926 in Corning, Arkansas to Freman and Bertha (Samons) Motsinger, both of whom preceded him in death.

He moved with his family to the Ann Arbor area in the early 1940’s, and had been a lifelong resident of the area since that time.  He joined the Marines in 1943 in order to serve in WWII.  Since he was only sixteen years old, he needed the written consent of his parents to serve.  He served in the Pacific where he received his first Purple Heart and returned to service.  He received a second Purple Heart when he was severely wounded on March 1, 1945, in the battle of Iwo Jima.

Upon discharge from the service, Leonard returned to Ann Arbor, MI.  It is there where he married Connie (Rocco) Motsinger on June 8, 1946.  Leonard was a founding partner of Cooperative Roofing, and he served as President of the Roofers Union for fifteen years.  He was a member of the Ann Arbor Moose Lodge.  He loved working outdoors and was a lifelong bowler.

In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, Connie, brother Phillip Motsinger, sister Judith (Leslie) Schooley.  He is survived by three sons, David (Vicki) Motsinger of Grass Lake, MI, Ronald (Loretta) Motsinger of Dexter, MI, James (Theresa) Motsinger of Dexter, MI, a daughter Karen Nys of Grass Lake, MI, six grandchildren, Mark (Christy) Motsinger, Emily (Mike) Andrews, Erica Whiting, Alana Motsinger, Joel Nys, and Zack Gascoyne,  six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.  He is also survived by a beloved cousin, Val Knowlton of Union City, CA and many nieces and nephews, including longtime bowling partner and friend Don (Bridget) Schooley.

Funeral services will be Tuesday September 18, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating.  Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery, Ann Arbor.  Expressions of sympathy can be made to Arbor Hospice.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

 

Phoebe Ann Turner
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 84, passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born on November 16, 1927 in Royalton, Kentucky, the daughter of Shelby and Maggie (Manuel) Shouse.

She had come to Michigan when she was 12 years old and enjoyed making quilts, sewing, and her flower garden. She was a member of the Chelsea First Assembly of God for many years and worked for Associated Springs in Saline for 23 and a half years.

She is survived by her two sons, Robert Phillips of Chelsea and Jeffrey (Dawn) Phillips of Chelsea; four grandchildren: Travis, Jenny, Aaron, and Chelsea Phillips; her sister, Frances (Dick) Bauer of Chelsea; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her daughter, Pamela Shouse, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Clarence West, Leo West, Susie West, Adaline Carpenter, Molly Fletcher, and Harold Shouse.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Steven Kincer officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

 

Merle Standish Barr, Jr.
Of Chelsea

Age 89, passed away very peacefully on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at the Arbor Hospice Residence, Ann Arbor. He was born on October 28, 1922 in Chelsea, MI to Merle Standish Barr, Sr. and Lucile McDaid Barr.

He was the great-great-grandson of Elisha Congdon, one of Chelsea’s founders. He was a lifelong resident of the city and graduated from Chelsea High School with the class of 1940. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Chelsea. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Belvoir, VA where he graduated from Officer Candidate School with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the Corp of Engineers and later was elevated to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

He was deployed overseas and participated in the D-day invasion of Normandy, landing on Omaha Beach. He was recently featured in a documentary titled “Detroit, Our Greatest Generation”, a story about Michigan’s contribution to WWII. The Executive Director, Keith Famie, took Merle and his son Bradley on a trip back to Omaha Beach to film the documentary.

After being responsible for building many bridges and roads for the troops and being caught in the Battle of the Bulge, he was assigned to military government in Garnishch-Partenkirchen, Germany. He returned home to Chelsea, and was employed by the Village of Chelsea for a short time and then took the position of Purchasing Agent for Federal Screw Works. He was called back into active service and was stationed in Alaska where he received the promotion to Captain.

Upon his return, he went back to his position as Purchasing Agent at Federal Screw Works, from where he retired in 1987. On June 21, 1946 he married Norma Tatters who is deceased. On April 22, 1961 he married Arline Honeycutt.

