- 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
Brian Edward Goetz
8/11/1968 – 12/25/2023
God called his son Brian Edward Goetz home to celebrate Christ’s birth in heaven on Christmas morning, Monday, December 25, 2023.
Brian was the youngest son of Deacon Bob and Judy Goetz; born on August 11, 1968 he joined his four siblings at their home in Monroe, Michigan. The family lived in Scarborough, Ontario for a short time. While Brian was in middle school, the family moved to Novi, Michigan where he graduated in 1987 from Novi High School. Brian made many friends as a part of the orchestra, marching band, and theater groups.
Brian spent 31 years as the Shipping Leader at Dexter Fasteners before a recent career change took him to Oerlikon as a furnace operator. Brian also served the Commerce Township community for 10 years as a volunteer EMT and Firefighter. Outside of work, he volunteered as a Cub Master in Scouts and provided mentorship in robotics at Dexter High School. He was quite the handyman and constantly had a project going or something to work on. Brian enjoyed sports especially football, classic cars, American classic rock, and playing video games with his children. He was always there to help anyone that needed it even before being asked.
Family was always first for Brian. He married his soulmate, Sandy, in 1997 at Our Lady of Refuge Church in Orchard Lake, Michigan. They raised their four children in Stockbridge, eventually moving to Dexter. He earned the title of “Best Dad Ever” for his continuous love and support. Brian never missed an opportunity to cheer on his kids and attended any and all sporting and school events.
Brian is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy; adored children, Jarad (Bryce Wilson), Parker, Ian, Brianna; proud parents, Deacon Bob and Judy; dearest siblings, Theresa (Andre) Micheaux, Karen, Greg (Denise); many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Christine Gailbreath.
Visitation will be held at Nie Funeral Home – 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM with a Scripture Service at 7:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church – Country Campus, 6805 Mast Road, Dexter, with Fr. Brendan Walsh officiating. Family and friends are welcome to gather beginning at 10:00 AM. Immediately following mass, burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery in Dexter, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made in Brian’s honor to the Stephen Siller: Tunnel to Towers Foundation – supporting 9/11 First Responders and their families at www.t2t.org/donate/ or to The American Heart Association at www.heart.org/donate.
For further information and to leave a tribute for the family, please visit www.niefuneralhomes.com.
Carlos Ishmael Gray-Lion
Carlos Ishmael Gray-Lion was born in Detroit on December 4, 1941. He passed away in Ann Arbor on December 18, 2023.
His parents Paul and Patricia Gray-Lion raised him in the ways and teachings of the Blue Clan of the Cherokee Nation. He was always eager to share this culture and philosophy and was an active participant in the Native American Student Association in college.
He was a proud music graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit. He attended The University of Michigan in both the School of Music and Engineering College. He held a variety of jobs in music and electronics and always found a way to incorporate his love of teaching in both fields. He co-founded Doya Video Systems in 1983 with Joanne Ladio who became his partner in life as well as in business. The last 17 years of his life were spent battling the effects of a major stroke and his efforts toward recovery proved his strength of mind.
He valued his time as part of Huron Valley PACE and attended their day program every week. He felt welcome and useful there and was grateful for their care. For the last year and a half, he resided at Linden Square Assisted Living in Saline. When he was able, he actively participated in the life of St. Barnabas Church in Chelsea and then became a regular attendee at their Zoom worship.
He is survived by Joanne and his daughters Diana Ladio, Rosanna, Julia, and Marion Gray-Lion, five grandchildren – Alexandria, Cana, Isaac, Christina, and Randy – and one great-grandson, Forrest, his sister Alycia, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be a memorial gathering at St. Barnabas Church on January 13, 2024 from 3-5pm. There will be a short service at 3:30pm.
Memorial contributions could be made to St. Barnabas in Chelsea, MI and to The MOX Project, Diana’s non-profit to bring the excitement of music to underserved schools.
Edrea Frances Griffiths
of Dexter, Michigan
Age 82, died December 18, 2023, at Hillside Terrace.
She was born July 29, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of John Raymond and Edrea Frances (Lyman) Scudder.
Edrea will be remembered for her dedication to the youth of Dexter; she taught second, third, and fourth grade at Bates Elementary from 1967 to 1997, touching young lives across two generations. She continued as a volunteer in the Cornerstone Elementary library for another 20 years after her retirement. Edrea had a wonderful ability to remember her students when meeting them again later in life.
Edrea grew up in Redford Township, graduating from Redford Union High School in 1959. In her youth she worked at her dad’s store, “Ray’s Market,” and spent many summers at the family’s cottage on Gallagher Lake. There she enjoyed swimming and water skiing, and she became a Water Safety Instructor at age 15.
Edrea graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and Elementary Education in 1963 and remained a proud Chippewa throughout her life. At CMU, she was a member of the synchronized swimming club and Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society. Edrea’s love of theater started with her college drama classes. She served as the Box Office Manager for the Houghton Lake Playhouse for two years in the latter part of her college career, and she remained an avid theatergoer throughout her life. Edrea was always up for a play, especially of it was a musical.
Edrea taught in Garden City for three years before coming to Dexter. She earned a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University and was a member of the Michigan Education Association of Retired School Personnel. In her retirement she continued to enjoy trips to the theater, eating out, watching the birds on her porch, and especially her annual trips to Florida with her friend Mary Lynne and her family.
Edrea is survived by a son, Donald and Yelena Griffiths of Dexter; and two grandchildren, Grisha and Dima. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Ronald John Scudder of Dexter.
The family will greet friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Thursday, December 28 from 3-4 pm, with a brief ceremony at 4 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Dexter Library, 3255 Alpine St, Dexter, MI 48130 or Educational Foundation of Dexter, PO Box 385, Dexter, MI 48130.
Jerald Richard Frisbie
of Jackson, MI, formerly of Chelsea
Age 97, passed away peacefully Friday, December 15, 2023, at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson.
He was born October 27, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Homer W. and Ruth (Finton) Frisbie.
Jerry graduated from Plymouth High School in 1945. He then attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. He worked as a manager at Wanty Shoes in Ann Arbor for about 30 years, retiring in 1988. He worked more recently at Pierce Lake Golf Course in Chelsea. He loved golfing with his best friend Sam all over Southeast Michigan.
He was a member of the Chelsea Senior Citizens, and enjoyed their group trips across the country. Jerry and his wife of 74 years, Donna, especially loved traveling to his beloved “Up North.” He loved spending time with his five daughters, grandchildren, and many longtime friends. His hobby of painting watercolor pictures and notecards will now be cherished by all who received them. Jerry was also known for his quick puns, always ready with a joke for anyone and everyone. This made him popular at Legacy, endearing him to staff and residents alike.
Since he could not serve in WWII, he was very patriotic and insisted we all fly our U.S. flags on holidays. He had a love of flying and aircraft, and was well versed in all types of military aviation, having listened to the radio coverage, watching war movies, and reading about the war. He was thrilled to ride in a B-17 Bomber out of Willow Run Airport with daughter Barb and also watched his granddaughter Corrina fly with the Blue Angels (in civilian capacity).
An avid reader, he taught us that hobbies are good for the soul, family and friendships are to be nourished and treasured, and, of course, laughter is the best medicine! He and Donna spent most summer days on their porch on Madison Street in Chelsea, greeting neighbors and watching the world go by.
On July 25, 1949, he married Donna Jean Mathes in Ypsilanti, MI, and she survives. Other survivors include daughters: Barbara (Glen) Johnston of Ann Arbor, Nancy (Donald) Ray of Stockbridge, Cindy (Karl) Gauss of Whitmore Lake, Susan (Dennis) Bauer of Chelsea, and Sheri (Ron) Blakley of Chelsea; ten grandchildren: Michael Johnston, Lori (Brent) Newhouse, Jeremy (Angie) Wenger, Jennifer Wenger, Donald (Ashley) Ray, Brett (Amber) Ray, Kathleen (Jeremy) Brady, Corrina (Matt) Strecker, Darl (Carly) Bauer, and Cal (Amber) Bauer; numerous great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joyce Frisbie Martin, great grandson Justin Wenger, and granddaughter-in-law Rhonda Johnston.
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 Chelsea Senior Center.
Norman Martin Wacker, Jr.
of Dexter, Michigan
Age 91, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2023, at his home.
He was born August 25, 1932, in Chelsea, Michigan, the son of Norman Martin and Frances Lucille (Mangus) Wacker, Sr.
Norm attended Whitmore Lake High School and was drafted into the US Army when he was 19, serving in Germany. He worked as a Machinist for Payne Products in Ann Arbor, and then retired from Federal Screw Works after many years. Norm liked to work on the farm raising horses, pigs, steer, chickens, and some row crops.
On January 3, 1953, Norm married Barbara J. Wright in Salem, Michigan, and she survives. He is also survived by his sons, Laurence M. (Cindy) Wacker of Dexter, and Thomas E. (Terri) Wacker of Grass Lake and Lake Placid, Florida; sisters, Audrey Hardesty of Whitmore Lake, and Dorothy Hibbard of Howell; four grandchildren, Aaron Wacker, Tim (Jessi) Wacker, Jared (Leslie) Wacker, and Shevaun Wacker; three great-grandchildren, Colin Wacker, Libby Wacker, and Bo Wacker; and eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A private viewing was held at Cole Funeral Chapel, followed by burial at Oak Grove East Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion or the National FFA Organization.
Michelle Ann Welch
of Ypsilanti, Michigan
Age 41, died Saturday, November 25, 2023, at her residence.
She was born March 13, 1982, in Wayne, Michigan, the daughter of Robert Dayton and Sheila (Bischler) Love. Michelle attended Chelsea High School (class of 2000).
Survivors include her parents, Robert and Sheila Love; four sons, Dayton and Dorian Welch of New Mexico, Andrew and Silas Howard of Grass Lake; two sisters, Jennifer Love of Michigan Center and Tammy Love of Chelsea; two former husbands, Sean Welch and Andrew Howard; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
No public services are planned.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Ronald Stephen Cubberly
of Brooklyn, Michigan
Age 74, passed away Saturday, December 2, 2023, in his home with his family at his side.
He was born August 28, 1949, in Tecumseh, Michigan, the son of George and Thelma (Bryan) Cubberly.
Ron was a Chelsea High School graduate, class of ‘67. He served in the US Navy in Viet Nam, serving from 1968 – 1971, as a Boiler Operator on a Destroyer Tender. Ron then worked for General Motors for 35 years, in Ypsilanti, in Hydramatic and Powertrain. Ron was a member of the Moose Lodge in Brooklyn, and a former member of the Eagles Club #2154 in Ann Arbor.
He loved to make chili and traveled for chili cook-offs, winning many trophies. Ron was also successful pulling tractors. Ron was a very kind man who never raised his voice. He loved to fish with his family, and best friend, Steve, and loved kids. He enjoyed taking drives, cooking and catering food. Food was Ron’s love language.
On July 18, 2015, he married Melissa Hamilton in Jackson County, and she survives. Ron is also survived by two sons, Jeremy (Angel) Cubberly of Monroe, Stephen (Tina) Cubberly of Jackson; a brother, Mike (Maryann) Cubberly; two sisters, Glennis Miller, and Joyce Barringer; two sisters-in-law, Lori Cubberly, and Doris Cubberly; five granddaughters, Alexandrea “Allie”, Kristen, Cierra, Madison, and Isabella; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kevin Cubberly; brothers, Jerry Armstrong, George Cubberly, and Don Cubberly; and sisters, Valerie Davis and Betty Armstrong.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024, from noon – 4 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 10160 Jackson Road, Dexter, MI 48130.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Donald Keith Lamphere
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Cadillac
Age 92, died peacefully on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at his home.
He was born February 21, 1931, in Cadillac, MI, the son of Alfred C. and Mary Belle (Lanning) Lamphere.
Don graduated from Cadillac High School in 1948. He served in the Army during the Korean War from 1952-54. Don attended Central Michigan College, where he obtained his Bachelors (1958) and Masters degrees (1962). He was a teacher and Principal at Suttons Bay and Cadillac Area Schools.
Don was an active member of Temple Hill Baptist church in Cadillac, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, deacon, mission boards, building committee, and as a pastor of a mission church. Since 2017, he attended Chelsea Church of the Nazarene. He was also involved in Gideons International for more than 40 years. Don and Hilma enjoyed wintering in Mercedes, TX from 1991 to 2015.
On February 2, 1951, he married Hilma Eleanor Finstrom in Cadillac and she survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Bobbi Moomey of Cadillac, Peggi (Tim) Bontekoe of Orlando, FL, Ginni (Mike) O’Quinn of Chelsea; one son, Kedon (Joy) Lamphere of Muskegon; two sisters, Beverly Thomsen, Yvonne (Jay) Thiebaut; 11 grandchildren, Stephen (Hillary), Nathanael, Samuel (Hannah), Gabriel; Sima; Elya (Aaron), Veronika, K.Izaak; Sean (Jade), Ryan (Natasha), Karissa (Ben); 2 step-granddaughters, Samantha, Jennifer; 11 great-grandchildren; a step-great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Marjorie Taylor-LaRoche, Wilma McIntyre, Janet Mackey, Judy Geeseman; his brothers, Robert Lamphere and Gordon Lamphere; and a granddaughter-in-law, Donelle Butler.
Don’s memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, 11:00 am at the Chelsea Church of the Nazarene, 12126 Jackson Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating. The family will greet people from 10-11 am on the day of the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251 or CRU, PO Box 628222, Orlando, FL 32862-8222. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
Theresa “Terri” Curtis
of Adrian, Michigan, formerly of Chelsea
Age 84, died Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Lenawee Medical Care Facility.
She was born March 18, 1939, in Adrian, Michigan, the daughter of Raymond Joseph and Grace Ann (Bangert) Schreiner.
Terri graduated from High School in Tiffin, OH, then earned her Bachelors degree from Bowling Green University. She went on to earn a Masters Degree in Science Education from EMU and another one from WMU. She was a Physical Education teacher for many years in the Chelsea School District retiring in 1994. After retirement, she and David moved up North to Gladwin, and she was a substitute teacher in Beaverton and Gladwin School Districts. She taught Drivers Ed in all three school districts.
Terri loved playing and coaching tennis. Terri was a devout member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, and later she was very active at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gladwin, where she was a Eucharistic Minister and helped with events. Terri was a voracious reader and used the library extensively. She was very kind, donating to charities and churches.
On June 18,1986, she married David O’Neil Curtis, and he survives. Other survivors include several nieces and nephews, and her very helpful neighbors, Janet Ensign and Ralph and Ellen Zwingman. She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings.
No services are planned. Burial will be held at a later time.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 330 N. Silverleaf St, Gladwin, MI 48624.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Judith Ann Dehring
September 18, 1947 – December 8, 2023
Judith Ann Dehring of Gregory, Michigan passed away Friday, December 8, 2023, surrounded by her family after a strong fight battling cancer. She was born in Pontiac, Michigan to the late Victor and Vivian Mason. She is preceded in death by her beloved daughter Rebecca (Dehring) Harr.
Judy attended Oxford Dominican where she gained many life-long friendships that she cherished daily. Judy continued her education at Detroit Mercy where she earned her bachelor’s degree. After graduation, she began her career working as a Catholic School teacher for elementary grade-level students.
Judy had a passion for doing “acts of kindness” and those acts touched the hearts of all that knew her. She loved baking, reading, gardening, making jewelry for family and friends, spending time with friends, including the St. Mary’s Women’s Bible Study group, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.
She is survived by the father of her children Paul Gregory (Sharon) Dehring, her children, Andrew (Nanci) Dehring, Brian (Kimberley) Dehring, and Sarah (Tony) Radu, her 13 grandchildren respectively: Mason and Diana; Hannah; Anthony, Hunter, Luke, Wyatt, and Noah; Anthony, Michael, Victor, James, and Gianluca; and 4 great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, MI. Family will receive friends Tuesday, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Geraldine Faye Scharphorn
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 80, passed away Monday, December 11, 2023, at her home.
She was born January 14, 1943, in Wyandotte, Michigan, the daughter of Ralph and Lorraine (Camburn) Cross.
Geraldine graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1965, and was a teacher for 38 years. She enjoyed the Ann Arbor Dog Training Club, riding horses, gardening, and traveling. In 1989, she appeared with her husband and daughter on the David Letterman Show with a dog relay team.
On August 20, 1966, Geraldine married Gerald “Jerry” Scharphorn, and he survives. She is also survived by daughters, Colleen (Charlie) Harvey of Sanderson, Florida, and Gwen Nichay of Eddyville, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Kyle Barron, Brandon Harvey, Seth Harvey, and Sadye Harvey; three great-grandchildren; and special son, Brian Stephenson, along with other loving friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Ervin John Nichay, III; and brothers, Robert Cross and David Cross.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 14, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Mark Hendricks officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Lois Yarmain
December 31, 1933 – December 3, 2023
My mom, Lois Eisele Yarmain, passed away exactly four weeks before her birthday. Always impeccably dressed and “put together,” no one would have ever guessed she was about to be 90, which she insisted was just a number.
