- Visit Chelsea Update’s Obituaries page for this year’s obituaries
- Visit the Cole Funeral Chapel website
- Visit the Sherwood Funeral Home website
- Visit the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home website
Delanie Claire Maute
On December 31, 2022 our sweet angel, Delanie Claire Maute, age 13, lost her courageous 10-month battle with cancer.
Through our grief, we can rest with the knowledge that she is no longer suffering and is now able to rest peacefully with our Heavenly Father.
Delanie was born on October 15, 2009 in Ann Arbor, Michigan and grew up in Chelsea, Michigan. Delanie loved all animals, she had many throughout her short life. She had two dogs that she adored named Malibu and Murphy and a guinea pig named Capy. She shared many stories about her 3 furry friends with the doctors and nurses that cared for her throughout these last 10 months. She spent a lot of time on TikTok and her feed was filled with dog, capaybara, Roblox and Marvel related videos.
We spent many hours when she wasn’t feeling well due to the chemotherapy watching Marvel movies one of her favorite characters was the Scarlet Witch. She also played many, many hours of her favorite video game Roblox. She recently started collecting Marvel memorabilia and fostered a video editing skill that she became really good at and even had a video or 2 go viral.
She enjoyed many sports throughout her youth, starting with gymnastics at the early age of 4. She switched to team sports as she entered middle school, preferring the comradery that they provided. She played softball, basketball and volleyball. Delanie was competitive and didn’t like to lose. This fighting spirit of hers helped her tremendously in her fight against cancer.
For Delanie, family and friends meant everything. Whether it was everyone gathering for large family dinners or just hanging out with a group of her friends, that was when she was in her element. Her infectious smile could light up the room and her spunk and sass would keep everyone entertained. What really made us proud though was her kind, giving spirit.
As Christmas approached and her cancer progressed, all Delanie was concerned about was making sure she could give presents to her friends and family. Receiving gifts was not important. She spent multiple nights in the hospital ordering last minute gifts to ensure everyone was taken care of. We were blessed to be able to have Delanie home for 5 days over Christmas and the memories of that time will live on forever with us.
Delanie is survived by her loving parents Darrel (Rebecca) Maute and Carrie Childs-Thor (Jamie); sister Elleri; stepsister Kali (Luke) Coppernoll, Jerica (Jesus) Thor-Arriaga; stepbrothers Hunter and Carson Presson, Jake and Dylan Thor; grandparents Ralph and Glenda Childs, Robert Maute and Sally Sherwood; step grandparents Gregg and Sharon Baxter, Fred and Lyn Thorand, Ronald Fargo and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 2-8 P.M. at the Faholo Tabernacle, 3000 Mt. Hope Road, Grass Lake, Michigan. Funeral services to celebrate Delanie’s life will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday January 7, 2023 at the Faholo Tabernacle.
To honor Delanie’s memory and continue Delanie’s legacy, a memorial scholarship fund has been set up so Delanie can continue to give back. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her memory. Donations can be made through gofundme https://gofund.me/39ae7fda or mailing payments to: The Delanie Claire Maute Scholarship Fund c/o Sherwood Funeral Home, 1109 Norvell Road, Grass Lake, MI 49240.
Special thanks to Delanie’s medical teams at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Beaumont Children’s Hospital for all of their efforts. Also, a tremendous thank you to Aunt Missie Gatza for all of your kind, compassionate and caring love for Delanie.
Ronald Edwin Austin
Age 91, died Wednesday, December 28, 2022, in Chelsea, Michigan, where he was a resident of the Chelsea Retirement Community.
He was born November 30, 1931, in Oil City, Pennsylvania, the son of Thomas Clare and Mary Fern (Turk) Austin.
He was a graduate of Oil City High School, the College of Wooster, Ohio, and the University of Michigan School of Information and Library Studies. He was most recently employed as a Reference and Collection Development Librarian at the University of Michigan Graduate Library. He retired from that position in 1994.
On May 7, 1960, he married Anna Marie Breyfogle in Chicago, Illinois. She preceded him in death on November 13, 2014. Ronald is survived by a daughter, Mary Austin (Carl Smith) of Gaithersburg, Maryland; a son, Stephen Austin (Anna Parise) of Ridgeway, Wisconsin; and a daughter-in-law, Laura Dresser of Madison, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by a son, David Austin; and a sister, Sara Hudgens (Alan). Also surviving are a niece and nephew; and four grandchildren, Galen Austin, Lucy Smith, Alyssa Austin, and Nelson Dresser.
A memorial service is pending at this time. Please check back for updates.
Memorial contributions may be made to UMRC & Porter Hills Foundation- Team Member Support Services East.
Aram “David” Walker
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 76, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, December 23, 2022 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.
He was born October 12, 1946 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Aram S. and Emma “Ann” (Kent) Walker Schindler Vaughn.
David fondly grew up at his grandmother, Wanda (Alva) Walker’s home with his aunt Carol on the corner of Gulfside and Washtenaw in a beautiful brick home where he and Debbie were married. He graduated from Pioneer High School in 1964.
He joined the Army, serving at Cameron Bay in Vietnam. David began working for Michigan Bell as a telephone splicer technician in December of 1966. He proudly worked for them for 38 years, and then worked at Pamida in Chelsea until the store closed.
He was a member of the American Legion. David enjoyed hunting, camping, working on outdoor projects, and spending time with his family. He was very involved with his children’s activities, running the fun fairs at South Elementary School, and joining all of his children’s field trips. He loved building floats for his children for the annual Chelsea parades. David loved kids, and helped his wife, Debbie with her in-home daycare.
He had a kind, loving heart, always willing to help out in any way. He never let his children feel like they were going without, and loved to spoil his grandchildren. He and Debbie welcomed everyone with open arms.
On July 1, 1967 he married Deborah Miller, and they spent 50 years together before she preceded him in death on September 11, 2017. Together they raised three sons, David Walker of Grass Lake, Duane (Florida) Walker of Brooklyn, Daniel (Celinda) Walker of Yankton, SD, and one daughter, Dena (Eric) Sommer of Stockbridge; 8 grandchildren, Brendan, Scott, Kaitelyn, Sydney, Brett and Victoria Walker and Chase and Parker Sommer; two great-grandchildren, Lola and Oakley Walker; two sisters, Barbara (Jerry) McMullen of Cottonwood, AZ, Dawn (David) Carney of Chandler, AZ; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert Walker; and a sister, and Beverly (Chester) Griffin.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 29, 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea. The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 28, 3-7 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion or Vietnam Veterans of America.
Larry Allen Yager
of Dexter
Age 75, passed away after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer with his family by his side on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.
He was born September 15, 1947, to Sylvester Edwin Yager and Marilynn Esther (Hamilton) Yager in Midland, Michigan.
Larry graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1970. He immediately began his first career as a police officer at EMU. After a few years he moved to Chelsea where he was a police officer until 1977. He then began his second career as an engineer at General Motors for 31 years.
Upon retirement he upped his golf game by playing in several golf leagues. Spending time with his family, golf and his dogs were always his favorite things. There were days when he said he preferred dogs to people! He always had a dog by his side.
He is survived by his wife, Sue, whom he met on a blind date in 1968 and married in June, 1971. He is also survived by his son Colin (Laurie) of Gaylord, his daughter, Kelly of Dexter, his brother Randy (Kathy), sister-in-law Mary and several nephews, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Craig.
Cremation has taken place and visitation will be held at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea on Friday, Dec.16th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. A private burial will take place at a later time.
To honor Larry please consider donating to his favorite charities: Huron Valley Humane Society, 3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 or Paws With A Cause 4646 Division, Wayland, MI 49348.
Lloyd Charles Hafner
Munith, MI, formerly of Chelsea
Age 71, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at his home.
He was born June 4, 1951 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Charles “Bud” and Elaine J. (Ferry) Hafner.
Lloyd graduated from Chelsea High School in 1969. He served in Boy Scouts for 63 years. Lloyd was in Cub Scout Pack 55 and earned his Eagle Scout in 1968, with Boy Scout Troop 476. He was the Scoutmaster for Troop 465. With Troop 425, he was the Advancement Chairman and was on the District Advancement Committee for Eagle Scout. In Troop 425, he had helped 72 boys attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Lloyd was also the Committee Chairman of Cub Scout Pack 768 of Stockbridge. He received the District Award of Merit, and in 2010, he earned the Silver Beaver. Lloyd was a vigil member of the Order of the Arrow, and attended Philmont Scout Ranch with Troop 476. He retired from Polly’s Country Market as receiving clerk. Lloyd was an avid fan of Michigan football and Detroit sports.
Lloyd married Margaret A. Haworth on June 29, 1974, in Ann Arbor and she survives. They divorced some years later, but always remained friends. Other survivors include his son, Kevin (BreAnne) Hafner of Jackson; his daughter, Jennifer (Bryan) Schipul of Munith; two brothers, Lee Hafner of Alabama, Anthony (DeAnna) Hafner of Jackson; one sister, Carol (Tom) Houle of Chelsea; one sister-in-law, Janet Hafner of Belleville; one brother-in-law, Robbie Canter of Ann Arbor; five grandchildren, Conor, Landen, Aidin, Dyllan, and Kerry who affectionately called him Boba; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Lary and Bill; a sister-in-law, Janet (Hafley) Hafner; and a nephew, Christopher.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 20, noon at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, with a luncheon immediately following at the Chelsea Train Depot. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, December 19 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm.
The family asks that any Boy Scouts present, to please wear their Class A uniforms. Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scout Troop 425 – Eagle Scout Project Account.
Pamela Lucett Williams
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 70, passed away peacefully at her home from cancer on Saturday, December 10, 2022.
She was born November 5, 1952, in Huntington, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Ira Finley and Mary Ruth (Perdue) Graham.
Pam had a love of sewing, quilting, and nature. She loved the birds at her feeders and got a big kick out of any animal she saw. She was a keen observer of their behavior and often found the humor in them. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Chelsea. She will be remembered for her kindness, love, and example of compassion. We will miss her but are comforted to know she is with our Heavenly Father.
Pam was supported in her life and her cancer journey by a loving family and dear friends. It is a difficult journey to travel but good friends and family made it possible to travel with dignity, grace, humor, and acceptance. Near the end of her life, she was no longer able to keep up with her life-long passion of sewing. Her close friends finished her final projects for her so she could gift them to her grandchildren. Pam had excellent taste in friends.
Pam is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Stephen Williams; a sister, Peggy (Charlie) Burgess; two daughters, Debbie (Shawn) Powell, Danielle (Carl) Chatterton; two sons, Stephen (Susie) Boreing, Mason Rickmers; and grandchildren, Kimberly, Kelly, Janessa, Landyn, Nathan, Katelyn, Jaelyn, Carson, Ty, Ethan, and Khloie.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 17, 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1330 N. Freer Rd., Chelsea, Michigan with Dr. Garn Smith presiding. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends Friday, December 16, at Cole Funeral Chapel from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and the church Saturday, from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Arbor Hospice, or Food Gatherers.
Leola A. Brennan
of Chelsea
Age 89, longtime resident of Chelsea, passed away on Dec. 7, 2022
Leola was born on July 20, 1933 in Lansing, MI to Russell and Lucille (Taylor) Altstaetter. She had lived in the Chelsea area all of her life, graduating from Chelsea High School, Class of 1951. She worked for Merkel Furniture Store for many years, beginning when it was a hardware store, but many would remember her as an interior designer. After retiring from the University of Michigan, she finished her working career at the Chelsea Dollar Store.
She loved her home in the city of Chelsea and was a wonderful homemaker and gardener. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as spending time at Four Mile Lake. She was involved in the Chelsea Community, volunteering for Faith in Action and planning the 1951 CHS class reunions.
Leola married David L. Brennan in 1958, and he preceded her in death in 2011. Surviving are her son, Mark (Dawn) Brennan of Chelsea, two grandchildren, Jennifer (Chad) Pardo, and Lisa (Joseph) Coyle, four great-grandchildren, Joan, Evan, Matthew, and Abigail; and a sister-in-law, Charlotte Brennan of Farmington Hills. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, LaDonna McRae.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI, with Pastor Mary Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Vermont Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith In Action or the Chelsea District Library.
Mary (Berridge) Frisinger
of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor
Age 56, passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 at her home.
She was born Aug. 25, 1966 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of W. Lloyd and Jeanne (Heckel) Berridge, Jr.
Mary grew up in Ann Arbor, graduated from Pioneer High School in 1984, and then attended Eastern Michigan University. She was a resident of the North Lake community for over 20 years. Mary spent her career as a loan officer in the Ann Arbor area.
Ballet was an important part of her life. She began taking ballet classes at Pamela Rutlege’s School of Dance at 5 years old until her early 20s. She resumed classes with her beloved teacher in 2008 and danced in numerous recitals.
Mary was active in the community as an affiliate member of Ann Arbor Board of Realtors, a member of the Inverness Country Club, Caerusnet, and other groups in the Ann Arbor area. She was also an avid Michigan football fan. Mary was known for her kindness, hospitality, and sense of humor.
On Oct 10, 1998, she married Scott P. Frisinger in Ann Arbor, and he survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Ashley (Josh Guberman) Wiseman of Ann Arbor; her mother, Jeanne Berridge of Sun City West, AZ; a sister Martha (Mark) Link of Chicago, IL; three nephews, Jackson Frisinger, Luke Frisinger, John Link; a niece, Mary Link; Scott’s parents, Paul & Kathy Frisinger; and a brother-in-law, Eric (Stacey) Frisinger. She was preceded in death by her father.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 17, 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor, with The Rev. Wayne Rollins officiating. A reception at the church will follow. Parking in the church lot will be limited. Any available street parking will only be available beginning 15 minutes before the service and ending 15 minutes after the service. Metered parking is available at the Community High School parking lot, the Farmer’s Market, or the 4th & Catherine Lot.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Cancer Center or Paws with a Cause at www.pawswithacause.org/donatebutton.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Brandon Payeur
of Jackson, MI
Age 46, passed away on November 08, 2022, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer.
Brandon was born on October 16, 1976, in Ann Arbor, MI to James and Kimberly (Naebeck) Payeur.
Brandon grew up in Saline, MI and was a Saline High School graduate class of 1995. He served as a paid-on call firefighter at Pittsfield Township Fire Department after high school while also operating his own lawn care service.
Brandon worked for the Jackson County Road Commission for the last five years. He loved his job and was one of the few people to be excited to see the snow falling in winter. He previously drove semi-trucks over the road hauling liquid sugar for Kuehnlein Trucking and hauling flatbed loads for Flat Out Trucking. He enjoyed driving truck over the road and was especially happy when he could take one of his boys along with him on a haul. Driving trucks was his favorite job and there was not a piece of equipment that Brandon couldn’t drive or operate.
Brandon’s other great passion was farming. He enjoyed helping his dad on their family farm in Chelsea and arguing if red or green tractors were the best. He ran his own farm seed company Double J Seed Supply. He greatly enjoyed visiting all the local farmers every year to sell them seed and catching up on the local farm news.
While he enjoyed all things farm, his favorite time was fall harvest, hauling loads of corn and soybeans to John Marion’s, he loved finding out what the seed he sold produced each year.
Brandon had a gift for talking with people and no one was ever a stranger for long. He made everyone he met a friend and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
On May 26, 2017, he married SarahJane (Wilson), and she survives along with their two children Joshua Payeur and Jonathan Payeur, all of Jackson. Also surviving are his two older children from his previous marriage, Dylan Payeur and Jacob Payeur, both of Chelsea; his parents of Chelsea, a sister, Amanda Payeur of Chelsea, and brother, Greg (Murphy) Payeur of Saline; his grandmothers, Joan Payeur and Arlene Naebeck; two nieces and one nephew, as well as several aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Arnold Naebeck and Benoit Payeur.
All services were private, and burial has taken place.
Brandon had a special place in his heart for his church campground Killarney Lutheran Camp. He served on the campground board and enjoyed visiting the camp often. Memorial contributions may be made in Brandon’s name to Killarney Lutheran Camp, 1200 Chisholm Road, Onsted, MI 49265.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
David Edward Hoeft
Manchester, Michigan
Age 96, died Monday, November 28, 2022 at Cambrian assisted living in Tecumseh. He was born May 16, 1926 in Belleville, Michigan, the son of William Rudolph and Bertha Ann (Kromrie) Hoeft.
David graduated from Lincoln Consolidated High School in 1944. He farmed all of his life, including dairy from 1945-59. David worked at Ford Motor Company for 21 years in Rawsonville. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and Farm Bureau, and served on the Sharon Township Board of Review from 1988-2000. David enjoyed turkey and deer hunting and family gatherings.
On July 2, 1949, he married Joyce Ramona Burmeister, and she survives. Other survivors include a son, Rodney (Judy) Hoeft of Manchester; a daughter, Linda (Lyle) Jacob of Williamsburg, OH; two brothers, Dan, and Jim Hoeft; five grandchildren, Bryan (Sheila) Hoeft, Brent Hoeft, Melissa (Bob) Peoples, Lindsay (Kris) Peed, Lesley (Karl) Schaible; and 8 great-grandchildren Zachary and Lauren Hoeft; Zaden Peoples; Caroline and Catherine Peed; Evelyn, Emily, and Jacob Schaible. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Robert, Richard, Leslie, Louis and Douglas Hoeft.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 2, 2022, 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church, Chelsea, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens and David Bucholtz officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Rogers Corner. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 3-5 and 6-8 pm and at the church Friday from 10-11 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 3050 S Fletcher Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Wendell Rowley Aten
of Chelsea, MI
Age 90, passed away on November 24, 2022 at WellBridge of Pinckney.
Wendell was born on January 16, 1932 in Jackson, MI to Murl and Helen (Schultz) Aten. Wendell had lived in the Chelsea area since 1990, moving from Pinckney. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and then earned his Master’s degree from the University of Michigan.
He worked as Park Ranger for the Department of Natural Resources, retiring as the Asst. Park Manager in Pinckney after 33 years of service. Wendell enjoyed spending time outside, hunting and fishing, and hunting for mushrooms. He loved garage sales. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time in the Upper Peninsula.
On June 23, 1956, he married Jeannie Grace (Cook), and she survives. Also surviving are four children, Fredrick (Kari) Aten of Minnesota, Rebecca (Ross Lybrink) Aten of Howell, MI, Vicki (Don) Alcorn of Florida, and Tice (Erika) Aten of Florida; four grandchildren: Sam, Brandon, Matthew, and Tyler; and one great-grandchild, Ainsley; his brother-in-law, Donald Lawrence of Ohio. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Beverly Aten, Jacquelyn Cunningham, and Patricia Lawrence.
Funeral Services will be held on December 7, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Roseland Memorial Gardens in Jackson, MI. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action or Chelsea Boy Scout Troop 476.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Catherine Ellen Giebel
Age 71, Born: February 8, 1951 Died: November 23, 2022
Catherine (Cathie) Giebel of Chelsea, MI, left this world on November 23, 2022.
She was a sweet and tender soul. She is survived by her Husband, James E. Maslanka, Brothers and Sisters Rosalind Tyler, Marylin (Ray) Shuster, Douglas (Charlotte) Giebel, Rhoda Giebel, Lawrence (Patricia) Giebel, and Janet (Daniel) Hoover. In-Laws include Edward (Vonna) Maslanka, and Jeanmarie (Phil) Hall. There are many cousins, nieces and nephews in the extended family.
Catherine was born in Detroit to Richard and Jean Giebel, both dearly departed. She attended Redford High School in Detroit and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, graduating in 1973 with a BA in Math and English. She had a long and successful career in the field of HR Benefits Management and Consulting, and had been enjoying retirement.
She was interested in international and domestic travel, hiking, walking, bicycling, gardening, baking, dining out and enjoying good home-cooked meals alone or with family and friends. Most of all she enjoyed her time Up North at the family cottage in Greenbush, MI.
Memorial services will be held in the future.
We ask that you consider a donation on her behalf to the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Norman James Smits
Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Belleville
Age 71, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor.
He was born June 21, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Norman G. and Ardith L. (Rust) Smits.
Norm was stationed in Korea, in the Military Police, during the Vietnam era. He was the custodian at South Meadows Elementary for 10 years. Norm was a man of faith and listened to The Shepherd’s Chapel every morning. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and watch the deer. Norm loved to look for great bargains, and was a collector of many things. He enjoyed raising many dogs over the years including Afghan Hounds and Labrador Retrievers.
Survivors include a sister, Phyllis Pulver of El Paso, TX; brother-in-law, Robert Benedict; and several nieces and nephews, Michal (Bob) Enders, Bruce (Sue) Young, Robert (Carol) Benedict III, Sandra (Joseph) Lantis, Susan (Bryan) Markey, and Norman (Laurie) Pulver. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Carol Benedict and Ellen Smits; his father in 1984; mother in 2015; and nephew David Pulver in 2008.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, 603 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118.
Sharon Hoffman
of Chelsea
Passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at the age of 83.
Sharon was an incredible woman who left behind a loving family and a large legacy. She was born on June 6, 1939 in Leonard, MI to Nestor and Alberta Coulter. She was the fourth of ten children. She met the love of her life, Paul, at the Cleary College Snowflake Serenade Ball. They were inseparable and had 60 wonderful years together.
Sharon was an incredible cook, and everyone always asked her to bring one of her pies to many occasions. She loved Christmas and decorated with zeal each and every year. This was her favorite time of the year. She and Paul raised three girls together, Jennice, Janine, and Jamie. She passed on so many wonderful skills to ‘her girls’. They know how to cook, clean, craft, and love their children because of her guidance and love.
Sharon drove a school bus for a number of years and was always fondly remembered by those students who rode her bus. After retirement, she volunteered for a number of years at Faith in Action. She was strong in her faith and passed that along to her entire family.
Sharon was thrilled as her family grew to include sons-in-law and many grandchildren. She is survived by Jennice and Tom Moylan, Janine and Rick Hartman, Jamie and Jason Adkins. Her grandchildren include Connor and Nicole Hartman, Abigail Moylan, Jacob Hartman, Aleah Moylan, Madison Adkins, Hannah Adkins, Alexia Moylan, Charity Moylan, and Mahala Moylan. Her great-grandchildren include Damien, Caleb, William, Amaria and Kai.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Alberta and Nestor Coulter, in-laws, John and Evelyn Hoffman, siblings, Margery Hutton, Delores and Phillip Mielock, Helen and Robert Mallard, Robert Coulter, and Daniel Coulter. She is survived by siblings, Dorothy (LaVerne) Behnke, Charlie (Cheryl) Coulter, Cathy Strong, and Denise (Arlan) Winslow.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The Rosary, a family eulogy, and an invitation to remember Sharon will start at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, followed by a graveside burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell and Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Homes.