Survivors in addition to Arline are sisters: Virginia (Edward) Visel of Chelsea, Diana (Dick) Lubic of Plainwell, MI; children: Carol (Dennis) Nurkiewicz of Uniontown, PA, Randall (Ann) Barr of Huntington Beach, CA, Tracy (David) Carroll of Maiden, NC, and Bradley (Dori) Barr of Munith, MI; his grandchildren: Dennis, Jr. (Sherry) Nurkiewicz of West Virginia, Timothy (Janet) Nurkiewicz of West Virginia, Daniel (Megan) Blough of Chelsea, David Blough of Chelsea, Mathew (Mercedes) Barr of Hampton, VA, Michelle Barr of Munith, MI, and Kali Garbry and Douglas Tripp of Jackson; his great-grandchildren: Gwendolyn Nurkiewicz, Maegyn Nurkiewicz, Stacey Horner, Schyler House, McKenzie Blough, Bailey Blough, Madison Blough, and baby Elisha Congdon Barr due November 4.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Burial will follow at Vermont Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

 

Richard J. “Dick” Schulze
Of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 82, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

He was born on Nov. 25, 1929 in Oaktown, Indiana, the son of Lester and Leone (Porter) Schulze. Dick graduated from Chelsea High School in 1947. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. He also delivered Standard Oil part-time to the local area residences for his father.

On Nov. 8, 1952, he married Janet French in Ann Arbor. She preceded him in death May 1, 2002. He retired from Chrysler Corporation, Scio plant. He loved to play in the dirt; however Massey Harris was the only tractor in Dick’s mind.

Surviving are three children: Mark (Marilyn) Schulze of Manchester, Dan Schulze (Dawn Borders) of Waterloo, and Susan (Dan) Heinz of Grand Rapids; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one son, Robert Schulze, and his brother, Timothy Schulze.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Sept. 14, 2012 at 11 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Peter S. Harris officiating. Burial will follow Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Chelsea Community Fair or Sharon United Methodist Church. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

 

Deborah Anne Heathfield Wedegartner

formerly of Chelsea

Deborah Anne Heathfield Wedegartner, adored mother & cherished grandmother, devoted sister, loyal friend & respected mentor joined Jesus Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012 with family by her side at her Inverness, Florida home after complications of lung disease. She was 62 years old.

Debbie was born in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI April 30, 1950. She was a twin daughter to Paul & Jeanne Heathfield. She resided in Detroit and attended St. David School in Detroit, MI. She finished her diploma in Manistique, MI, where she moved to after marrying William Wedegartner on August 31, 1972 and raised their two beautiful children Julie & Guy.

Debbie touched many lives in Manistique as she was a key volunteer in the AA program. She mentored teenagers, giving them hope & direction while cherishing each and every one of them. She was so important to so many people’s sobriety. She celebrated 30 years of sobriety last May.

Debbie moved to Chelsea, MI in 1992 and worked at the Perky Pantry as the manager. She cherished her time there because she was able to spend time with her sisters, nieces, nephews & friends. She moved to Myrtle Beach in 1994 and worked as a front desk clerk at a ocean front resort; the beach was her favorite place to spend time; which she was able to do on her last birthday.

Debbie moved to Big Rapids, MI in 1998 again to be with her grandchildren and met many amazing friends from Michigan Rehab Services, where she retired from. She lived in Big Rapids Housing where she served as the treasurer of the housing council. She was a key volunteer for Toys for Tots for many years & was always looking for ways to be a blessing to others. She moved to Inverness, FL with her daughter and family for the last five months of her life to help her lungs and be close to the ocean again. She was suffering with COPD, MVP & artery disease. She was always courageous, strong & never complained about her ailments, instead tried to help others as much as possible.

Debbie was an amazing loving and nurturing person; having a positive, unforgettable effect on each and every person she came into contact with, no matter how short of a time she was in their lives. She loved spending time at the beach, nurturing her plants, & spending time with family & friends. She will be greatly missed by so very many.

She is survived by her daughter & son-in-law Julie & Eric Siewert, son, Guy Wedegartner, grandchildren, Eric Jr. & Jean-Marie Siewert, three sisters Lynda Collins, Paula Madar & her identical twin Pamela Lesser, plus four nephews, nine nieces & many great-nieces & great-nephews who cherished her. She was preceded in death by her mother & father, Paul & Jeanne Heathfield, her brother-in-law, Stephan Madar, and her special friend Wally VanSyckle.