She was more than just a mother and grandmother, she was our best friend. Baba, as Kate and Meg called her, was involved in all three of our lives on a daily basis. She was our biggest supporter and confidant, I called her my “personal 911.”
We loved her positive personality, outlook on life, her sense of humor and always laughed at her quick one liners that made everyone roll their eyes. She loved her summers on Walloon Lake, being in the kitchen “eyeballing” her recipes, telling everyone how to use the grill, and telling stories that when questioned, would insist were true.
She loved to read until 3 in the morning, and when she couldn’t sleep, she’d decorate and redesign her house and everyone else’s. Then in the morning she’d say, “she should have been an architect.” She didn’t have an official interior design degree, but no one would have ever known. Everyone wanted her decorating help.
She also loved shopping, giving valuable advice, and most importantly loved life. And of course, she cherished her many wonderful friends: the Ann Arbor Landsdowne lunch group, Bingham Woods Women’s Club, her Book Club, Game Night Club, Breakfast group and so many others of all ages.
She was the devoted mother to Ann Yarmain Murray and cherished her granddaughters, Katherine and Margaret. She also had a pivotal role in the lives of several nieces and nephews. Lois was preceded in death by her brothers Richard Eisele (Ardith) and Thomas Eisele (Joan).
Lois Eisele Yarmain was born on December 31, 1933, in Chelsea, Michigan to Paul and Isabel Howe Eisele. She went to Chelsea High School, then Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University where she earned her teaching degree and her Master’s in Education. After teaching for several years, she “retired” and started her family. Years later she worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Ann Arbor in the Surgery Education Department.
Our family will miss her beyond words, but the memories we have and the stories we will tell, will make us smile for a lifetime.
View obituary and share memories at www.AJDesmond.com.
Patricia Barbara Fancy
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Farmington Hills
Age 86, died Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at University Living in Ann Arbor. She was born September 4, 1937, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of William Jeffery and Helen Jean (Maek) Perry.
Pat was a member of the American Bar Association and had a productive career as an attorney for Barris, Sott Denn & Driker, GM, and Comerica Bank. She earned an undergraduate degree in Journalism and her law degree, both from Wayne State University. She was a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada. She was passionate about nature and gardening, cats, travel, and ice skating. Pat had a great love of reading. She lived at Silver Maples of Chelsea until March of 2023.
Pat married James William Fancy on May 22, 1958, in Detroit. He preceded her in death on July 7, 2011. Pat is survived by her daughter, Susan (Louis Soma) Jennifer Fancy of Dexter; siblings, Donald Perry, Jay Perry, and Cindy Perry all of Canada; sister, Elliott Kendall of Carmel, Indiana; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three nieces and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her son, Steven Michael Fancy; brother, Norman Perry; and former husband, James William Fancy.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 10, 2023, 4:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Humane Society, https://www.michiganhumane.org.
Anthony Francis Wisniewski
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 89, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
He was born April 18, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Valentine William “Bill” and Charlotte Rose (Chojna) Wisniewski.
Tony graduated from Edwin Denby High School in 1952. He served in the Army from 1954-1956, during the Korean War. He was a Tool & Die apprentice with Bower Roller Bearings, and later worked with Federal-Mogul, retiring in 1994. Tony was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. He was a member and former President of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed woodworking and carving. He also liked camping, especially in Waterloo and Manistee.
On October 13, 1956, Tony married Beverly Willis and she preceded him in death on April 5, 1991. On June 22, 1996, he married Nelly Maree Cobb, and she preceded him in death on October 31, 2006. Survivors include two children, Tony (Patti) Wisniewski and Debbie (Jay) Butler, both of Chelsea; three step-sons, Daniel (Christine) Cobb, Kenneth (Carla) Cobb, and Richard (Linda) Cobb; three step-daughters, Lynda Cobb, Susan McCalla, and Marilyn (Andy) Weir; son-in-law, Duane Quinn; 6 grandchildren, Jessica (Jake) Grambau, Daniel (Lexi) Wisniewski, Bobby Vasas, Shaun (Barbara) Vasas, Billy (Ashley) Vasas, Brittany (Martin) Moore; several step-grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Katherine Quinn; and step-son-in-law, Ken McCalla.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Marie Grace Barnsdale
of Ann Arbor, Michigan
Age 73, passed away November 29, 2023, at Chelsea Retirement Community Towsley Village Memory Care under the care of Arbor Hospice.
She will be missed by many.
The angels picked her up and took her to her forever home with the Lord and departed family and friends forever.
She was born July 27, 1950, in Bethesda, Maryland, the daughter of William “Edward” and Barbara (Powell) Thompson.
Marie graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1968, then attended Towson State College. After college she moved to Michigan and continued her education at Eastern Michigan University.
Marie was very active with the Washtenaw County Homebuilders Association. And she enjoyed traveling (including Europe, Canada, and the US).
On Feb. 14, 1981, she married her beloved husband Greg at the First Congregational Church, Douglas Memorial Chapel in Ann Arbor. She was raised in the Episcopalian church and attended the First Congregational church in Ann Arbor.
She found her calling in sales. The homebuilding community interested her. She started selling at Pella Window and Door Company and then moved on to home appliance sales at Big George’s Home Appliances in Ann Arbor, Walter’s Home Appliances in Brighton and finally a home at Heydlauff’s Appliances and Electronics in Chelsea. Her Kindness, helpful and detailed knowledge of products were her trademarks.
She loved working with her customers, and they loved her back. Many of them became friends.
She held many positions with the Washtenaw County Homebuilders Association – now known as Builders and Remodels Association of Greater Ann Arbor- BRAG.
Her mom and dad met in England during World War II and married there. He was from Maryland and she was English.
Marie had an outgoing personality, a great smile, and also a big heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and sister-in-law who are all buried at Arlington National Cemetery. She donated grave wreaths yearly at Christmas time to Wreaths Across America for Arlington National Cemetery. She is also preceded in death by her loving uncles, aunts, and cousins in Canada and the UK.
In addition to her husband Greg, she is survived by nieces, Betty Ann (Peter) Johnson of Maryland, and Hannah Barnsdale of Michigan; nephew, David (Cheryl) Johnson of New Hampshire; dear grandniece, Madelyne Weimer-Barnsdale of Michigan; special cousins, Donna (David) Able of Ontario, Allan (Diane) Roden of Indiana, Neal (Su) Cartwright, Lynn (Mike) Cartwright, Wendy (Alan) Vickers, Geoff (Kim) Peters, and Barry Peters in the UK, Sally Jo (George) Siterlet of Michigan, Dave (Sharon) Barnsdale of Wisconsin, Charles (Janine) Happy, Dale (Connie) Happy, Gale (Brenda) Happy, Keith (Janet) Happy, and Dennis (Lisa) Happy all of Michigan; sisters-in-law, Susan (Barry) Austin of Arizona, and Janet McGinty of Colorado; brothers -in- law, Ron (Margi) Barnsdale of Michigan, and Larry (Sharon) Barnsdale of Florida; and special uncle John in the UK.
She had special classmates that she never forgot, Jane Farfan, Ken Watkins, and Bob Teague all of Maryland, and Caroline Winchester of Nebraska.
Marie never liked funerals, so none is planned. A celebration of life will be held in the future. She came into this world quietly – until the doctor slapped her on the bottom. That is the way she wanted to leave – quietly.
Cremation has taken place. Her final resting place will be in Virginia.
If you want to donate in Marie’s memory, please consider BRAG of Ann Arbor Student Scholarship Fund or a charity of your choice.
Her brain was donated to the Michigan Brain Bank for dementia research, which claimed her life.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Marie P. Lashbrook
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Detroit
Age 75, died Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi.
She was born June 27, 1948, in Sheffield, England, the daughter of Kazimierz and Rita (Dumford) Koszalka.
Maria attended Chadsey High School in Detroit, Michigan where she spent most of her life. She worked as a guest services representative at Marriott. When she was in her fifties, she returned to school to earn her associates degree, something that she always had a lot of pride in.
Maria’s true life calling however, was her family. Maria loved her family intensely and adored her seven grandchildren who she enjoyed attending various activities with. Whether it be sports, dance, gymnastics, or even just helping getting them to their activities, she did so with a lot of intent and enthusiasm.
Maria was also an avid Detroit Tigers baseball fan and would watch games as regularly as she could.
Maria was married to Howard Lashbrook and even though they divorced some years later, they remained close friends throughout the rest of her life. She is survived by two daughters, Sarah (Jason) Burrus of Chelsea; and Erin (Elmar) Prihoda of Commerce Township; seven grandchildren and great-grandchild; Jacob (Nadia) Bullock, Benjamin Bullock, Caleb Bullock, Rachel Bullock, Marcus Prihoda, Mira Prihoda, and Maggie Prihoda; and one great-grandchild, Luke Bullock. Maria was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Robert Koszalka.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 4, 2023, 7:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Josh Kuck officiating. The family will receive friends Monday, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Main Street Church Vision Fund, P.O. Box 111, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Gwen Frances Schrader
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 91, died Sunday, November 26, 2023. Gwen was born August 12, 1932, in Augusta Township, Michigan, the daughter of Harvey and Gertrude (Storck) Minick.
On June 30, 1956, she married Donald Schrader in Toledo, Ohio. She is survived by her husband of 67 years and their four children, Douglas (Vicki) Schrader of Jackson, MI, Lori (Mike) Love of Meldrim, GA, Lisa (Steve) Jaqua of Ann Arbor, MI, and Daniel (Sharon) Schrader of Savannah, GA; three grandchildren, Andrew (Kate) Swantek, Michael (Andrea) Swantek and Benjamin Swantek, great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and one brother, Timothy. She was preceded in death by her brothers, David and Gary, and her daughter-in law, Vicki.
Gwen attended Lincoln High School and then joined the Air Force where she completed communications school. She became certified in Morse Code, the only woman in her graduating class.
She had many friends and varied interests. She was president of the Chelsea Historical Society. She was a teaching assistant at Cassidy Lake Technical School where she picked up some new vocabulary. She enjoyed antiquing and filled the family home with many treasures. She loved dogs and was fiercely passionate about animal protection. Both she and Don played bridge for many years with Daphne and Bob Hodder, Bob and Mary Powers, Hal and Peg Pennington, Jack and Maryann Merkel, and Alice and Bob Thornton.
She lived in Savannah, GA for 15 years and was active in the Wilmington Island Garden Club. They moved to Pinehurst, NC where she and Don built their retirement home and lived for 10 years before returning to Chelsea. She treasured travelling around the United States and their many trips to Argentina with Duane and Winona Landwehr and Mel and Barb Leach.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023, 11am at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. A private burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends from 10am until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 31 or Faith in Action.
Mauricenna “Betty” Jones
Of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 97, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born June 9, 1926 in Muskegon, MI, the daughter of Morris and Mary Ella (Seemore) Wolcott. Betty retired from 3M in Ann Arbor. She liked coloring, puzzles, and solitaire.
In 1948, she married Eldon Carl Jones, and he preceded her in death on February 25, 1990. Survivors include two sons, Carl L. (Susie) Jones of Dexter and Dana M. Jones of Dexter; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by two sons, Danny A. Ruthenburg and Eldon S. Jones.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 1, 2023 at 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea. The family will receive friends Thursday from 1-3 and 5-7pm. A private burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Waterloo, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Gerald “Jake” Milliken, Sr.
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 88, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
He was born March 17, 1935, in Hamburg, Michigan, the son of Edwin Bell and Livnia Mae (Brown) Milliken.
Jake attended Ann Arbor High School. He quit to go to work to help his family. Jake was a traditional plasterer, working for contractors, finishing as a field superintendent for Renaissance Interiors. Jake retired in 2000, and went to work for his son, Jerry, until he was 82.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing for most of his life. Jake was a good and dependable man who would always help his family and who always followed through.
On August 8, 1953, Jake married Carmen Caroline Pattarozzi, and she survives. He is also survived by his son, Gerald “Jerry” (Mary Beth) Milliken of Chelsea; daughter, Karen (Tom) Dixon of Munith; grandchildren, Gerald K. (Sara) Milliken, Michael T. (Tammy) Milliken, Kelly Jo (Greg) Van Orman, and April Bennett; great-grandchildren, Faith Dixon, Kyli Milliken, Kloi Milliken, Gracie Milliken, Braeden Milliken, Nathan Van Orman, Nicolas Van Orman, and Noah Van Orman; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and 12 siblings, Robert, Russell, Neil, Eugene, Dale, Bruce, Donald, Helen, Juanita, Dan, Jim, and Marilyn.
Funeral services were held Monday, November 20, 2023, 5:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Steve Bringardner officiating. The family received friends Monday, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Burial will be at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Jill Yvonne Dunlap
Grand Haven, MI, formerly of Chelsea
Age 80, passed away in her sleep on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at her home in Grand Haven.
She was born March 1, 1943 in Stockbridge, MI the daughter of John L “Jack” and Virgina (Haddox) Barkley.
Jill graduated from Chelsea High School in 1961. She was a medical assistant working on the Chelsea Hospital campus and later at the Zeeland Hospital. Jill was an avid reader, especially suspense and mysteries; and enjoyed sewing and cross stitching. She was an excellent cook and had a recipe for everything.
Jill was the most caring mom and grandmother. She loved fiercely and poured her heart into her family.
On August 8, 1964, she married Thomas Dunlap in Chelsea, MI, and he survives. Other survivors include her children, Julie (Todd) Stump of Zeeland, Amy (Tom) Morren of Zeeland, Chris (Scott) Powers of Zeeland and Ryan Dunlap of Grand Rapids; a brother, John (Annie J) Barkley of Jackson; a sister, Rebecca Barkley of Chelsea, a sister-in-law, Jenny Greeno of Newago; 6 grandchildren, Jessica (Lars) Ruser, Jacob Brenner, Madison and Jack Morren, Nick and Alex Powers; 2 great-grandchildren, Pierce Ruser, Sutton Ruser; several nieces and nephews; and her dog, Daisy. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Richard.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov 22, 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. Barbara Edema officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea District Library.
Gerald “Jake” Milliken Sr.
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 88, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
He was born March 17, 1935, in Hamburg, Michigan, the son of Edwin Bell and Livnia Mae (Brown) Milliken.
Jake attended Ann Arbor High School. He quit to go to work to help his family. Jake was a traditional plasterer, working for contractors, finishing as a field superintendent for Renaissance Interiors. Jake retired in 2000, and went to work for his son, Jerry, until he was 82.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing for most of his life. Jake was a good and dependable man who would always help his family and who always followed through.
On August 8, 1953, Jake married Carmen Caroline Pattarozzi, and she survives. He is also survived by his son, Gerald “Jerry” (Mary Beth) Milliken of Chelsea; daughter, Karen (Tom) Dixon of Munith; grandchildren, Gerald K. (Sara) Milliken, Michael T. (Tammy) Milliken, Kelly Jo (Greg) Van Orman, and April Bennett; great-grandchildren, Faith Dixon, Kyli Milliken, Kloi Milliken, Gracie Milliken, Braeden Milliken, Nathan Van Orman, Nicolas Van Orman, and Noah Van Orman; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and 12 siblings, Robert, Russell, Neil, Eugene, Carl, Bruce, Donald, Helen, Juanita, Dan, Jim, and Marilyn.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 20, 2023, 5:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Steve Bringardner officiating. The family will receive friends Monday, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Burial will be at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or the Human Society of Huron Valley.
Jan Van Houten
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Carleton, Michigan
Age 91, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at her home in the Chelsea Retirement Community (UMRC).
Jan was born July 8, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Maurice A. and Alice Louise (Creuwenare) Ostyn. She graduated from Wayne High School in 1950 and then attended Cleary College. On August 28, 1954, Jan married Alvin Trent Van Houten in Carleton. Jan worked as a bookkeeper at the Auston Oil Company in Wayne until 1955, after which her attention was focused on family and raising six children.
During the late 70’s, she worked as a secretary at the Airport Community School District, retiring in 1991. Jan was always passionate about art and as her children grew and time allowed, Jan returned to painting which she pursued with joy and curiosity for the rest of her life. Jan was a member of the Carleton United Methodist Church, the Monroe Art League, the Monroe County Homemakers of Extension, and the Carleton Historical Society.
Jan and Alvin enjoyed traveling and visiting family throughout the United States. Most recently, she continued making art at Chelsea Retirement Community.