Richard “Dick” de la Barre Duke
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Clinton, Maryland; East Lansing and Ann Arbor
Age 91, died Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Silver Maples of Chelsea. He was born December 19, 1930 in Washington, D.C., the son of James Paul and Florence Ilda (de la Barre) Duke.
Dick grew up on a small farm in Clinton, Maryland with 7 brothers and sisters where he milked the family cow, delivered newspapers, and went fishing in the Chesapeake with his dad.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Paul, Kate, Nelson, Florence, David, and Joan. His brother Ted survives.
Dick met Marie Alice Myers their first week at Michigan State University at a church picnic. After serenading Marie in a canoe on the Red Cedar River, they were married for 67 years. He was profoundly grateful for their love and partnership and called her the “special blessing in his life.” Together, they parented six children – Kathryn (Steve) Rickard, Washington, DC; J. Paul Duke III (Lori), Buckeye, AZ; Michele (Jim) Tanaka, Victoria, BC Canada; Lynda (Diego) Duke (St. Louis, MO), Lorraine (Ali) Atoui, San Diego, CA; Richard D. (Aliya) Duke Jr., Washington, DC.
He has 9 beloved grandchildren – Jeffrey (Sho), Paul, Gina, Chris, Emma, Sasha, Victoria, Fareed, and Zahir. He was proud of all of them and loved to make them laugh. His humor, creativity, and love will long be remembered.
Dick and Marie traveled extensively, including taking their kids to live in Germany, Hawaii, and The Netherlands and camping throughout the western part of the United States. Summers included their cabin Up North, which their children and grandchildren continue to enjoy, and at the “farms” in Hillsdale and Brooklyn, where they enjoyed large gardens, miscellaneous tractor work, swimming in the pond, campfires, and stars. They wintered in Rockport, Texas for 20 years, regularly sharing blue crabs with his brother and sister-in-law, Nelson and Mary, and their daughter Doro and once landing a 30-pound snapper in the bay.
Dick loved cars and restored a 1931 Ford Model A. Dad bonded with all dogs, and especially loved Thor, Bear, and Archie. He once rescued the family cat from a tall tree with 40 feet of dowels and some duct tape. Dick touched countless lives with his generosity, creativity, quick wit, and passionate mentoring.
His last 6 years were happily spent at Silver Maples, surrounded by loving caregivers and lots of ice cream. A very special thanks goes to the extraordinary Silver Maples community, Arbor Hospice, and Lori Doss for her limitless patience and good humor.
Dick valued education and the life of the mind. At age 16, he attended the University of Maryland (Ornamental Horticulture), commuting with his mother who also was earning her undergraduate degree. He proceeded to Michigan State University (Urban Planning) and then received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (Resource Economics).
Dick began his career as a professor at Michigan State University and then taught Urban Planning at the University of Michigan. He served as director of the Environmental Simulation Laboratory, chair of the Urban Planning program, chair of the Certificate in Gaming/Simulation, Rackham Graduate School, editor on numerous academic journals, and Emeritus Professor, Urban & Regional Planning. He published over 75 articles and multiple books, led almost 200 policy gaming projects, and gave keynote presentations in over a dozen different countries.
In 1958, Dick developed a municipal budget simulation for the city council of Lansing, Michigan using a classic military war-gaming approach. Called ‘Metropolis,’ this training exercise was used extensively in multiple countries and became a model for this educational approach.
He was an early adopter of computer technology. His first book served as an overview of data processing for urban problems, setting the stage for what became a lifelong effort. A grant from the Ford Foundation enabled his lab to acquire an IBM 1130 computer; one of the first stand-alone computers on campus. Using the Lansing project as a ‘laboratory community’ he developed a hybrid simulation, with some components simulated in the computer while others employed human judgment. This evolved into a model of the most important urban systems that served as a prototype for the Metro-Apex policy game, employed as a training exercise for many years.
Dick developed and codified simulation theory and practice in his book “Gaming: The Future’s Language”. Over the course of his career, he participated in more than a hundred applications of the technique in over thirty countries. His most recent book (with his dear friend Jac Guerts) “Policy Games for Strategic Management” documented the theory & practice of gaming for policy applications.
During his career, Dick received numerous academic recognitions and professional awards. The 44th annual International Simulation and Gaming Association (ISAGA) convention in Austria (2012) was dedicated as a retrospective of his work, including founding ISAGA, the International Simulation & Gaming Association.
A drop-in memorial will be held Wednesday, November 23 from 3-5 p.m. in the Game Room at Silver Maples Retirement Community, 100 Silver Maples Dr, Chelsea MI. An online memorial will be held Sunday December 11 at 2 pm. For a zoom link please contact the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ann Arbor Parkinson’s Support Group https://parkinsonsmi.org/support-mpf/donatenow.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Angeline M. “Angie” Eder
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 67, died Thursday, November 3, 2022, at her home in Chelsea.
She was born November 29, 1954, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Donald and Loretta A. (Lindauer) Eder.
Angie retired from the Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds. She always had a great respect and interest in other faith traditions. One of Angie’s passions was spent in long and regular solitary retreats and living the contemplative path wherever she was.
She treasured children and found herself advocating for children who didn’t have a voice for whatever reason. She was a student/teacher of yoga for over 40 years. Angie taught yoga to all walks of life in Kentucky and Michigan. After being asked, she was the first woman who taught yoga to monks at their monastery during a time when yoga was not yet popular as it is today and when women were not allowed at a monastery for men.
She is survived by her mother, Loretta Eder and a nephew, Adrian “Ace” Eder. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Eder, maternal grandparents, Alfred and Rose Lindauer, and paternal grandparents, Meta Hinderer Eder and John (Wilhemenia) Eder, Sr.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, November 10, 2022, 11:00 am at St. Joseph Village Church, 3430 Dover St. in Dexter, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to Interlochen Center for the Arts at Interlochen, MI or The National Center for Homeopathy in McLean VA, or the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Georgia L. Collins
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 96, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 5, 2022.
She was born October 31, 1926, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of George and Anna Elizabeth (Williamson) Heinzman.
Georgia worked over 60 years in retail at Gambles/Johnsons-How-To and Aco/Ace Hardware in Chelsea. She loved working with the public and worked full-time until age 89, as the Paint Advisor at Ace Hardware.
Georgia was a lifelong member at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea. She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother and never missed her grandchildren’s games, concerts or plays.
On April 21, 1946, she married Richard H. Collins, and he preceded her in death on January 29, 1987. She is survived by her son, Garry Collins of Chelsea; son-in law, Denis Morse of Chelsea; three grandchildren, Chrissy (Jeff) Fitch of Chelsea, Katie Litzsinger and Thomas Litzinger of Chelsea, Adam (Jenny) Morse of Ypsilanti; five great-grandchildren, Ethan Litzinger, Josiah Fitch, Caleb Fitch, Shaelynn Morse, and Lily Morse; and many nieces and nephews; and best friend, Gale Neal. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Elizabeth “Becky” Morse; daughter-in-law, Erin Collins; brothers, Karl Heinzman and George Heinzman; and sisters, Pauline Taylor, Dorothy Moon, Beatrice Lincoln, Clara Hartke, and Barbara Heinzman.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 11, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church, Ann Arbor, with Pastor Tyson Lemke officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery, in Chelsea. The family will receive friends Thursday, November 10, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Bible Church, 1300 S. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 or First Congregational Church of Chelsea, 121 E Middle St, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Stanley Woollams
Stan at age 90, of Ann Arbor, passed away on November 3, 2022, with his family at his side.
He was born October 20, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Stanley and Pearl Woollams.
Stan graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit. He then continued his education and graduated from the U of M Medical School. Stan served as a Captain and a Doctor in the Air Force from 1962 to 1964. Following college, Stan went on to have a successful Psychiatric practice in Ann Arbor. Stan was passionate about his work as well as everything he pursued. Stan actively used transactional analysis in his approach and even co-authored a book on the subject published in 1978. He also provided group therapy along with group therapy training for his clients. Stan was well-loved by his many patients.
Stan is survived by his beloved wife Priscilla (Wass) of over 68 years whom he married on August 7, 1954, in Detroit where they both grew up. He is also survived by his loving family which includes his daughter, Karen (Doug Smith) Woollams of Chelsea, son, Larry (Erika) of Manchester; 8 grandchildren, Geoffery, Rose, Heather, Jamie, Christian, Johnny, Carson, and Lulu; as well as 6 great-grandchildren.
Stan had a deep love of traveling the world with his family, especially his favorite travel partner and wife Priscilla. He traveled every continent. Some of his most memorable were hiking in the Himalayas, exploring Antarctica, and journeying through the Galapagos. He also enjoyed photography during his travels along with photographing many solar eclipses. Stan also attended many summer and winter Olympics. He was a mineral collector and enthusiast, leading to him becoming a board member of the Michigan Mineralogical Society.
No funeral services are planned.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sierra Club at 109 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave. Lansing, Michigan 48906, in which he and Priscilla were members due to their interests in conservation and wildlife.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Michigan.
Bernice Steeb
of Gregory, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor
Age 86, died Thursday, November 3, 2022, at her home.
She was born August 1, 1936, in Saline, Michigan, the daughter of Conrad and Maude (Schroen) Jager.
Bernice graduated from Saline High School in 1955. She enjoyed being a homemaker and raised two children. Bernice bowled on a bowling league. She enjoyed waterskiing, playing euchre; and loved old movies.
Bernice married Eugene Elmer Steeb on March 4, 1961. He preceded her in death on July 25, 2001. She is survived by her daughter, Joy (Tom) Korican of Gregory; and sister, Rosine Jacobs of Adrian. She was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Elmer Steeb; and sisters, Doris and Alma.
Private services will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Arrangements entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Ray Frederick Kemner
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 81, died Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at Chelsea Hospital.
He was born September 24, 1941, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Ernest and Helene (Mergenthaler) Kemner.
Ray graduated from Manchester High School in 1959. He served in the US Air Force from 1962 until he retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1982. Ray began a second career at Chrysler Pentastar Aviation, working there for 15 years.
In his retirement, Ray drove a school bus for the Chelsea School District, and taught at the Aeronautical Institute at the Yankee Air Museum. He was a member of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Manchester his entire life. Ray lived in Chelsea since 1982. He had been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Chelsea, where he was Secretary for over 30 years. Ray was recognized for his work at St. Louis Center for Boys, with the Boy Scouts, and for his help at Mott Children’s Hospital. He was a very patriotic American.
On May 28, 1966, he married Patsy Hageman at Emanual U.C.C. in Manchester, and she survives. Other survivors include his son, Mark (Connie) Kemner of Eastpointe; two grandchildren, Abigail and Cameron; two sisters, Beth (John) Ball of Manchester and Rita (Terry) Salyer of Austin, TX; and a sister-in-law, Doris Kemner of Clinton. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Carl.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 31, 11:00 a.m. at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Manchester, with Rev. Dave Bucholtz officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Sunday, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the VA Ann Arbor Fisher House, P.O. Box 130466, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Dr. Timothy William Rutter
of Tallahassee, Florida and Chelsea, Michigan
Age 76, passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2022.
Timothy was born in London, England and attended Harrow Grammar School for boys where he was Head prefect. He remained in London to continue his studies at London University, where he received a degree in Anatomy and Physiology. He then went on to graduate from Westminster Medical School with a specialty in Anesthesiology.
Tim practiced in England, Sweden and the University of Michigan as the Associate Chair for Clinical Affairs. Tim served the public in this role for 50 years. He was a center for the Harlequins rugby team and a staunch supporter of Chelsea Football Club.
He is survived by his Wife, Wendy, of 31 years, children Nicholas Rutter, Katherine Rutter-Ardvisson and Elizabeth Rutter Greer and grandchildren Alicia and Olivia Ardvisson. Tim was a great mentor, had a tremendous dry wit, loved to pull pranks and was a fiercely loyal friend. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be Saturday, October 29, 2022 at St Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea starting at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service.
Marjorie Helen Faist
of Chelsea, Michigan
Passed away at her home on October 25, 2022. She was born the daughter of Basil and Mabel (Walker) Dunlap on January 28,1926 in Grass Lake, Michigan.
On July 25,1945 in Grass Lake, Michigan she married Theodore Faist and he preceded her in death in 2005. She graduated from Grass Lake High School where she enjoyed women’s basketball and playing the glockenspiel in the school band.
She was secretary for St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, as well as a director for the Children’s Choir. She enjoyed working with children and was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for her daughters as well as an active volunteer in her children’s activities. She worked as a receptionist for the Chelsea Medical Clinic for 26 years. She then became co-owner of The Village Shoppe of Chelsea with her two daughters for the next 18 years.
Marjorie was a member of the Chelsea Child Study Club and the Chelsea Sewing Club. She loved watching the Tigers and attending many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events. She enjoyed camping up north in Tawas, Mackinac and Traverse City, Michigan before buying a cottage on Lake Michigan where she and Ted spent their summers. She loved spending time with family and friends and her joyous laugh will be missed.
Marjorie is survived by her daughters Jane (David) Faist-Diesing and Lynn Faist. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jeff Diesing, James (Mitizi) Diesing, and Jennifer (Dave) Behm along with six great grandchildren and her brother Thomas (Jill) Dunlap. Marjorie was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law Genevieve (Duane) Sawdy.
Funeral services will be Friday, October 28, 2022 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Chelsea starting at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will take place from the Staffan Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and again at church from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.
Arrangements by Staffan Mitchell Funeral Home.
Elizabeth Marie Aldrich
of Pinckney, Michigan
Age 53, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at her home.
She was born December 14, 1968, in Howell, Michigan, the daughter of Robert E. and Shirley M. (Hadden) Aldrich.
Liz was the secretary at Dexter Gospel Church from 1988-2021 and was a former member there. Liz was homeschooled. She loved sports.
Survivors include her father, Robert Aldrich of Pinckney; a sister, Patricia (Marc) Reish of Pinckney; three aunts, Betty, Janet (Bud), and Charlotte; one uncle, Ernie (Janet); two nieces and three nephews, Corey, Garit (Jessica), Tyler, Alisha, and Allyson; and special cousins, Del (Grace), and Dawn. She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Aldrich in 2011.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 4030 Kalmbach Rd., Chelsea, Michigan. Burial will be at Pinckney Cemetery in Pinckney, Michigan. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel, Wednesday, October 26, 4-8 p.m. and on Thursday, 10:00- 11:00 a.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Pamela Lee Painter
of Jackson, MI
Age 65, passed away Friday, October 14, 2022, at her home with her family.
She was born April 4, 1957, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the daughter of James L. and Rose A. (Yeager) Painter.
Pam graduated from Jackson High School in 1975, and lived in Arizona, Illinois, the Northern Lower Peninsula, and finally came back to Jackson. She worked as a waitress and barkeeper in many locations, including the Clear Lake Grill, Wolverine Food & Spirits in Chelsea, Laura’s Catering, the Remus Tavern, and the Onondaga Tavern. She was an avid pool player and played in several pool leagues. She loved to shop, watch Nascar Racing, and painting. She liked classic rock and roll and enjoyed the concerts at Ella Sharp Park in Jackson.
Pam was very witty and wasn’t afraid to tell you how it was. She didn’t put up with nonsense, but wanted everyone to be their best.
Pam is survived by her life partner, Pete Franklin; her mother, Rose Painter of Santa Fe, TX; two sisters, Lisa Hunter of Leslie, Debra (Brett) Cyr of Santa Fe, TX; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. She was preceded in death by her father, James Leroy Painter; nephew, James Taylor Thornsberry; and brother-in-law, Mike Hunter.
Pam wanted to celebrate her life with a party, so please come to the Community Center Building at 462 Champion Street in Jackson, on Saturday, October 22, 2022. A casual celebration will start at 1:00 pm with food, live music and a bonfire. Please bring a memory to share. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to her family.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Regenia “Jeanie” Compere, devoted mother, daughter, and aunt passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born July 20, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Roy Dale and Beulah (Pierce) Mitchell.
Regenia was born just weeks before the Great Depression began. This world-shaking event, along with WW2 that followed it, influenced both her upbringing and young adult life. She acquired many skills that equipped her to support herself right out of high school. Regenia’s bookkeeping skills made her a valuable employee at Cunningham’s Drugstore in Detroit. Later, she worked in a dentist’s office, where her future father-in-law Arthur Schlesinger, Sr. was a patient. He so admired her poise, demeanor and work skills that he introduced her to his eldest son Robert, part of the family insurance agency.
Regenia was a lifelong learner who passed those values on to her children. On her 40th birthday (July 20 1969), she and her young children watched Apollo 11 astronauts land on the moon.
Her love of travel and early adoption of recreational vehicles (RVs) in the mid-1960s led her to employment at Royal Toyota, where she was the first woman dealer of motor homes. There she met her second husband, Newton Lee Compere (“Newt”).
They bought property on the White River in music festival country near Branson MO, where Regenia designed and built a campground she named “The Headwaters”. Through determination and hard work, the campground overcame challenges like the oil crisis of 1979 and eventually became quite successful. Jeanie treated her camping guests like family. She developed entertainment package plans for campers in conjunction with area festivals and other regional attractions. This proved so profitable a sales strategy that it was widely adopted by other private campgrounds around Branson. Regenia sold the Headwaters to the KOA Kampgrounds conglomerate after 18 years in business.
This afforded her time to move to central Florida and take up residence in a manufactured home community. She spent little time there at first, instead visiting relatives in California and Nevada plus many attractions around the USA, driving solo in her 36-foot motor home with her car in tow. She also resumed knitting and crochet, as well as the painting and pastel drawing that she had put on hold while building her campground business. Her artwork was initially inspired by emulating her mother “Boots”, an accomplished painter in the central Florida region around Sarasota. All these favorite activities ended in the early 2000s when her sight became too impaired as a result of severe macular degeneration. She continued reading, learning online and managing her investments for a number of years thereafter at her home in Lady Lake, near what became “The Villages” senior living development, using a “Merlin” magnifying device.
In 2011, Regenia moved to The Pines, an independent senior living community in Michigan, eventually receiving assistance from visiting caregivers. Regenia entered Chelsea Retirement Community assisted living in December 2021. She never caught COVID-19 and remained remarkably healthy throughout her life.
Survivors include her daughter Carole and son-in-law Jon Ryburg of Dexter; son Keith Schlesinger of Philomath, Oregon; sister Shirley Martin and niece Gale Martin (a retired geology professor) of Henderson, Nevada; niece Nikki Martin of California City, CA; nephew Gary Martin (wife Toni) of Garden City; and several great nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her two husbands Newton Lee Compere and Robert Schlesinger; her sister Norma Miller; and her nieces Terri and Cindy Miller.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, October 18, 1:30 p.m. at Towsley Village Chapel in the Chelsea Retirement Community, with LeAnn Seto officiating. Burial will be at Parkview Memorial Cemetery in Livonia. The family will receive friends in the commons area at Towsley Village.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors and the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Marcia Lynn Holmes, age 55, went to be with her Lord Thursday, September 15, 2022 at her home in Mason, MI after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born to Edward and Christine (Adams) Keezer on March 23, 1967 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She grew up in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1985.
She was born again on April 23, 1986 in East Lansing, Michigan.
She is survived by her husband, Bernard Holmes; two sons, Tyler (Ashley) Holmes and Vaughn (Katelyn) Holmes; three grandchildren, Joseph and Renton Hill and Juniper Holmes; her parents, Edward and Christine Keezer; two siblings, Susan Keezer and Stephen Keezer; her father- and mother-in-law, Leroy and Lois Holmes; three sisters-in-law, Julie (Steve) Deller, Penny (Ronald) Kitchen and Helen (John) Lauterbach; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Donald and Lillian Keezer.
Growing up on a farm, Marcia loved animals and the outdoors. She could always be found helping her grandpa and dad milking cows and tending to calves. She loved working in her yard, planting flowers, gardening, music, and traveling. She attended Michigan State University, where she met her loving husband of 32 years. After marriage, she moved to Mason, MI and later graduated from Lansing Community College, Summa Cum Laude. She most recently worked for the City of Mason’s Community Development Office. She attended and served at Trinity Church in Lansing.
Marcia was completely devoted to her family. She homeschooled her two sons through their graduation and participated in the Lansing Christian Home Education Support System (CHESS) organization. She was an avid swim mom and served as a board member for WaveRunners, a competitive swim club in Lansing. She was a convention coordinator for the Information Network for Christian Homeschoolers (INCH) for many years.
Marcia was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother and will be deeply missed by her family until they are reunited in heaven. She will be remembered for her initiative, creativity, devotion, hard work, friendliness, and a smile that could melt hearts. She served the Lord as a care provider for several family members and friends. She loved the beauty and awe of God’s creation and visited nearly all the continental U.S. National Parks.
Visitation will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 14600 E Old US 12, Chelsea on Sunday, October 23, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A celebration of Marcia’s life was held in Lansing on October 1, 2022. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, Chelsea.
Staffan-Mitchell and Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Homes
Norma Jean Lawrence
Dexter, Michigan
Age 89, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2022, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.
She was born November 25, 1932, in Lake City, MI, the daughter of Eugene Raymond and Evelyn (LaDouceur) Young.
Norma grew up in Dexter, graduating from Dexter High School in 1951. She attended Cleary College, earning a secretarial degree. Norma worked at Cooper Dental for many years before retiring. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Chelsea. Norma enjoyed bowling, and bowled in a lady’s league in Dexter. She loved to read, playing on her iPad, antiquing, dancing, and traveling with her sister, Eva. She enjoyed making crafts which she gave to her family.
Norma married Bobby R. Lawrence in Dexter on June 13, 1953. He preceded her in death on August 8, 1996. She is survived by her son, Steven (Janis) Lawrence of Brighton; daughters, Diana Poppenger of Chelsea, Jackie (Michael) Waldyke of Dexter, Barbara (David) Klumpp of Pinckney; brothers, Larry (Sharon) Young of Dexter; sister, Eva Jeffery of Pinckney; 6 grandchildren, Steven, Valerie, Kristina, Jeremy, Matthew, Noah; 5 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, David Lawrence; son-in-law, James Poppenger; and brother, James Young.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 15, 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. Barbara Edema officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn in Dexter. The family will receive friends Saturday from 9-11 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
Sandra Lee (Knoll) Wilkinson
of Saline, Michigan
Age 72, died on October 4, peacefully at work, surrounded by her beloved coworkers.
Sandy was born January 14, 1950, to Donald Robert Knoll and Alice Mae (Hayward) Knoll in Stockbridge, MI. During her 72 years, many lives were changed for the better as a result of Sandy’s kindness, warmth, and selflessness.