Memorial Services will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI on Sept. 22, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Any expressions of sympathy through donations should be made to the family to be distributed to Deborah’s many favorite charities and causes. A luncheon will follow at the Inverness Country Club.

 

Bobbie “Bob” Dean Foster
Chelsea, formerly of Danville, Alexandria & Stafford, VA

Age 75, died Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012 at Chelsea, Mich. He was born Dec. 2, 1936 in Danville, Virginia, the son of John & Gaynell (Powell) Foster.
Bob served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was in the wholesale plumbing business for 35 years and more recently was known for his writing and love of opera.

On May 28, 1960, he married Gloria Harris in Alexandria, VA, and she survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Laura (John) Thorhauer of Chelsea; a son, Bob D. (Diana)  Foster of Fredericksburg, VA; a sister, Gay Frances Myers of Kansas; 3 grandchildren, Casey Foster, Travis Foster and Kirsten Thorhauer; and many nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Bob’s wishes, a local service will not be held. Bob’s ashes will be interred in Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution to UMRC Heritage Foundation, 805 W. Middle St, Chelsea, MI 48118 (c/o Howard S. Holmes Endowment to support charitable care at Towsley Village). Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

 

Marian Fullenwider
Chelsea, formerly of South Lyon

Age 96, died Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012 at Chelsea Retirement Community.  She was born Oct. 24, 1915 in Pontiac, MI, the daughter of Harry & Ora (Honey) Randall.

She was a graduate of Pontiac High School and Kalamazoo College. She received a Masters degree in Secondary English Education from Wayne State University in 1969.

Marian taught in Hazel Park, in Detroit at the James Vernor School, and at Trenton High School in Trenton, MI. After retirement she and her husband traveled widely before relocating to South Lyon.

Mrs. Fullenwider was a member of Central Methodist Church in Detroit for many years, where she helped in the Resale shop and was a “Friendly Visitor.” She was chair of the Worship Work Area Committee and member and Secretary of the Administrative Council. More recently she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in South Lyon, where she was a member of the Caring Committee.

Because of her love of books, Mrs. Fullenwider was always interested in public libraries. She was a member of the Board of Trustees of the South Lyon Library and of the Salem-South Lyon District Library, and served as secretary.

Marian was very active over the years in the adopt a grandparent program through Chelsea Public Schools, she had at least eight new “grandchildren.”

In 1939, she married Allan Fullenwider, and he preceded her in death. She is survived by three sons, Malcolm (Susan) of Whitehall, PA, Donald (Klotylda) of Plymouth, and Peter (Mary) of Midland; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Monday, Sept. 10,10:30 am at Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel,  with Cathy Rafferty officiating. Burial will be at Central United Methodist Church Memorial Gardens in Detroit.  Memorial contributions may be made to the N.O.A.H. Project at Central Methodist Church.  Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

 

Robert Lee Daniels
Chelsea, Michigan

Age 83, died unexpectedly Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012 due to natural causes.

He was born March 10, 1929 in Ann Arbor, Mich., the son of Warren R. & Gertrude E. (Storms) Daniels.

Bob was a 1947 graduate of Chelsea High School.  He earned his Bachelors Degree in Business from University of Michigan in 1951 and served as Business Manager for the Michigan Daily for two years. In 1952, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy for three years during the Korean War, serving on the destroyer “James C. Owens” for twenty-six months in the Bay of Inchon. Upon his return, he began working at Chelsea Lumber in April, 1955, and worked there full time until his death.

Bob was mayor of Chelsea in 1961 at the age of thirty-one. He served on the Chelsea School Board for five years where he was president for two years. Bob was treasurer for the Detroit-based Spaulding For Children for thirty-five years and helped acquire the Warren and Bertha Spaulding Farm in Chelsea as the organization’s first headquarters.

He was president of Chelsea Lumber Company from 1970 to the present, an active member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church, instrumental in fundraising for the Chelsea District Library, and was a founding member of the Chelsea Community Foundation.  Bob was a visionary who saw how to get things done.  He helped to keep downtown Chelsea vibrant, working countless hours with organizations and individuals who sought out his advice and counsel.