Jan and Alvin were fortunate to share 66 years together until Al’s death on October 6, 2020. Jan is survived by her children, Susan (Tim Powell) Van Houten of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Gary (Susan) Van Houten of Edmonds, Washington, Thomas (Roxanne) Van Houten of Oscoda, Michigan, Jeff (Phill Oggero) Van Houten of Sonoma, California, James (Linda) Van Houten of Greenville, Michigan, and Patricia (Chris Sedgwick)Van Houten of Chicago, Illinois; brothers Rene (Carol) Ostyn, and George (Renee) Ostyn; sister, Yvonne Williams; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 4 siblings.
A memorial service will be held Monday, November 20, 2023, at 10AM at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel, with Rev. Jeanette Brenner officiating.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that friends consider memorial contributions to any of the following three organizations:
The Monroe Art League
c/o Becky Mullins, Treasurer
11758 S. Dixie Hwy
Eric, Michigan 48133
The Carleton United Methodist Church
11435 Grafton Rd
Carleton, MI 48117
UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation
805 W. Middle St
Chelsea, MI. 48118-1369
John Calvin Michael
Age 91, passed away on November 14, 2023 in Jackson, MI.
John was born on March 4, 1932 in Rivesville, West Virginia to Paul O. and Ruby E. (Linn) Michael.
After graduating from Rivesville High School in West Virginia, he joined the United States Air Force at age 19. He served from 1951 to 1955 and was stationed in Japan. John worked on the C-36 Cargo plane, specializing in electrical systems.
After the service John went to college at Fairmont State where he earned a degree in Industrial Arts. On September 1st, 1956 he married Shirley Dawn Glover and started his career as a Technical Illustrator. John held several positions with U.S. government contractors including: Sperry Piedmont – Submarines, Charlottesville, Virigina, Bendix Aerospace, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Northern Telecom, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Williams in Walled Lake, Michigan.
John and Shirley started a family and had two children. John and Shirley built their own home in Saline, Michigan where they were active in Saline United Methodist Church.
John was an avid model airplane builder, often working from his own drawings – an Xacto knife and a ruler were the tools most favored for his precision designs. John was a handy guy and mechanically inclined. Much to all of our amazement – he could fix anything. John was also an avid gardener and car enthusiast.
John and Shirley were married for 66 wonderful years.
John is survived by his wife Shirley Dawn (Glover) Michael , his two children Debra (Mark) Drow and Daniel (Sandy) Michael. Grandchildren; Anna Herbert (Brandon) of Jackson, Michigan, Alaina Drow of Chelsea, Michigan, Austin Michael of West Palm, Florida, and Addison Michael of Jersey City, New Jersey. Great Grandchildren: Zoey Lea Herbert and Dax Michael Herbert. John is also survived by his sister Ramona Shafer of Cary, North Carolina.
John was preceded in death by his sister Janice Bondy of Rocky River, Ohio, and his beloved granddaughter Jillian Lea Drow of Chelsea, Michigan.
A gathering of friends and family will take place on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. A brief time of sharing will take place at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Jillian Lea Drow Scholarship Fund via the Chelsea Education Foundation P.O. Box 281, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Sharon (Drew) Clow
Age 58, died Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Chelsea Hospital ICU.
She was born August 24, 1965 in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Jack A. & Lois “Lillian” (Dirksen) Drew.
In June of 2002, she married Leland “Lee” Clow, and he preceded her in death on March 11, 2020.
Sharon graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing in 1983. At the age of 40, she started attending Washtenaw Community College and earned her RN. She worked at U of M for over 20 years, and although she worked in several departments, she was most proud of her work in the Urology Cancer Center.
Sharon enjoyed nature and gardening, and will be remembered for her pickling and the sauces and powders she made. She was “naughty” and told many dirty jokes. She loved animals, especially her cats and dogs. Sharon had a generous nature, supporting many causes and caring for animals, both wild and domesticated.
She is survived by her sisters, Deb (Carl) Brown of Williamston and Sandy Drew of Lansing; 1 niece, Mikaela Roswall; and 3 nephews, Drew Colthorp, Nicolas Roswall, and Ryan Colthorp. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Daniel Drew.
A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, November 18, 2-4:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the humane society of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
George R. Thompson, MD
of Ann Arbor, MI
Passed away peacefully on Sunday November 12, 2023 at the age of 93 years and is now in the loving presence of Almighty God and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Dr. Thompson is survived by his wife of 66 years Ruth Marie Thompson of Highland Mills, NY, their three children: David Thompson, MD of Grand Rapids, MI, Nancy Roberts (Mark) of Dexter, MI, and Susan Johnson (Peter) of Whitmore Lake, MI; niece and nephews Melanie (Mark) Wagner of Manassas, VA, Walter Stanfield, Jr and Stephen Stanfield both of Highland Mills, NY; grandchildren Daniel Roberts (Alison), Amy Rowe (Tanner), Margaret Sarah Thompson, and Stephanie Scheets (Jonathan), and great-grandchildren Maverick, Calvin, and Beckett Rowe. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Joseph John Thompson, mother, Gertrude Flowerday Thompson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Walter and Janice Stanfield, his pre-school aged daughter Ann, and daughter-in-law Margaret Elizabeth (Peggy) Thompson, MD.
Dr. Thompson grew up in Ann Arbor MI and graduated from University High School (1946), and the University of Michigan (BS 1950 and MD 1954). While an undergraduate student, he played trumpet in the Michigan Marching Band under the direction of Dr. William D Revelli.
He completed his training in Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan Hospitals in 1958 then served in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps from 1958- 1960 whereupon he returned to Ann Arbor for his Rheumatology Fellowship following which he joined the Internal Medicine department at the U of M Medical School, rising through the academic ranks to Professor in 1976. He published numerous articles and was member of several professional societies. He became Professor Emeritus in 1992.
Throughout his career as a physician, he educated numerous students, residents, and fellows as well as emulating superior clinical skills and compassionate caring of patients from all walks of life.
Dr. Thompson’s interests outside of medicine centered around his church (Calvary United Methodist) where he was involved in leadership and playing the trumpet. He was a devoted father and a strong Christian influence in the lives of his family. He also participated in the Ann Arbor Concert Band, Boy Scouts, a was a loyal fan of Michigan football and basketball. He loved golf, hunting, and spending summers at his cottage on Lake Charlevoix where he would fish almost daily, chop wood, enjoy sunsets, the starry sky, and just putter around.
Dr. and Mrs. Thompson moved to the Chelsea Retirement Community for the last five years of his life and the family thanks CRC for the support they have provided.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 16th, 3:00 p.m. at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel with Pastor Tim Broyles officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, The University of Michigan Medical School, or Chelsea Retirement Community Foundation.
Kristie Thomas
of Chelsea, MI
Age 65, passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023, at her home.
She was born October 24, 1958, in Cheboygan, Michigan, the daughter of Henry and Barbara (Dennis) Ramsby.
Kristie graduated from Cheboygan High School in 1976. She worked as a respiratory therapist until her daughter was born. Kristie took care of her daughter who had disabilities for 30 years. She supported the Detroit Lions and Red Wings. Kristie enjoyed cooking, watching cooking shows, and reading Agatha Christie. She loved animals, video games, and T.V. game shows. Kristie was a passionate and cantankerous woman who stood up for what she believed in.
On September 23, 2012, Kristie married Charles Justus Feighner, and he survives. She is also survived by her sons, Sam (Heather) Kleber of Chelsea, and Connor (Adrienne White) Thomas of Novi; her daughters, Erica Rae Skiera of Chelsea, and Nicole (Li Nan Lee) Kleber of China; her brothers, Henry S. “Hank” (Lana) Ramsby, Michael (Patricia) Ramsby, and Timothy Ramsby; her grandchildren, Fiona Kleber, Evie Kleber, and Mabel Kleber; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of Kristie’s life will be held Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley or to cancer research.
David Charles Pratt
98, passed away from natural causes on November 6, 2023, at the Chelsea Retirement Community, in Chelsea, Michigan.
David was born on December 17, 1924, in Washington, D.C. to Ray and Frieda Pratt.
David attended school in Washington, D.C., until he was drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1941 where he served his country until the end of WWII. Taking advantage of the special training and special skills set that David developed in the Army Air Corps, he moved to Alaska in 1977 to participate in and to work on the engineering marvel of the times – the Alaska Pipeline.
He relocated in 2017 to Chelsea, Michigan to be close to his family.
David was an esteemed member of the Masonic Lodge for over 70 years. He achieved the status of a 33rd degree Mason. He was a member of 3 separate Masonic Lodges. One was in Maryland and two were in Alaska. David was also a proud Shriner for many decades.
David was married to June Brown for 16 years, and to Alba Hicks for 40 years. Both preceded him in death. David and June had two sons who survive. Bruce Randolph Pratt and wife Kathy Sue who reside in Chelsea, Michigan. Surviving as well is a granddaughter, Heather Renee Bowers, and husband Jeremy, who reside in Brighton, Michigan with David’s great-grandsons, Max and Sammy. David’s second son, Gary Robert Pratt and wife, Mary Robin Pratt who also survive, reside in Howell, Michigan. Also surviving is grandson, Travis Wesley Pratt and wife Donna Charlene Pratt who reside in Oxford, Michigan with David’s great-grandchildren, Chloe Mystic Pratt, Lilah Mary Pratt, and Wesley Robert Pratt. Another grandson, Hollis Wendall Hamm, preceded David in death.
David could often be seen proudly wearing his brown leather WWII flight jacket, and hat, until shortly before his death. David had an extensive knowledge of mechanics, aircraft engines and engines in general. He enjoyed observing and sharing in this interest with both sons in his later years—son Bruce as he built aircraft and son Gary as he built race cars.
David was a husband, father, 33rd degree Mason, WW II Veteran, and he knew the Lord. David lived a life of service. He is a “hero” to his friends, a “hero” to his family and a “hero” to his country.
There will be a Memorial Service to honor David’s life on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel at 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in David’s name.
Arrangements entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Katherine Marie (Cobb) Quinn
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 66, died Monday, October 30, 2023, at home.
She was born January 21, 1957, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Cecil Edward and Nelly Maree (Atkinson) Cobb.
Kathy graduated from Chelsea High School in 1976. She worked at Chelsea Hospital for 43 years. During that time, she worked as a pharmacy tech, and as a surgery coordinator at the Woman’s Health Center. Katherine really enjoyed camping, traveling, and U of M football.
Katherine married Duane Quinn on September 13, 1997, in Chelsea, and he survives. She is also survived by her son, Phillip (Angela) Quinn; brothers, Daniel (Christine) Cobb, Kenneth (Carla) Cobb, Richard (Linda) Cobb; sisters, Lynda Cobb, Susan McCalla, Marilyn (Andrew) Weir; three grandchildren, Kacey, Kiri, and Kameron; many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly; and the children of her heart, Madelynne and Kimberley. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother-in-law, Kenneth McCalla.
Her Funeral Mass will be held Friday, November 3, 2023, 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 in Chelsea, Thursday, November 2, from 2-4 and 6-9 pm (with a vigil service at 8:00 pm), and at the church Friday, from 10-11 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at https://pancan.org/.
Sharon Diane (Drew) Clow
Age 58, died Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Chelsea Hospital ICU.
She was born August 24, 1965 in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Jack A. & Lois “Lillian” (Dirksen) Drew. In June of 2002, she married Leland “Lee” Clow, and he preceded her in death on March 11, 2020.
Sharon graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing in 1983. At the age of 40, she started attending Washtenaw Community College and earned her RN. She worked at U of M for over 20 years, and although she worked in several departments, she was most proud of her work in the Urology Cancer Center.
Sharon enjoyed nature and gardening and will be remembered for her pickling and the sauces and powders she made. She was “naughty” and told many dirty jokes. She loved animals, especially her cats and dogs. Sharon had a generous nature, supporting many causes and caring for animals, both wild and domesticated.
She is survived by her sisters, Deb (Carl) Brown of Williamston and Sandy Drew of Lansing; 1 niece, Mikaela Roswall; and 3 nephews, Drew Colthorp, Nicolas Roswall, and Ryan Colthorp. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Daniel Drew.
No public services are planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to the humane society of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Lawrence R. “Larry” Hochstadt, Jr.
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 73, died Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Michigan Medicine.
He was born November 24, 1949, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the son of Lawrence R. and Barbara (Wilson) Hochstadt, Sr.
Larry was a Polio survivor, and one of the first children to receive the “new” Salk vaccine. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and had recently begun rock hunting.
Larry was married to Elizabeth McCormick for 52 years, and she survives. He is also survived by his sister, Lorraine (Patrick) Pickering; his special friend, Paul Reed; and his cats, Buster and Buddy “Fluffy Butt.”
His soul soared as an eagle, now he can run. Enjoy your life to the max.
Per Larry’s request, no services will be held and cremation has taken place.
Memorial contributions may be made to Make-A-Wish America,1702 E. Highland Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016, or the Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Phyllis R. McGaw
of Chelsea, Michigan formerly of Punta Gorda, Florida
Age 93, passed away Monday, October 23, 2023, after a brief illness.
She was born August 10, 1930, in Franklin, Ohio, the daughter of Millard Roger and Mary Hastings (MacPhee) Fitch.
Phyllis and her five siblings grew up in her father’s Church of the Nazarene in Norwood, Ohio where she developed a deep love and appreciation for gospel music and the Word of God. It was there that she met her husband of nearly 76 years, Thomas. They were married on November 10, 1947 and he survives.
Phyllis and Tom raised their three children in Chelsea, Michigan and they also survive. Son Thomas (Hazel) McGaw of Grass Lake; daughters Janice (Larry) Gaken of Chelsea, and Patricia (Brad) McGibney of Temperance as well as six grandchildren Erin Knott, Evan (Ann) Chiumino-Knott, Adam (Marina) Knott, Thomas McGaw IV, Catherine (Kelly) Richmond, Michael McGibney; six great-grandchildren Alexis, Alivia, Helen, Lauren, Seamus, and Philip; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, and grandson Philip McGibney.
Tom and Phyllis built and enjoyed a cottage for several years on Indian Lake at the Nazarene Campground in Vicksburg, Michigan and spent most of their retirement years in Florida, where they enjoyed boating, hosting family and friends, and antiquing. Prior to retiring, Phyllis owned and operated the consignment shop “Mrs. Dusenberry’s” in downtown Chelsea and later became the first Volunteer Coordinator at Chelsea Retirement Community, where Phyllis and Tom have made their home for the past five years.
Phyllis was mischievous and beyond charismatic. She was a master storyteller and loved to laugh. Phyllis was always up for an adventure and was often planning events. Later in life, she took up making beaded jewelry, fulfilling her artistic desires.
A funeral service will be held Friday, October 27, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel, with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends Friday, from noon until 1p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 25200 Telegraph Rd. Suit 100 Southfield, Michigan 48033.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Marjorie Violet Edwards
Died peacefully at home on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Born September 28, 1925 in Aldershot, England, the daughter of William George and Jessie Emily (Watson) Blake, she was the second youngest of nine children.
Marge’s teen years were spent in a city at war—often sleeping in the bomb shelter in the back garden. Fiercely independent, she took a job at Briggs Motor Company handing out weekly pay packets to toolmakers making trucks for the British Army. She and her sisters enjoyed slipping out to the dancehalls at Covent Gardens and jitterbugging with the American soldiers. In the summer, they would spend time at the shore at Butlins Holiday Camp.
In 1954, what was meant to be a holiday to visit her youngest sister, Christine, in America, turned into a permanent stay when she fell in love with Robert Thomas Edwards. Bob had been a trainer pilot in the Navy, teaching aerial maneuvers. Once, after a midair collision over the Everglades, he bailed out of his plane and spent the night with a broken collarbone dangling over alligators until he was found. He received an honorable discharge and became a member of the Caterpillar Club.
But it was working as an office manager at Trailmobile that he and Marge met. They were married on September 13, 1958 and lived briefly in Milwaukee before settling in Dearborn Heights.
Marge was devoted to her family. She was a patient and supportive wife and mother, looking for ways to help rather than judge. She took a keen interest in the everyday lives of her two daughters and their friends, often making dinner for classmates. Later, she helped in the care of her four beloved grandchildren, tending to them as infants, taking them to ball practice as kids, right through to attending school graduations and weddings. And she was an adoring auntie to her many nieces and nephews in America, England, and Australia.
In fact, when the overseas relatives came for a visit, it was Marge who stayed up with them until two or three in the morning, sipping her much cherished sherry and chatting away (well into her nineties!) while the rest of the family snuggled into bed. Family for Marge included animals whom she joyfully doted on—the most recent of whom was her darling kitty, Carlton.
Politics were something Marge took quite seriously. She was known to spend entire afternoons watching CNN. Her thoughtful analysis allowed her to take on the most confident opponents, and usually come out on top. She was hip to Obama before he became mainstream, valued her right to vote, and used it to protect vulnerable populations. A feminist through and through, Marge was unafraid to speak her mind, a rare trait for a woman of her generation. She was woke before there was a word for it.