No one can speak to this quite as accurately and affectionately as Sandy’s best friend and daughter, Elizabeth (Lizz) Wilkinson. Sandy and Lizz were inseparable. They spent a lifetime going to comedy shows, art exhibits, and concerts, and delighting in each other’s company in times of hardship and joy. They had a mutual love of experimenting with new recipes and wine pairings, which inspired their baked goods pop-up, The Sconey Island. They filled their beautifully entwined lives with finishing The New York Times crossword in pen, event planning, movie nights, excessive reading, true crime podcasts, museum visits, as well as dreaming and scheming for a bright future.
Not unlike their bond, Sandy’s garden benefited from her nurturing heart and commitment. She would often cook with the herbs that she grew. Those who knew her best, knew that Sandy loved lilacs and hostas, both of which are as resilient as she proved herself to be.
Sandy graduated from Chelsea High School in 1968. During this time, she worked as a model while attending Washtenaw Community College for a year before graduating from the Patricia Stevens Career College and Finishing School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
She lived in Las Vegas in the early 1970s, before returning to Ann Arbor where she worked for Mercywood Hospital and the Reichert Health Care System through the late 1980s. She came back to her hometown of Chelsea to raise her family, where she worked briefly at Chelsea High School, before finding a home in Human Resources at Chelsea Retirement Community for 16 years until 2009, and then Sandy thrived helming the front desk and event services the Teaching and Learning Center of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District for the decade until her death.
A Girl Scout for 13 years, Sandy passed her dedication to service onto Lizz, who also completed the full 13 years allowed. Not only was she a dedicated troop leader, but she was also deeply involved in what was then the Huron Valley Girl Scout Council. Later, she was a community member of the Washtenaw Community College Arts Club which her daughter assisted in founding. Sandy will be most remembered for her sweet heart, which was best exemplified by her winning Miss Congeniality at the 1968 Miss Ann Arbor Pageant, an official Miss America Pageant, and the fact that any chance she got, Sandy would go out of her way to encourage everyone around her, and was the ultimate cheerleader and gal pal. Her love of jewelry was legendary, and she wore something sparkly every single day. Her wicked and wry sense of humor is still making people laugh, and will continue to do so, for years to come.
She is survived by Elizabeth (Lizz) Wilkinson of Detroit, who was so incredibly proud to be her daughter, and their pets that she doted on, Lentil and Paul Giamutti; her godmother, Marge Ferry of Chelsea, MI; a half-brother John of England; cousins Margaret, Graham, Deb, and Di Steed of England; incredible friends who would do anything for her if Sandy wasn’t already too busy making sure their needs were taken care of first; and her adoring coworkers at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District Teaching and Learning Center, a job she loved and felt honored to do, all of whom she was dreading leaving as a result of her upcoming retirement, as well as the hundreds of thousands of people she interacted with, whose days were undoubtedly made better for having encountered her kind and everlasting spirit.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Sylvan Township. The family will receive friends 11-1 pm Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for the creation of a memorial garden at Washtenaw Intermediate School District.
John J. Rudd, age 90, went to be with the Lord October 7, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family.
John was born July 2, 1932 in Marion, Ohio the son of John and Maude Rudd.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia; siblings, Ada, James, Edna, Robert, Ruth, Bessie, Betty, Paul and Richard.
John is survived by his sons, Jeffry (Rose) and David “Tom”; grandchildren, Katherine (Darryl), Andrew, Joshua and Casey (Matt); siblings, Alda, twin sister, Joan and Max; several step children, step grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
John loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and golf. He was always drawn to the lake, making many friends with his neighbors. He attended Chelsea Schools and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marines, serving in the Korean Conflict from 1949-1953. He retired in 1987 from Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea.
John had a strong faith in God, never wavering in his beliefs. He faced life without fear knowing his future was with the Lord. He attended several local churches and made many new friends at each one. He loved his family, each and every one, always having time for all. He was loved by all and will be dearly missed.
Funeral services will be 11 A.M. Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at Sherwood Funeral Home, Grass Lake with visitation from 10 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will follow in Norvell Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John George Home for men, 1501 E. Ganson Street, Jackson, MI 49202.
Please sign John’s guest book at www.sherwoodfh.com.
Pat Gauthier
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 67, passed away quietly at her home Thursday, October 6, 2022.
She was born Tuesday, April 26, 1955, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, born to James Lewis and Esther Marie (Patton) Henry; raised by Arthur Oliver “Bud” and Bessie Rosella (Keckler) Birchman.
Pat graduated from Van Buren High School in 1973. She worked for Equity Meats in Ohio, St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, in Shipping and Receiving at Borders Books Distribution Center in Dexter, and then with Jaytech, a subsidiary of L & W Engineering. Pat volunteered with Faith in Action between her jobs at St. Mary and Borders Books, and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in the early 90’s.
She was a Girl Scout leader for 13 years, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. Pat spent a lot of time with her family. She enjoyed garage sales and bowling. She liked fishing, camping, and being outdoors, tie dye clothes and 70’s and country music.
Pat married Richard James Gauthier on June 1, 1979, at Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington, and he survives. She is also survived by her son, Daniel (Courteney) Gauthier of Ypsilanti; daughter, Mary Gauthier of Chelsea; two grandchildren, David and Ryan Gauthier of Chelsea; brother, Michael (Pamela) Henry of Bowling Green, Ohio; many nieces and nephews; and brothers- and sisters-in-law. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, James Henry II, Martha Reed, Sarah Henry, Jennifer Franz, and Jimmy Birchman.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 12, 2022, from 3 – 5 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, 603 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118.
Morton Dunlop passed away on October 2, 2022 at his Chelsea home.
Born December 8, 1938 to Mildred (Parker) and Adam Dunlop, Mort grew up in Detroit with older sister Joan and younger brother Greg. As a child, Mort developed a passion for magic, nurtured by his family, that stayed with him his whole life.
Following high school at Catholic Central High in Detroit, Mort joined the Coast Guard Reserves. Mort loved the structure, exercise, competition and rowing that the Coast Guard provided and said it was one of the best experiences of his life. Mort also began work as an electrician as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 58, where he was an active member until his 2000 retirement.
Mort met his love Rita (Vella) in 1956 at a dance at Saint Gerards Youth Club in Detroit. During Mort’s time away with the Coast Guard, Rita wrote him a letter every day. Mort and Rita were married on September 26, 1959 and shortly after came the bounty of four daughters. Over the years, the family would expand to include eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren – the caring and close family dynamic of the Dunlop Clan was something Mort took great pride in.
Throughout his life, Mort excelled at taking the ordinary and transforming it into something extraordinary. Be it the created illusions for his magic shows, the elaborate centerpieces crafted for the Festival of Tables, or the friendly robot that now resides at the Chelsea Community Garden, Mort was always seeing potential in building something fantastic out of found objects. This curious way of looking at the world inspired lifelong learning, especially through classes with the Adult Learners Institute. Mort’s other interests included fast cars, loud music, gardening, cooking, and reading.
Mort is survived by his wife Rita, brother Greg, daughters Laura Failer (Mark), Linda Meloche (Chris), Deborah Hubbard (Todd), and Jennifer Correia (Bill), grandchildren Chelsea Cockrell (Brian), Emily Murphy (Frank), Hannah Cavicchio, Carly Meloche, Clare McMillan (Adam), Jackie Meloche, Gwen Hubbard (Ben), Isabelle Correia, Marty Hubbard, Kirby Hubbard, and Dennis Bulger and four great-grandchilden: Charlie, Shiloh, Alex, and Cal.
A memorial service is planned for Monday, November 7 at 11:30am at Silver Maples of Chelsea. Visitation will be Sunday, November 6 from 2-4pm at Staffan Mitchell Funeral Home and on Monday, November 7 from 10:30-11:30am at Silver Maples of Chelsea. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Faith in Action (603 S. Main St. Chelsea, MI 48118) or Doctors Without Borders USA (PO Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030).
Douglas Neil Sprague
of Canton, Georgia
Passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Northside Hospital Cherokee at the age of 76.
Douglas was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on May 22, 1946, the only child of Graham Ernest and Helen Louise (Schweinfurth) Sprague. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1964 and went on to graduate from Michigan State University in 1968 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
He married his college love, Nancy Roseberry, in 1969 in Saginaw, Michigan. They were married for 52 years.
Douglas proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1969-1973. He was stationed at Minot Air Force base in Minot, North Dakota and spent his last year overseas in Seoul, South Korea.
Douglas loved providing for his family, spending his entire 35-year professional career in the automotive industry. From 1973-1977 his father, Graham E. Sprague, was his mentor at Sprague Buick-Olds-Opel, Inc., in Chelsea, Michigan. From 1977 until his retirement in 2008, he worked in various sales management positions for American Honda, Isuzu, Kia, and Suzuki. Douglas resided in five states including Michigan, North Carolina, Illinois, Florida, and Georgia. He was especially proud that his many automotive industry contacts were also his lifelong friends.
Douglas remained active in retirement, planning family cruises and traveling the world. He enjoyed playing tennis, pickleball, golf, bridge, and pinochle at Soleil Laurel Canyon in Canton, Georgia. He was also an avid reader.
Douglas was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal aunt and uncle, Doris S. and Clifford “Pete” Wilson of Eaton Rapids, Michigan; and several cousins.
Surviving are his wife, Nancy (Roseberry) Sprague of Canton, Georgia; his sons, Matthew Sprague of Los Gatos, California; Steven Sprague, and his wife Meredith; two granddaughters, Juliana and Emily Sprague; two grandsons, Alan and Graham Sprague, all of Roswell, Georgia; his brother-in-law, Donald Roseberry, and his wife Carolyn, of Birch Run, Michigan; one nephew, Greg Roseberry, and his wife Leena; two grandnephews, Noah and Cameron Roseberry, all of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and many more family members and friends. Douglas was a supportive husband and father, and a beloved pop-pop, uncle, and brother-in-law.
The family wishes to thank the Northside Hospital Cherokee doctors and nurses for their loving care of Douglas. The family will gather at a future date for a private interment at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made in Douglas Sprague’s name to the American Cancer Society.
“The function of a man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.”
~ Jack London, American Novelist
Alice Anna Steinbach
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 88, died on Monday, September 26, 2022. She was born November 11, 1933, in Bangor, Michigan, the daughter of Louis Blake and Evelyn (Root) Bregger.
Alice attended Bangor Schools with her two brothers, Don and Allan, and two sisters, Doris Finn and Lois Verdonk, all of whom preceded her in death.
She graduated from Bangor High School in 1951. Alice earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Education, a master’s degree from EMU, and in later years, a specialist degree from the University of Michigan. Continuing education was a focus for Alice. She was always attending summits, conventions, meetings, and outreach classes.
Alice taught 8th grade science at Beach Middle School in Chelsea, for 32 years. She loved teaching, her students, and focused on environmental education. In the late 1960’s, with Department Head, Don Young, she designed and developed the Nature Center just south of Beach Middle School. In 1976, she received the Michigan United Conservation Club’s Educator of the Year award, presented by then Governor, William G. Milliken. She was also the recipient of the Michigan Science Teacher of the Year award.
Alice belonged to the Unitarian Church and was a lifelong member of MUCC and the National Wildlife Federation. She worked with MUCC to pass the Bottle Bill in Michigan.
Alice and Ray loved to travel, covering much of the United States, Canada, Europe, and even Australia and New Zealand. She was always one to take pictures and bring back neat pieces of nature to share with her students.
In 1955, Alice married John Raymond Steinbach, who preceded her in death on September 25, 2020. She is survived by two sons, Victor (Shari) Steinbach of Allendale, Dave (Shannon) Steinbach of Gregory; four grandchildren, Sean Steinbach, Tracy Steinbach, Erin Huedepohl, and Amy (Tyler) Pyke; as well as three great-grandchildren, McKinley, Harper, and Halston.
Celebration of life gathering with lunch will be held at the Chelsea Rod and Gun on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 12:30 to 3:00. Alice will be buried in the Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea, Michigan, alongside Ray and his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to the MUCC Camp for Kids, https://mucc.org/youth/.
Rhoda Mary Nickerson
Chelsea, Michigan formerly of Ann Arbor
Rhoda Mary Nickerson died peacefully Sunday morning, September 18, 2022, at Chelsea Retirement community.
Rhoda was born on August 28, 1942, in Kingston, New York, the daughter of Carl William and Alma Louise Miller Nickerson. Rhoda’s early years on the family farm in Saugerties, NY were defined by hard work, love of animals, family gatherings, the outdoors, gardening, and 4-H.
Later in her 50’s she moved to Michigan to be near her sister Janet Frank. She began a new adventure of living independently at the Pines, in Chelsea, Ml. Rhoda liked living in Chelsea and soon became an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. She loved nothing more than trips with the Silver Streaks and women’s Bible study.
Curiosity, creativity and love of being around people marked her life. She was happiest with a good cup of coffee and a chat with friends. Of course, if there was a game of cards, a new puzzle, or bingo, that was even better. These were her happy days.
Survivors include her sisters, Janet Frank, Ann Arbor, MI, Marilyn (Ronald) Voigt, Oak Hill, VA, Caroline Nickerson (Frank Pensabene), Albany, NY; and brother, Carl Nickerson, Mattituck, NY. She is survived by seven nieces and nephews; and nine first cousins. Rhoda’s parents, her loved younger sister, Paula, and god-daughter, Jennifer Frank, predeceased her.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, with Pastor Pezzica officiating. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. and a luncheon will follow the service. Her ashes will be buried in the family plot in Kingston, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Main St., Chelsea, Ml 48118 or to UMRC & Porter Hills Foundation Employees Scholarship Fund at CRC, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, Ml 48118.
Taylor Jane Heldt
of Manchester, Michigan
Age 30, died Saturday, September 24, 2022, due to a car accident. She was born August 31, 1992, in Huntsville, Alabama, the daughter of Lynn Michael and Karen Marie (Stein) Heldt.
Taylor graduated from Manchester High School in 2010. She earned her bachelors degree from Ferris State University, and her masters in architecture from Kendall College in Grand Rapids. Taylor worked for TK Design in South Lyon.
She was passionate about animals, including her dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, and guinea hens. Taylor would take in animals that needed to be rescued, and baby sat many dogs and cats. She enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, camping, and spending time on the pontoon with her family most Sundays. Taylor was kind and determined, and is remembered for her welcoming smile.
She is survived by her parents of Manchester; her sisters, Stacey (Brandon) Raffaele of Belleville, Jaime Heldt of Dearborn; her nieces and nephew, Kelsey Lidster, Day-Shawn Heldt-Ellis, Kalyssa Heldt-Ellis; 1 great-niece, Zeinab; many aunts, uncles; special cousins, Jena and Delbert; and her dog, Tucker, and cat, Olive. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Delbert and Jeanette Heldt, Roger and Alberta Stein; an infant sister, Kelsey Marie Heldt; and a cousin, Tommy Stein.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 28, 12:00 noon at Cole Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Daniel Pezzica of Our Savior Lutheran Church officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, 6-8 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Huron Valley Humane Society or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
Gerald R. Smith, 87, died peacefully at home on Sandhill Farm, Chelsea, September 20, 2022, under the loving attendance of his wife, Catherine Badgley, his son, Keith Smith, and his sister-in-law Barbara Badgley.
Jerry was born March 20, 1935 in Los Angeles and was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah where he earned a B.S. (1957) and M.S. (1959) at the University of Utah. In 1965, he completed his Ph.D. in Zoology at the University of Michigan, and in 1969, after three years on the faculty at the University of Kansas, he returned to Michigan as Curator of Fishes for the Museum of Zoology and Curator of Lower Vertebrates for the Museum of Paleontology, affiliated with what is now the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Jerry’s primary field of study was the evolution of North American freshwater fishes, with particular interests in Cenozoic fossils and the calibration of rates of evolution; speciation, biogeography, and conservation. Jerry loved field research, and he travelled widely to study fishes in South America, Central America and Siberia.
Over the last fifty years he has been an important resource in the identification and ecology of fishes of the Great Lakes region. His primary field work was in the Great Basin and on the Snake River Plain. In western Idaho and eastern Oregon, living fishes in the Snake River are surrounded by sediments bearing the fossils of their ancestors—sedimentary sequences from two to ten million years old—providing a rich laboratory for the study of evolution; it is full of puzzles that fascinated Jerry for the whole of his professional life, and he continued to work and publish on this sequence until the last couple months of this summer.
Before he died, he completed a synthesis of many threads of his life work, documenting the effects of hybridization on fish evolution, and challenging prevailing assumptions in the determination of evolutionary trees using mitochondrial DNA.
Jerry loved animals of every kind, but particularly his pigeons, his horses, and the on-going family of wild cranes that return to Sandhill Farm every year to raise their young. Before he switched to science, Jerry pursued early ambitions as a classical French hornist, and he sustained a deep, lifelong appreciation of music. He loved history of the American West and was passionate about sustainable agriculture.
Jerry Smith will always be remembered for his kindness, compassion, and generosity. His personal and intellectual generosity and collaborative spirit have influenced, inspired, and supported his students, his colleagues, his peers, and friends alike, and he will be sorely missed.
He is preceded in death by his sister Barbara Corbett and is survived by his sisters Lou Ann West and Karen Jensen.
A celebration of his life will be arranged at a future date. Donations in honor of Jerry can be made to the George Junne Internship Fieldwork Award Fund of the University of Michigan (account 337670). This fund was started by Jerry and Catherine Badgley to support black and indigenous paleontology students in conducting their field work.
Jerry Lee Waldyke, M.D.
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 84, unexpectedly went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor.
He was born August 14, 1938, in Zeeland, Michigan, the son of Joseph Henry and Diletta (Buter) Waldyke.
Dr. Waldyke was a family physician in the Chelsea area for many years and was one of the founders of Chelsea Hospital. He was a member of Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church and worked with the Boy Scouts, Special Olympics, and the Chelsea Schools Sex Education Committee.
On August 28, 1959, he married Mary Van Klavern in Holland, Michigan, and she survives. Other survivors include four sons, Michael (Jackie) Waldyke of Dexter, David Waldyke of Frederic, Daniel (Jennifer) Waldyke of Lakewood, CO, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Waldyke of Simpsonville, SC; a daughter, Kathryn (Roger Fliege) Waldyke of Carbondale, IL; three sisters, Mary (David) Vander Yacht of Pinckney, Nancy (Ernest) Pierik of Woodstock, ON, Karen Wolthuis of Pinckney; four grandchildren, Jason, Kate, Matthew, and Wyatt; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law, Ken Wolthuis.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 19, 11:00 a.m. at Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Kristen Livingston and Rev. LeAnn Seto officiating. A private burial will be at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Sunday, September 18, from 1-4 pm and 6-8 pm and at the church Monday from 10-11 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Huron Valley Humane Society or Chelsea Hospital.
Helen Druskinis
Gregory, Michigan
Helen passed away peacefully on September 3rd, after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer, surrounded with love.
Helen Alice Stell -Bishop -Druskinis was the daughter of Raymond and Helen (Cempura) Stell, born on December 11th, 1954, and was the youngest of five children: Theresa, Genevieve, Raymond and Anna.
Family meant the world to Helen. A strong woman, she always found a way to move forward. Education was key to her improving herself. She received her GED, a Bachelor’s Degree at Cleary College, and then, in her 60s, continued at Washtenaw Community College to receive her CNA Certificate. Her actions taught us that limits are only what one puts upon themselves.
Her strength, determination, courage, fearlessness, and love will carry on with the ones she walked on this earth with. She was devoted to all her loved ones, both old and new. Her compassion and empathy for people was felt within her presence. She could be tough, and put you in your place when needed, although she would sit with you and give you her ear and compassion when you needed it most. Her laugh was contagious, her eyes kind, and her smile pure. We will miss you and are grateful for the time we had with you and for the angel we have gained. You are a beautiful soul, Helen. We will always have a piece of you with us.
Helen is welcomed by her mother and father; husbands, Dale and George; her sister, Genni; her brother, Ray; nephews, Bobby and Davey; and dear friends. She now watches over her children, Justin, Jennifer, and Helen; grandchildren, Allison, Cedar, Grant, Alivia, and Jaxson; sisters, Theresa and Anna; and many nephews, nieces, and dear friends.
Family is having a private service on October 2nd to celebrate Helen. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, https://www.hshv.org/, Meals on Wheels, 3621 S. State Street, Ste. 650 Ann Arbor MI, 48108, or the New Day Foundation for families fighting cancer. https://www.foundationforfamilies.org/.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Linda Elizabeth Wolff
of Jackson, MI, formerly of Gregory, MI
Age 79, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, in her home with family at her side.
She was born May 10, 1943, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Paul R. and Dorothea M. (Sodt) Cook.
Linda proudly worked as the secretary of Special Education department in the Stockbridge School District between the mid 1970’s and early 1980’s before going to work for the local phone company Alltel Corp., from where she later retired.
She was a very active member of Al-Anon beginning in 1983, serving as a district representative years later. Linda’s two biggest passions were, serving her Lord and Savior, and her family.
Linda was a beloved mother, and devoted wife, always putting other’s needs above hers. She was friendly, outgoing, always with a loving spirit who enjoyed camping, crocheting, gardening and particularly loved going on walks the last few years of her life.
Above all, she loved God and wanted to share the Good News of His saving grace, to all with an ear to hear and consistently participated in the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child program, responsible for spreading the word of Jesus around the world.
Linda was a former member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, MI. Shalom Lutheran Church in Pinckney, MI, Grass Lake United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women, as well as Vandercook Missionary Church in Vandercook. She was a current member of Bethel United Church of Christ in Manchester.
On September 15, 1962, Linda married Norman R. Wolff in Ann Arbor. He preceded her in death on September 6, 2014.
Survivors include one son, Dwayne (Nejla) Wolff of Chicago, IL, one daughter, Jennifer (Paul) Heimerdinger of Manchester; three siblings, brother Dennis Cook of Moncks Corner, SC, two half-sisters, Karen Congdon of Prescott, AZ and Allison Dethoff of Dewey, AZ. Linda was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Lisa Wolff.
The family will receive friends Friday, September 16th from 4-7 PM at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea and at Bethel Church September 17th from 12:30pm until the time of service at 1:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 17, 1:30 p.m. at Bethel United Church, Manchester with Pastor Dave Bucholtz officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Church of Christ or with The Alzheimer’s Association.
Betty Jeanne Jacobs
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 82, died Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Kresge Healthcare and Rehab Center.
She was born December 27, 1939 in Nashville, Michigan, the daughter of Albert Joseph and Mary Alvadena (Feighner) Bell.