On Dec. 21, 1950, he married Marjorie J. Ferguson in Chelsea, and she survives. Other survivors include three children, Jeffry (Kathleen) Daniels of Chelsea,  Jodi Kay Daniels of Mt. Pleasant, SC, John (Jami) Daniels of Chelsea; and nine grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Daniels.

A public memorial service will be held Sunday, Oct. 7, 2 p.m. at Chelsea High School auditorium.

A private burial was held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church or the Chelsea Area Historical Society. Arrangements were handled by Cole Funeral Chapel.

 

Catherine “Cathee” Mary Parker
of Fenton/Lapeer, formerly of Chelsea, MI

peacefully returned into the loving arms of her Eternal Father and loving husband on Aug. 19, 2012 in Lapeer, MI. She was born Aug.14, 1935 in Detroit, MI the daughter of John & Mae (McElroy) Livingstone.

Cathee lived in Chelsea from 1980 to 1998, when she moved to Fenton to be close to her daughters.  She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea and St. John the Evangelist Parish in Fenton, where she participated passionately in both church choirs. She also worked at the Methodist Home as a nurse for a short time. Cathee was a dedicated animal lover and could quiet any fussy infant, and loved nothing more than being with and doing for her family.

On Nov. 26, 1955, she married her true love, Richard G. Parker in Berkley, MI, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 4, 1997. She was the mother of Terri (Jim) VanderLaan and Margie (Kevin) Jenema, both of Linden, Robert Parker of Jackson, Tonia Lawson of Manchester, and Mike (Sallie) Parker of Roff, OK; grandmother of Christie LaHaie, Chad, Jeremy, and Jodi VanderLaan, Haley Wood, Jamie, Ryan, & Brendan Jenema, Gregory & Beth Parker; proud great-grandmother of 13.

She also leaves behind a fiancé and dedicated care giver Lowell “Red” Bashore of Lapeer. Sister of James and William Livingstone, and Dosh Milliron, who all preceded her in death. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A special thanks to her caregiver Sandy and special friends Tim & Kay Bashore, including the whole Bashore family.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea.

The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Thursday noon – 4 & 6-9, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Terri VanderLaan or Margie Jenema for funeral expenses.

 

Rose Mary Jolet
Chelsea
Age 95, died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born Jan. 15, 1917 in Wheeling, West Virginia, the daughter of Dennis and Amelia (Japor) Ferris.

Rose moved to Detroit at age 8. She was the Detroit spelling champ in 1931. She attended St. Maron’s Catholic Church in Detroit.  Rose worked in a factory during World War II, at the Kresege deli, and co-owned a restaurant in Irish Hills, MI.  She loved cooking Lebanese food for family and friends.

She married her childhood sweetheart Peter Jolet on Aug. 19, 1939 and he preceded her in death on Feb. 10, 1994. Survivors include a son, Joseph (Sandra) Jolet of Clinton; two granddaughters, Rose Marie (Michael) Sedlecky of Brooklyn, and Tammy (John) Hartman of Dexter; great-grandchildren, Brooke, Nicole, Lindsey, Jamison, Nathan, and Morgan. She was a beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph Ferris, Nassif Ferris; and a sister, Rachel McGrath.  Special thanks to her niece JoAnn, who was always there, and her caregivers at Towsley Village.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Village Church in Dexter, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh officiating.  Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit.  The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Wednesday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. and at the church Thursday 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Retirement Community, Arbor Hospice, or St. Joseph Catholic Church.

 

Joy Maryanna Davis
Dexter, MI

Age 67, died peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012 at her daughter’s home in Dexter, MI. She was born March 11, 1945 in Sharpsburg, PA, the daughter of Herbert & Isabelle (Holland) Hazard.

On Aug. 25, 1961, she married Richard L. Davis in Ypsilanti, MI, and he survives. They moved to Dexter May 1, 1966, where they raised their family. Joy retired from Gelman/Pall Sciences in Ann Arbor in 2007. She was a loving & devoted wife, mother, grandmother, & friends to many. She enjoyed music, singing & dancing, & loved animals of all kinds, especially hummingbirds & her dog, Tori.