Although she became an American citizen in the late seventies, at heart, she remained a Brit: She taught her granddaughter how to brew a perfect cuppa, transformed her suburban backyard into a proper English garden, made a mean trifle as well as shortbread, and every Christmas led her family in a rousing round of God Save The Queen while Christmas pudding flamed. She never lost her accent. The best things in life were “wonderful” to her, a word that became that much more wonderful carried by her beautiful cadence.
Marge loved Tiger baseball beyond measure, in particular Lou Whitaker and Kurt Gibson, and even flew to Florida for training camp. In 1984, she attended several of the World Series games with her friends, sitting behind the players’ family box, eating her favorite Italian sausage.
She was also creative and enjoyed knitting, sewing and making gifts for others. One year she painted everyone a ceramic Christmas tree and a pumpkin which are still in use these many decades later.
Marge worked at the Society of Manufacturing Engineers retiring in 1989. She was a member of Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church in Dearborn where she volunteered to help adults learn to read. She also volunteered to help with office work at Henry Ford Hospital.
For the last thirty-five years of her life, she managed arthritis and chronic pain. Whilst she rarely complained, it did take away her ability to do some of the things she loved sooner than she would have liked. But it also inspired her to do things like take arthritic swim classes in her seventies and eighties despite never having learned to swim.
She is survived by her two daughters, Diane (James) Heisel of Chelsea, and Nancy Mendez of Dearborn Heights; four grandchildren, Erica (Matt) Brockberg, Curtis (Taylor Erickson) Heisel, Nicholas (Zoeie) Mendez, and Ian Mendez; and five great-grandchildren, Beau and Griffin Brockberg, Rain Mendez, River Core, Luna Sharkey, and another on the way. She’s preceded in death by her husband; her parents; five sisters; and three brothers.
The family will hold private services. Memorial contributions can be made to Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Lew Gossage
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Walnut Creek, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan
Age 73, passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Birchwood Retreat in Chelsea, after a long illness.
He was born April 18, 1950, in Benton, Illinois, the son of Loyce and Joann (Doty) Gossage.
Lew served in the US Army ROTC in the early 1970’s. He attended the University of California, in Santa Barbara, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics; and later, earned his Master of Business Administration. Lew spent his career in publishing, first as a salesman for Southwestern Publishing, and worked his way up to Vice President for McGraw-Hill, in Chicago, IL.
Lew developed and led Xanedu at ProQuest. He was an avid reader of history, and loved old movies, watching documentaries, and classic cars. Lew owned a ’67 Beetle that he toured Europe in with his parents and brother. He was a quiet and studious person.
Lew married Susan Kate Graves in November of 1980, in Pleasant Hills, CA, and she survives. He is also survived by his sons, Ben Gossage of Chelsea, and Lewis “Alex” (Anna Dusbiber) Gossage of Ann Arbor; brother, David (Susan) Gossage of Walnut Creek, CA; his mother, Joann Gossage also of Walnut Creek, CA; and nephews, Jordan and Drew Gossage. He was preceded in death by his father; and daughter-in-law, Nora Quick.
No public services are planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston, 3941 Research Park Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Virginia Irene (Miller) Weese
of Zolfo Springs, Florida
Passed into heaven Monday, July 10, 2023 following a long battle with lung cancer. Virginia (Gin, Ginny) was born July 24, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan to John A. and Bernice E. (Werdehoff) Miller.
Gin grew up in Chelsea, Michigan and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1960. She married Dale Weese of Munith, Michigan in 1973. After retirement, Gin and Dale traveled the country, then settled in Florida. Gin loved to sing and dance, and taught line dancing for many years.
She is survived by her husband Dale, daughter Terry (John) Barnett, sons Ernest (Tina) Cameron and Danny Weese as well as and sisters Bernice (Gary) Packard, Judy (Phil) Radant and Marilyn Hopkins plus multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son John James Cameron and her brother-in-law Ken Hopkins.
A memorial gathering will take place Saturday, October 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the cafeteria at Washington Street Education Center in Chelsea.
Stanley Platsis
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 81, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 5, 2023, with his wife and daughter by his side.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Carol (Spooner) Platsis; son, Zacharias Platsis of Wilmington, Delaware; daughter, Artemis Fuchs of Charleston, South Carolina; sister, Mary Platsis of Battle Creek; brother, George Platsis of Okemos; and grandchildren, Henry, Albert, Sophia, Miriam. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Christine Manos.
Stan made a generous donation of his body to Western Michigan University.
There are no public services planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice or a charity of your choice.
Philip Mathew Potocki
of Mesick and formerly of the Chelsea area
Passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at his home. He was 51.
Phil was born on November 1, 1971 to Bill and Sandra (Burns) Potocki in Garden City, Michigan. On September 19, 1998, he entered into marriage with the former Dana Lipka in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Phil began his career working as a Park Ranger for the Michigan DNR at the Waterloo Recreation Area, then at Mitchell State Park, and finally at the Interlochen State Park. During his 25 plus years in the Michigan DNR, Phil mentored many people and left a far greater mark on them then he could have ever imagined. Phil also took great pride in his various roles at the MSEA union and felt a deep sense of loyalty and responsibility to the union community that he represented. Phil was always up for an adventure and had an incredible ability to see opportunities to grow and expand the DNR connection in the communities he served.
Phil is survived by his loving wife, Dana Potocki of Mesick; children, Kaitlyn Elizabeth (Benjamin) Potocki-Olson of Cadillac, Amanda Rose Potocki of Mesick, Savana Rebekah Potocki of Mesick and David Josiah Potocki of Mesick; parents, Bill and Sandra Potocki; siblings, Benjamin Potocki, Christopher Potocki and Stephanie Potocki; nieces and nephew, Evelyn Potocki, Josephine Potocki, and Henry Potocki; mother-in-law, Valrie Lipka; brother-in-law, David (Nicole) Lipka; aunt-in-law, Susan (Richard) Villarreal; and many other loving family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 3 p.m. with visitation held one hour prior at Revival Center, formerly known as the Cherry Grove Event Center, with Rev. Will Markham to preside. Interment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery on Loveland Rd. in Waterloo on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family’s GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/c28184f3.
Juanita “Joyce” (Hughes) Dietle
of Chelsea, MI
Age 92, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, September 29, 2023. She passed peacefully from natural causes in Canal Fulton, OH.
Joyce was born on November 20, 1930 in Dexter, MI. Growing up in Chelsea, her experience was rich in what people remember as the “old” Chelsea. This was an era when indoor plumbing, electricity, phones, and cars were a luxury!
Joyce graduated from Chelsea High School located on Park Street in 1949. She was very involved in school, as she was on the basketball and tennis teams, and she loved journalism, French Club, and “sock hops” midday dances. It was all about bobbie socks and saddle shoes! High school choir and singing with her two besties, Joanne O’Dell and Mae Slane, these were some of her favorite memories.
She worked after school selling tickets at Chelsea’s Princess Theatre (now the Ugly Dog Distillery) and became good friends with the owners, the Wolverton’s. She loved to recall watching the epic film Gone With The Wind in this movie theater, where she also helped to sell war bonds/stamps in the movie line.
She loved working at the Chelsea Drugstore (now Zou Zou’s Cafe), complete with a soda fountain with real cherry and vanilla cokes, and for a time she also worked at Chelsea State Bank. Joyce was an avid reader and had an extensive book collection and movie posters. She also loved collecting plates from all over the world.
Joyce married Marion L. “Diet” Dietle on April 7, 1950, and they raised their family in Chelsea. While her children were little, she had her own licensed “babysitting” business. Her other careers included working at Argus Camera in Ann Arbor, Higbee’s department store in Illinois, selling fine jewelry at Kaufman’s (Ohio) with her sister, Joan.
Eventually, she bought a business in Ohio in the 1980s, where she worked with her husband and sons before retiring to Florida in 1989. In 2001, she returned to Michigan to work at Chelsea’s first Dollar Store, where she worked with her good friend, Jill Seitz. Joyce loved her kids and grandkids, really all kids. She taught Sunday School for many years, and she also sang with church choirs at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea and Church of the Lakes in Canton, OH.
She loved to travel internationally with her good friend, Arden Tuttle. She was also involved with the League of Women Voters of Michigan, the Child Study Club (also known as Modern Mothers), and the Rebekahs.
Joyce is survived by her children, Kirk (Melanie) Dietle of Massillon, OH, Leslie (Joe) Olivarez of Chelsea, and Lawrence (Jill) Dietle of Canton, OH; four grandchildren, Adam (Brenda) Hillman of Chelsea, Skye Hillman of Nashville, TN, and Chelsea and Leah Dietle of Canton, OH; one great-grandchild, Aubrey Hillman; her sisters, Jackie (Hughes) Lohrer of Harrison Twp, MI and Sharon (Slane) Fletcher of Grass Lake, MI; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Dietle; her parents, Viola (Jones) Hughes and Stephen Slane; her sisters, Joan (Hughes) McDermitt, and Beverly (Hughes) Bishop, and a grandson, Dustin Dietle.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Mark Hendricks officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. as well as on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
She will be laid to rest with her husband at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea.
Joan Eunice Kipfmiller
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 95, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson.
She was born January 5, 1928, in Chelsea, Michigan, the daughter of Elmer W. and Hilda M. (Wenk) Pierce.
Joan graduated from Chelsea High School in 1945. She worked for The University of Michigan for 25 years, retiring in 1993, from the School of Natural Resources. She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ. She loved to square dance and travel. She enjoyed bowling at Chelsea Lanes.
On November 20, 1948, she married Edward W. Kipfmiller at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea, and he preceded her in death on February 14, 1957. Her brother, Donald F. (Donna) Pierce of Chelsea also preceded her in death. Survivors include one son, Edward Dennis (Danielle) Kipfmiller of Chelsea; two daughters, Sheryl (Jimmie) Bingham of Easley, SC, and Jill (Mark) Booth of Homer; eight grandchildren, Jeffrey, Adam, Erin, Lisa, Alan, Heather, Nicole, and Melissa; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
No public services are planned. Burial will be at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ or Gentiva Hospice of Jackson.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Carrie Elizabeth Toth
of Chelsea, MI
Age 99, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born March 2, 1924 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Warren and Alma Mae (Lupher) Huntsinger. Raised on a farm in the Belleville area, she was one of the original “Rosie the Riveters” before enlisting in the Navy during WWII. There she met Stephen Toth to whom she was married until his death October 29, 1985. Together, they raised 7 children, the first four all born in different states as Steve was transferred from base to base in the Army.
Survivors include children: Katherine Hay (John) of Grass Lake, Mi, Gayle Fill (John-deceased) of Chelsea, MI, Theodore Toth (Trish) of Hamburg, MI, Lori Hendricks (Dan) of Grand Saline, Texas, and Gary Toth (Janet) of Lake Stevens, WA. One beloved sister: Edith Welt of Gladwin, MI and daughter-in-law Susan Toth of Grass Lake, MI. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
No public services are planned. Burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fisher House Michigan, PO Box 130466, Ann Arbor, MI 48113.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Dorothy Jefferson Greer
Died at the age of 98 on September 9, 2023 at Chelsea Retirement Community.
A native Detroiter, she grew up in Highland Park, graduated from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1946. Dorothy retired from a storied career at Michigan Bell (later AT&T) Personnel Department. She was a member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church, Alpha Gamma Delta and PEO.
Her husband, Dr. James E. Greer, passed away in 1999. Dorothy is survived by her step-daughter, Betty Greer, and her children, Andrea Whatley (Todd), Jeff Tapert; step-son Jim Greer (Madeline) and their children, Katie and Andrew, and stepson, John Greer. She is also survived by Ginger and John Chapman, plus their children, Patrick and Jeffrey; Jim and Joan Brownell, and their children, Cassie and Susie.
A memorial service will be held at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel on October 23, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. following a visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service at the Crippen Building.
Memorials may be directed to UMRC–Porter Hills Foundation, 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell and Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Homes.
Debbie Lynn Link
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 70, passed away Saturday, September 2, 2023, at her home.
She was born September 10, 1952, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Louis George and Dorothea Elaine (Nations) Marshall.
Debbie graduated from Pinckney High School in 1971. Between 1977-2001, she worked at UMI//ProQuest. Debbie decided to be a stay home Grandma in 2003. It was her joy to watch her grandchildren grow up. Debbie volunteered for the Ann Arbor Lions Club for 20 years, and the Pinckney Senior Center, where she also made cards. She loved making cards and scrapbooking with her sister-in-law, Becky.
She enjoyed watching the birds that came to her feeders, watching all the flowers bloom, and making cakes. Debbie will be remembered for her smile, her infectious laugh, and kind spirit.
On October 18, 1992, Debbie married Harold Louis Link, and he survives. In addition to her husband, Debbie is survived by her two daughters, Brandy Johnson of Dexter, Robin Leach of Ypsilanti; and her grandchildren, Garrett and Avery Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, George Marshall; and sister, Lou Ann Marshall.
A celebration of her life will be held Friday, September 29, 11-1 pm at the Chelsea Depot, 125 Jackson St., Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Meals on Wheels. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Joy Amanda Starr (Lois Kay Kiser, aka Lois Kay Galindo)
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Tecumseh, Michigan
Age 83, died Saturday, September 23, 2023 after a long battle with cancer at Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born May 21, 1940 in Tecumseh, Michigan the daughter of Wilmer L. and Bettie Z. (Stout) Kiser.
Lois graduated from Tecumseh High School and attended Eastern Michigan University where she met her first husband, Jorge Galindo, and were married in 1959 for 24 years. Lois and Jorge raised 6 children together and remained close friends even after she remarried.
When her children were young, she was a Bluebirds and Campfire Girls Troop Leader and attended the Ridgeway Church of the Nazarene. She was an amazing seamstress and made many of her children’s clothes, Halloween and school play costumes, doll clothes and even intricate wedding dresses! She loved art and creativity and passed that love onto her children.
Joy married Larry Duane Derr on July 7, 1984 in Adrian.
In 1990, to the surprise of her family and friends, Lois changed her name to Joy Amanda Starr and she was so proud of, and loved her new name every day for the rest of her life. She was always “Mom” to her children and “Grandma” to her grandchildren. Everyone she met commented on what a beautiful name it was, which brought “Joy” to her daily.
Joy retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Ann Arbor as a rural mail carrier in 2002. The customers on her route loved seeing her color coordinated outfits with a different color for each day of the week. Joy loved nothing more than spending time with her family. She enjoyed reading, traveling and playing games throughout her life. Joy battled cancer twice and her strong spirit will live on in her children and grandchildren.
Joy is survived by her husband, Larry Derr, of Tecumseh, her first husband Jorge Galindo of Tecumseh, children Maureen (Mark) Bell of Belton, MO, Jim “Jamie” (Laura) Galindo of Carleton, Anita Mosier of Chelsea/Tecumseh, Susan “Tracy” (Mark) DiSanto of Sterling Heights, David (Keesha) Galindo of Austin, Texas, and Trisha (Josh) Barth of Tecumseh; her brother Larry (Shirley) Kiser of Gainesville, Florida, her sister Bettie West of Port Orchard, Washington; grandchildren Michael Bell, Jonathon (Ashley) Bell, Christyn (Dallas) Tharp, Josh (Jennifer) Galindo, Christina (Kevin) Brown, Adam Galindo, Fallon Mosier, Laura Mosier, Olivia DiSanto, Vanessa DiSanto, Jude Galindo, Destiny Cook, Isabella Barth; great-grandchildren Carter Bell, Crosby Bell, Colson Bell, Camden Bell, Myryam Tharp, Killian Tharp, Leona Tharp and Annabel Tharp. Also step-son Brandon Derr of Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Marilee Birdwell.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 26, 2:00 pm at Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel, 801 West Middle St., Chelsea MI 48118. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Huron Valley Humane Society.
Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
Norma Ann (Sell) Seyfried
of Jackson, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor and Chelsea
Age 88, died Friday, September 22, 2023 at Trellis Gardens Assisted Living in Jackson, Michigan.
She was born March 7, 1935 in Ann Arbor, the daughter of Ernest F. and Veronica “Anna” (Burton) Sell.
Norma graduated from St. Thomas High in 1953. She went to nursing school and worked as a registered nurse until her oldest son was born. Norma was a member of the Lima Study Group since 1982 and was a member of the F.C.E. where she enjoyed the companionship of the group. She enjoyed bingo, camping, canning, reading, swimming, and traveling south to Texas in the winter with her husband Richard.