Betty earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University. On August 22, 1964, she married fellow MSU graduate, Gary Douglas Jacobs. Betty was an art teacher at Grand Blanc High School, and retired from Powers Catholic High School as their architectural and mechanical drawing teacher.
Betty was a member of the United Methodist Church in Grand Blanc. For many years, she volunteered for the March of Dimes March for Babies walk. Betty enjoyed artistic pursuits, such as drawing and painting, pottery, basket weaving and quilting. She made every house a home in Flint, Grand Blanc, Jenison, and Chelsea, Michigan; and in Cocoa, Florida.
Betty is survived by her loving husband Gary; daughter, Rhonda Jacobs of Chelsea; her son, Rick (Suzette) Jacobs of Monument, CO; her sisters, Louise (Gene) Mortenson, Marilyn (Ray) Roush; two grandchildren, Ashley Raboin, Kyle (Becca) Smith; three great-grandchildren, Nolan, Scarlett, Ember; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 9, 2:30 p.m. at the Maples Room at Silver Maples, Chelsea with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating. The family will receive friends before the service from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Burial will take place at Wilcox Cemetery in Nashville, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made to Silver Maples staff fund or Kresge Rehab through the UMRC Porter Hills Foundation. Betty’s family expresses their deepest thanks to Silver Maples staff, Kresge staff and Arbor Hospice.
Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
John W. “Jack” McGuire Sr.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Age 75, died Sunday, September 4, 2022 at his home.
He was born May 3,1947 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Lewis and Vivian E. (Hubbard) McGuire.
Jack was a member of Saline High School class of 1965. He was a US Army veteran, serving in Germany from 1968-1971. Jack worked at A & L Parts (Allied Inc.) for 35 years, and later for Glacier Hills Retirement Center for 12 years. Jack enjoyed collecting antique small engines and tractors. He very much enjoyed and loved all his dogs, especially his last two dogs, Barney and Brooke, who went before him.
On September 7, 1968, he married Evelyn Rothfuss at St. Paul U.C.C. in Chelsea, and she survives. Other survivors include a son, John (Shaun) McGuire Jr. of Britton; a daughter, Dawn (Shahzad) Khan of Saline; and 3 grandchildren, Michael McGuire of Rochester Hills, Brendan McGuire of Britton, and Sara Khan of Saline. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A private graveside service will be held at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Washtenaw County Honor guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Huron Valley or St. Paul United Church of Christ, Saline.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Shirley Ann Taylor
Dexter, Michigan
At age 75, passed away after a decade long battle against cancer on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.
She was born September 26, 1946 in Pikeville, Kentucky, the daughter of Joseph and Lillian (Mullins) Anderson.
Shirley spent many years working in the Chelsea School District. She worked in the lunch room at North Creek and Beach Middle schools, and she retired after several years as a school bus driver for Chelsea schools. Shirley was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church for many years.
On April 15, 1966, she married Patrick Henry Taylor, and he survives. Other survivors include two sons, Patrick (Kandi) Taylor, Paul (Nikki) Taylor; two brothers, Rick and Jim; five sisters, Lorene, Jewell, Patty, Bonnie, Frankie; three grandchildren, Haven, Willow, Siena; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family will receive friends Thursday, September 8, 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Joan N. Maier
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 90, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2022 at Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born February 19, 1932 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, the daughter of Rexford H. and Irma (Wells) Fluno.
Joan graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and moved to Ann Arbor before marrying Red, then to Chelsea in 1972. Joan worked in accounting for the University of Michigan. She was a volunteer at Chelsea Community Hospital. Joan enjoyed playing cards, quilting and knitting; and loved to travel with family.
On April 9, 1955, Joan married Walter F. “Red” Maier, Jr., and he preceded her in death on August 16, 1986. She is survived by her son, Craig (Stacy) Maier of Chelsea; brother, Jere (Anne) Fluno of Marco Island, Florida; sister-in-law, Pat Fluno of Wisconsin Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Fritz; brothers, Rex Fluno and Jack Fluno; and sister-in-law, Helen Fluno.
The family would like to thank the staff of Chelsea Retirement Community and Arbor Hospice for their care and compassion during this difficult time.
No public services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Dr. Gene T. Miller
Chelsea, MI
Age 85, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2022 at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson.
He was born September 6, 1936 in Detroit, MI, the son of George and Wilma (Lancaster) Miller.
Gene graduated from Paw Paw High School. He then earned his bachelors from Western Michigan University and his Doctorate of Dentistry from University of Michigan. He served as a dentist in the US Air Force from 1960-62.
Gene moved to Chelsea in 1972, and worked as a dentist in town until his retirement in 2001. He was an active member of the Chelsea Kiwanis Club. Gene enjoyed singing in the church choir, golfing, running, hiking, and traveling, especially with his children to Lake Michigan, and going to the “Blue Dog.”
On June 22, 1962, he married Mary Jo Paige and she preceded him in death on October 22, 1998. He married Katherine “Kay” Rose (Edge) Cybulski on June 24, 2000, and she survives. Other survivors include two sons, Scott (Michelle) Miller of Colorado, Craig (Sue) Miller of St. Louis; one daughter, Karen (Frank) Miller of Cincinnati, OH; five step-children, Joseph Cybulski, Martin (Regina) Cybulski, Jeffrey (Linda) Cybulski, Marianne (Earl) Clay, Julie Bach; grandchildren, Caleb, Kaya, Jack, Grace; 14 step-grandchildren; 15 step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Mike (Marilyn) Miller; a brother-in-law, Bill (Judy) Paige; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept 2, 11:00 am at the Chelsea First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Thursday from 1-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Elaine Knickerbocker
of Chelsea
Age 97, died Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born July 2, 1925 in Norway, MI, the daughter of Vines and Jennie (Burm) Bernard.
Elaine graduated from Norway High School in 1942, and attended Cleary College in 1943. In 1959, she moved to Chelsea. Elaine was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She retired from Springer Insurance at the age of 65.
Elaine enjoyed her family, friends, reading, and gardening. She also enjoyed playing cards with several different groups and loved to travel. She was a member of the Chelsea Woman’s Club and the Altar Society.
On July 13, 1946, she married Wilbur “Bill” Yocum, and he preceded her in death on January 22, 1976. She later married George A. Knickerbocker on January 21, 1983, and he preceded her in death on February 21, 1993. Survivors include a daughter, Joan (Charles) Moll of Bozeman, MT; four step-children, Suzanne D. Holm of Saline, MI, Steven George (Mary) Knickerbocker of Benton Harbor, MI, Patrice J. Seymour of Kalispell, MT, and Jana L. (Thomas) Bergman of Jefferson, MD; 11 grandchildren, CJ (Delaney) Moll, E. Katie (Cole) Zachman, Rebecca Holm, Michael (Rachel) Knickerbocker, Jennifer (Sebastian) Lopez and Laura (Jake Tolle) Knickerbocker, Trand and Chance Seymour, Meg, JT, and Knicki Bergman; and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Bernice Alexander.
A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, August 23, 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Monday, August 22, from 4-8 pm, with a Rosary service at 7:30 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice, St. Mary Catholic Church, or St. Paul United Church of Christ.
Anita Parks
Age 82, was born April 22, 1940, in Halstead, Kansas, the third of six children of Anthon and Gladys (Walters) Sundbye.
She died on Monday, August 1, 2022, at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Anita graduated from Halstead High School in 1958, then attended Southwestern College (KS) for two years. She completed her BA in education at Wichita State University in 1963, and her MA in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University in 1977.
She was married to John W. “Bill” Todd from 1959, until they divorced in 1977. They had one son, Corbin. In 1980, she married Harry Parks. With her son, Corbin Todd, and Harry’s two sons, Matthew and Benjamin Parks, they became a blended family of five.
Anita began her career in education as a teacher at Mueller Elementary in Wichita, KS from 1963-1965. In 1965, she and Bill joined the Peace Corps and served two years in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and the following year as Peace Corps recruiters in the Midwest region, headquartered in Chicago.
From 1971-1978 she was with the Dexter (MI) Community Schools, first as an elementary teacher, then as reading consultant and part-time teacher of academically talented. She was gifted education consultant for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (Ann Arbor, MI) for ten years (1978-1988) and also parttime instructor for Eastern Michigan University. From 1988 until her retirement in 1994, she was principal of Eberwhite Elementary, Ann Arbor.
After retiring, Anita and Harry moved to central Florida (St. Cloud, then Orlando) where they remained for 20 years before returning to Michigan. Life-long Methodists, both were active in the St. Cloud United Methodist Church, holding leadership positions, organizing the church library, and making liturgical banners for the sanctuary.
They enjoyed taking many trips, both at home and abroad, often with family and friends, including special trips with each grandchild for their tenth birthday. Anita completed master gardener training and volunteered for several years at the plant clinic at the Osceola County (FL) extension office. She was also a frequent volunteer at the St. Cloud Food Pantry.
She held several leadership positions in the St. Cloud Woman’s Club and was instrumental in a joint project by the Woman’s Club and the City of St. Cloud to establish the St. Cloud Heritage Museum. The museum, opened in 2003, was and continues to be operated by Woman’s Club volunteers. Anita served as its volunteer curator from 2003-2005.
She traced her family history back several generations which led to visiting ancestral sites in Norway and Ireland. She was a member of the Osceola County genealogy club and published its award-winning newsletter. Later, birding became another new and satisfying hobby she and Harry enjoyed, frequently taking birding trips with friends.
After 20 years in Florida, Anita and Harry moved back to Michigan in 2015, first to Ypsilanti, then in 2019, to the Chelsea Retirement Community. She often said how blessed they were to have had so many fulfilling retirement years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Joy Sundbye and Carolyn Ropp; and one brother, Larry Sundbye. Survivors include her husband, Harry; son, Corbin Todd and wife Sandra of Ypsilanti, MI; two stepsons, Matthew Parks and wife Kristine of Fenton, MI, and Benjamin Parks and wife Holly of Las Vegas, NV; a sister, Marilee Wear of Salt Lake City, UT; a brother, Keith Sundbye of Halstead, Kansas; five grandchildren: Lainey Todd, Michael (Sarah) Parks, Kyle Parks, Hailey (Trent) Madaski, Caitlin Parks; and two great-grandchildren, Daisy Parks and Charlotte Madaski.
Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Anita and Harry have requested that their ashes be scattered on Lake Huron near where they spent many pleasurable weekends and summer vacations at their condo in Oscoda. Memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Retirement Communities Foundation (UMRC), 805 West Middle Street, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Arrangements by Cole Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Richard J. Poljan II
November 2, 1939 – July 12, 2022
Age 82, of Goetzville, Michigan, died July 12, 2022 in Coldwater, Michigan.
Richard (Dick) was born November 2, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Richard and Viola (Maciejewski) Poljan.
Dick graduated from Richmond High School in 1957. He attended the University of Detroit, where he graduated with his degree in Architecture, while playing football on scholarship. His first job was with Huron-Clinton Metroparks, his career was with Ford Motor Company and later Ford Credit.
The Catholic Church and faith were the foundation for Dick’s life, he faithfully attended mass, and later in life became a member of the Knights of Columbus. Dick married Kay (Reed) in Allegan, Michigan on July 21, 1962. He was a devoted husband and father. He was very proud of all his grandchildren and enjoyed attending the sporting events and activities, it kept him on the go!
Dick loved the outdoors, especially his slice of the Gogomain in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He loved hunting, fishing, chopping down trees and gardening. He was not one to sit down, so there was always a “project” or two in his barn (Michigan and Florida). No longer enjoying the Michigan winters, he purchased a home in Steinhatchee, Florida that afforded him the UP lifestyle in the sunshine. His yearly migration included coolers of frozen venison and vegetables making the trip south in November, those same coolers returning north full of frozen fish in the spring.
Surviving are his four children, Mary Kay Poljan, Rick and Amy Joyce Poljan, Amy and David Knapp, and Martin and Kristin Poljan; his grandchildren, Richard (Kimberly), Hillary, David (Bridgette), Tony, Becka, Bo and Mary Elizabeth Poljan, Kyle and Natalie Knapp, and Martin and Anna Poljan; his brother, Paul (Carole) Poljan; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dick was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kay; his mother and father, Richard and Viola; and his sisters, Patricia and Sharon.
Services were held at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Friday, July 15, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Visitation resumed on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church where the Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m., Father Simon Manjooran officiated. Burial followed at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Watson Township. Following interment a celebratory lunch was held at the rectory hall at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Memorial donations may be made in Dick’s name to St. Stanislaus Parish, 12841 E. Traynor Road, Goetzville, MI 49736 (attention: Rectory Renovation).
Dove Margenau
of Grass Lake, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor
Age 90, died Sunday, July 3, 2022, in Jackson, Michigan.
She was born March 9, 1932, in Jackson, Kentucky, the daughter of Arthur and Maud (Noble) Haddix and grew up in Lost Creek, Kentucky.
Dove was a Realtor in Ann Arbor for many years before becoming the Director of Marketing & Sales at the Bell Tower Hotel and Campus Inn. She also worked for Washtenaw County in the Purchasing Department. Her greatest achievement was being a wife and mother to her loving family. Together the family traveled all over the United States, Canada and Europe. She was a huge fan of Michigan football; friend to coaches and players alike.
She is survived by her adoring husband of 62 years, Roy E. Margenau, Jr; a son, Roy E. Margenau, III of Grass Lake; and a daughter, Jill Dove Margenau of Battle Creek. She was the youngest of 8 children who have predeceased her: Vergil, Edith, Selena, Ross, Blanche, Bert, and Joe.
The family will celebrate her life privately at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
David Gill Logan
Age 87, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 7, 2022 at his home on North Lake.
He was born February 15, 1935 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Albert James and Frances Treat (Gill) Logan.
David graduated from University High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1953. He then attended Oberlin College in Ohio graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1957. From 1957 till 1961 he attended Case Western Reserve Medical School graduating Alpha Omega Alpha in 1961.
David served in the Army Medical Corps in Tokyo, Japan from 1963- 1966. He received the US Armed Forces Commendation Medal. On return to the US, he moved his young family to Cleveland, where he entered a residency in psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University. He later became an assistant professor of psychiatry there.
While at CWRU Dr. Logan served as director of the Clinical Science Program from 1975 to 1980. From 1969 to 1975 he was the Director of Psychiatry at the Cleveland Free Clinic. In 1970, he opened a small pilot clinic treating heroin addicts with Methadone. Subsequently with federal funding he opened the City of Cleveland Methadone Program which eventually treated over 15,000 heroin addicts.
In 1981, he moved to Ann Arbor where he opened a private practice of psychiatry specializing in treatment of alcoholism and addiction. With Ron Harrison, he held weekly lectures on identification and treatment of alcoholism and teen drug abuse. He also used hypnosis to help smokers to go smoke free.
On retirement, David and his wife, Linda, moved to Chelsea, Michigan to live on North Lake, a property his family owned since 1938. He attended Chelsea First United Methodist Church. In Ann Arbor, he had been a member of First Presbyterian Church.
“In my life there have been two deep, rewarding commitments:
My family – Linda, my wife of 40 years and the six children we raised – her two boys, Rob and Brad, my children, Kate, Keith, and Amy and our daughter together, Grace. We have all lived with so much love. And secondly my profession. As a psychiatrist I have experienced the satisfaction of helping people suffering from mental disorders, get alcoholic families into AA, evaluate and treat adolescents harmfully involved with drugs and provide heroin addicts with Methadone relief.”
Golf has been an enjoyable lifelong activity. At Oberlin he was captain of the golf team and continued to play well into his 80s. Woodworking was a hobby and he especially like making gifts for my grandchildren.
David is survived by his wife, Linda; three sons, Keith (Laurie) Logan of Cleveland, Ohio, Rob (Laurel) Howe of New Canaan, CT, Bradley (Jennifer) Howe of Minneapolis, MN; three daughters, Kathleen (Brent) Rundquist of Minneapolis, MN, Amy (Michael) Johnston of Vergennes, VT, Grace (David) Savercool of Chelsea, MI; and his one brother, Robert Logan of Santa Barbara, CA; 16 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. David was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Frances and sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Logan.
Services will be held at a later date with immediate family. Memorial contributions may be made to Growth Works at https://gwcares.org/donate/ or to Chelsea First United Methodist Church, 128 Park St., Chelsea, MI 48118.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
LeRoy W. Darwin
of Ann Arbor, Michigan
Age 87, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2022.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Helen Darwin, and 2 brothers, William and Arnold. He is survived by his wife, Susan McPherson Darwin; three daughters, Victoria Darwin Rushton, Anna Hamill, Sarah Inderhees; son James Inderhees; and 3 grandsons, Richard Rushton, Ryder Rushton, and Garrett Hamill; as well as many nieces and nephews.
LeRoy was a graduate of Ann Arbor High School in 1953, and served in the National Guard. LeRoy was always self-employed. At the age of sixteen, he was dealing stamps and coins. He was also a builder and loved leaded glass. In the early 70’s, he saw people breaking lovely stained glass windows to scrap the lead. Inspired by the creativity, he started to build his own collection of leaded stained glass windows and beveled windows but instead of breaking them, he re-sold them, which marked the beginning of his Architectural Salvage business in downtown Grass Lake.
LeRoy had a progressive attitude, an entrepreneurial spirit and an affinity for organic living. In the late 1970’s, he moved to Mill Valley, California, and opened a juice bar. He made a lifetime of friends and memories during his time in California before returning to his architectural salvage business in Grass Lake.
In the 1990’s, he met Susan when she came to the shop, and was in awe of his collections and mission, do something good for your health and to recycle what you can. Instead of recycling cans and bottles, it was doors, windows, tubs, sinks and any other architectural items that are reusable. They continued the mission and salvage business together, by dismantling homes from the 1830’s-1940’s in the Ann Arbor-Jackson area. They saved everything possible from over 50 homes in the last 30 years.
LeRoy loved road trips. He and Sue traveled cross country many times together to visit family, friends, and of course antique markets.
He will be sadly missed by friends and family. His legacy will live on through his wife, family, as well as through his unique business that has been going for over 50 years.
Thomas Watson
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 53, died Friday, July 1, 2022, at his home.
He was born May 7, 1969, in McKinney, TX, the son of Carl Newton and Linda Sue (Price) Watson.
Tom started as a welder in Texas. He drove HiLo as a material handler and worked as Chief Union Steward at Ventra in Fowlerville. Tom was quiet and very creative, he loved making something out of nothing. He enjoyed making beautiful “Wooley Pig” pens out of scrap Fordite. He was smart, with a good sense of humor, and he genuinely cared about people.
Tommy is survived by his wife, Robyn “Susie” Marie Hargenrater; a daughter, Stephanie Squires Hargenrater of Chelsea; a son, Robert “Tyler” Hargenrater of Jackson; his mother, Linda Sue Cullor of Ft. Worth, Texas; his brother, Tim (Christi), of TX; his nephew, Timothy (Karen); his niece, Randa; and Uncle Matt (Lisa) and Uncle James. Tom loved his dogs, Dixie and Big Foot; and his cats, Oliver and Lemmie. He was preceded in death by his dad, Bob Cullor.
A memorial service will be held in Texas at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action of Chelsea, www.faithinaction1.org/donate or Family Impact Center in Fowlerville, https://familyimpactcenters.com/donate/.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Shannon Christopher Fredette
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 51, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022.
He was born April 16, 1971 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Charles Allen and Barbara Jean (Bauer) Fredette, who love him more than words can express.
He also leaves behind his beloved daughter, Marissa Mae who was the center of his world.
Shannon graduated from Chelsea High School in 1989, and attended Washtenaw Community College attaining an Associates Degree in Marketing. He discovered a remarkable talent for plumbing, and became a Licensed Master Plumber. He was employed by Chelsea Plumbing for many years and later worked independently.
Shannon loved to golf at Pierce Lake Golf Course in Chelsea and Arcadia Bluffs in northern Michigan. His true passion was spending summers at his favorite beach on Lake Michigan near Arcadia. Shannon was a wonderful Dad and son and treasured the time he had with his cat Maissa.
Other survivors include a brother, Aaron Fredette of Chelsea; Aunts and Uncles, Robert Bauer of Chelsea, Jayne Bauer of Williamston, Donald (Leila) Bauer of Chelsea, Kimberly (Ronen) Sherman of Ann Arbor, Carol Boyce of Ann Arbor, Alan Boyce of Chelsea and Floyd (Mary) Boyce also of Chelsea plus many cousins and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 8, 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel, with Gary Reed officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, 2-4 and 6-8 pm, and Friday from 10-11 am. Memorial contributions may be made to his family.
Barbara Bear Alseth
June 14, 1931 – July 2, 2022
From the outside, Barb was ordinary, not flashy nor often one to speak up. To those who knew her, she was extraordinary and inspiring in her pursuits, and, especially late in life, her courage.
Family came first. Barb left this Earth saying she was comforted by the love and goodness of her family and the character of her two daughters and three grandchildren.
Barb lived most of her life in suburban Chicago. She and her husband of 57 years, W. Dean Alseth, retired to Chelsea, Michigan in 1997, where they could spend time with their grandchildren and watch them grow.
When it came to friendship, there was no more loyal friend than Barb. She was dependable in good times and bad. She remembered birthdays and special occasions, always with a hand-written note. Her friendships were treasured and enduring.
Throughout her life Barb was devoted to her passions. Barb loved the arts and studied music and drama at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. She played the piano and organ in her home during lively neighborhood parties, enjoyed going to concerts and theater productions and watching old movies. As an active supporter of the Republican party, Barb took on volunteer positions on many levels, culminating with her role as a delegate from Illinois at the 1992 Republican National Convention. And while most people outgrew the teddy bear stage, Barb never did. Her maiden name spawned a collection of bears of all kinds, and there was always room for one more.
Barb said the one constant in her life was her favorite vacation spot, Watervale, Michigan. She was introduced to the lakeside cottages by her parents, Henry and Florence Bear. Watervale renewed Barb’s spirit with its beauty and charm, and by bringing generations of family together for walks in the woods, scenic drives, Scrabble games, cocktail hours, dinners at The Inn and perfect beach sunsets.
Barb’s faith in God was one of her drivers. Prayer helped sustain her during the more difficult, recent years and she welcomed conversations with visiting clergy.
Our faith tells us that Barb has reunited with Dean, who passed on in 2015. Daughters Sharon Alseth Bartholomew (John), Susan Wellman (Mark) and grandchildren Michelle, Brian and Catherine Wellman will always hold Mom and Dad, Grammy and Grampy, close in our hearts and memories.
The family would like to thank the entire staff of Silver Maples of Chelsea for its care and compassion in making a comfortable, safe home for mom.