Other survivors include two daughters, Rhonda (Phillip) Miller and Helen Hergott; two grandchildren, Mitchell Granet and Jillian (Bill) Poteracki. Joy was preceded in death by both parents, and her son Richard “Rick” Davis Jr. in 2008.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating.

 

Cynthia M. Layher
Chelsea, MI, formerly of Grass Lake and Ann Arbor

Age 90, died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born Aug. 28, 1921 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the daughter of Joseph W. and Martha (Beaton) Gibbs.
On Aug. 24, 1946, she married Richard L. Layher in Toledo, Ohio and he preceded her in death on Nov. 27, 1989. Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Gerald and Sue of Dexter, Richard and Mary of Dexter, Randy and Eileen of Chelsea; one daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Dale Frey of Ann Arbor; 10 grandchildren Daniel, Scott, Brian, Brad, Gina, Richard, Noel, Shannon, Olivia, Jacob; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother, Evelyn Jannel; 2 sisters Eleanor Gibbs and Marie Anderson;  2 brothers, Nick Connors and Joe Gibbs.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, 11 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Stephen Bringardner officiating. Burial will follow at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor. The family will receive friends Friday, 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice or Chelsea Retirement Community.

 

 

The obituaries below are from past years.

For extended obituaries of selected citizens, visit the Extended Obituaries page.

2010 Local Obituaries:

Jeffrey Howard Flintoft of Grass Lake, 64, died August 14. See the extended obituary. Visitation will be held 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18, at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main Street, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Chelsea Community Hospital Cancer Center. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 19, at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. For more information, see the extended obituary.
Norma Jean Huff of Chelsea, 73, died August 8. A private burial will be at Pinckney Cemetery. For details, see Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.
Rosemary Lutovsky of Chelsea, 83, passed away August 7. Services are past. For details, see Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.
Barbara Marie Gallup of Concord and Chelsea, 70, died August 6. Services are past. For details, see Staffan-Mitchell’s Web site.
Marilyn Lee (Clark) Knight of Chelsea, 81, died August 2. Services are past. For details, see Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.
Larry Neil Hawker of Chelsea, 74, died July 27. Services are past. For details, see Staffan-Mitchell’s Web site.
Esther Abate of Chelsea, 91, passed away July 23. A memorial service for Esther will be held on Saturday, August 21, 3 p.m., at the Friends Meeting House, 1420 Hill St., Ann Arbor. A memorial celebration will be held on Sunday, August 22, 3 p.m., at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel. For details, see Staffan-Mitchell’s Web site.
Jillian Lea Drow of Chelsea, 21, died July 20. Services are past. For details, see Staffan-Mitchell’s Web site.
Thomas Bust of Chelsea, 93, died July 17. Services are past. For details, see Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.
Arthur M. “Russ” Armstrong of Chelsea, 60, passed away July 16. Services are past. For details, see Staffan-Mitchell’s Web site.
Margaret Dixon Emswiler of Chelsea, 90, died July 11. Services are past. For details, see Staffan-Mitchell’s Web site.
Edward A. Moon of Chelsea, 86, passed away July 8. No services were held. For details, see Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.
Irvin Lee “Bud” Slane of Chelsea, 86, passed away on July 5. He was a Chelsea native, a semi-pro baseball pitcher, and World War II veteran. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 9, at 11 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Waterloo Township. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.

Patricia Ruth Warner of Chelsea and Elkhart, Ind., 83, died July 2 at Chelsea Retirement Community. Memorial services will be out of state. For more information, visit Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.

Marvin E. Salyer of Chelsea, 83, passed away June 30. He was a World War II veteran. Funeral services are past. For more information, visit Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.

Don Edward Turner of Chelsea, 94, died June 28. Funeral services are past. For more information, visit Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.

Dorothy Jean Moe of Chelsea, 90, died June 25. Private memorial services will be held at a future date. For more information, visit Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.

Ella M. Quigley of Chelsea, 93, died June 19. Arrangements are pending; check the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home site for details.
Lt. Joel Christopher Gentz, of Chelsea, 25, was killed in action in Afghanistan June 9. An extended obituary has been posted. Click here to read the extended obituary.