On June 8, 1957, she married Richard Allen Seyfried at St. Thomas in Ann Arbor, and he preceded her in death on January 17, 2017. Survivors include four sons, Mark (Alice), Mike (Cher), David (Kim), John (Connie); a daughter, Peggy (Steve) Fullerton; 20 grandchildren, Andy, Justin, Lindsey, Shannon, Sara, Mike K, Mike C, Kim, Rich, Chrissy, Adam, Tiffany, Audriana, Amanda, Charlie, Natasha, Courtney, Brent, Dustey, Stephanie; 19 great-grandchildren, Natalie, Irelynn, Brook, Chase, Luke, Jessica, Caleb, Grace, Emily, Joe, Collin, Heather, Cooper, Levi, Hunter, Jayla, Cody, Clinton, Andy Jr.; great-great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Layne, McKinley, and Rosalie; and her brother, Charles (Wilma) Sell. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
The Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, Sept. 28, 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 in Chelsea on Wednesday from 4-8 pm and at the church Thursday from 10-11 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Louis Center, 16195 W Old US 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Joe Hadley
Grass Lake, MI
Age 77, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at his home.
He was born September 17, 1946 in Whitmore Lake, Michigan, the son of Harry L. and Beulah M. (Lindsay) Hadley Sr.
Joe attended both Chelsea High School and Grass Lake High School. He enlisted in the US Army right after high school, and served in Alaska in Military Intelligence. Joe became a carpenter, building houses in the Chelsea/Grass Lake area, working as “Joe Hadley & Sons” with Harry and Brent.
He loved being outside, riding horses, and coon hunting. He also did drag racing with stock cars. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, and had a great sense of humor.
Survivors include his daughter, Charlotte Hadley (and her boyfriend Karl Kaminski) of Grass Lake; two sons, Harry Hadley Jr. (and his girlfriend, Elaine Bicknell) of Corunna, Brent Hadley (and his wife, Mary Hadley-Bellew) of Clare; 6 grandchildren, Adam, Nina, Zach, Emily, Lacey and Jarret; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters, Penny Blain, Shelly Hays, Judy Ferry, Darlene Kress; many nieces and nephews; as well as Harry & Brent’s mother and Joe’s close friend, Diana Hadley.
He was preceded in death by Charlotte’s mother, Michelle Hadley; his parents; his brothers, Richard, James, Robert, Dick, Jim, Jack, Donny; and a sister, Beverly Barker.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 22, 1:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Pastor William Ryder officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Waterloo, Michigan. The family will receive friends Friday from noon – 1 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to his daughter, Charlotte.
Dianne Arlene Kuhl
of Dexter, Michigan
Age 74, passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at her home.
She was born June 17, 1949, in Bottineau, North Dakota, the daughter of Everett Joseph and Gladys Arlene (Monson) Solper.
Dianne graduated from Bottineau High School in 1967. She worked at MacDee’s in Chelsea, and Rick’s Market. She then became a letter carrier for the US Postal Service, working in Chelsea for most of her career, retiring after 30 years. Dianne was a Union Steward, Health Benefits Representative, and a lifetime member of the VFW Auxillary and the American Legion Auxillary.
Dianne enjoyed sewing and quilting and was in a quilting club. She loved to garden, growing her own fruits and vegetables, canning, and then sharing them with others. She also loved her plants and flowers which she enjoyed sharing.
Dianne showed up for her family, no matter what. She was very caring and extremely generous. Dianne was someone who went out of her way to share what she had with anyone who had a need.
In addition to her husband, William “Bill” Burgess, Dianne is survived by her children, Allan (Angela) Kuhl of Holly, and Michelle (Dan) Susko of Rochester Hills; her sister, Lois (Dan) Schaefer; her brother, David (Sherrie) Solper; three grandchildren, Megan Tersigni, Jeffery (Addie) Kuhl, and Lorelei Susko; three great-grandchildren, Mya, Vincent, and Noah Tersigni; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Chaplain Renee Hampton officiating. Burial will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. The family will receive friends Friday, September 15, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., and before the service starting at 9:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dianne Kuhl Home Economics Scholarship Fund at Chelsea High School.
John “Jack” Raymond Kehoe
Age 90, formerly of Chelsea, MI, Jack passed away at his residence at Tiger Lily Estates in Cartersville, GA on Thursday, September 7, 2023, which was the day of his 90th birthday.
He was born in Albany, NY, the firstborn child of the late John Atkins Kehoe and Rosina Marie Altschaeffl Kehoe.
Due primarily to his years in sales and sales management, Jack lived in 8 different states throughout the years: Albany and Syracuse, NY; Waltham, MA; Columbus, GA; Indianapolis, IN; St. Clair, MI; Charlotte, NC; Cuyahoga Falls and Toledo, OH; Libertyville, IL; and moved back to MI to retire in Chelsea, MI.
In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol Ann Finkbeiner Kehoe, second wife, Barbara Jean Bather Kehoe, Robert C. Kehoe (brother), Mary Agnes Kehoe (sister), and John “Jack” Carl Kehoe (son).
Jack is survived by a brother, Rev. Joseph F. Kehoe of Syracuse, NY; two sisters, Elizabeth Kehoe Joggerst of Avon Lake, OH, and Anne Kehoe Gaudet of Harwich, MA and Naples, FL; two daughters, Deborah (Ron) Hudson and Teresa (Mike) Kelly; a son, Michael Kehoe; and, four step-sons: John (Laurie) Crisenbery, Steve Crisenbery, Rick (Cindy) Crisenbery, and Brian (Michelle) Crisenbery; his grandchildren, Angela (David) Pilcher, Joe (April) Swain, Christina Eaton, Cayci Eaton, Emily Kelly, Sofia Kehoe, Jennifer (Chris) Thayer, Jeremy (Niki) Hudson, Jason (Brenda) Crisenbery, Jeremy (Natasha) Crisenbery, Sara Crisenbery, Eric Crisenbery, Rebecca (Karthik) Durvasula; and 16 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
Jack and all of his siblings were educated in St. John the Baptist Catholic High School just down the street from their home in Syracuse, NY, and Jack graduated in 1951. He then attended LeMoyne College in Syracuse and attained the Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1955.
Jack and Carol Finkbeiner were married in December, 1956. He enlisted with the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Benning, GA from 1956-1958 before returning to Syracuse.
Jack worked for 35 years in the salt business, primarily for the Diamond Crystal Salt Company based out of St. Clair, MI. He rose from general sales to regional sales manager over many states before his retirement.
Because of his promotions in his job, the family moved frequently. As a result, he had the unique happenstance that each of his 4 children was born in a different state. He later married Barbara Crisenbery in September, 1972.
An outgoing man, he was active over the years in bowling leagues and golf clubs, participated in a local dramatic theater, was a member of an Order of Elks in Toledo; the Knights of Columbus in Syracuse, NY and Indianapolis, IN; the Kiwanis Club in Chelsea, MI; and a member of the Chelsea Community Hospital Auxiliary in Chelsea, MI after retirement.
He was a longtime football season ticket holder for the University of Michigan Wolverines and anyone that knew Jack knew full well he was an avid fan.
There will be a Catholic Funeral Mass held in Jack’s honor at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 850 Douthit Ferry Road, Cartersville, GA 30120 on Friday, Sept 22nd, at 11:00 am, and he will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery for veterans in Canton, GA.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Hospice Care of Georgia or Tiger Lily Estates Assisted Living & Memory Care Home.
Debbie Lynn Link
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 70, passed away Saturday, September 2, 2023, at her home.
She was born September 10, 1952, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Louis George and Dorothea Elaine (Nations) Marshall.
Debbie graduated from Pinckney High School in 1971. Between 1977-2001, she worked at UMI//ProQuest. Debbie decided to be a stay home Grandma in 2003. It was her joy to watch her grandchildren grow up.
Debbie volunteered for the Ann Arbor Lions Club for 20 years, and the Pinckney Senior Center, where she also made cards. She loved making cards and scrapbooking with her sister-in-law, Becky. She enjoyed watching the birds that came to her feeders, watching all the flowers bloom, and making cakes. Debbie will be remembered for her smile, her infectious laugh, and kind spirit.
On October 18, 1992, Debbie married Harold Louis Link, and he survives. In addition to her husband, Debbie is survived by her two daughters, Brandy Johnson of Dexter, Robin Leach of Ypsilanti; and her grandchildren, Garrett and Avery Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, George Marshall; and sister, Lou Ann Marshall.
No public services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Meals on Wheels.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Judy K. Armstrong
of Laingsburg, MI, formerly of Gregory, MI
Age 72, passed away on August 29, 2023 in Lansing, MI.
Judy was born in Ann Arbor, MI on February 2, 1951 to Carl J. and Lillian (Allshouse) Sanderson. She married Charles D. Armstrong on March 3, 1973.
Judy and Chuck lived in Gregory, MI for over 40 years and recently moved to Laingsburg MI to be closer to their family.
Judy was a dedicated administrative assistant at Beach Middle School for over 20 years. She was a member of First Congregational Church of Chelsea for many years.
Judy had a passion for quilting, sewing, and crocheting. She loved to make quilts and blankets for her family and friends. She also enjoyed RVing and spending time with her grandchildren. Judy also spent many summers gardening and canning.
Judy is survived by her husband, Charles, and their three children, Aimee (Brian) Byars and Erin (Richard) Chelotti, all of Dewitt, and Bob (Christin) Armstrong of East Lansing; one brother, Larry (Judy) Sanderson, and one sister, Trudi (Brian) Whitley, all of Grass Lake; nine grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Judy was preceded in death by her parents.
A Memorial Service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Barbara Edema officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., as well as at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church of Chelsea or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (www.themmrf.org.)
Staffan-Mitchell and Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Homes.
Vonda Yvonna Petri
Of Chelsea
At age 91, Vonda passed away at home in Chelsea on August 23, 2023, after complications from a stroke on March 31.
Her legacy is a life devoted to Christ and a heart full of love for everyone she met.
On February 23, 1952, she married her life-long mate, Nicholas Petri, Jr., known to all as ‘Pete’. Together they lived and worked in Michigan until Pete’s retirement when they became Floridians for more than 25 years.
Some of mom’s favorite memories were about saving to buy her first automobile, a blue Hudson, selling Amway, Tupperware, Beeline Fashions, and Queen’s Way to Fashion, becoming a lifeguard and then a hairdresser before working in the Van Buren school system where she started in the lunchroom and finished as the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools.
Her crowning achievement was fulfilling a life-long desire to become a nurse and completing her LPN education and licensure at age 54.
More favorite memories included travel to Cuba in the 50’s, Pakistan and India in the 70’s, and full-time RV-ing throughout the U.S. Her favorite state was Alaska, and Hawaii was the only state she and Pete missed.
Vonda was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Anna Hoskins; her husband, Pete; her son, Nicholas Stephen; and her sisters, Velma and Vera. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon; son-in-law, John Werenski; grandchildren, Bryn and Drew Warren; and beloved extended family and friends.
At Vonda’s request, cremation has taken place, and her family will gather with family and friends at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Jean Ann Ziebell
of Chelsea, Michigan
Passed away on August 21, 2023 after a short, but strong, battle with cancer.
Her battle was defined by many as “stoic”, which is a great description of her.
She was born on April 28, 1944 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Elborn John (aka “Dino”) Ziebell and Irene Ida Mae Ziebell. At age 3, the family moved to northern Michigan, settling in Leland. While in Leland she worked part-time at her dad’s business, the Leelanau Enterprise, as did all of her siblings.
After graduating from Leland Public School, Jean went on to study as a dental assistant. After a short stint in that field, she decided to move on and began working for Wellman Press in Lansing as an editor in the publishing world. The company eventually was sold to the John Henry Company, from which she retired.
Jeanie was affectionately known early on as “Aunt Armenia” because as a young child she was told that if she didn’t eat her food it would be sent to the starving children of Armenia. Eventually she owned the accolade of “Sweet Petunia”, and in later years she was “Beanie” thanks to the auto-correct feature of her niece’s smart phone. Jeanie had an infectious smile and personality with a great sense of humor that included the ability to laugh at herself.
Jeanie loved being an aunt, and would regularly do her best to entertain her nieces and nephews at their young ages with special long weekends. This even extended in later years to great nephews and nieces. She never missed a holiday or birthday to all with a greeting card. And she was always a stallworth with providing snack mix to all family parties.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, EJ Ziebell and Irene Ziebell, and her nephew Daryl Egeler. She is survived by her sisters Judith Egeler and Joy Plamondon Ziebell, and nephews and nieces Susan (Bob) Decker, David Egeler, Daniel (Janet) Egeler and Gayle Egeler, as well as eight grand nephews and nieces.
If you would like to honor this wonderful person, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity.
David Jorgensen
Died at home on August 16, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
He had battled cancers for the last several years: the legacy of his beloved pipe. David is survived by his wife Judy; his daughters Kathryn (Jonathan) Iwamasa, Holly (Jeff) Vetor, and Sylvia Havnen; his grandchildren Sofie, Jabari, Josef, Austin, Colin, Magdalen, Natalia, and Jakob; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and corresponding greats.
David was the son of Danish immigrants Carl and Sigrid Jorgensen. He was born in Detroit, MI, eleven years after the birth of his sister, Esther. His parents created their own extended family in the United States with four other Danish immigrant couples. This “unofficial” Danish family was a huge part of David’s childhood, the children of those couples were his US cousins.
Since his parents both came from large families, he also had many, many cousins in Denmark. For many years after his retirement, he and Judy made annual pilgrimages to Denmark to visit them all.
David’s heroes included Niels Bohr, the Danish physicist. So it was no surprise that he obtained degrees in Physics: a Bachelor’s Degree from Oakland University and a Masters from Wayne State University. Once, in student housing at Wayne, he met a woman who had never seen a cockroach. Always interested in broadening others’ horizons, he quickly pointed out, “there’s one now!” And through this atypical introduction (“we met over a cockroach,” she says), he and Judy began a loving, inquisitive, joyful, and hilarious union that included their 57-year marriage. Their anniversary is August 19th.
Early in their marriage, David and Judy were met with tragedy. While they were expecting their first child, David’s father died. Shortly after Carl’s death, David’s beloved sister Esther was diagnosed with cancer. She had five beautiful children: Julia, Lisa, Tommy, Adrian, and Karen. For the next year, David and Judy drove out every week to care for Esther and the kids. They didn’t hesitate to share their love and care.
David and Judy also shared a love of music. They raised their daughters in a musical home–surrounding them with folk, classical, and jazz. Family vacations included sing-a-longs in the van. David was a huge jazz fan, and an important family tradition was attending the Detroit Jazz Festival.
David’s first job while completing his master’s degree was at Pershing High School in Detroit where he taught physics and math. After a few years of teaching, he changed direction and took a job at Ford Motor Company as an engineer, or as he called it, a “technical maintenance man.” In 1980, he accepted a job teaching high school physics at the Copenhagen International School for a year. He and Judy moved their family to Denmark. The wonderful year in Denmark allowed them all to know his Danish family. After the year in Copenhagen, he returned to Ford and remained with the company through many changes, including the transition to Visteon toward the end of his career. He retired in 1997.
David lived for what Richard Feynman called “the pleasure of finding things out.” But David took that one step further and into the joy of experiencing how things work and enthusiastically sharing this joy with everyone. From a young age, he was a scientific and engineering explorer.
During his retirement, he found he had WAY too much free time on his hands, and developed a deeper interest in astronomy and joined the University Lowbrow Astronomers. He also used his engineering skills for various private projects (aka shenanigans), such as building a potato gun with his son-in-law, which included sensors to measure the speed of the potato as it exited the 6-foot-long barrel.
David and Judy planted a half-acre garden for most of their marriage and were strategically protective of their crops. David installed an electric fence 18 inches high to keep the raccoons out of the sweet corn. The fence also played a role in one of David’s favorite party tricks: lighting up a fluorescent bulb with the fence charge. He may have, once or twice, invited unsuspecting friends and family to take his hand while he held the other end of the bulb–surprising them with a shock as they completed the circuit.
Always an explosion enthusiast, in his later life, he maintained some semblance of safety by confining his explosion extravaganza to an annual fourth of July fireworks display, with his safety helmet and blowtorch. Despite the mosquitoes, the fireworks were enjoyed by all. Such was the joy and enthusiasm he brought to everything he shared with people in his life.
He was an inspiration to many, and a joy to all who loved him. If you are far away and want to feel closer to him, go out and look at your night sky and soak in the beauty of the cosmos. You know how he loved the stars.
David’s family will receive friends on Sunday, August 20, 2023, from 2-5pm at Cole Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to Faith in Action in Chelsea.
Margaret “Peggy” Catherine Dillinger Beals, RN
of Waterloo Township, Michigan
Age 91, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Silver Maples of Chelsea.
She was born April 10, 1932, in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of George E. and Ruth P. (Litzenberg) Dillinger.
Peggy graduated from Germantown High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1950, and received her RN from the Albert Einstein Medical Center in 1953.