Interment will take place at a private ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie, Illinois. Donations in Barb’s memory may be made to the Silver Maples employee enrichment fund.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Viola Elizabeth Harvey
Age 94, died peacefully in the hands of the Lord on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the home of her daughter Carol, who lovingly cared for her, in Cape Coral, Florida, where she had lived since October 2014.
She was born on the Eden family farm on August 11, 1927, near La Crescent, Minnesota.
She shared all the hard work of farming with her brothers and sisters until she moved off the farm to work as a waitress in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
On February 2, 1945, she married her soul mate Bill Harvey Sr. They spent 54 active, happy years together raising four children and enjoying life. She and Bill moved to Chelsea, Michigan, in 1961 and joined St. Mary Parish, and they quickly developed many friendships, especially through involvement with the Knights of Columbus, where Bill served a term as 4th Degree Grand Knight.
Viola loved cooking and baking. Viola always prepared the most wonderful meals for her family. She also loved being outdoors, gardening, fishing, walking beaches collecting seashells, listening to music, playing with her grand fur babies, visiting friends at the park, playing cards and traveling.
She especially loved being at the family cabin in Indian River, Michigan. Viola was preceded in death by her husband Bill Sr; daughter JoAnne Marie; sisters Eleanor (Babe) and Helen; brothers Henry, Ray, and Ty. She is survived by her brother Bernard Eden; her children Bill Jr (Nancy), Michael (Sandra), and Carol. She also leaves behind three grandchildren, Ashley, Lisa, and Burt, two great-grandchildren, Aariale and Gabby, and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a graveside service at Mt Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan, on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
George Michael Kattula
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 82, died Saturday, June 25, 2022, in Chelsea. He was born December 8, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Peter and Mary (Thomas) Kattula.
George served in the Air Force for six years during the Viet Nam war. He was a long-time member of the UAW. He worked many hours as an Assistant Manager at Wrigley’s Supermarket and Kmart Supermarket to support his family. George worked at GM for 10 years, and at Chrysler, also for 10 years. George attended the Chelsea First United Methodist Church for many years.
On August 27, 1966, George married Carol Danforth, and she survives. Other survivors include two sons, Peter (Heidi) Kattula of Grand Rapids, Mike (Katie) Kattula of Springfield, VA; three daughters, Maria (Mark) Julien of Canton, Cathy (Garry) Kattula-Klink of Chelsea, Susan (Seth) Gammon of Houston, TX; 11 grandchildren, Mariana, Andrew, Joey, Nick, Chris, Carolyn, Norah, Ayla, Elias, Luke and Isaac; a sister, Georgette Kattula of Dearborn Heights; a brother, Richard (Laureen) Kattula of Manassas VA; and many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Agnes Kattula.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 2, 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel, Friday, July 1, 5-8 pm, and also from 10-11 am at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Capuchin Soup Kitchen Development Office 1820 Mount Elliott St., Detroit, MI 48207.
Michael Carl Eckhout
of Chelsea
Age 41, died Wednesday, June 22, 2022. He was born December 9, 1980, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the son of Glenn Joseph and Kathy J. (Eckhout) Glinski.
Mike was a 1999 graduate of Dexter High School. He worked for Sweepster (now known as Stanley Black and Decker). Mike enjoyed outdoor activities – hunting, fishing, dirt bikes, and camping. He had a large personality, “go big or go home.” Mike loved his family and would help anyone he could.
On August 21, 2004, he married Terri Lynn Fogel in Ann Arbor, and she survives. Other survivors include his mother, Kathy (Leonard) Leonard of Chelsea; his father, Glenn Glinski of Manchester; his son, Logan and daughter, Grace, both of Chelsea; his sisters, Tina (David) Brier of Commerce Twp, Tracey (Dean) Corra of Chelsea; his brother, Scott (Jennifer) Glinski of West Palm Beach, FL; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 30, 12:00 noon at Cole Funeral Chapel with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. The family will receive friends from 11-12 before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Mike’s family.
Vernon B. Woodward
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 90, died Saturday, June 26, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born September 29, 1931, in Hohenwald, TN, the son of James Richard and Etha Bell (Appleton) Woodward.
Vernon served in the Army during the Korean War, serving as a guard in Korea on Cheju-Do Island. He worked at the General Motors Assembly Division as a body repairman for 31 years, retiring in 1992.
After his retirement, Vernon and Wilma bought a winter home in Florida where they spent the next 30 winters in their beloved Camp Florida Resort where they met and formed many close friendships with many of the residents. His background was the Baptist faith. Vernon enjoyed woodworking.
On December 27, 1957, Vernon married the love of his life, Wilma Dallas in Cornith, MS, and she survives. Vernon is also survived by his children, Larry Keith (Leslie) of Fenton and Sabrina Kay (Keith) O’Neil of Chelsea; a daughter in-law, Brenda Woodward Fetterly; a sister-in-law, Helen Woodward; four grandchildren, Taray Sky (Andy) Woodward, Bruce (Rachel) Woodward, Amanda O’Neil, and Kevin O’Neil; four great-grandchildren, Aubrey Alford, Sage Alford, Buck Alford, Isabella O’Neil, and eagerly awaiting another great-grandchild later this summer. Vernon was proceeded in death by his parents; a son, Anthony “Tony” Dale; and his siblings, Roy, Elbert, AllenJ, Glenn, Hilda Brown, David, and Ola Adel.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 1, 11:00 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, MI, with Pastor Larry Lyons officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends Thursday, 4-8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice at www.arborhospice.org/donate.
Richard Ralph Steinaway
Died June 8, 2022 at 9:34 a.m. in Knoxville
Richard Ralph Steinaway, 71, of New Market, Tenn. died at Fort Sanders Hospital from a ruptured brain aneurysm.
Born August 9, 1950, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he was the son of Waldo and Helen (McLaughlin) Steinaway, who proceeded him in death. On April 7, 1979, he was united in marriage to Patrice Marie Armstrong Tremblay, who survives.
Rich was a residential and commercial contractor, the ultimate handyman, he was always willing to help family members and friends on house projects or simple repair jobs. He was a wood craftsman and restored many old houses with his wife throughout the years.
He enjoyed photography, dancing (especially to The Rolling Stones), music and was an avid shell collector. Rich served in The United States Navy in the Vietnam War on the Coral Sea.
He was a graduate of Chelsea High School (1968). He received his Associate of Arts Degree from Cabot College, Hayward, California, in Parks Technology (Park Ranger) with a minor in Horticulture (1979). He was a member of the American Legion Post 0113 in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
Every person that met Rich adored him. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend; he will be missed for his infectious laugh, brilliant smile, and fun-loving spirit.
Survivors include his daughter: Angelina (Flint) Stocker of Summerville, South Carolina. Sons: Michael Roy Steinaway (partner Angela Albright) of San Antonio, Texas, Matthew Paul Steinaway (partner Kelly Stapleton) of New Market, Tennessee, and Charles David Tremblay (partner Rachel Longhenry) of Morristown, Tennessee. Grandchildren: Brooke, Grace, and Benjamin (Shannon) Stocker of Summerville, South Carolina, Ken (Ash) Steinaway of Clarksville, Tennessee, Megean and Tyler Steinaway of Pinckney, Michigan, Trever Yates of Battle Creek, Michigan, Crosby Tremblay and Nikolai Buchanan of Morristown, Tennessee. Sisters: Linda Schoch, Barbeau, Michigan, Helen (Dick) Scripter, Nahma, Michigan. Sister-in-law: Dianne (Dale) Burgher, Stockbridge, Michigan. Brother-in-laws: Richard (Janet) Armstrong, South Lyon, Michigan, and Doug Armstrong, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
He was proceeded in death by three brothers: Arthur (2011), Waldo (1997) and Paul (1973) Steinaway, and two brother-in-laws: Fred Schoch (2019) and Michael Armstrong (2005).
A memorial service is planned on Edisto Island for November 12, 2022.
Rich was passionate about donating blood to the American Red Cross and protecting and preserving our environment, particularly the ocean. Memorial contributions can be made to The Ocean Conservancy at https://oceanconservancy.org/ways-to-give/ or by donating blood to the American Red Cross.
Phillip Douglas Miller
Age 61, passed away peacefully at his home in Dexter, MI, on June 19, 2022.
Born November 26, 1960, in Ypsilanti, MI, to Redding Fredrick and Carolyn Sue (Elkins) Miller.
At age 11 through early adulthood, Phill worked on a local farm that sparked his passion for gardening. He graduated from Calvary Christian Academy in 1978. He was a self-employed carpenter and builder for most of his adult life. Phill enjoyed the outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman, landscaper, and gardener. He was a firearm enthusiast and enjoyed a wide range of music.
On October 31, 2006, he married Rhonda Davis in Dexter, MI. Phillip was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Rhonda; one step-son, Mitchell Granet of Pinckney; one granddaughter, Lily Granet of Dexter; two grandsons, Lucas and Logan Shepherd of Dexter; one brother, Glenn (Regina) Miller of Whittaker; one sister, Deborah (Rich Palmer) Gallatin of Ypsilanti; two nieces, Victoria Gallatin of Ypsilanti, and Jillian (William) Poteracki of Canton; two nephews, Phillip and Daniel Gallatin, both of Sand Creek; sister-in-law, Helen Hergott of Ann Arbor; and extended family members, Terry Cook, Witley Wheeler and Jason Shepherd, all of Dexter.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 24, 2022, 3:30 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, in Chelsea, MI, with Pastor Matthew Parks officiating. Family will begin receiving guests at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice.
Audrey Constance (Wheeler) Fultz
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Orange, NJ, Florham Park, NJ, Holmdel, NJ; Scio Township, MI, and Dexter, MI.
Age 97, died Friday, June 17, 2022 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born February 1, 1925 in Orange, New Jersey, the daughter of George and Helen (Denike) Wheeler.
Audrey graduated from West Orange High School in New Jersey, and then Brookdale Community College, where she later worked as a clerical assistant. Audrey enjoyed gardening and was an active member in the Garden Club R.F.D. in Middletown, NJ.
As a talented artist she enjoyed capturing images that brought joy to many. She especially like working with pencil sketching as a method of rendering wonderful drawings. Reading was another area of passion which she enjoyed sharing with Kenneth over the years.
On October 3, 1953, Audrey married Kenneth Eugene Fultz, and he survives. She is also survived by a son, Douglas W. Fultz of Lisbon, Wisconsin; a daughter, Nancy H. Fultz of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; five grandchildren, Paul, Andrew, Stacy, Rachel, Amanda; and 10 great-grandchildren, Brennan, Brenda, Chelsea, Michael, Adrianna, Justice, Kayleigh, Kiersten, Emily, and Eric.
A memorial service at the Chelsea Retirement Community is pending. Please check back for updates. Her ashes will be placed in the Holmdel Cemetery, Holmdel, New Jersey.
Memorial contributions may be made to UMRC & Porter Hills Foundation in support of the Team Member Support Services Fund at Chelsea Retirement Community, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118. (CRC staff fund). Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Randy Len Allen
of Stockbridge, MI
Age 64, died Saturday, June 18, 2022, at home with his family.
He was born May 3, 1958, the son of Vernon and Peggy Jean (Fletcher) Allen.
Randy enjoyed his life bowling, fishing, gardening, and car racing. He enjoyed all sports. Randy worked for his Dad in the family business and at “Jiffy” in Chelsea. He was very good at building, carpentry, and mechanics. He had a love for animals.
He met Peggyann Hunt in March of 1978, and they were married June 10, 1983. Peggyann survives, along with children, Maryalice (Scot), Ethan “ET”, Toriann, and Johnathan; granddaughter, Georgia Rickman; brothers, Roger and Dale (Karen); sister, Dawn; mom’s, Peggy Young and Peggy (Jim) West; sisters-in-law, Pam (Eric) and Dar (Kevin); their children, Crystal, Little E, Blake and Ashley; and their families. He was preceded in death by his father and niece, Rebecca.
Per his wishes, Randy has been cremated. A service for the family will be held in the future. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Denise Kay “Dennie” Schiller
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 75, passed away Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the University of Michigan Hospital.
She was born January 19, 1947 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Robert G. and Leona M. (Weinberg) Foster.
Dennie was a first grade teacher for the Chelsea School District for 38 years. She felt blessed to have shared her love of teaching with so many of Chelsea’s families. Dennie was not just a teacher…this was her calling and there was no one better at this profession. She was effortless in delivering curriculum but magical in teaching life lessons. “Your heart always knows the truth.” were words overheard in her first-grade classroom.
Mrs. Schiller’s imprint lives on in her students’ hearts. Dennie’s family and lifelong friends are witness to her loyal and unwavering love. This fierce love for her people has no expiration, she lives on in all she loved. She will be in every child’s giggle, every mischievous look, every selfless act of generosity, and every word of love spoken or written, there will be Dennie.
On September 3, 1963, she married Stanley R. “Stan” Schiller, and he preceded her in death on April 16, 2014. Survivors include a son, Troy (Laurie) Schiller of Chelsea; three grandsons, Kyle (Stefany), Cody (Kay) and Chad (Stevie); 6 great-grandchildren, Lillian, Callan, Remington, Emery, Bennett, Graham; and a sister, Gail (Dennis) White of Chelsea. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Talia “Tia” Schiller in November 2000.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2-4 and 6-9 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel. A private burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Education Foundation.
Ramo James
of Chelsea MI
Age 74, passed away Memorial Day 2022 at his home.
Ramo was born on August 11, 1947 in Detroit, MI. His parents were Cedric and Kathleen Hatmaker. He graduated from Brighton High School and attended Washtenaw Community College taking writing, photography, music, and voice classes.
He was drafted into the Army’s 9th Infantry Division Artillery in 1966. He was stationed at Fort Ord, deployed to Vietnam in 1967 and discharged in 1968.
He began playing guitar as a teen, influenced by his Uncle Harold Hatmaker. He played lead and rhythm guitar in various bands, among others: The Cohort, Broadcasters, Doo Wop Band. It was a rare occasion to find him without a guitar in his hands or without a pencil jotting down song lyrics and guitar notations.
He worked at A2 Recording Studio in Ann Arbor as a recording technician, at Music Mart in Ann Arbor as a guitar teacher, at the Chelsea Standard newspaper developing photographs for the paper, at Wonderland Music in Dearborn as a guitar teacher/repairman, and at Koontz Guitar Repair in Ferndale.
He was a Detroit Tigers and an ever hopeful Detroit Lions fan.
On September 15, 1989, he married Margaret Elaine Doub in Toledo, Ohio, and she survives. Also surviving are his cousin, Barbara (Louie) Burr, his goddaughter, Sydney Schmitter (Cassily), many friends and bandmates, his horses, and ‘too many’ cats, especially Mr. Black.
Military funeral honors and burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta Township on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to: KatSnips.org, HappyHeartsFelineRescue.org, Lymphoma.org (to fund research into Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma), FischerHouse, or Meals on Wheels through the Chelsea Senior Center.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Marian Jewell Tapp Mansfield
Saline, MI
It is with great sorrow we announce that our mother Marian, age 90, died Friday, June 10, 2022, at the Evangelical Home in Saline.
She was born August 13, 1931, in Atlanta, Georgia, the daughter of Charles Robert Ernest and Mattie Lee (Hooper) Brown.
Marian worked in the trucking industry, retiring from Roadway Trucking in 1995, as Regional Claims Manager. She was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Boca Raton, Florida. She liked to travel.She travelled throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and Hong Kong. Marian was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor.
Marian is survived and cherished by three daughters and one son, Patricia (Donald) Callahan Kobane of Ann Arbor, Beverly (Robert) Dexter of West Branch, Susan (Brian) Henriksen of Boyne City, and David Tapp of Canton; 11 grandchildren, Brennan Callahan, Scott Dexter, Michael Dexter, Jason Mihalko, Kara Stemmer, Amanda Moceri, Cody Tapp, Ashlyn Tapp, Megan Wilson, Melissa Dewitt and Colleen Henriksen; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Marian was married to Everett Neal Tapp, and he preceded her in death on May 25, 2006. She was also preceded in death by two other husbands, Clarence Adam and Frank Mansfield; as well as seven siblings, Lorene, Sarah, Charles, Dell, Henry, Marjorie, and Lavada.
Marian was married to Everett Neal Tapp, and he preceded her in death on May 25, 2006. She was also preceded in death by two other husbands, Clarence Adam and Frank Mansfield: as well as seven siblings, Lorene, Sarah, Charles, Dell, Henry, Marjorie, and Lavada.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, July 26, 11:30 am at the Chelsea Depot, 125 Jackson Street, Chelsea, MI 48118. A private burial will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 564 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
A video of Marian’s service will be posted online after her service.
James L. “Jamie” Bollinger
of Chelsea MI
Age 62, passed away on June 13, 2022 at his home.
He was born on March 22, 1960 in Ann Arbor, MI to Paul and Beverly (Fielder) Bollinger.
Jamie was a life-long resident of Chelsea, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1978 where he played football. After high school, he joined his father and brothers in the family business, Bollinger Sanitation and Excavating, and became Co-Owner of the business, retiring in 2020.
Jamie was highly involved and passionate about supporting his community. He served on the Chelsea Village Council and was a member of the Chelsea Fire Authority. He was a Chelsea Fair Board member and a member of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. He served on the Whitetails Unlimited Board, organizing the Whitetails Unlimited Fundraiser in Chelsea, setting fundraising records back to back.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, collecting antique Waterloo Boy tractors, snowmobiling, and truck pulling with his Ram truck “Twister.” He also helped excavate the Wooly Mammoth that was found in 2015 in a farmer’s field in Washtenaw County. He enjoyed traveling, taking many trips with his wife and friends, whether it was snowmobiling, camping, or going on cruises.
On July 24, 1999, he married Terri D. (Jones), and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Heidi (Chris) Traugott, and Kimberly (Jorge) Rosario, all of Chelsea; two brothers, Richard (Marcy) Bollinger, and Donald (Michelle) Bollinger all of Chelsea; brother-in-law, Ben Capaldi of Florida, and his best friend, Tom Bareis of Chelsea; three grandchildren, Lidia, Braylon, and Gibson; as well as nephews, Donald (Jayma) Bollinger, Jr., Derik (Jennifer) Bollinger, Grant Bollinger, all of Chelsea, and Jake (Megan) Bollinger of Grass Lake. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister, Sharon Capaldi, and nephew, Kevin Bollinger.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Community Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the James Bollinger Memorial Scholarship.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
Terrie Jean Passow
of Jackson, Michigan
Age 67, went to be with the Lord due to heart problems Sunday, June 12, 2022. She was born June 16, 1954, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of William Emory and Virginia Mae (Brinkmen) Snyder.
Terrie graduated from Grass Lake High School in 1974. She worked for Big Boy in Chelsea and in Jackson. Terrie was a member of Harvest Baptist Church (formerly North Sharon Baptist) and was a real prayer warrior.
Terrie was a very honest person with an infectious smile. She was a perfect wife for Darryl and loved her children and grandchildren. The most important thing to her was her family going to heaven.
Terrie married Norman “Darryl” Passow on July 31, 1973, and he survives. She is also survived by sons, Darryl Passow of Napoleon, Corey (Sarah) Passow of Jackson, and Norman “David” (Tara) Passow also of Jackson; brothers, Danny (Denise) Snyder and Dickie Snyder; sisters, Carol (Butch) Hey and Sherry Sharp; 8 grandchildren, Ajalon, Elizabeth, Scott, Jenna, Naya, Abby, David, and Derek; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Sarah; and brothers, Billy Snyder and Marty Snyder.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 18, 11:00 a.m. at Harvest Baptist Church in Grass Lake, Michigan, with Pastor Bobby Toler officiating. Burial will follow at North Sharon Cemetery also in Grass Lake. The family will receive friends Friday, June 17, 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harvest Baptist Church, 17999 Washburn Rd., Grass Lake, MI 49240.
Phyllis Alber
of Chelsea, Michigan formerly of Ann Arbor
Age 89, died Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born August 27, 1932 in Chelsea, Michigan, the daughter of John J. and Georgia (Russel) Munro. On July 26, 1952, she married Wayne Alber in Ann Arbor. He preceded her in death on August 13, 1988.
She is survived by her son Dan (Lynda) Alber of Manchester, daughters Linda (Steve Hoelscher) Bennink of Battle Creek, Diane (Tom) Boozer of Rockford and Betsy (Jeff) Fisher of Sarasota, FL; 8 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
After raising her children, Phyllis worked for 25 years as the “smiling face” of an Ann Arbor dentist office and then moved to Homosassa, Florida where she spent 16 years enjoying warmer weather near many friends. In 2010 she moved back to the Ann Arbor area to be close to her children and grandchildren.
Phyllis was always positive and she appreciated all things in life. She was a terrific conversationalist and had a way of making everyone feel special. In 2017 she moved to the Chelsea Retirement Community Kresge Facility. Her family is very grateful for the wonderful care that she received there.
No public services will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Life Enrichment program at Chelsea Retirement Community.
David C. McLaughlin
of Chelsea, Mich
It is with great sorrow we announce the death of David C. McLaughlin of Chelsea, MI. He passed away unexpectedly on May 27, 2022 at the age of 78 in his beloved hometown.
David was an adored husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and attorney. He was born in Chelsea, MI on March 6, 1944, son of Jean F. (Dancer) McLaughlin and Russell A. McLaughlin.
He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 50 years, Jane Marie McLaughlin; loving father of Christine (Drew) Hazelton of Oak Park, CA, Elizabeth (Matthew) Ehrhard of Vero Beach, FL, and Damon (Kimberly) McLaughlin of Spring Lake, MI; treasured grandfather of Elle and Peri Hazelton, Malone Ehrhard, and William and George McLaughlin; brother of James O. McLaughlin of Harbor Springs, MI and brother-in-law Gordon Starr of Columbus, IN; uncle to several nephews and nieces.
David graduated from Chelsea High School in 1962 and was an outstanding athlete. He played on the varsity football team beginning as a freshman and set records in track and field as a hurdler. He went on to play football at University of Michigan and graduated in 1967. He received his law degree from Wayne State University in 1970. He opened his law practice in Chelsea, MI in 1972 and continued practicing law until his death.
David is recognized for his kindness, strength, and commitment to helping others, especially his law clients and the community of Chelsea. He was a founding member of Chelsea Education Foundation, past member and president of Chelsea United Way, past member and president of Faith in Action, former 30-year member of Kiwanis Club of Chelsea, founding member and first president of Zion Lutheran Old Church Board, and past member and president of Zion Lutheran Church at Roger’s Corners.
His childhood involved summers on Cavanaugh Lake where he and Jane also raised their three children. He traveled the Great Lakes fishing with his close friends. David later developed a passion for hiking and biking. He hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. His biking adventures spread through Michigan, New York City and Europe.