Janelle Lay Gunn McCammon of Chelsea, 90, died June 3. Memorial services are past. For donation and condolence information, visit Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.

Vivian Marie Jurosek of Chelsea, 76, passed away June 3. Contribution information and comments can be found at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home site.

Catherine Susan Varner of Chelsea, 55, passed away June 2. Services are past. For donation and condolence information, visit Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.

Abbie S. Hanson of Chelsea, 94, died May 27. A Mass of Christian burial will be held June 1 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea. Visitation at the church will be 10-11 a.m. before the funeral. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. For donation information, visit Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.
Marjorie M. Howell of Chelsea and Ann Arbor, 91, passed away May 24. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 28, at 11:00 a.m. in the Main Chapel at the Chelsea Retirement Community. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield. For donation information, visit Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home’s Web site.
Theodore Kopinski of Chelsea, 91, a World War II veteran, died May 23. Visitation will be at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, on Wednesday, May 26, 2-4 p.m., with military honors at 4 p.m., and 6-8 p.m., with vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Graveside services will be at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Rd., Clinton Township, on Thursday, May 27, at 11 a.m. For donation information, visit Staffan’s Web site.
Marjorie E. (GreenLeaf) Miller of Chelsea, 77, passed away May 21. Funeral services are past. For donation and online condolence information, visit Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.

Leonard Matthew “Spike” McCalla of Lima Township, 77, passed away May 17. Services are past. The family requests that friends do a good deed for someone who needs it, in lieu of flowers. For more information, see Staffan-Mitchell’s Web site.
Viola “Vi” Lorene Nichol of Chelsea, 91, passed away May 14. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 18, at 10:30 a.m. at Chelsea Retirement Community. For more details, visit Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.

Pearl Marie Fitzsimmons of Chelsea, 85, died May 12. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial will follow at North Lake Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Robert James Squiers Sr. of Chelsea, 71, died May 11. A memorial service will be held at a later date. For contribution information, visit Cole Funeral Chapel’s Web site.
Lucille B. Kinney of Chelsea, 96, passed away on May 9. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 15, at 2 p.m. at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel. For more information, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.
Ethel M. Kleeb of Chelsea, 101, died May 6. Funeral services are past. For donation and online condolence information, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

William F. Heimerdinger of Chelsea, 58, died May 1. Funeral services are past. For details and online condolence information, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.

Jill Arlene (Harvey) Bauer of Chelsea, 64, died April 24. Visitation will be held Monday, May 3, 2010 at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home from 1-5 p.m. A private memorial service and burial will take place at a later date. For donation and online condolence information, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.
Lucille Steffey of Chelsea, 95, died on April 19. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m., at the Chelsea Retirement Community. The family will receive friends Wednesday, 5-8 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel and Thursday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Chelsea Retirement Community. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

Alma M. Brown of Chelsea, 93, passed away April 17. Funeral services are past. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

Robert L. Heydlauff of Chelsea died April 17. Details and service information are still pending at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Ruth Melissa Lane of Chelsea, 89, passed away on April 15. Funeral services are past. For donation information, see the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.

Jean L. Aronson of Chelsea, 89, died April 14. Visitation was private. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

Caroline “Carrie” Eisenbeiser of Chelsea, 94, died April 14. Funeral services are past. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

Janice Elaine (Bovay) Dorer of Chelsea, 76, passed away April 6. Visitation is past. For memorial suggestions, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.

George Franklin “Frank” Hill of Chelsea, 80, died on April 4. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m.

Marian A. Schilling of Chelsea, 99, passed away on March 30. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 17, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chelsea Retirement Community. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Centralia, IL. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

Michael Carl Hansen of Chelsea, 28, died on March 26 of injuries sustained from a car crash. Funeral services are past. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

Pauline J. Holmes of Chelsea, 93, died on March 23. Funeral services are past. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

Stephanie Ann “Sis” (Wagner) Kanten of Chelsea, 67, passed away Thursday, March 18. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. and Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Charles F. Krausse, M.D., 89, passed away Wednesday, March 17. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 22, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. See an extended obituary.
Daniel S. Whitesall of Chelsea, 57, passed away Tuesday, March 16. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. Private burial will take place at a later date. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until the hour of service. See an extended obituary.
Jeannette D. “Jean” Pool of Chelsea, 65, passed away on Tuesday, March 16. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 19, at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. A private burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m.
A J Hale Sr. of Chelsea, 90, passed away Sunday, March 14. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Manchester. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Vigil service at 7:30 P.M. For details, visit Staffan-Mitchell’s new Web site.
Charles T. Smith, Jr. of Chelsea, 82, died Thursday, March 11. Funeral services are past (arranged by Cole Funeral Chapel). Burial was to be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.