Peggy married Theodore Fairbank Beals in the Douglas Memorial Chapel in Ann Arbor on June 13, 1954. Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her brother George.
She is survived by her children, Sandra Beals of Ann Arbor, James Beals (Kelli Sullivan) of Ann Arbor, Lynn Beals of Webster Township, and John Beals of Ann Arbor; two brothers, David Dillinger of Warrington, Pennsylvania, and Paul Dillinger of Escondito, California; five grandchildren, Andrea (Moreno-Beals) (Yoni) Paz, Brian Moreno, Michael Moreno, William Becker, and Josh (Miranda) McVety; one great-grandchild, Soleil Daliya Paz; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Soon after her graduation from nursing school, Peggy came to Ann Arbor to serve as private duty nurse at U of M Hospital for her brother George, who had been seriously injured in an automobile accident. She continued to work at the hospital for many years in various departments.
Peggy was a pioneer in childbirth education, founding a local organization, the Family Life Forum, to provide education for the childbearing year, writing books for courses and teacher training, traveling throughout the US and Canada to train teachers, and serving as Co-president of the International Childbirth Association for two terms in the 1960s. She studied homeopathy in the 1980s, attending the National Center for Homeopathy’s Summer School for many years and teaching introductory courses in Ann Arbor.
In 1990, Peggy and Ted bought property in Waterloo Township, MI, where they both participated in the township, serving on various boards and committees. In the early 2000s, she learned of Nourishing Traditions, an approach to healthy nutrition, and became active in studying and teaching the principles of Weston A. Price, DDS. She was a chapter leader for the Weston A. Price Foundation for many years, and wrote a book, Caring for Fresh Milk, which continues to be very popular with dairy farmers and consumers of whole, fresh, unprocessed milk. She served on the board of the Farm-to-Consumer Foundation, working to support small dairy farms and farmers. She also participated in a workgroup that brought together representatives of small and industrial dairy farmers with state officials in Lansing, Michigan, and resulted in a Report, which she published and sold through her company, Spring House Press.
In addition to her enduring commitment to teaching, Peggy was creative and artistically talented, over the years producing elegant millinery, stained glass art, crewel embroidery, ballroom dancing costumes, and Michigan State Fair prize-winning wedding cakes. She loved to sing, at home and in church choirs, and her gardens were always vibrant works of art. Ted and Peggy were passionate about dancing together. They met at a square dance, and that shared interest was a continuous theme throughout their 66-year marriage. They danced several times a week for nearly 50 years, taking private lessons and participating in many square and ballroom dance clubs.
A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held at a later date. A private burial will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Ann Arbor.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Farm-to-Consumer Foundation or the National Center for Homeopathy.
Jerald Lee Coyne Schwiebert
of Chelsea
72, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 14, 2023.
He died at home, surrounded by family, after a decade-long battle with cancer. Jerry was a man of many passions, including fly fishing, sailing, cycling, soccer, painting, teaching, and most importantly his family. He loved to fly fish, especially on the Au Sable River, and even illustrated Rusty Gates’ flyfishing book, “Seasons on the Au Sable.”
Jerry grew up in Napoleon, Ohio and graduated from Napoleon High School in 1969. Afterward, he attended the University of Toledo, where he earned a specialized degree in Theatrical Arts and Production. Following graduation, Jerry worked as an assistant film editor in NYC, assisting with many network commercials. As a young man he became Director of the Toledo Public Arts Center and oversaw the design and construction of a theater.
Jerry earned admission to the graduate directing program at the University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, where he studied with the distinguished American director Allen Schneider and foremost acting teacher Arthur Wagner. His academic career included positions at Hillsdale College, Michigan Tech University, the University of Toledo, and Southern Methodist University. However, the vast majority and end of his career was spent at the University of Michigan, where Jerry will be remembered for numerous productions, including Almost Maine and The Crucible, as well as his annual “Freshman Show.”
While at the University of Michigan, Jerry began working with conductors. This work culminated in his writing two books, “Physical Expression and the Performing Artist: Moving Beyond the Plateau” and “Expressive Conducting: Movement and Performance Theory for Conductors.” He also consulted on Michael Haithcock’s book, “The Elements of Expressive Conducting.”
Jerry married his lifelong sweetheart Anne Marie Coyne in 1983, to whom he was married for 40 years. He is survived by her, his two children, Alexander AuSable and Anna (“Annika”), and his grandchildren, Caroline and Adelaide. Other loved ones include Alex’s wife, Sarah Brim, Anna’s husband, John Cramer, as well as Jerry’s brothers, Loren, Weldon, and James and their wives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Loida Schwiebert, and his siblings, Wayne Paul and Mary Ann.
Jerry’s enthusiasm, energy, humor, and creativity brought joy to many throughout his life. He will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held Friday, August 18, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Michigan with Rev. Dr. Barbara Edema officiating. The family will receive friends before the service at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Anglers of the Au Sable, https://www.ausableanglers.org/, the University of Michigan School of Theater, Music and Dance, https://smtd.umich.edu/giving/, or a charity of your choice.
Pauline Lillian Shaw
of Manchester, Michigan
Age 97, died Monday, August 7, 2023, at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born September 8, 1925, in Westford, Massachusetts, the daughter of William and Eva Mary (Goslin) Socorelis.
Pauline earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Iowa. She remained an avid Hawkeye fan. During wartime she worked many jobs to pay for her education. Later, she displayed her creativity and skill in sewing custom clothing and in home decorating.
One great talent was in giftwrapping. Begun at a gift shop, her talent was wonderfully expressed as her family received beautifully crafted holiday presents. She spent many years in bookstore management at Oakland Community College where she enjoyed working with students, staff and faculty, especially those interested in art. Pauline continued to enjoy drawing and painting, most often in oils and water color, throughout her life.
She also delighted in flower gardening, many types of music, and reading mysteries, crime novels, literary fiction, and memoirs. Her family, neighbors, and all those she encountered will remember her as a truly kind, generous and vibrant person.
On September 10, 1949, Pauline married Robert Shaw, and he preceded her in death on March 6, 2009. Pauline and Robert enjoyed travel with trips to New England, Paris, and especially Hawaii. She is survived by her son, Timothy (Diane) Shaw of Hendersonville, TN; daughter, Pamela (Howard) Holmes of Chelsea; many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a niece. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother William S. Ellis, and a son, Thomas Shaw.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Aug.19, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, https://nmwa.org/, WRCJ Radio, https://www.wrcjfm.org/, or Detroit Public TV, https://www.dptv.org/.
Sharon E. Davis
of Grass Lake, Michigan
Age 74, died Thursday, July 27, 2023, at home.
She was born January 2, 1949, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the daughter of Prentiss C. and Hilda May (Weber) Davis.
Sharon graduated from Chelsea High School in 1967. Shortly after, she attended Foote Hospital’s three-year RN nursing program before transferring to the University of Michigan where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing and her master’s degree is psychiatric nursing.
Sharon briefly worked at Mercy Wood, but spent the majority of her nursing career at the VA Medical Center. In 1996, she attended the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA with her brother William, which was an experience neither of them would forget.
Sharon briefly attended the Chelsea Assembly of God.
She is survived by her brother, William (Marsha) Davis of Grass Lake; and many cousins. Sharon is preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Sharon’s life on Saturday, August 26, 10:00 a.m. at the Grass Lake Assembly of God, 2900 Mt. Hope Rd., Grass Lake, MI 49240.
David Pochay
Age 52, died on May 10, 2022, in Keizer, Oregon.
He was born on January 27, 1970 to Philip and Ellen (Peters) Pochay in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he grew up with his brother Philip John and sister Melody.
David loved to organize and although he was one of the younger kids in his neighborhood, other kids frequently relied on him to choose the activity of the day. He loved karate, Mountain Dew, Dungeons and Dragons, GURPS and similar roleplaying games. As time went on, his interests expanded to B movies, computer games and some hard rock music. David loved fun.
In September 1984, David moved to Chelsea, Michigan with his family. After his daughter, Kelsey Ellen was born he moved to Garland, Texas.
David moved to Minnesota in 2005 to help with the family business for several years, eventually meeting his second wife, Erica Redlich. Erica was Canadian and some of their courtship was conducted by computer. They were married November 8, 2009, in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. They settled in Keizer, Oregon with Erica’s daughter Kaitlyn Yusko (nicknamed Kaity). David was incomparably funny, hospitable, and kind. And he was always very devoted to family. He worked hard to give his family the best possible life that he could.
David is survived by his wife Erica, his daughter Kelsey, his step-daughter Kaity, parents, Philip and Ellen Pochay, Sister Melody Vassoff of Bloomington, Minnesota, brother Philip John (RoxAnn) Pochay of Wyoming, Minnesota, and Kelsey’s mother Amie. He is also survived by uncles, aunts, nephews, their families, and several life-long friends.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 13 at 3:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Michigan. The family will receive friends from 2pm until the time of service.
Memorial donations can be made out to World Food Program USA, 1750 H. St. NW, Ste. 500, Washington, DC 20006, https://www.wfpusa.org.
Phyllis Joan Kalmbach
of Chelsea, MI
Age 91, died peacefully in her sleep, after a short illness, Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
She was born July 18, 1931 in Ann Arbor Michigan, the daughter of Walter A. and Elsie M. Heydlauff Kalmbach.
Phyllis graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1955 with a degree in education, and went on to earn a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan. She taught elementary school, mainly second grade, in Jackson until she retired in 1989. She was also an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for many years.
Phyllis was the organist for Salem Grove Methodist Church for over fifty years. She also served as the church treasurer, taught vacation Bible school many summers, and helped with the Christmas tree/Craft Sale every December.
Phyllis had many hobbies including sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She crocheted beautiful lace baptism dresses for two of her great nieces. She was very interested in genealogy and has done extensive research on the family tree. She loved to travel and went to Germany one summer with her cousin Gloria to visit Heydlauff cousins in Stuttgart. She also enjoyed a family cruise to Alaska with her brother and family, and, in later years, accompanying the family to Florida to celebrate the Christmas holidays.
Phyllis was an avid lifetime learner. She took advantage of the many opportunities offered at the Chelsea Senior Center, traveling, and taking genealogy and computer classes. She was also active in community service including Meals on Wheels. In addition to her family, one of Phyllis’s greatest loves was the family cottage on Clear Lake where she summered most of her adult life. She also loved the family farm and gazing across at the fields most summer evenings in her later years as she sat on the front porch of the old family home.
She was preceded in death by her brother Walter A. Kalmbach Jr. and her sister-in-law Virginia Richards Kalmbach of Grand Rapids. Phyllis is survived and will be sadly missed by a niece, Ann (David) Kalmbach Moore of Caledonia; a nephew, Kevin (Debra) Kalmbach of Ludington; a great-nephew Jeffrey Moore; and great nieces Megan Moore, Marla Woodward, and Kayla Williams.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Salem Grove Cemetery at 2:30 pm with Pastor Mary Barret officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made out to Salem Grove United Methodist Church 3320 Notten Rd., Grass Lake, Michigan 49240.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Michael Timothy Lucas
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 71, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 13, 2023, at his home.
He was born February 20, 1952, in Saint Simons, Georgia, the son of Albert Lawrence Lucas and Nora Irene (Larock) Lucas.
Michael was General Manager of Manchester Machine for 30 years where he was highly sought out for his specialized precision work of commercial machines. He was often referred to as MacGyver by many because of his ability to repair and refurbish equipment better than it was from the factory.
Mike had a tremendous sense of humor and always loved a good laugh He was loved by many. At the end, Michael reached out to those most important to him so he could say goodbye.
Mike had many talents and hobbies. He was a phenomenal wood worker who was into astronomy, enjoyed RC airplanes, drag racing, nature and many more. Michael was a kind soul and a natural mechanical problem solver. He was a mentor and inspiration to so many people.
Mike is survived by his wife of 27 years, Cynthia Ann Clippert. He is also survived by his son, Michael E. (Karen) Lucas of Interlochen; daughter, Jennifer (Charles) Taylor of Constantine; step-son, Daniel (Tiffany Soule) Clippert of Chelsea; sisters, Susan (Kevin) Barker of Georgia, and Kelly (Steve) Gotha of Gregory; grandchildren, Brandon, Emma, Jay, Marrianne, Chelsea, Makayla, Madison, Isabelle, Charles II, Ellianna, Grace, Parker, Christian, Madelyn, and Elizabeth; and great-grandchildren, Koltyn, Lidya, Noah, Macy, and Sophia. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Angela Kennedy; granddaughter, Ciara.
A Memorial/Celebration of Life Service will be held at Chelsea First United Methodist Church on August 13th with visitation starting at 1pm with service at 2pm. Memorial Contributions can be made to Chelsea Robotics, https://www.chelsearobotics.org/.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Candace Platt
of Chelsea
76, passed away on July 6th, 2023, at home after a long illness.
She is a beloved mother, wife and sister. Candace was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, marrying her husband Barry on March 17th, 1974.
She lived an adventurous life and was an avid reader and enjoyed theatre. She is predeceased by her parents Thomas B. Cresswell Sr. and Barbara Worth Cresswell Sr. and her brother Jonathan, and is survived by her husband Barry, her sisters Barbara, Deborah, and Wendy and her brother Thomas, as well as her daughter Tara, her son-in-law Yuri, and her grandson Sagan.
She will be deeply missed by her family.
Ruth A. Curtis
Chelsea, Michigan, a former long-term resident of Sharon Township
Age 67, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Henry Ford Hospice in Jackson.
She was born July 31, 1955, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Norman E. and Paula (Hefele) Curtis.
Ruth graduated from Manchester High School. She then earned her LPN from Eastern Michigan University and her RN from Ferris State University. Ruth worked diligently throughout her life as a float nurse and had a passion for working with children in psychiatric units.
She also had a deep admiration for the outdoors and all animals. Ruth raised sheep for many years, taking them to county and state fairs to compete in various competitions. She won numerous awards for her sheep and their wool, including Grand Champion in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, to name a few. If you got her talking about sheep, she could talk for hours.
Ruth was a member of the American Corriedale Association, participated with 4-H; and was a member of the Red Hat Society in Chelsea. Faith was important to Ruth. She loved coordinating ice cream socials at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, where she was also a member. Ruth enjoyed being outdoors, working in her garden. She had fond memories growing up spending time in her mother’s garden and fruit trees.
Ruth is survived by her mother, Paula Curtis of Jackson; twin sister, Monica (Gary) Walter of Grass Lake; niece and nephew, Abby Briggs and John (Marianne) Walter; very special great-nieces, Sophie Briggs and Alexis ”Lexie” Walter; and dear cousins, Shelley, Carol and Kitty. She was preceded in death by her father.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” -2 Timothy 4:7
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating, with a luncheon to follow. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 3050 S. Fletcher Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118 or to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, 1340 E. Hospital Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48189.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Frank “Andy” Compau Jr.
passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on July 18, 2023.
He was born May 18, 1954 in Wyandotte, Michigan, the first child of Joan and Frank Compau.
Frank was raised in Trenton, Michigan, spending most of his childhood outdoors. In his early years his passion for the outdoors began. He spent countless hours on the water, boating, fishing and waterskiing. As he grew it expanded and he became an avid hunter, fisherman and tracker. His need to be in the outdoors lead him into a career as a landscaper, which ended when he retired from Ford Land Management as Head Landscaper for Ford World Headquarters and all surrounding properties they owned.
He met his wife Jeanette (Gratz) in 1973, They were married in 1975 and shared three beautiful children. Frank Compau III, Jennifer (Paul) Ruble and Krystle (Shane) Martin who between them gave them 7 grandchildren, Tiffany, Macey, Briana, Paul Jr, Frank IV, Ashton, and Frederick; and 5 great-grandchildren, Zane, Harley, Vanessa, Scarlet and Raymond. He is also survived by his siblings David (Linda) Compau, Cheryl Buza, Barb (Tim) Donia and Scott (Rose) Compau; and several loving members of the Gratz family. He was preceded in death by both his parents Joan and Frank.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Cheryl Bertha Schoenberg
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 94, passed away Monday, July 17, 2023, at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born May 22, 1929, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, the daughter of Walter and Marie (Stine) Sohn.
Cheryl graduated from Imlay City High School in 1946. She married Don Schoenberg on April 19, 1947. Together, they traveled from farm to farm in the “thumb” region of Michigan. They towed their trailer home with them from farm to farm. While doing this they made many lasting friendships. In 1952, they moved to Grass Lake, Michigan, where Don took a job as a herdsman for Gotfredson Farms.
In 1965, they moved to Chelsea, where Cheryl took a job as a Dental Assistant/Receptionist for Dr. Clare Warren. She worked there until she retired in 1985. She was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and taught children’s Sunday school. She loved playing Euchre with friends, gardening, and she and Don had many adventures traveling across the U.S. and Europe, with their children and, later, with friends.