In recent years, he also enjoyed living with his wife in Spring Lake, Michigan and Melbourne Beach, Florida as well as their travels abroad. His most precious time involved holidays and summers together with family.
David will be immensely missed and his honorable virtues will remain in those he has touched, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Those preceded in his death are his mother Jean F. McLaughlin, father Russell A. McLaughlin, step-mother Elaine M. McLaughlin, sister Jane K. Starr, and sister-in-law Carol A. McLaughlin.
On July 14, 2022, at Robin Hills Farm, 20390 M-52, Chelsea, MI 48118 there will be a 1:00 pm visitation followed by a 2:00 pm celebration of life. Donations in David’s memory may be made to Faith in Action, 603 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
Ronald Charles Hopp
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 84, died Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the Pines in Chelsea, with his family at his side.
He was born September 2, 1937, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Charles King and Virginia A. (Rowe) Hopp.
Ron graduated from Ann Arbor High School class of 1955. He went to work at Eastern Airlines in 1956 and worked there until they closed in January of 1991. Ron then got his Real Estate License and worked for Chelsea Reality. He worked for Motorwheel Corp. in Ypsilanti before moving to Florida in 1997. Ron worked for Ocean Reef in Key Largo, FL until his retirement in 2007.
He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. Ron was also a member of the Chelsea Senior Center and volunteered with the meals on wheels program at the Pines. He enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting and fishing.
On September 21, 1957, he married Karen H. Beck in Ypsilanti, and she preceded him in death on July 23, 2013. Survivors include a daughter, Brenda (Michael) McGhee of Chapin, SC; a son, Ronald (Yvonne) Hopp of Chelsea, MI; a brother, David (Joyce) Hopp of Adrian, MI; 4 grandchildren, Chet (Bethany), Nichole (Kenny), Trevor, Shannon; one great-grandchild, Oliver; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jacqueline, and his sister, Nancy Compton.
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 17, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. Burial will be at Marble Park in Milan, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Special thanks to St. Joseph Mercy Home Care and Hospice and nurse Ben Seymour who was always there for Ron and his family.
Thomas Clark Klobuchar
Age 84, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on May 8, 2022, surrounded by family at Rockledge Regional Hospital in Rockledge, Florida.
Thomas was born on December 8, 1937, the son of Frank and Emma (Sager) Klobuchar.
He was born, raised and lived his entire life in Chelsea, MI. For the past 20 years, he and his wife spent winters in Florida and summers at their home in Chelsea.
His hobbies included fishing, hunting, and playing golf. He loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events, theater events, dance and music events.
He loved to tinker in his garage and was a master tile setter. He was an avid Red Wings fan. He always wore a smile and brightened up a room.
He married Margaret Noble on July 9, 1994 in a small chapel in Las Vegas. Marge preceded him in death on January 17, 2019. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his son William Klobuchar, his daughter Cindy Klobuchar, his
brother James Klobuchar, and his sister Mary (Hermanson) Klobuchar.
He is survived by his children, Dawn Klobuchar, Anthony Klobuchar of Ann Arbor, Cheree (Eric) Coleman of Cocoa FL and Cindy (Tim) Belinger of Florida. He is survived by his sister, Esther (Klobuchar) Cobb, also a lifelong resident of the Chelsea community. He has 17 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at the Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Chelsea, MI, with Deacon Thomas Franklin officiating.
Roberta Hartwell Anderson
Age 93, died May 28, 2022, at Silver Maples in Chelsea.
She was born February 8, 1929, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Robert R. and Mabel (Hargrove) Hartwell.
Roberta graduated from North Dakota State University in 1951 and was married to Edwin F. Anderson that same year. Roberta loved her home and homemaking. Roberta was very active in her church and community for most of her life.
She served leadership positions in the Methodist churches in Dearborn, Michigan and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She also taught Sunday School and was Junior High youth leader. She was on the Speaker’s Bureau of the League of Women Voters (Welfare Reform). For many years she was active with a social worker in southeast Dearborn where she was a member of the Southeast Dearborn Community Council. This was one of her favorite memories of volunteer work.
Roberta served as president of her P.E.O. Sisterhood chapter and president of the Dearborn Junior Winter Study Club. Roberta enjoyed playing bridge and traveling with her husband.
In addition to her husband, survivors include two sons: Gary Alan (Lisa) of South Bend, Indiana, and Thomas Craig (Karen) of Highland, Michigan. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Christopher, Sarah, Mathew (Angelica) and Craig; two great-grandchildren Elizabeth and Jacob.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 1 from 3-5 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel. Her memorial service will be Thursday, June 2, 11:00 am at Silver Maples of Chelsea (in the Maples Room), with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating.
Memorials can be made to Faith in Action, 603 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118 or The Salvation Army, 1621 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
Ron S. Clark
Ron was born in Chelsea, Michigan, on 15 June 1940.
He was the son of Steve G. Clark and Beatrice Truckey Clark and grew up in Chelsea, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1958.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Janet Harvey-Clark, and their child, Kit Chelsea Clark Glogovsky, who is married to Sam E. Glogovsky. Ron and Janet moved from Jackson, Michigan, to Neenah, Wisconsin, a year ago to live near Kit and Sam.
Ron is survived by his son Bill Clark Palikainen, who is married to Theresa Palikainen and is father to Ron’s granddaughters Jasmine Palikainen Salem and Alexis Palikainen, both of whom live in Michigan. Bill and Theresa live in Wayne, Michigan. Ron is survived also by son Jared Damien Clark, partner to Melissa Peters-Bishop and father to their child, Kellan Clark, Ron’s grandson. Jared, Melissa and Kellan live in Plymouth, Michigan. Jared is also father to Ron’s grandson Brandon Clark, who lives in California.
Ron’s brother, George Clark and his partner Utpala A. Patel, live in Chelsea, Michigan. Ron’s brother, Bruce Clark and his wife Marilyn O. Clark, live in Merrill, Michigan. Ron is survived also by his sister Bonnie Clark Dempich.
Ron began his higher education at Michigan Technical College before transferring to Northern Michigan University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Education, with specialties in Art, History and Psychology. He also earned a master’s degree in Math Education from the University of Detroit.
Ron taught a variety of subjects from kindergarten through high school for over 40 years, including Art, English, and History. Ron spent over 10 years teaching Mathematics to high school students in Detroit, Michigan; Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; and Battle Creek, Michigan. When he left teaching, Ron took on his favorite role—full-time dad to Kit while the family lived in Jackson, Michigan.
One of the many reasons Ron loved teaching—in addition to inspiring students to learn, question assumptions and express their creativity—was the opportunity his summers gave him to travel. Ron explored all the continental United States and many parts of Canada, with a special love of discovering America’s national parks, and he loved introducing camping and many of these areas to his kids.
He took up flat-water kayaking in the 1980s, and Ron kayaked and camped solo along over 800 miles of Lake Superior’s shoreline. Ron met Janet in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula became a much-loved destination for their family.
Another favorite place for Ron was Sanibel Island and Captiva Island off the Gulf Coast of Florida. Ron worked several summers at South Seas Plantation on Captiva and loved sharing the wonderful nature of these areas with all three of his children.
After Ron and Janet married in 1989 and moved to North Carolina, they discovered Topsail Island off the Southern coast of the state, and this beautiful beach area became a favorite of Ron, Janet, and Kit. Ron also traveled in the 1990s to Great Britain, exploring Scotland and England. Ron and Janet took a special trip to Sanibel and Captiva over Christmas 2021, and they visited North Carolina in April 2022, spending time with Janet’s brother, Robert, sister-in-law, Lynn, and their young daughters, Karli Rae, 3, and K’La Claire, 5 months. Ron and Janet enjoyed a final beach vacation together on Topsail during this time.
The depth of Ron’s lifetime experiences shared an appreciation and love of nature, which included a passion for fossil/rock hunting and collecting, a fascination with and incredible knowledge of all creatures great and small, and an awareness and understanding of science as the method by which knowledge is acquired. His love of art, music, and literature equaled his enthusiasm for nature and science.
He was an avid reader—especially sci-fi and fantasy. He enjoyed going to museums and had eclectic tastes in music, with his favorite group being Pink Floyd, while also enjoying Willie Nelson, Celtic music, Simon & Garfunkel, and a variety of jazz.
Ron’s range of interests and knowledge reflected his attitude that life is to be lived in the moment with attention to learning what lessons await. He respected people as individuals, did not judge others, and was a staunch defender of human and civil rights for people of all ethnicities, races, and nationalities as well as sexual orientation and gender identity.
Most of all, he loved his family unconditionally and was with his family the day he left this world to go on his next adventure.
A Life Celebration for Ron will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the Michigan Friends Center in Chelsea. The service begins at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow. The venue is located at: Michigan Friends Center, 7748 Clark Lake Road, Chelsea, MI 48118. Directions may be found at: https://mfcenter.org/diriving-directions/
To have an accurate count, please RSVP by Friday, May 27, 2022, by sending an email to Janet Harvey-Clark at: [email protected]
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth) at: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
George Lewis Jr.
Dexter, MI
Age 82, peacefully left the loving arms of his family at his Dexter, Michigan home on May 18, 2022.
George was born on February 29, 1940 to George and Nellie (Kuzyk) Lewis in Detroit Michigan. He was raised in Dearborn where he graduated from Fordson High School in 1958. He attended Wayne State University on a full music scholarship. George was a talented drummer and played with various bands throughout the 1960’s.
George fell in love with and married Mary Louise Hersman in September of 1960, and they had three children before Mary Lou’s untimely death at the age of 34. Undaunted, George married Barbara Cooper in 1975 and Jacquelyn Bailey in 1987. Both marriages ended in divorce, but George cherished the good relationship he had with his stepchildren.
George’s career in the auto industry spanned decades. He worked his way up to engineering supervisor at the Ford Ypsilanti Plant, and in 1991 he moved to Budapest, Hungary to open a parts manufacturing plant in Szekeshfehervar, Hungary. His team made distributerless ignition coils. George was very excited and proud of his work there. Whilst in Hungary, George met the love of his life, Eszter Cukor, who also worked for Ford, and they were married in 1995 in Budapest.
George and Eszter came to the US with Eszter’s daughter Kati, where they settled in Ann Arbor, MI. Later, Eszter’s job took them to Chicago, Illinois and Mainz, Germany, and through the years they travelled to Paris, Amsterdam, all over Europe and the US.
George was a funny, talented and sensitive man. His love of a good joke and a bottle of whiskey were legendary. He enjoyed his work as treasurer with the Dexter Lions Club, especially the Christmas Tree Sales, and loved having breakfast with ‘the old farts’ club’ at the Riverview Cafe on Thursday mornings.
George loved cars. He belonged to the Chelsea Classic Car Club. He owned and restored a 1968 London Taxi Cab that he took to the Ypsilanti Orphan Car Show as often as possible, and loved driving the cab in the parades in Dexter and Chelsea.
His special friend and other son Tim Assaf (Mary Anna) was his partner in crime and a dear friend to both George and Eszter.
George took pride in caring for his family and friends and enjoyed getting everyone together for family gatherings as frequently as possible. He and Eszter glued the family together with their love and dedication. This was his life’s work. George will be missed and remembered by many.
George was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Lou, sister Beverly Lewis Cashen, and daughter Anne Marie Gundlach. He is survived by his children, Philip (Gabriella) Lewis, Margaret (Warren) Robords, Kati Gaspar-Danon (Daniel), as well as his grandchildren Alexander Gundlach, Benjamin Lewis, George and Duncan Robords and Sophie and Adam Danon. He is remembered fondly by his niece, Stacee (Mike) Lockhard and her sons, as well as nephew Paul (Carrie) Pronishen, and his daughters. George is further survived by stepson Mark (Kim) Jahn, and their children Chelsea (John) Grotrian and Reece Jahn. It comforted George to be visited by his great granddaughter Avery Marie Rose Grotrian just weeks before his death.
The family would like to thank Arbor Hospice for their dedicated and supportive staff.
A celebration of life for George will take place Friday evening June 3rd, 2022 at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, George’s family requests donations to the Ukrainian people through HealthRight International http://www.healthright.org.ua/uk/ or to Arbor Hospice https://www.arborhospice.org/.
Remember what George would say, “Have a good life!”
Milan R. Hermon
Port Charlottte, FL, formerly of Chelsea, MI
Age 92, of Port Charlotte, FL, formerly of Chelsea, MI, died Friday, May 6, 2022 at Venice Hospice House.
He was born March 28, 1930 in Gilboa, Ohio, the son of L.D. and Hazel (Rager) Hermon. Milan was an active member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church. He volunteered at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Faith In Action, Red Cross Blood Drives, and Lee Memorial Hospital in Ft. Myers, FL.
Milan moved to Chelsea in 1975 from Lima, Ohio where he and Kathryn had resided for many years. He moved to Florida after Kathryn died.
On March 7, 1953, he married Kathryn R. Baumgartner in Pandora, Ohio, and she preceded him in death on November 8, 1994. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen McCuaig; his daughter-in-law, Mary Hermon; and wife Shirley Hermon.
Survivors include one son David Hermon of Barboursville, WV, one daughter Judith (Robin) Osborn of Chelsea, MI; four grandchildren, Kaitlin (Yakov) Kochubievsky, Kristofer (Anna) Osborn, Alison Osborn, and Eric (Melissa) McCuaig; four great-grandchildren; Alexandra Osborn, Elizabeth Osborn, Natalie Kochubievsky, and Noah Kochubievsky; several brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 128 Park Street, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Darlene Rose Eisenbeiser
Chelsea, MI
Age 94, died peacefully Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the Arbor Hospice Residence in Saline.
She was born September 2, 1927 in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of E.J. Mitchell and Mina (Nelson) Mitchell.
Darlene was a member of North Lake United Methodist Church, a Girl Scout co-leader, and a homemaker.
On March 26, 1945, she married Leslie James Eisenbeiser in Lincoln Park, MI and he preceded her in death on December 8, 2001.Survivors include a son, Tom Eisenbeiser of Grass Lake; a daughter, Penny E. Murray (Donald) of Little Chute, WI, six grandchildren; Peter (Annette) Eisenbeiser, Ginger (Bill) Basa, Sofia Eisenbeiser, Kirsten (Corban) Spraker, Heather (Byron) Prestridge, Sarah (Tony) Larsen; eight great-grandchildren, a niece, Linda Thayer of Florida and a nephew, Bill Eisenbeiser of Chelsea. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Nelson Martens and her sister, Laura Riedel.
Memorial contributions may be made to North Lake United Methodist Church, Jackson County Humane Society or Arbor Hospice.
Darlene’s ashes will be buried at North Lake Cemetery at a later date. A private memorial service will be held at a future date.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Jane Helen Finkbeiner, age 93, died Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Hampton Manor in Whitmore Lake.
She was born June 29, 1928, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Glea W. and Helen L. (Bauer) Whipple.
Jane was baptized at St. John’s United Church of Christ, but her family moved to St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ in Dexter, where she was confirmed and was still a member. Jane loved her St. Andrew’s church family and was a very active member.
She graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1945, and worked for Goodman’s Factory in Chelsea, for Everbaugh’s store in Ann Arbor, and then worked for Deloitte CPA firm in Ann Arbor for many years. Jane was active with Chelsea Senior Citizens and was a Red Hatter.
On July 12, 1947, she married Clifford E. “Biff” in St. Andrews U.C.C. and he preceded her in death on Feb. 27, 1997. Survivors include two daughters, Donna (Mike) DeHoyos of Ormond Beach, FL and Amy Finkbeiner of Pittsburgh, PA; two granddaughters, Stephanie (Derrin) Nuckols of Lafayette, IN and Samantha Miley of Indianapolis, IN; and two great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Gabriella Nuckols.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 16, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrews United Church of Christ in Dexter, with Rev. Charles Bigelow officiating. Burial will follow at St. Andrews Cemetery, also in Dexter. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Sunday, May 15, from 2-6 pm and at the church Monday, 10-11 am. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews United Church of Christ, 7610 Ann Arbor St., Dexter, MI 48130.
Beth Ann (Mosher) Wymer
Dexter, Michigan
Age 46, was born April 5, 1976 to Gorden (Diane) Mosher and Rhonda “Eileen” (Mark) Olmsted. She was suddenly called to heaven on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, to join her sister, Tracy (Mosher) Schlaff.
Beth was born, raised and was a life-long resident of the Dexter/ Delhi area of Michigan. She was a member of the Dexter High School class of 1994. Beth was self-employed, she took care of the elderly and cleaned houses. She loved music and going to concerts. Beth was a self-described tree-hugger, who enjoyed gardening and nature.
Beth leaves behind both parents; her husband, Brad Wymer; her two wonderful children, Katie (Josh Hodges) Sennett, and Gabe Wymer; a sister, Melissa Mosher; her mother-in-law, Ruth Fick; grandmother, Emily Mosher; step-brothers, Chris Chapman, Ben Olmsted, Ray Olmsted; two beautiful granddaughters, Isabella and Sophia Hodges; a nephew, David Schlaff; nieces, Kaytlin Mosher, Chloe Louiselle; and countless family members and friends. In addition to her sister, Tracy, Beth was preceded in death by her grandparents, Edith and Bill Meek, and Raymond Mosher.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, May 15th from 1-4 pm at the Dexter American Legion. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with expenses.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Carole J. Esch
Chelsea, formerly of Dexter
Age 88, died Thursday, April 28, 2022 at her home in Chelsea, suddenly.
She was born June 18, 1933 in St. Joseph, Missouri, the daughter of Hugh W. and Ethel M. (Highland) Gaddis.
On February 16, 1963, she married Lester Esch and he preceded her in death on September 28, 2008. She is also survived by her daughter, Doris Esch; a brother in-law and sister in-law; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, William H. Gaddis in 2000, her parents, a nephew and her two dogs, Candy and Fred.
Carole liked to crochet and watch TV and an avid U of M fan. She stayed home to raise her daughter. Carole was a kind and loving person.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 4, 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn, Dexter, Michigan. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Nancy Carolyn (Dawe) Noble
Age 82, died April 25, 2022 at her home in Jackson, Michigan, losing her battle with MDS blood cancer and PML brain infection.
Born in Ann Arbor, she grew up in Port Huron and then lived in Ann Arbor, Lapeer, Davison, Flushing and, for nearly 30 years, on Runyan Lake near Fenton before she and her husband of more than 60 years moved to Jackson four years ago.
Nancy was the founding director of the Salem-South Lyon District Library (SSLD). She went to the South Lyon City Library in 1989 and oversaw the creation and funding of the new, independent library district and construction of the SSLD library, which opened in 1998.
Before going to South Lyon, she was systems services manager at the Genesee District Library. Nancy joined GDL as librarian in its Flushing branch. She was GDL regional manager of libraries in five Genesee County communities before heading systems services. She started her career as a children’s librarian in Lapeer.
Nancy earned her Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, following her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from the same campus. A state-certified professional librarian, she stayed up to date in the in the evolving field of library science by taking numerous special and advanced programs offered by various institutions. She was a member of the Public Library Association and several other professional and community organizations.
A staunch advocate of education and training, Nancy took great satisfaction in encouraging, mentoring and otherwise helping others pursue their career goals in library science and other walks of life. Nancy retired from SSLD in 2002, at which time she received State of Michigan declarations of special tribute from the Ninety-First Legislature and Gov. John Engler for her contributions to librarianship and the communities she served.
Nancy’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with family and friends. She loved reading, gardening, classical music, traveling and hiking nature trails, especially during the spring blooming of trilliums, trout lilies and other wildflowers. Nancy also deeply appreciated wildlife, especially sandhill cranes and the avian world in general.
She leaves her husband Richard, daughter Laura Noble and husband Dr. Albert Hollenbeck of Chelsea, MI., granddaughter Delia Noble, grandson Hayden Hollenbeck, sister Meg and husband Bill Minnich, brother- and sister-in-law Ed and Betty Noble, and 10 nieces and nephews.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Marjorie (Scott) Dawe, and sisters Shirley (Dawe) Bishop and Kate Dawe.
PML is a fatal brain disease and Nancy bequeathed her brain to the National Institute for Health to contribute to researching into this rare disease.
Cremation and arrangements are being handled by the Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea. Her remains will rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Ann Arbor. A celebration of her life will be held in the future, pending the status of the Covid pandemic.
Nancy supported a wide variety of charitable organizations. Memorial contributions may be made to your local food bank, animal shelter or library or to Planned Parenthood, the National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy or the World Wildlife Fund.
Ralph Mario Szymaszek
Willis, Michigan
Age 65, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 8, 2022, at his home.
He was born April 12, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, the only child of Marion and Beatrice (Wisnewski) Szymaszek.
Ralph graduated from Cody High School in Detroit, in 1974. He worked his entire life in maintenance including Heublein, Roush and most recently, McNaughton & Gunn in Saline. Everyone knew Ralph for his big heart and unique sense of humor. He loved his family and friends and would do anything for them. He enjoyed his toys as much as he did cars and his amazing collection of retro nostalgic memorabilia.
Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Ammon, who died May 13, 2008. Ralph was a loving uncle to Eddie, Jerry, Rick, Ruth, and Luke in addition to his cousins, seven great-nieces and nephews and several god-children. He was a cherished friend to many. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, his nephews, Eddie and Jerry, and by two cousins, Vera Bodurka and Tim Rumenapp.
A memorial service will be held Friday, April 29, 2022, 4:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea. The family will receive friends Friday from 2- 4 pm. Burial will take place at New South Park Cemetery in Martinsville, IN beside his wife, Mary.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association.
Richard Currie Hall
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ypsilanti
Age 67, died Sunday, April 24, 2022, at St. Joseph Chelsea Hospital.
He was born December 6, 1954, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the son of John Alexander and Geneva Pearl (Walton) Hall.
Richard was a member of Chelsea Rod and Gun. He enjoyed hunting and liked to camp. He was a good father and husband; he was proud of his sons and grandkids. Richard was a Construction Superintendent and was proud of his many projects in the Ann Arbor area, including Domino Farms and Zion Church.
On July 15, 1978, Richard married Cathleen Lynn Taylor and she survives. He is also survived by sons, Adam (Mallory) Hall of Grass Lake, Aaron (Heather) Hall of Buchanan, Luke (Liana) Hall of Unadilla; 9 grandchildren, Ava, Memphis, Adam, Kaitlynne, Zachary, Brayden, Harley, Jameson, Josephine; nieces, Autumn and Jessica; nephews, Eric and Craig; brother, Jon (Judy Cenzer) Hall of Saline; and close family friend, Rex Adkins. Richard was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held Monday, May 2, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea. The family will receive friends before the service at 10:00 a.m.