Kenneth G. Kouba of Chelsea, 97, died Sunday, March 7. A private burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester. For donation and online condolence information, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

Rosetta Porath of Chelsea, 84, died Saturday, March 6. Funeral services are past. For online condolences and donation information, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.

Ima Jean Bauer of Chelsea, 75, passed away on Saturday, March 6. Funeral services are past. For online condolences and donation information, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.

Marian E. Darlington of Chelsea, 89, died Sunday, February 28. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel and Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Chelsea Retirement Community. For donation and online condolence information, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.
Christine Louise May (Root) Hinderer of Chelsea, 36, died Monday, February 22, of natural causes. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 1, at 1 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends Saturday, Feb. 27, from 6-9 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 28, from 1-5 p.m. For donation and online condolence information, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.
Dorothy G. Koengeter of Chelsea, 83, died on February 20. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 23, from 2-8 p.m. and Wednesday, February 24, at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. For online condolences and donation information, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.
Sigrid Jorgensen of Chelsea, 103, pased away on February 18. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 22, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chelsea Retirement Community Towsley Chapel. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.
Lauretta E. Sockow of Chelsea, 96, died on February 14. Services are past. For online condolences and donation information, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.

Nancy Merkel of Chelsea, 77, passed away on February 13. Services are past. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

Howard Payton White of Chelsea, 90, died February 12. Services are past. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

Charles “Charlie” R. Stevens Sr. of Chelsea, 81, died February 12. Services are past. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

Alva O. Fouty of Chelsea, 76, passed away on February 12. Services are past. For online condolences and donation information, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.

Donald R. Stoll of Chelsea, 75, died February 10. Services are past. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.
Jeraldine “Gigi” Young of Chelsea, 78, passed away February 7. Arrangements are past. For online condolences, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.
Marcella A. Keller of Chelsea, 96, died February 5. A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 6, 10:30 a.m. at the Towsley Village Chapel of Chelsea Retirement Community. For details and donation information, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.

Ethel LaNue “Gaa-Gaa” Kelly-Gragg of Chelsea, 91, passed away February 4. Funeral services are past. For donation and online condolence information, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.

Isabel L. Collin of Chelsea, 83, died February 4. Services will be private. For donation information and online condolences, visit the Cole Funeral Chapel Web site.
Silas G. Hopkins, Jr., of Chelsea, 83, passed away February 2. Funeral services will be Friday, February 5, at 1:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday from noon until the hour of service. For contribution and online condolence information, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.
Ronald F. Gentner of Chelsea, 83, passed away January 31. A memorial service will be held Fri., Feb. 12, at 11:00 a.m. from the Bethlehem United Church of Christ, Ann Arbor. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. For contribution and online condolence information, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.
Blanche L. Ottoman of Chelsea, 91, passed away January 29. Services are past. For contribution and online condolence information, visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.

Doris Marie Mann of Chelsea, 84, passed away January 27. Memorial services are past. For online condolences, see the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home Web site.

Jacqueline Mariepaule (Gelinas) Kupisz of Chelsea, 87, passed away January 20. For online condolence information, visit Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home’s Web site.
Randalyn Kaye “Randi” Larson of Chelsea, 45, passed away on January 13 after a long battle with cancer. Services are past. For donation and online condolence information, visit Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home’s Web site.

John G. “Jack” McClear of Chelsea, 56, died January 9. Services are past. For donation and online condolence information, visit Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home’s Web site.
Janet Nancy Fulks of Chelsea, 92, passed away January 5 at her home surrounded by her family. Services are past. For donation and online condolence information, visit Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home’s Web site.
2009 Local Obituaries