On April 19, 1947, she married Donald Ray Schoenberg in Imlay City, and he preceded her in death on December 18, 2015. Survivors include two sons, Doug (Beckie) of Chelsea, and Dale (Cindy) of Stockbridge; and a sister, Rita Makedonsky of Imlay City. Other survivors include five grandchildren, Corrie (Matthew Arnn) Schoenberg, Rachel (Joseph) Ivanowski, Christopher (Jessica) Schoenberg, Sunni (Eric Moore) Schoenberg, Kaci (Robert) Wright; and 10 great-grandchildren, Colin Botwinski, Wyatt Ivanowski, Rhett Ivanowski, Dash Arnn-Schoenberg, Anwen Arnn-Schoenberg, Finn Schoenberg, Ava Schoenberg, Henry Schoenberg, Lailah Wright, and Emma Wright. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; and a son, Dean Schoenberg.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 23, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 3050 S Fletcher Rd, Chelsea, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will follow at Vermont Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Saturday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., and at the church Sunday, prior to the service starting at noon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or Habitat for Humanity.
Benjamin H. Bower
Peacefully fell asleep in death on July 6,2023, at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor. He was 71 years old.
Ben was a devoted husband and loving father, a gentle giant that managed to make friends wherever he went. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses he enjoyed sharing his love for Jehovah and the Bible with others. He was also an avid reader and football fan.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents. Benjamin Robert and Mary Lou (Merriman) Bower and his wife of 51 yrs, Susan (Freeland) Bower. He is survived by his children, Abby and Ben; brothers, Donald and Joel; and sister, Elizabeth (Bower) Nalepa, as well as many dear friends too numerous to mention.
His memorial service will be held Sunday, July 23, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 17690 W. Old US Highway 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Joan St. Clair Smart
of Chelsea, Michigan
Passed away at her home on July 5, 2023 with her wife, Lisa, by her side.
Joan was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 7, 1943, to Beverly and Harry Balsley. Joan was educated at Redford Union High School, then went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in education at Northern Michigan University.
Joan taught English and History at Marquette High School, later moving downstate to work for DTE Energy.
Joan’s dream was to someday live on the water. In 1982, Joan met her future spouse, Lisa, and soon they purchased a lakeside home near Chelsea. Upon Joan’s retirement in 2002, they relocated to Provincetown, Massachusetts, a small seaside town at the tip of Cape Cod. This was Joan’s “special place”. She loved the town for its beauty and diversity, and there she cherished her very close friends.
In 2019, Joan spent her retirement years golfing, traveling, reading and also fitting in her daily walks.
Joan is survived by her wife of 41 years, Lisa Cook; son, Jeffrey (Kim) Smart; three grandchildren, Kayla, Rebecca, and Hayden Smart; sisters, Carol (Steve) Firavich and Marianne Churchill; brother-in-law, Scott (Bonnie) Cook of Chelsea; and many nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Beverly (Richardson) Balsley; and sister, Sally Cecere.
The family would like to thank Residential Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.
Mary Elizabeth Collins
of Chelsea Michigan
Passed away peacefully on July 10th, 2023. Born in Salem, Oregon on 11/28/1930, Mary spent her childhood enjoying Cannon Beach with her family before moving to Ann Arbor in January 1947.
She met her future husband, Neal Collins in July of 1947 at Barton Pond before they both graduated from Ann Arbor High in June of 1948. Neal and Mary wed in March of 1952 before welcoming son Ned Collins in March of 1954.
One of their biggest joys was building their own home in the Lakewood Subdivision before moving in January of 1955 and welcoming daughter Becky Jane in August of 1955. She enjoyed camping with friends and family, golfing, and traveling. Neal and Mary retired down to Homosassa, Florida in 2002 where they enjoyed their new home with a lanai and pool.
Mary returned to Michigan in 2016 to be closer to family before moving into Silver Maples of Chelsea in 2018 where she enjoyed spending time with friends, crafting, outings, and happy hour. She loved reminiscing with fellow residents and participating on several committees including the food committee and welcoming committee. She loved spending time with family and watching her great grandchildren grow and prosper.
Mary is proceeded in death by her daughter Becky Jane (1973) and the love of her life, Neal who passed in 2003. She is survived by her son Ned (Stephanie) Collins of Ann Arbor, Melissa (Vaughn) Pogel (son Jaxon) of Ann Arbor, Erica (Craig) Monahan (daughters Riley and Keygan) of Chelsea.
Mary will be interned in the United Methodist Memorial Garden alongside her daughter Becky and husband Neal.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to Silver Maples Silver Lining Fund, Silvermaples.org.
James (Jim) Periord, Sr.
of Dexter, MI
Age 89, passed away on July 9, 2023. He was born April 7, 1934 to Frederick and Maude (DeShano) Periord.
He graduated from St. Michael High School in Flint, MI, where he held many school records playing football, basketball and baseball.
He married his high school sweetheart Lorraine M. Gumm on August 7, 1954. He attended and earned a degree from General Motors Institute (GMI). He moved to Ypsilanti MI in 1959 where he worked for General Motors Fisher Body assembly plant (which became GMAC and BOC assembly divisions) eventually retiring as a process engineer at age 53 with 30 years of service.
Jim was known as a go to guy for solving problems. Using his education and experience he helped family and friends with automotive repairs and home improvement projects.
He enjoyed watching college and professional sports. Jim played golf and bowled on recreational leagues for many years. He also taught himself to play the banjo, harmonica and ukulele. He moved to Dexter, MI in 1984 and became an active member of the Chelsea Senior Center where he socialized and participated in wii games, cards, bingo and played the ukulele with their members band. He attended St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea enjoyed Christian music and prayed to God often.
He is preceded in death by Lorraine, his wife of 64 years, his son Gary Periord, his parents, sisters Joan Beamish and Donna Thibodeau, and brother Jack Periord. He is survived by his children, Janet Hawkins, James (Regina) Periord, Jr., David Periord, Connie (Tom) McQuade, Daniel (Kathy) Periord, Steve Cagle, and his daughter-in-law Jeanine Periord, as well as his grandchildren Amanda, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Sandra, Joseph, Hannah, Lindsey, Abby, Natalie, Brandon, Brittany, and great-grandchildren Addison, Kinsley, Deagan, Evelyn, Henry, River, Milo, Karen, Gerald, Savanna, Isabelle, Emerson and Wesley. He will be greatly missed.
Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea on Saturday, July 15th, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., A Mass in celebration of his life will take place at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Monday, July 17th at 11:00 am (with pre-mass visitation at 10:00am). Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.
– Cole Funeral Chapel, 214 E. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118
– St. Mary Catholic Church 14200 E. Old US Hwy 12 Chelsea, MI 48118
– Mt. Olivet Cemetery 1325 Freer Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118
Memorial contributions can be made to: Chelsea Senior Center, Chelsea Retirement Community and St. Mary Catholic Church.
Melinda K. Mercury
Age 65 of Boise, ID passed away unexpectedly May 11, 2023.
Melinda grew up in Chelsea, MI, a ’75 graduate of Chelsea High. She attended college in ID, receiving her undergraduate and graduate degree in Business and Instructional Design while working for various technical and educational organizations.
Melinda is survived by her daughter Levyana Mercury-Apel, siblings Jan Forsyth, Shirley Curran, Arlene Music and Michael Newcome.
Celebration of Life and memorial service will be held at a later date.
Janyth “Jan” Dresselhouse
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 85, died Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born February 26, 1938 in Livonia, Michigan, the daughter of Roy M. and Dorothy Van Atta.
Jan graduated from Northville High School. She worked at the bank to put Jerry through college, and left work to raise her children. She and Jerry moved to Chelsea in 1970. She was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Jan enjoyed her chickens and selling eggs.
On February 28, 1959, she married Gerald “Jerry” Dresselhouse in Northville, and he preceded her in death on May 15, 2011. Survivors include a son, Bruce Dresselhouse of Chelsea; her grandson, Owen; a daughter-in-law Pamela of Howell; two brothers-in-law, William (Peg) Chizmar of Florida, Robert (Audrey) of Tawas; several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son David and her sister Carolyn Nester
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea. Burial will follow at Vermont Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 to 11am.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
DORIS J. WATKINS METTLER
Sept. 4, 1926 – June 15, 2023
Doris Jean Watkins Mettler, age 96, of Largo, Florida, formerly of Allen, MI and Chelsea, MI passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Sabal Palms Health of Largo.
She was born on September 4, 1926, in Hillsdale, to Lee and Inez (Aldridge) Van Fleet.
Doris graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1943 and attended Jackson Business University and Washtenaw Community College. She was married to William R. Watkins from 1946 until his death in 1990. They lived in Allen until relocating to Chelsea in 1961. Doris worked at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, the Veterans Administration Hospital, and retired from the Secretary of State Office in Chelsea in 1981. William and Doris developed White Marble Springs in Allen into the White Marble Springs Campground. They moved to Largo, FL in 1987.
Doris was a member of the Allen Pythian Sisters, the Chelsea Eastern Stars and the National Campers and Hikers Association. She is a former member of Bankers Baptist Church, Chelsea Methodist Church and the Anona United Methodist Church in Largo. She enjoyed volunteering for the Largo Police Department, traveling, swimming, camping, bowling, and spending summers at Lighthouse Village in Homer, MI.
Doris married Edward Mettler in 1995 and he preceded her in death in 2011. She is survived by sons, William L. Watkins of Jonesville and Ronald D. (Joyce) of Hillsdale; stepdaughter Judy Marry, Hudson; grandchildren W. Brian (Barbara) Watkins, Allison Watkins, Andrew (Kathryn) Watkins, Allen “AJ” (Tina) Watkins, Christopher (Amy) Watkins, Mindy Marry, and Jamie Marry; fourteen great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter; siblings Dale (Gretna) Van Fleet, Mildred Galloway, and Audrey Younglove; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by husbands William R. Watkins and Edward Mettler; siblings, Harriett Zimmerman, Miriam Bailey, and Duane Van Fleet; and daughter-in-law Diane Watkins.
A graveside service for Doris Watkins Mettler will take place at a later date at Allen Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Allen Area Historical Society or Chapters Health Hospice Largo Resource Center.
Carol Ann Bender
of Gregory, Michigan
Age 71, died Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Trinity Health in Ann Arbor.
She was born August 2, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Peter and Eleanore (Jensen) Bender.
It was her love of animals that brought her to her career as a professional dog groomer.
On October 2, 2015, she married Joan Rose Bild. Joan preceded her in death on November 23, 2021. She is survived by a sister, Debi (David) Sierpien of Washington, Michigan; her niece, Dana (Mike) Stafford; and great-nieces Kaitlyn and Samantha Stafford. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Brian and Bruce Bender.
A private memorial will be held at Carol’s home.
Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
Stanley Clyde Sprague
of Chelsea, MI
Died peacefully June 14, 2023. Stanley (Stan) was born November 13, 1934, to Clyde and Mildred (Kidd) Sprague, in Plain Township, Ohio.
He was named after his mother’s favorite uncle (Stanley Hindley) and his father. He was an only child, the son of a farmer and spent a lot of his time alone. He learned to appreciate nature at an early age and loved to hunt and fish. He developed an interest in bird watching after a trip in high school with a friend. He found a coupon in a magazine for a correspondence course in taxidermy. He took the course and soon shot and stuffed his own collection of birds including an owl and pheasant using the wire and glass eyes provided by the course.
Stan attended school in Bowling Green where he was a good student. He had a motorized bike he rode into town. His interests included playing clarinet in the band, singing in the choir, track and he was a running back on his high school football team. He also developed an interest in photography, saving up for an entire year to buy his first camera.
In 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Nixon, and went on to have a family of five children. Stan graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1956 with a major in Business Administration. Although he worked as a butcher at Kroger’s while he attended BGSU and was offered a management position following graduation, his mother convinced him to apply to IBM. He was offered and accepted a job with IBM in August of 1956 and the family moved to Detroit, Michigan.
They moved to Flint where Stan was a Field Technical Representative, wiring computer boards while working on General Motors accounts. Several years later, the family moved to Grand Blanc.
Stan became the first System Engineering Manager in Michigan and later moved into Marketing where he earned several 100% Clubs. In 1969 he moved to Poughkeepsie, New York where he worked in IBM product development, helping to launch the first multi-processor models of IBM’s mainframe computers. In 1974, the family moved back to West Bloomfield, Michigan where Stan once more worked as a System Engineer on General Motors accounts. Stan earned many awards and System Engineering Symposiums with IBM, retiring in 1987.
Stan and Nancy moved to a house on Lake Ann for their retirement. For a while they also wintered in the Bradenton, Florida area when Stan inherited a house from his parents. Later they lived in a condo on Old Mission Point and then more recently at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
It was while in New York that Stan’s love of bird watching, and photography intersected. He built dark rooms in both the Poughkeepsie and West Bloomfield houses, developing black and white and color film. When digital cameras became available, he bought color printers, Photoshop software and never looked back. For his 80th birthday, his family produced a coffee book of a selection of his nature prints.
Stan’s retirement brought him many diversions – besides his photography, he loved to fish and do woodworking. Stan and Nancy were members of the Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian when they lived in West Bloomfield. They became member of the Traverse City Presbyterian Church when they moved north. He joined the Lion’s Club, became a Stephen Minister at The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, and became involved with the Village of Lake Ann Planning commission.
Stan was foreman on Habitat for Humanity projects while in Traverse City. Stan and Nancy helped plant the Northern Lakes Community Church (Presbyterian) and Stan was a founding member.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Mildred Sprague and his daughter Susan Rushton. Stan is survived by his children: Ed Sprague (Jo), Mike Sprague (Ruth), Sally Montera (Dave) and Barbara Davenport (John); his grandchildren: Hilary, Molly, Jason, Leah, Stephanie, Sean, Carly, Drew, Tara, Kady, and Wiley; and great grandchildren: Kaleb, Carter, Kolden, Kenzie, Callie, Levi, Luka, Tucker, Ryland, William, Gaige, Griffin, Gaines, Mae, Ruby, Cameron, Liam, Elliot, Julia, and Leif.
A celebration of life will be held later. Memorial contributions may be made in Stan’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Theodore “Ted” Kokenakes
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor
Age 87, died Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born January 10, 1936, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Frank John and Younoula “Jennie” Kokenakes.
Ted was a graduate of Ann Arbor High School. He owned and worked for several party stores in the Ann Arbor area. Ted retired from the University of Michigan where he worked in the Housing Department. He enjoyed playing the piano, traveling and U of M sports. Ted had a kind heart and touched the lives of many. For Ted, family was everything.
Ted married Sharon Lee Porter on March 25, 1963. They lived together in Ann Arbor, for fifty-five years before relocating to Chelsea. Sharon preceded him in death on April 22, 2022. Ted is survived by his two daughters, Melissa Kokenakes of Chelsea, and Jennifer (Scott) Cratty of Spring Hill, Florida; and two grandchildren, Sarah Budnick and Nathan Budnick. In addition to his wife, Ted was preceded in death by his daughter, Therese Kokenakes; brother, Peter Kokenakes; and two sisters, Mary Manos and Ethel Lewis.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 20 2:00pm at the Glacier Commons/Towsley Village Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the UMRC Porter Hills Foundation for the Team Member Support Services East.
Thomas Edward “Tommy” Denton was born on March 19, 1961 with a head of curly red hair.
Tommy grew up and went to school in Ypsi, Ann Arbor, and Dexter. He took great pride in being good at everything – he could lift anything, fix anything, move anything, repair anything, play any sport – he could do anything and do it well. He even made the best green bean casserole at Thanksgiving every year and sang in a professional Opera in San Diego when he was 13.
Tommy was also very good at eating anything anyone else didn’t want or didn’t like and he was always there if you needed help with something. He was a HUGE UM Wolverines and Detroit Lions fan and he was really into wolves.
Tom owned “Peeping Tom” Window Washing, and was an auto parts manager at several locations. He started a motorcycle club, and enjoyed riding.
Tommy was preceded in death by his mother Betty Denton Parmer and sister Laura Denton. He is survived by his father Paul Denton, brother Charlie Denton, sister Paula Denton, son “Little Paul” Denton, niece Meg Krull, nephew Kyler Denton McHardy, great-niece Evvie Mae Krull Burke and good dog, Sadie Mae.
Tommy was kind-hearted and will be missed a lot. Right on.
The family will greet friends at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea on Friday, June 16th, from 6-7 pm with a brief service at 7:00 pm.
Donations in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Cardiovascular center at Michigan Medicine.
Robert Rasmussen
Age 101, passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at his home, with his family at his side.
He was born December 6, 1921 in Forest City, Iowa, the son of Anton Ensign and Clara Nateva (Emmons) Rasmussen.