Sharon Lee Kokenakes,
of Chelsea formerly of Ann Arbor, Michigan
Age 82, peacefully passed away April 22, 2022, with her family by her side.
She was born to the late Ethel and Elmer Porter, on November 14,1939, in Pontiac, Michigan.
Sharon married Theodore Kokenakes on March 25th, 1963, where they lived together in Ann Arbor, Michigan for fifty-five years before relocating to Chelsea, Michigan.
Sharon is preceded in death by her daughter Therese Kokenakes. Sharon is survived by her two daughters: Melissa Kokenakes of Chelsea, and Jennifer Kokenakes (Scott Cratty) of Tampa, Florida. She is also survived by two grandchildren Sarah Budnick and Nathan Budnick.
Sharon worked at the University of Michigan Hospital for 32 years. Sharon always kept busy and was full of life. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, sewing, shopping, gardening and cheering for her favorite football team (Go Blue!). Sharon and Ted enjoyed traveling the world. Some of their many adventures included Greece, Italy, Hawaii and her favorite destination, Ireland, where she kissed the Blarney Stone.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the team at Towsley Village in Chelsea, for their wonderful care for the past two years and the team at Arbor Hospice for their care and support during this time.
Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery in Ann Arbor.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Sharon’s memory, the family suggest donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
Rose Blackwell
Rose Mary (Atkins) Blackwell passed away peacefully at home encircled by her family and under the care of hospice on April 3, 2022.
Rose was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on August 5, 1947 to Monard and Eveline (Watson) Atkins.
Rose married Frank Blackwell on July 18, 1970 at the First United Methodist Church in Chelsea, Michigan.
Together, Rose and Frank moved to the Waterloo area in 1978 and welcomed their son Russell (Rusty) in March of 1980. When Rusty was young, Rose drove school buses for the Chelsea School District.
Rose was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1989 after already exhibiting symptoms for a couple of years. Also a breast-cancer survivor, Rose never let the diseases define her, and she continued to love tending her flower beds, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
In December 2008, Rose and Frank welcomed their first grandchild, who was followed in quick succession by a second in December 2010. The new role of grandmother sparked joy and new energy in Rose. She was well suited to the task and enjoyed doing crafts, baking, and going on many adventures with her beloved granddaughters.
Rose was the embodiment of strength and kindness.
Rose is survived by her loving husband Frank. She is also survived by her son Rusty (Jennifer) of Manchester, Michigan and granddaughters Riley and Josephine. Rose will live on in the hearts of extended family and loved ones. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Billie.
Please join Rose’s family in a celebration of her life to be held at the Waterloo Village United Methodist Church on April 30, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation with the family will proceed an hour before, and a luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Waterloo Village United Methodist Church.
Gladys Buck Kennedy, age 87, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on April 18, 2022 at her home at Silver Maples of Chelsea.
She was born on September 20, 1934 in Maybee, MI to Journey and Kathleen (Caddy) Brabant.
Gladys graduated from Milan High School in 1953. She married Carroll H. Buck, on October 12, 1954. After several moves, they made Chelsea their permanent home in 1969. Carroll preceded her in death in 1992. In 2009, she married her long-time family friend, John L. Kennedy, and they enjoyed eight years together until he passed in 2017.
Gladys was one that was always busy and full of life. Spending time with her family, traveling, sewing, shopping, and planning events were her favorite pastimes. She was a passionate caretaker, giver, worker, and leader.
She began her career as a nurse at the old St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor in 1954 and ended her nursing career as a Hospice Nurse. Yet, the center of her life was always her faith and her family. In the early 1970’s members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did not have a building in Chelsea to hold meetings. Gladys and Carroll graciously opened their home for holding church meetings. She served the Lord in many ways and remained active in the church throughout her life.
She was blessed with a giving heart and a passion for serving others, always seeing their needs and lifting them up. She was an excellent seamstress and quilter, from bridesmaids dresses to baby quilts, she blessed many with her gifts.
Gladys was immersed in the Chelsea community from early on. If her daughters or grandchildren were involved, Gladys was sewing dance costumes or cheering from the sidelines. She was instrumental in starting the Special Olympics in Chelsea Schools. She was active in the Chelsea Community Fair and was instrumental in starting the notorious Elephant Ear Wagon, as well as volunteering for over 20 years.
She served on the Faith in Action Board for 25 years, serving as President for two of those years. After she retired from her nursing career, she worked full time for the Mitchell family at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge from 1995-2003. Gladys was active in the Chelsea Senior Center for many years, where she made many friends and enjoyed many trips with the Travel Trip Club. She served as President of the Chelsea Senior Center and was voted Senior Citizen of the Year.
In her later years, she moved to Silver Maples of Chelsea, where she seamlessly adopted her role on the Welcoming Committee, making those around her feel loved and welcomed. Gladys will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Gladys is survived by her daughter, Kris (Steve) Bergman of Chelsea, and son-in-law, Michael Borden; seven grandchildren: Rob (Jodi) Bergman of Texas, Eric Bergman of Dundee, Amy (Matt) Davis of Grass Lake, Shawn (Sarah) Bergman of Jackson, Laura (Brian) Stouffer of Pinckney, Sarah Borden of Chelsea, and Brian (Kim Roberts) Borden of Southfield; 14 great-grandchildren, Halee, Nathan and Nolan Bergman, Drew Bergman, Lincoln and Olivia Davis, Bristol Bergman, Conor Fitzimmons, Audrey Borden, Connor, Madeline and Mya Stouffer and Paxton and Chance Borden; two brothers, Samuel (Barb) Brabant of Ypsilanti, and Milton (Patti) Brabant of Arizona and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husbands, Carroll Buck and John Kennedy, she was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Alyssa Stouffer in 2008, and her daughter, Kathy Borden in 2019.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1330 N. Freer Rd., Chelsea. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home; also at church on Thursday from 10-11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Senior Center.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
Alice Lamila Steiner
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Okechobee, Florida
Age 86, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2022 at her home in Chelsea with her family.
She was born February 28, 1936 in Rose City, Michigan, the daughter of Clifford and Inez (Sheppard) Forsyth.
Alice graduated from Brighton High School in 1953. She worked in the University of Michigan Housing Administration. Alice and Robert owned and operated Gambles Hardware Store in South Lyon; and Marshland Kennels, where they bred and trained labs. She attended the United Methodist Church in Okechobee, Florida.
Alice enjoyed sewing and quilting and was the most caring and wonderful person.
On July 24, 1954, Alice married Robert R. Steiner, and he preceded her in death on December 30, 2017. She is survived by her son, Russell (Ann) Steiner of Prudenville; her daughter, Peggy (Brian) Cashman of Chelsea; 11 grandchildren, Robert, Michael, Kirsten, Rebecca, Jennifer, Daniel, Stephanie, Elena, Vlada, Egar, and Nicholas; and six great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Harrison, Owen, Jackson, Wesley, and Blake. She was preceded in death by her husband; and son, Robert David Steiner.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 20, 3:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Mark Hendricks officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Elara Caring Hospice.
John Martin Tandy
Gregory, MI
John died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on January 30, 2022 at the age of 93.
He was born May 2, 1928 in Chicago, IL, to Jesse Martin and Adella May (Pearce) Tandy.
On December 27, 1947, he married Nancy L. Haas. She preceded him in death on Sept. 16, 2017 after nearly 70 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Julie May Tandy and a brother, James Tandy.
John proudly served as Chief Warrant Officer in Army Intelligence for 23 years. With the exception of his tour in Vietnam, his family lived and traveled with him throughout the United States, Panama, and Europe. Upon retirement from the military, John and his family moved back to his Grandfather Pearce’s farm where he spent many summers as a boy. There he raised cattle and continued his civic commitment, serving as Dexter Township Supervisor for 10 years.
John was the President of North Lake Cemetery Board for ten years and a long-standing member of North Lake United Methodist Church.
He was a proud father to his son John M. (Diane) Tandy II, of Gregory, MI, and his daughters, Karin (Tom) Hall of Bethlehem, PA, Nannette Tandy of Gregory, MI, Mary (Jeff) Bust of Charlottesville, VA., Jennifer (Jim) Szamecki of Clearwater, FL; ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022, 11:00 am at North Lake United Methodist Church, with Rev. Beatrice Alghali officiating. There will be a visitation at the church from 10-11 am on the day of the service. A private burial will take place at North Lake Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to North Lake United Methodist Church, 14111 N Territorial Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Karen Charlene Clary
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Diamond, Missouri; Jackson, Michigan; Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; and Ann Arbor, Michigan
Age 80, died Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born June 21, 1941, in Granby, Missouri, the daughter of Henry Roy and Grace Hettie (Fitzgerald) Boehning.
Karen grew up in Diamond, Missouri, and was raised as a Southern Baptist. She worked as a homemaker and then as a flight attendant with Trans World Airlines and US Airways. Karen held her private pilot license.
Karen is survived by one son, Steven “Timothy” (Carrie) Clary of Jackson; three daughters, Jamie Ann Kelly (Dan) Dibartolomeo of Denver, CO, Lara Raquel (Eric) Clary-Lantis of Chelsea, Karen “Michele” Chester of Buda, Texas; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Beverly “Sue” Wilson of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Dana Maree Pierce in 1997; and her brother, Marshall Boehning of Texas.
A memorial service will be held Monday, March 21, 1:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Rev. Larry Lyons officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 20, 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald’s House, https://rmhcannarbor.org/, or to the UMRC & Porter Hills Foundation in support of the Team Member Support Services Fund at Chelsea Retirement Community, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118.
Donald Lee Jeffery
Dexter, MI
Age 87, died quietly in his sleep on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
He was born July 1, 1934 in Staten Island, New York, the son of Norman Alexander and Ethel Viola (Mortensen) Jeffery.
Don graduated from Dexter High School in 1952. He went to work in material control for Ford Motor Company (Ypsilanti plant) right after high school and worked for Ford for over 50 years. Don served in the US Army at Ft. Bliss, TX, from 1957 – 1963.
After retirement, Don was proud to have taken classes at Washtenaw Community College, during which he restored his John Deere tractor. Don was a good bowler in his younger years, and golfed the majority of his life. He enjoyed playing cards with his brothers, and games with his family and friends. Don loved tinkering with his tractor, woodcarving, and yard work. He had a good sense of humor, liked to laugh, and would talk to anyone.
On December 13, 1968, he married Velma “Jean” Seyfried, and she survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Stephanie (Eric) McPherson of Omaha, NE; a brother, Norman Jeffery of Chelsea; sisters-in-law, Lois Jeffery and Eva Jeffery. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Wallace, William, Douglas (Susan); and a sister, Karen (Jeffrey) Eggleton.
The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Friday, March 18, 4-7 pm. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 19, 11:00 am at Bethlehem Cemetery, Ann Arbor.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
Wanda West
Homosassa, Florida
Passed away peacefully, March 11, 2022 at the age of 65.
Wanda was born on November 26, 1956 to Harles Bailey and Sally (Gullett) Boody in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
She loved horses, her daytime TV dramas, and was an avid reader. Wanda had a strong faith in her Lord Jesus and loved her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Luce, her parents, Harles (Bernice) Bailey and Sally Boody; and siblings, Pamela Bailey and Lowell Bailey.
Wanda is survived by her children, Jim and Jasmine Bakhaus, Donnie and Melissa Galbraith, Angela Galbraith, Shannon and Danton Watts, and Bonnie Smith-Luce, 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Wanda will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan on Saturday, March 19, 2022 with a graveside service being held at 2:00 p.m.
Raymond E. Lutovsky
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 93, died peacefully Monday, March 14, 2022 at his home surrounded by family.
He was born December 12, 1928 in Grafton, North Dakota, the son of Anton J. and Lillian (Peterka) Lutovsky.
Ray was employed as a Vehicle Test Supervisor at Chrysler Proving Grounds from 1953-1984. He earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Dakota.
Ray served in the US Air Force as a ground equipment maintenance officer from 1951-53 (during the Korean War), attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. He was primarily based in Japan, Okinawa, and Guam. He was a member of the American Legion in Chelsea, and was proud to walk in the Memorial Day parades. Ray was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church.
He enjoyed yardwork and growing roses, and was known for walking many miles around Chelsea. He liked hanging out at Thompson’s Pizza. Ray was known for his sharp intellect and quick wit, especially after enjoying an occasional glass of scotch. He and Rosemary wintered in Sarasota, Florida for many years.
On October 8, 1955, he married Rosemary A. Lyons in Chelsea, and she preceded him in death on Aug. 7, 2010. He is survived by a son, Richard (Jessica) of Pinckney; two daughters, Teri (Douglas) Shiels of Adrian, Joan Lutovsky of Gregory; 3 grandchildren, Danielle (Mitchel) Schilling, Christopher (Rani) Shiels, and Brenton (Amber) Shiels; and 6 great-grandchildren, Anabelle, Norah, Audrey, Avery, Tristan Emma; many nieces and nephews; and life-long friend and brother-in-law Don Doll, sisters-in-law Della and Theresa. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Marcell, Leonard, and Luke; a sister, Judy Carrico Reeve; and his parents.
The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 18, 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.
The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 with the Rosary service at 8 pm and at the church Friday from 10-11 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Louis Center, or Arbor Hospice.
Dudley K. Holmes II
Chelsea, MI
“You can achieve anything regardless of what obstacles come your way. Understand that you should always do what is right because in the long run, that’s what matters.” ~Dudley K. Holmes II
Dudley died peacefully on Friday, March 4, 2022 at his home with his family by his side. He was 77 years old.
Dudley was born December 8, 1944, the son of Dudley K. and Nancy (Brown) Holmes and raised in Chelsea, MI.
Dudley was a passionate man who always put others first throughout his life’s journey. He emphasized leading with a strong work ethic, continuously giving back to his community, and staying humble. After graduating from Chelsea High School in 1963 as a star athlete, he went on to play football at Hope College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
He returned to Chelsea to begin his career at Chelsea Milling Company (“Jiffy”), working his way from the ground up at almost every job before ending as Vice President of Procurement. After 35 years, Dudley retired in 2004 and continued to serve on the Board of Directors.
Dudley’s love for his community ran deep as well. He served on many boards and committees for local businesses and organizations, including Chelsea State Bank, Chelsea Community Hospital, and Chelsea Community Foundation. He is also credited as a founder of the Chelsea Depot Association, a founding investor in The Common Grill, and a proud supporter of the Chelsea Police Department. One of Dudley’s later in life passions was teaching English to immigrants who were preparing for citizenship, and he offered countless other meaningful contributions to groups and individuals publicly and privately.
Dudley believed it was important to shine the spotlight on others rather than himself. However, recognitions such as the Lifetime Achievement Award (2016) by the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and becoming the first Hall of Fame recipient (2015) by the Chelsea Historical Society were incredible acknowledgments he was deeply proud to receive. He prided himself on knowing every employee by name while at Jiffy, and strived each day to help everyone feel important.
On July 17, 1971, he married Dawn DeWeese, and she survives. Other survivors include two sons, Kevin (Maleeda) Holmes of Pasadena, CA; Scott (Meghan) Holmes of Northville: a daughter, Heather (John) Holmes DeBlasio of Chicago; two sisters, Diane (Robert) Hall of Grand Rapids, Susan (Kim) Schrotenboer of Grand Rapids; 3 grandchildren, Oliver, Parker and Emerson; and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive friends at the Chelsea Depot, 125 Jackson St., Chelsea, on Friday, March 11, from 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. His funeral service will be held Saturday, March 12, 2:00 p.m. at Chelsea First United Methodist Church, 128 Park St., Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118 or Faith in Action, 603 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Arthur James “Jim” Menlove
Chelsea, Michigan
Beloved husband and father, Jim Menlove, died on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at his home in Chelsea.
He was 91. Jim was born in 1930, in Bangor, North Wales, to professional soccer player Bertie Menlove and Ada Randall Menlove. As a young man, Jim served in the British Army’s Corps of Signals. He then went to work for Lloyd’s Bank of England, and later, of Canada. In the US, he was vice president and trust officer at NBD and Comerica banks. He was Director of Fundraising for Beaumont Hospital for many years.
One of Jim’s greatest passions was for soccer. He was proud that his father had played for English Premier League teams like Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Sheffield United in the 1920’s. Jim watched many matches at Conor O’Neill’s Pub in Ann Arbor with “the lads” – a group of soccer-lovers and dear friends. Jim was also an avid distance runner and participated in the early days of Detroit’s Motor City Runners in the 1960’s and ‘70’s.
Jim was a generous, attentive father who taught his daughters the beauty and importance of athleticism, literature, music, film, art and philosophy. He loved to ponder the nature of existence over a pint of Guinness or a finger of bourbon, and was a man who loved knowledge, language and history. With his passing goes a great deal of wisdom.
Jim was married to Ruth Conlon on October 15, 2005, in Blissfield, MI. He is survived by his wife and his daughters, Susan Julia, Janine Menlove-Eybs and Leia Menlove, all of New York; by stepsons, Damien Dlugokinski of MI and Mark Dlugokinski of OK; by former spouses and friends Alfreda Menlove-Noble and Pamela Acutt-Menlove; and by 14 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joan Menlove-Chandler.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 9, 11:00 am, at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea, 121 E. Middle St, Chelsea, MI, with The Reverend Dr. Barbara Edema officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Carol Marie Brock
of Pleasant Lake, MI, formerly of Chelsea
Age 78, died Sunday, February 27, 2022, at her son’s home in Pleasant Lake. She was born October 3, 1943, in Croswell, MI, the daughter of Charles Henry and Thelma Della (Clement) Gentinne.
Carol grew up in Dearborn, and taught Home Economics at Corunna High School. After the death of her husband, Bob, she went back to school to study occupational therapy at Eastern Michigan University while raising four boys. She worked as an occupational therapist at Chelsea Community Hospital for many years before retiring.
Carol was a warm person with a friendly smile for everyone. She was a volunteer who put her heart into everything she did. Carol was active in Chelsea MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), organized Red Cross blood drives, taught Sunday school and volunteered at Chelsea First United Methodist Church. Carol loved taking family vacations with her sons and their families, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by four sons, Kevin Brock of Conrad, Texas, Brian (Erin) Brock of Toledo, OH, Steve (Jamie) Brock of Gregory, David (Rebekah) Brock of Pleasant Lake; a sister, Laurie Gentinne of Dearborn; a brother-in-law, Charles Greening of West Bloomfield; 7 grandchildren, Megan, Madison (Michael), Jacob, Victoria (Mark), Timothy, Isabella, Clara; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Brock; her parents; her brothers, Tom and Alan Gentinne; and a sister, Julie Greening.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 3, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Chelsea First United Methodist Church, with Rev. LeAnn Seto officiating. Burial will be at Acacia Park Cemetery, Southfield, Michigan. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, and 1-2 p.m. at the church on Thursday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church or the Red Cross.
Peggy A. Giardello
Age 74, passed away on February 23, 2022, at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea, MI.
She was born in Wheeling, WV on November 24, 1947, to Julian and Ethel Carter, and was raised in St. Clairsville, OH. In 1978, she married Joseph A. Giardello, and they lived for years in Martin’s Ferry, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe, sister Patti Meyers, and stepson W. Paul Giardello.
Family was important to Peggy. She had a special relationship with her son, Julian Giardello, daughter-in-law Katie, and grandsons, Luca and Nico. Other family she leaves behind include her daughters Debbie (Bill) Makris and Bonnie (Jamie) Richards; stepson, Joe Giardello; grandchildren, Joshua Richards, Bobby (Stephanie) Tweedlie, James Richards, and Cheryl (Brad) Burch; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Peggy was a kind-hearted and loving person, always looking for ways to help where she could. She loved animals, especially her grand-dog Wiley. In the last years of her life, she enjoyed spending time outdoors, traveling on new adventures with her son’s family, and cheering on her grandsons’ hockey teams.
Cremation has already occurred, and a private burial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions to the Humane Society of Huron Valley to honor Peggy’s love of animals. Memorial donations can be made at https://www.hshv.org/give/donate/.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
David Kujawa
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 79, died Monday, February 21, 2022, at Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born August 13, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Anthony Peter and Veronica (Zablothy) Kujawa.
David attended the University of Detroit High School graduating in 1960. He graduated from the University of Detroit College and earned his MBA from Wayne State University. David worked as an automotive engineer for Ford Motor Company for 39 years. He was also a member of the Air National Guard, earning the rank of Lieutenant. David enjoyed reading, fishing, and playing Bridge, and was terrific with children. He loved spending winters in Estero FL at Cypress Bend RV Resort.
David married Esther Anne Gustafson in 1965, and she survives. Other survivors include three children, Faith Moore of Ypsilanti, Lynn Marie Cox of Garden City, Michael (Lynnmarie) Kujawa of Westland; and two grandchildren, Jonathan and Samantha Cox. He was preceded in death by a sister, Dianna.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date (please go to www.ColeFuneralChapel.com for updates).
Memorial contributions may be made to University of Detroit Jesuit High School, 8400 S. Cambridge Ave, Detroit, MI 48221 or https://www.uofdjesuit.org/giving/memorial-gifts.
Suzanne Louise Cutler
Generous and loving wife, mother, grandmother “Grandmere”, sister, friend and legendary hostess left this world on February 27, 2022, at age 81 after a brief battle with cancer.
Born in Staten Island, NY to Dominick and Liliane Prato and the eldest of four close-knit children, Suzanne went on to work for the Wall Street law firm of Cahill Gordon where she met her husband Douglas Eugene Cutler (deceased). Later Doug took a position at Ford Motor Company, and they moved their growing family to Dearborn, MI.
In Dearborn, Suzanne raised their four sons, embraced her new community and quickly developed a reputation for her skills in the kitchen. She was a true artist.
Suzanne was also an avid florist and gardener and a senior member of the Dearborn Garden Club. The gardens in her backyard were often praised and they became a yearly stop for the Garden Club tours.
Suzanne and Doug loved to travel – they had a sensational culinary trip to Italy with Suzanne’s siblings Peter (deceased), Georgette and Michael, a lifelong dream for all!
Suzanne and Doug eventually moved to Estero, FL and had more years of entertaining. Her family, extended family and friends couldn’t wait to visit Suzanne and Doug and share in her culinary delights.
Suzanne is predeceased by her loving husband Doug, her son Scott (Kathi, step-grandchild Jeffery and his family) and her brother Peter Prato (Donna, children Amy Lockhart and Lindsey and their families).
She leaves behind her sons Doug (Julie, children Sophia, Samantha, Joshua); Craig (Joan, children Grace, Collin, Landen); David (Polly, child Ralli); sister Georgette (Nick, nephew and God child James); brother Michael (JoAnne, nephews Jonathan and Brandon and niece Ashley D’Alessio).
Donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate).
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Clayton Albert Colebar
of Latham, IL
Age 77, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at his daughter’s home in Chelsea, Michigan.
He was born June 23, 1944, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Anthony W. and Beulah M. (Howard) Colebar.
Clay was an Army Veteran, serving in active duty from 1962-1965. He lived in Latham, IL, and was a self-employed carpet installer for 50 years, finally retiring at the age of 70. He loved his family, friends, and especially his grand/great grandchildren, so very much. Clay enjoyed electric trains and putting models together.
He would spend hours working on his giant electric train layout, complete with towns, cars, people, trees, mountains, tunnels, bridges, and lakes. He also enjoyed old war and western movies, and his tomato garden.
On May 29, 1970, he married Gloria Waddell, and they were married for over 51 years. He is also survived by a daughter, Jacqueline (Michael) Manahan; 2 sons, Lt. Col. Wes (Angie) Colebar, Tony Colebar; sisters, Leona Kemball-Cook, Elaine Cavanaugh; grandchildren, Lily, John and Vivian Manahan, Noah and Will Colebar, Brandon Colebar; great granddaughter, Katie Newton; and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, and older brothers, Howard and Kenneth.
Clay will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Latham Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 78, Latham, IL 62543.
Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, MI.
Carol Lynn Curtis
of Ann Arbor, MI
Age 69, died Saturday, February 12, 2022, at her son’s home in Pinckney.
She was born March 9, 1952, in Wayne, Michigan, the daughter of Isaac “Paul” and Inez (Alaniz) Bacon.
Carol worked for Edwards Brothers in Ann Arbor for 20 years. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.
On June 30, 1973, she married Larry E. Curtis in Southgate, MI, and he preceded her in death on November 30, 2000. Survivors include her five children, Garry Curtis of Pinckney, Kellyann Curtis-Cole of Hillsdale, Larry Curtis of Houston, TX, Terry Curtis, Deborah Harper of Wayne, MI; granddaughter Chelsea Cole, and six additional grandchildren; a brother, Paul Bacon; a sister, Kathy (Tom) Sleep; a special cousin, Claire Curtis; and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at a later date at Freedom Evangelical Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the humane society or horse rescue of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Phyllis Ann Stutzman
of Hudson, MI
Age 86, passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Chelsea.
She was born August 6, 1935 in Stella, KY, the daughter of George and Katie (Dunn) Lovely.
Phyllis had resided in the Chelsea area since 1954. She was a member of the New Hope Assembly of God Church in Hudson.
On December 24, 1955, she married Wayne Leslie Stutzman in Detroit, MI, and he preceded her in death on February 22, 2007.
Survivors include two sons, David (Phyllis) Stutzman of Munith, and Scott Stutzman of Hudson; one daughter, Gloria (Steven) Kincer of Grass Lake; two sisters, Jean Wisecup, and Joy Fults; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by six sisters, Hazel Minix, Reva Montgomery, Wanda Cole, Nola Patrick, Jewell Goff, Tressie Minix; and three brothers, Elwood Lovely, Mitchell Picklesimer, and Ishmael Picklesimer.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 19, 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Phyllis Stutzman officiating. Burial will follow at Vermont Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends Friday from 5-7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Assembly of God, 14900 E. Old US 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Mary Beth Chandler
of Littleton CO, formerly of Chelsea, MI.
Age 64, passed away December 31, 2021, with her sisters by her side after a long and courageous battle with a rare form of melanoma.
Mary Beth was born at Women’s Hospital in Ann Arbor on April 7, 1957, the daughter of William and Marilyn Chandler of Chelsea.
She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1975. The seeds of her career were planted her senior year when she became the Chelsea Police Department’s afternoon dispatcher. She graduated from Michigan State University in 1979 with a degree in Criminal Justice, and three days later packed her car to move to Colorado where she lived for the rest of her life. Her 37-year career took her in many unique directions. She was one of the first female officers for the Englewood, CO Police Department.
She served as a Patrol officer, Detective and Agent working within her department on investigations – one of which was featured on Unsolved Mysteries as well as working on a multi-jurisdictional drug task force that included undercover operations. She also became a certified Polygraph Specialist working for the District Attorney office.
After 21 years with the Englewood PD, she became a Compliance Investigator with the State of Colorado for the Secretary of State. She specialized in inspecting financial records and compliance of not-for-profit organizations. In her last career move, she became a Certified Fraud Examiner working as a Criminal Investigator for the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office focusing on Financial Fraud. In 2016, she finally retired from all law enforcement to fully focus on her many interests and hobbies.
Mary Beth loved animals especially Cocker Spaniels (she rescued 7 throughout her life) and the donkeys that lived behind her home. She loved the outdoors and traveling. She and her “hiking crew” enjoyed local hikes in the Rockies and trips to Santa Fe, New Mexico. She enjoyed spending time and going to lunch with friends. She loved learning about new cultures and history on her travels to Europe.
She spent a great deal of time researching her family history, and enjoyed baking, cooking, and reading. As an artist, Mary Beth painted lovely landscapes and flowers. She used her creativity to repurpose items into unique furniture and decorative items long before “repurposing” was popular.
Mary Beth also loved jewelry and spent hours making and selling beautiful, beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Mary Beth was a strong-willed, confident person who was witty and had a deep spiritual side. She loved to laugh and was blessed to have many friends from all of her “walks” of life.
A special thanks to her Roxborough Water District co-workers, neighbors and many friends who offered her help and support always. She will be truly missed.
She is survived by her father, William “Bill” Chandler of Chelsea; sisters Cindy (Richard) Westfall of Rochester, NY, and Carolyn (Nick) Roopas of Ann Arbor, nieces and nephews, Alyssa, Emily, Alex and Evan Roopas, Kathryn (Patrick) Westgrove; and one great-niece Adelaide Rose Westgrove. She was preceded in death by her mother Marilyn in 2020.
A service and burial in Chelsea will be held at a future date in the Spring of 2022.
Donations may be made in her memory to The Barn Sanctuary, 20179 McKernan Dr., Chelsea, MI 48118.
John Dennis Posegay
of Chelsea, Michigan
63 years old, was born July 5, 1958 in Superior Township to John Stephen Posegay and Evelyn Gertrude Posegay.
He married Valerie Anne Theobald in 1983. John joined his Heavenly Father on Friday, February 11, 2022 after a courageous battle against tongue cancer. John grew up in Westland, Saline, Milan, and Chelsea. He grew up with a Christian Faith.
John retired from Washtenaw County Road Commission after 27 years of service. He started as a mechanic and retired as an Inspector and Weighmaster. Prior to that, he worked as a mechanic at Complete Auto Transit in Willow Run and at Woods Dairy Farm in Saline.
He received his Associate’s Degree in Heavy Duty Mechanics from Ferris State College. His son at a young age was proud to tell everyone that his Daddy was a Comanic! John’s joys in life were designing useful things out of most peoples’ junk. He loved his dogs, farming, hunting, fishing, bowling, remote control airplanes, dirt bikes, tinkering on cars, body work and painting, and Waterloo Boy stationary engines. He was a Lifetime member of the NRA.
He also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He always believed that there was a lesson to be learned in every situation and initiated opportunities for that to happen. He wanted people to think for themselves and trust in their capabilities. He would direct lots of questions to the young and old to accomplish this. Over the years John was described as an old soul, a traditionalist but mostly as unique!
He is survived by his wife Val; children John J. Posegay (Eimy) and Rebecca L. Posegay (fiancé Eric Blough); his grandchildren Celeste, Emma, Gabriella Posegay; sisters Diane Hovatter (Tom) of Willis, MI, Denise Lehman (Tim) of NC and Gayle Stoops. He was blessed with many nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law, and father and mothers-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents and his fishing buddy sister-in-law Lynn.
With gratitude, funeral services will be entrusted to and take place at Cole Funeral Chelsea in Chelsea, on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 11:00 am. Officiating will be Pastor J.J. Posegay and Pastor Ann Salyer. Visitation will be Monday from 1-and 5-8 pm and Tuesday from 10-11 am. The family has respectfully asked for masks to be worn.
Contributions can be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County (www.bbbswashtenaw.org) and/or Trail Life (www.traillifeusa.com).
Gary O. Moore
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 75, passed away Monday, February 7, 2022 at Spring Arbor Assisted Living. He was born February 7, 1947 in Sandusky, MI, the son of Orville Emerson and Doris R. (Wisenbach) Moore.
Gary graduated from Chelsea High School in 1965. He started working as a plumber at age 16, and became a master plumber and worked for several companies and Local 190. Gary was in the union for over 30 years.
He bowled in the league at Chelsea Lanes, was a member of Chelsea Rod and Gun Club and Bullseye Hunt Club. He volunteered at MUCC camp for many years, and organized family reunions at the camp. Gary was a tree conservationist and received awards of appreciation. He loved the Chelsea community, especially Chelsea Football. Gary would do anything for anybody. He loved being around people and being outdoors. Gary was an avid hunter, golfer, and fisherman.
The family would like to thank Spring Arbor Assisted Living and SouthernCare Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to Gary.
Survivors include two sons, Jeff (Karen) Moore of Jackson and Larry Moore; his brother, Terry Moore (Patti Wood) of Chelsea; four grandchildren, Caleb, Kendra, Amanda, and Joshua; and three great-grandchildren, Franky, Myla, and Cayden. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Larry.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 11, 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Mark Hendricks officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends Thursday, 2-4 and 6-9 and Friday 10-11 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to a local youth group or by planting a tree in his memory.
Helene M. Marshall
of Jackson, MI, formerly of Chelsea
Age 84, died Friday, February 4, 2022, at her home in Jackson, Michigan.
She was born June 19, 1937, in Jackson, the daughter of Bert J. and Veronica A. (Daniel) Smith.
Helene worked for various retail facilities for many years and was a member of St. Johns Church of Jackson. She loved to walk daily through the parks and take in the Lord’s joy throughout the day and every day. Helene also enjoyed her evening time studying the Bible.
On August 16, 1958, she married Wendall K. Marshall in Jackson, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 29, 1990. Survivors include two sons, David (Claudia) Marshall of Raymondville, MO; Kevin Marshall of Jackson; her brothers, George (Bernice) Smith of Pleasant Lake, Lawrence (Eleanor) Smith of Rives Junction; her sister-in-law, Gloria Smith of Jackson; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert Smith, Thomas Smith, Gerald Smith; and her sister, Frances Osterberg.
Per Helene’s wishes she has been cremated and there will be no services. She will be buried in Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor at Donate – RMHC Ann Arbor or to Make a Wish Foundation at Donate – Make-A-Wish.
Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
Betty Ethel Young
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 91, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 20, 2022 at Silver Maples of Chelsea.
She was born October 14, 1930, in Hillsdale, Michigan, the daughter of Harry and Eunice (Ensign) Foust.
Betty was a cashier at the Five and Dime in Hillsdale before starting her family. She was a food service worker at Chelsea High School from 1967 until she retired in 1993. Betty was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She enjoyed crocheting, playing Euchre, and visiting casinos. Betty loved to bake, including her specialties, raisin-filled cookies and buckeye balls.
On December 24, 1950, she married Donald R. Young, and he preceded her in death on February 27, 2013. Survivors include a daughter, Pat Parr of Chelsea; a son, Thomas (Joan) Young of Bettendorf, IA; 4 grandchildren, Emily (Jeff) McHale, Zachary Young, Stephanie Young and Nicholas (Taylor) Young; two great-granddaughters, Aranka McHale, Scarlett McHale; a great-grandson, Beckett Young; and her last of seven siblings, Glen Foust of Hillsdale. She was preceded in death by a son, John “Randy” Young; and a son-in-law, Stanley Parr.
Private services were held at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea. Burial took place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chelsea, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 3050 S. Fletcher Road, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Harold Joseph Cook
of Dexter, Michigan
Age 59, of Dexter, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord early Saturday, January 15, 2022.
He was born December 25, 1962, to Benjamin and Sharon (Hugger) Cook.
Harold, a proud American, served in the Marines from 1981-1984. During this time period, he enjoyed being stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
In 1987, Harold married Peggy Lee Lovely. The two settled into their family home in Dexter in 1990, and then in 1992, became the proud parents of Kandice. With Peggy, the love of his life by his side, Harold peacefully passed away. He had just shy of 35 years with his “girl next door”.
Harold was always striving for the next goal, giving his all for each new business adventure. He was a true entrepreneur and an avid gardener. Harold’s greatest adventure and joy was being the World’s Best “Boppa” to his grandson, Benjamin.
Harold is survived by his wife, Peggy Cook; his daughter, Kandice (Nick) Cook; his grandson, Benjamin Cook; his mother, Sharon Cook; two sisters, Sherry (John “Wes” Kane) Cook, Terry “TC-” Cook; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and great friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Arthur Cook; his paternal grandparents, George and Goldie Cook; and his maternal grandparents, Norbert and Inez Hugger.
Honoring Harold’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place in the summer of 2022.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for Harold’s grandson, Benjamin.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Cynthia Lee Johnson
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 64, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.
She was born May 25, 1957, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Wayne and Barbara (Briggs) Schulze.
Cindy graduated from Napoleon High School in 1975. She went to Washtenaw Community College, where she studied computers. Cindy started out working in the computer room at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, then went to work at ProQuest (UMI), then worked at Borders, and ended up working for the State of Michigan in Lansing.
Cindy loved Hallmark collectibles and was featured in several newspapers for her extensive Christmas decorations. Before she became ill, she was doing what she loved best – putting up the Christmas trees. Her smile would light up the room. Cindy was always doing things for other people and had a good heart. She was a great lady.
On January 29, 1997, she married David Anthony Johnson, and he survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Jennifer Getner of Saline; a sister, Jackie Schulze; a sister-in-law, Sandra Johnson; a brother-in-law, Michael Johnson; and a granddaughter, Gabrielle. She was preceded in death by a step-daughter, Rachel Johnson.
No services are planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
Lee Harrison Ferguson II
Lee Ferguson was born in Belleville, Michigan on March 11, 1955. He passed away on January 12th, 2022, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 66.
He was one of two children born to Lee and Carolyn (Lemire) Ferguson. He married Caryn Sublette on August 5th, 1982 and had one daughter (Athena Ferguson). He is survived by his wife, Caryn Ferguson of 39 years, daughter Athena Ferguson, stepson Cameron Lynch, granddaughter, Rylin Lynch, sister Lynn Klink, and nephews Mike Klink and Kevin Klink.
Lee graduated from Eastern Michigan University with an education degree and got his Masters at SDSU. He shared his passion for music through teaching and playing with various bands throughout the years like Camino One, Vigilante, and Bangtail. One of his greatest joys was playing gigs with his friends from the bands, all well attended by their family and fans.
He started his teaching career in Wall, South Dakota before going to Onida, South Dakota. He dedicated 11 years of his life to the Sully Buttes school and the wonderful community there where lifetime friendships were made. He and his family then moved to Colton, South Dakota. He dedicated another 17 years to teaching at Tri-Valley at the high school level where he enjoyed bonding with colleagues and helping to influence and encourage students and watching their journeys.
After 33 years of teaching. he retired and joined his wife at Habitat for Humanity and worked as a Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, giving back to his community by organizing volunteer groups to update houses around Sioux Falls. His plans were to fully retire in a few months and eventually move to a house in Lead, South Dakota that he and his wife, Caryn, were revitalizing themselves.
Many can attest to Lee’s kindness, passion, and drive. He has touched many people’s lives across the states and the amount of memories that were shared with Caryn and Athena has been amazing. They would like to express their love and gratitude to everyone, including the Sanford staff who worked tirelessly to help Lee and his family. They are humbled by the great community of friends and neighbors which stretched from all corners of the states. Your support has helped gentled this great loss of a wonderful man.
Visitation with family present will be from 4-7:00 PM Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the Minnehaha Funeral Chapel, Colton. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Tri-Valley High School, rural Colton. Interment will be 2:00 PM MST, Monday, January 24, 2022, at Oakridge Cemetery, Deadwood, SD.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Habitat for Humanity, or the Humane Society.
Delores Carol Houk
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 85, died Sunday, January 16, 2022, at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born December 20, 1936, in Lima Twp, Michigan, the daughter of Rudolph John and Euna Alma (Fiegel) Zahn.
Delores was a Charter Member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, where she was in the Phoebe Guild, the Altar Guild, and taught Sunday School for 30 years.
January 9, 1954, she married Norman C. Houk in St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, and he preceded her in death on October 18, 2019. Survivors include two children, Edith Anne Dehn of Gregory, Douglas (Cheryl) Houk of Chelsea; daughter-in-law Bernice; one sister, Arlene March; 8 grandchildren, Heather, Gretchen, William and Fred Dehn, Thomas, David and Kelly Houk and Jennifer Annarino; several great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-granddaughters, Layla and Lockett. She was preceded in death by a son, Daniel in 1990; a grandson, James Houk; a son-in-law, Thomas Dehn; three sisters, Dorothy Egeler, Rose Ann Daniels, Elizabeth Herrst; and three brothers, Rudolph, Paul, and Ray Zahn.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 20, 11:00 am at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Wednesday 2-4 & 6-8 pm and at the church Thursday from 10-11 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1515 S Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Erma C. O’Connor
of Jackson, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI
Age 91, died Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Legacy Assisted Living.
She was born December 14, 1930, in Sylvan Township, Michigan, the daughter of Herman C. and Clara E. (Wellhoff) Eisele.
Erma and Norm lived at North Lake for 46 years, where they loved entertaining. She served on the Board of Park Lawn Beach at North Lake for many years. She was a life member of Inverness Country Club, and she worked at the Dexter Township elections for many years.
In her later years, she lived at the Pines in Chelsea. Erma was a life-long member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, where she served as director of Christian Education for over 40 years. She volunteered at Faith in Action for 23 years,and was recognized as Co-Volunteer of the Year in 2004. In her younger years, she was a Para-pro in the Special Education program at Chelsea Public Schools.
Erma’s family would like to thank Legacy Assisted Living and SouthernCare Hospice for their compassionate care at the end of her life.
In 1962, she married Leo Borders, a Washtenaw County Deputy Sheriff who was killed in the line of duty in 1966. In 1968, she married Norman O’Connor, and he preceded her in death in 2011. Survivors include her daughters, Sara (Tom) Cartwright of North Muskegon, Dawn (Dan) Borders – Schulze of Waterloo, Peggy (Dan) Nutt of Grass Lake, Carolyn (Rick) Pichea of Jackson, Judy (Steve) Shepherd of Grass Lake; 11 grandchildren, Justin (Linze), Kaylie, Andi, Erika (Steve), Danielle (Andrew), David (Shelly), Daniel (Brandy), Jason (Ashley), Holly (Daniel), Lisa (Ryan),Steven; many great and great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Shelia (Byron) Gay; a brother-in-law, Eilta (Deb) Borders Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her two husbands, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Elenor Klink and Eileen Zaszczurynski.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 22, 11:00 am at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. Barbara Edema officiating. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Friday, Jan 21, from 5-7 p.m. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 14600 E Old US Highway 12, Chelsea, MI 48118 or Faith In Action, 603 S Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Lura Belle “Lu” (Gallaher) Parker
Age 94, joined her beloved Jack shortly after midnight on January 10, 2022 at home in Conneautville, Pennsylvania, surrounded by her children.
Born November 17, 1927 in Cleveland, Ohio to Martha Mabel (Heffrin) and Albert Barton Gallaher, Lu grew up during the Great Depression and then World War II, and both made a profound impression on her.
She and John William “Jack” Parker were married on June 12, 1948 in Cleveland, a year after meeting on the campus of Western Reserve University, where they both attended classes and Lu was a Phi Beta Kappa scholar.
They moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan while Jack earned his master’s degree at the University of Michigan and Lu worked at Willow Run. They then moved to Colorado, where Jack worked for an oil company. Daughter Marsi was born in Durango, son Christopher in Cortez, son Kevin in Albuquerque, and daughter Laura in Farmington, New Mexico as they moved from place to place, Lu making a home everywhere they went.
Next they moved to Austin, Texas for Jack’s doctorate. Lu was a charter teacher with the War on Poverty project Head Start there. When the family moved to Michigan for Jack’s new career as a geology professor at Albion College, Lu took a job as a nurse’s aide at the local hospital, and took
classes at Albion to finish her long delayed degree.
Immediately upon graduation, she was offered the medical social worker position at the hospital, where she was later named employee of the year. She had a calling and a gift for helping people throughout her life.
Lu was a member of A.A.U.W., E.L.T. Club, and the V.F.W. Auxiliary in Albion. Her love of cooking and baking was well known; she loved to feed family, friends, and Jack’s college students. She enjoyed reading, writing, watching wild birds, travel, and visiting with family. Lu was extremely generous and kind to everyone she met.
After Jack died, she lived with daughter Marsi and her husband Bill Darwin II for several years, renewing friendships with Albion College alumni at Silver Maples, and making new friends as well. Several years ago, she moved to her younger daughter’s home on the land that her grandparents had settled, and where she enjoyed visits with great grandchildren.
Lu is survived by children Marsi Parker (Bill) Darwin of Chelsea, MI., Kevin (Becky) Parker and Laura (Tony Bianconi) Parker, both of Conneautville, PA. She also leaves her grandchildren, Michelle (Joel) Stone of Conneautville, Kyle (Julia) Parker McGlynn of Evans, CO., Amy Parker Smyth of Albion, Cara Parker of Belleville, MI., BriAnne (Jake) Rynes of Ogden, UT., Alyse (Luke) Widger of Meadville, PA., John (Becky) McGlynn of Conneautville, Tye (Stephanie) McGlynn of Chattanooga, TN., Ryan
(Yukiko) McGlynn of Savage, MN., and Mike Bianconi of Harmonsburg, PA., 21 great grandchildren, nieces Carolyn (Joel) Smith and Denise (Tom) Goodlet, nephew Rick (Karen) Minke, all of the Cleveland area, and her Boston terrier Buster.
Lura was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her sister Georgetta Minke, her son Christopher John, and her grandson Eric William Parker.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 30 in Albion, MI., followed by burial in Harmonsburg, PA. on Mother’s Day.
If you wish to make a donation in Lura’s name, charities especially dear to her heart were veterans associations and bird and animal protection agencies.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements by McCauley Funeral Home, Conneautville.
A private celebration of his life will be held at a later time.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Yosemite Conservancy, 101 Montgomery Street, Suite 1700, San Francisco, CA 94104.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
See links below for additional obituaries from December 2021 and earlier.