Robert served in the Army as a Corporal in the Philippines during WWII. He was an Aeronautical Engineer and later an automotive engineer. He worked for Boeing in Seattle, Washington, then for Chrysler Aerospace in New Orleans, Louisiana (on NASA’s Saturn rocket project); and finally the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea, retiring in 1991.
He has lived in Chelsea since 1969. Robert was a member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ. He enjoyed traveling, particularly to San Francisco (where his son lived)); and woodworking. Dad exercised 3 times a week on his Nordic track, which he bought when he retired at age 70. His favorite adage was “Bodies are made to move.” He also enjoyed classical music and played his trombone every day in retirement.
On April 19, 1952, he married Betty Bennett in Toppenish, WA, and she preceded him in death on August 24, 2006. He is survived by two daughters, Susan (Richard) Huelsberg of Saline, Christine Gaunt of Ann Arbor; a son-in-law, John “Jack” Daniels; two grandchildren, Steve (Richele) Gaunt and Kristin (Ethan) McLaughlin; three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Isla, and Oliver; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard, brothers-in-law, Eugene Bennett and Jerre Lieberman, a sister, Ruth Lieberman, a sister-in-law, Alice Smith Rasmussen, and his son, Brock.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 16, 11:00 am at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea, with Rev. Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Thursday from 5 to 7 pm and Friday from 10-11 a.m., at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 14600 Old US 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Christine Louise Meyers
Christine Meyers, age 70, of Boyne City, long time resident of Chelsea, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 9, 2023.
Daughter of Don and the late Therese Doll. Beloved wife of John for 30 years. Loving mother of Brian Colliau and Steven (Nicole) Colliau. Loving stepmother of Tommy (Missy) Meyers, Mickey (Debbie) Meyers, and Jimmy (Jen) Meyers. Dear sister of Betsy Marie (Larry) Hackworth, Larry (Stephanie) Doll, Jerry (late Kaye) Doll, Kevin (DeAnn) Doll, and Cathy (Mike) Norman.
Christine loved cooking, canning, camping, bird watching, gardening, swimming with her friends the Charlevoix Pool Angels, and most of all spending time with her loving family.
Donations may be made to the Michigan Humane Society in her name. Arrangements made by Rudy Funeral Home in Center Line.
Visitation will be held at Cole Funeral Chapel, 214 East Middle Street, Chelsea, 48118, on Thursday, June 15th from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Procession to Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.
Marian E. Schultz
Chelsea, Michigan
Marian Elizabeth Schultz passed away at age 98 on Saturday, June 3, 2023, surrounded by family at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born October 8, 1924, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Earl and Alma (Gfeller) Southard.
She was married to Wilfred Henry “Wil” Schultz for over 72 years before he passed away in 2015. Marian and Wil had four boys. Marian was immensely proud of her boys, their spouses, and their families, each of which has folded Marian’s values and caring nature into their own lives.
Marian and Wil travelled extensively, visiting over ten countries and 49 states. After retirement, they bought a motor home and made that their primary form of travel for 20 years, always making time each summer for special travels with each grandchild. Marian had such a warm and welcoming personality that she had a “following” of innumerable friends of all ages.
In fact, many of Marian’s great-grandchildren fondly remember her as one of their childhood best friends. She also loved to spend time with her family at Pearl, Donner, or Gull Lakes.
Her loving nature led Marian into nursing and many other caregiver roles. She also had a passion for gardening, nature, cooking, and painting. Her paintings grace the homes of many of her family members. She was a long-time member of Augsburg Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio, before moving to Dexter, Michigan, in 2003, and joining Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor.
Survivors include four sons, Bill (Ginny) of Novato, California, Ken (Pat) of Pinckney, Michigan, Larry (Marie) of Jackson, Michigan, and Ron (Nancy) of Augusta, Michigan; twelve grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wil; her brother, Harold; her sisters, Margie and Eleanor; and her daughter-in-law, Marie.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the main chapel of Chelsea Retirement Community, with the Rev. Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial of ashes will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice or the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation (affiliated with the Chelsea Retirement Community).
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Bonnie Temple
Loving wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter of God, age 71, died Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Chelsea Hospital.
She was born February 25, 1952 in Pontiac, Michigan, the daughter of John Dominic and Doris May (Keeler) Rye.
Bonnie was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chelsea. She was a Registered Nurse, earning Bachelor Degrees from MSU in polyscience and from U of M in nursing. She worked at Herrick Hospital in Tecumseh, Scripps Clinic in San Diego, CA, and at U of M until she was 55.
On December 8, 1973, Bonnie married John E. Temple in Taylor, MI and he survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Joscelyn (Paul) Temple Atkinson of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Noelle (Alex) Temple DeJesus of Washington D.C; four grandchildren; Julia, Elise, John, and Robert Atkinson; a brother Gary Rye of Ypsilanti; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Pamela McIntosh.
Bonnie requested there be no memorial service. Her ashes will be buried at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.
Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
David Burtis Wolfgang
Of Chelsea, MI
Age 84, died peacefully on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
David was born February 8, 1939 in Chelsea, MI to Walter and Helen (Searfoss) Wolfgang.
He was a life-long Chelsea resident, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1957. He went on to attend Michigan State Agricultural Short Course. On February 1, 1964, he married Barbara Jean (Marshall) at Bethlehem Church in Ann Arbor, MI, and she survives.
He had a deep love for farming, especially animals. He began 4-H at a young age was involved in FFA and many other farm related organizations. Along with farming he worked at Sheridan Books from 1985-2007.
Together Dave and Barb were able to enjoy many wonderful trips all across the U.S. with many groups of friends and family. They walked the “Mighty” Mackinac Bridge, 1993 until 2017. They were always ready for a good game of cards. He was a devoted member of First Congregational Church of Chelsea; his deep faith was very evident throughout his life.
He is also survived by his two daughters, Wendy (Douglas) Beaumont of Chelsea, MI, and Amy (Marvin) Nieman of Shaker Heights, OH. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren, Julie (Dave) DeVries of Holland, Alex Beaumont of Ann Arbor, MI; Eva and Aaron Nieman of Shaker Heights, OH; as well as his great-grandson, Lucas DeVries.
The family is grateful for the care from many doctors and nurses with the Heart Failure team at the U-M and Chelsea Hospital.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church or the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, June 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, as well as Thursday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
Frederick Lee Barkley
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 87, died after a short illness on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family.
He was born May 14, 1936, in Covington, Indiana, the son of Carl & Mildred (Small) Barkley.
Fred served in the US Navy during the Korean War as a Quarter Master 3 Navigator. He had a lengthy career in public service, culminating in a sixteen-year tenure as Parks & Recreation Director of Washtenaw County, as well as an Adjunct Professor at Eastern Michigan University.
Fred was an active member of the community. He was a member of the Chelsea Kiwanis in the 70’s and 80’s, a member of the Caribou Lake Association, a member of Kappa Phi Alpha fraternity at EMU, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Fred was a volunteer handyman for Neighborhood Senior Services for many years. He was an avid coin collector, woodworker, fisherman, boater, golfer, and reader. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage on Caribou Lake, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his family.
On August 19, 1961, he married Judith Major in Allen Park, and she survives. Other survivors include two children, Patrick (Jeanne) Barkley of Downers Grove, IL, Kelly Barkley of Grass Lake; 3 grandchildren, Trevor (Olivia) Asperger of Grass Lake, Jalen (Courtney Garner) Asperger of Phoenix, AZ, Matthew Elliott of Grass Lake; a great-granddaughter, Sophie Jane Layher; a brother, Michael (Brenda) Barkley; a sister, Barbara (Jerry) Styers; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Dale and Charles Barkley.
A celebration of life will be held at Pierce Lake Golf Course at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
John B. “Jack” Dunn
Of Chelsea, MI
Age 88, passed away on May 22, 2023 at his home at Cavanaugh Lake.
Jack was born on October 22, 1934 in Ann Arbor, MI to John F. and Eva H. (West) Dunn. Jack was a long-time resident and business owner in Chelsea.
He married the love of his life and best friend, Nancy (Luhrs), on July 21, 1956, and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage until she passed away in 2021. They met as children at Higgins Lake where their families summered starting when Jack was 9 and Nancy was 12. They grew up as best friends, married, and together they built a family, built a business, and raised three children in Chelsea: Kathy Dunn Finger, Kimberly S. Tapping, and John F. Dunn.
As a proud alumni and legacy of the University of Michigan, he was a diehard University of Michigan fan. Jack and Nancy were season ticket holders to Michigan football games and enjoyed many years of tailgate parties, UM Football, and Chelsea football. He also loved growing up and later living on a lake, boating, and playing golf.
He operated Central Fiber in Chelsea and then served as President and Owner of Chelsea Industries, as well as owner of Dunn & Associates. Family and faith were central throughout his life, and he was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea.
After retirement Jack and Nancy spent winters in Venice Florida at Aldea Mar known as the ‘Village by the Sea’, which they shared with their family and many close friends. Anyone who knew Jack, knew he had a wonderful sense of humor, he was always quick with a story or a joke that usually started with, “Did I tell you the one about …”.
Jack is survived by three children: Kathy (Art) Finger, Kim (Don) Tapping, and John (Anna) Dunn; as well as grandchildren: Mark (Rochelle) Tapping, Christopher (Lindsey) Tapping, Stephen (Erica) Tapping, Bryan (Sarah) Dunn, Elise (Chris) Burhans, Megan (Al) Zeiher, and Lucas Dunn; and great-grandchildren: Aubrey & Morgan Tapping; Ethan & Emma Tapping; Bella, Leo, Gus & Iris Tapping; Nora, Wendy, William & Ingrid Dunn; Jack, Easton & Grant Burhans; and Anna Zeiher; and sister-in-law, Judy (Luhrs) Connors of Henderson, Nevada; as well as many amazing and special nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, as well as at church on Friday from 10-11 a.m. before Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or St. Louis Center.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
Alice Leila Talbot
of Grass Lake, Michigan
Age 94, passed away at Chelsea Hospital with her family by her side Thursday, May 18, 2023.
She was born January 31, 1929, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Herbert and Violet (Cooper) Jones.
Alice graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1948. She was raised on Platt Rd. and was part of the “Platt Road Kids” for many years. Alice worked at Gelman Sciences for about 30 years, doing print control and taking care of blueprints. She was an avid bowler for many years, bowling on a league for Gelman at Colonial Lanes and Bel-Mark.
Alice enjoyed square dancing at Strawberry Squares in Plant City, FL. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in her later years, but was formerly active with Hope Lutheran Church in Plant City. Alice enjoyed puzzles, was a voracious reader (especially Danielle Steele); and loved the Michigan Wolverines, Tigers, and Red Wings. Alice was known for her faith, her love for her family and children and dogs of all kinds.
Alice married Ronald Arthur Talbot on February 25, 1950, in Ann Arbor, and he survives. She is also survived by her son, Gary (Pam) Talbot of Jackson; daughter, Susan K. Marshall of Dexter; sister-in-law, Anna Jones; three grandchildren, Becky Geer (and her children, Michael, Rachel and Jeffrey), Sarah Schimelfening (and her children, Kyle, Cory and Tyler), Evelyn and Joel Rosentreter (and their children, Savanah and Jillian). She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Gerry Marshall; four sisters, Esther Putnam, Virginia “Jean” Pepper, Eva Newberry and Erma Bedolla; and by two brothers, Carl Jones and Herbert “Sonny” Jones.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103, with Pastor Andy Pronsati officiating. Burial will follow at Arborcrest Memorial Park in Ann Arbor. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Tuesday, May 23, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., as well as at the church Wednesday, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.
Linda Minick Logan
Age 76, passed away peacefully Friday, February 17, 2023, at home on North Lake.
She was born January 29, 1947 in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Robinson Glover and Jane Preston (Simmons) Minick.
Linda grew up with her three sisters and parents moving for her father’s career in the US Air Force and National Security Administration to such far away places as Turkey, Germany and France.
Linda graduated from high school in 1965 at a boarding school in Paris. Linda began her undergraduate degree at SMU and completed it at Hunter College in New York City in 1969. Her BA degree was in sociology and art history.
She worked at a collection agency and was a receptionist and model in NYC in the garment district. Linda was a stay-at-home mother and volunteered at the Ronald McDonald house in Ann Arbor, her children’s schools and at the University of Michigan medical school as a volunteer patient supplying feedback to medical students to improve their bedside diagnostic techniques as well as their bedside manner.
Linda was a member of Chelsea First United Methodist Church where she participated in church breakfasts, Material Girls, and Bible studies. She was a previous member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor.
Linda enjoyed quilting, scrapbooking, baking with family, and gardening. Linda was pure joy. Generous, kind, and friendly; she made everyone feel special and loved. She will be missed dearly.
Linda married David Gill Logan in Cleveland, OH on March 21, 1981. He preceded her in death on July 7, 2022. She is survived by three sons, Robert (Laurel) Howe of New Canaan, CT, Bradley (Jennifer) Howe of Wayzata, MN, Keith (Laurie) Logan of Cleveland Heights, OH, three daughters, Grace (Dave) Savercool of Chelsea, MI, Kathleen (Brent) Rundquist of Minneapolis, MN, Amy (Michael) Johnston of Vergennes, VT, three sisters Judie (Fred) Zedeck, Sandy (Hugh) Kovachik, Marcie (Michael) Stehling, sixteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Chelsea, MI, with Pastor Joy Barrett officiating. The family will receive friends before the service from 1-2 pm, and there will be a reception following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church, 128 Park St., Chelsea, MI 48118 or Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Robert Eugene Hammig
Chelsea, Michigan
Robert Eugene Hammig was born on February 8, 1935, and passed away peacefully in his favorite chair at home with his wife, Kathy, of nearly 58 years by his side.
In addition to his wife Kathy Hammig, he is survived by his brother Mike Hammig and sister-in-law Janie, his children Meredith Hammig and Mark Hammig, and his five grandchildren – Harrison, Chloe, Enzo, Zoe and George.
Bob was born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas where his parents lived their entire lives and he took his own family frequently to visit. As a young man, he moved West – stopping to work at Yellowstone National Park before ending up in Denver, Colorado in 1963. He and Kathy met at St John’s United Methodist Church while working together in the youth program. They were married during a Sunday morning service on June 12, 1966.
Bob had 2 full careers. First at General Electric for over 20 years, then the postal service for another 20, retiring in 1996. In addition to work, Bob had a robust life full of many interests. He and Kathy were avid square dancers and devoted parents.
He enjoyed his collections of trains, stamps and coins. He created art through stained glass and Bob Ross landscape paintings. His children inherited his passion of rock collecting as evidenced by their own impressive collections. And, he loved to fish. Dad/Grandpa/Uncle Bob would spend hours patiently setting up poles and detangling lines all the while awaiting his own catch. It’s safe to say that one of his many legacies will be the shared love of fishing that his children and grandchildren possess.
Friends and family would characterize Bob as quiet, calm and kind. He was steady and dependable and had a wicked sense of humor. Bob was unassuming so in his spirit and in lieu of any service, his family suggests that you pick up that rock that catches your eye or spend some time patiently waiting for that fish to bite. He was loved and will be missed.
Ezra Joseph David Strait
Newborn son of Benjamin and Ashley Strait
Ezra Joe was born prematurely at 35 weeks on May 2, 2023 at 9:44 pm. He weighed 3 pounds 3.1 ounces and was 17.84 inches long. He gave us the gift of his life for four days, 14 hours, and 34 minutes.
In his brief life, he heard his mommy and daddy sing to him, the sound of his big sister’s voice, passages from the Bible, and experienced the unconditional love of his family.
He was baptized and confirmed on May 4, 2023.
He passed from his mother’s arms and into the arms of Jesus, while being sung to by his parents on May 7, 2023 at 12:18 pm at Mott Children’s Hospital. He fought so hard, and now his battle is won. He is healed and whole, with no more pain or suffering.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his big sister, Iva Jo; grandparents, David and Mary Lou Strait, Matthew and Tamara Mead; great-grandparents Ina Strait, Michael Miller, Sandra Crandall, Paul and Kathy Adams; aunts and uncles, Jennifer and Derek Norton, Mark Mead, Jonathan Mead; cousins Evelyn Norton, Josiah Norton; Godparents, Angie Asperger and Joe McKeone, and many great aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Special thank you to the nurses and physicians at Mott Children’s Hospital NICU, especially Chelsea L. and Sarah K.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 at 11:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, with visitation from 10-11 am. Burial will be at Old St. Patrick Cemetery in Ann Arbor.
Memorial contributions may be made to a GoFundMe Fundraiser for Benjamin Strait by Kyle Whittington : Help for baby Ezra (gofundme.com) site set up to help the family.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Jordan Brandon Jarrell
of Jackson, Michigan
Jordan passed away tragically on April 28, 2023.
He was born on August 5, 2007 to his loving parents, Shawndra Mundinger and Brandon Jarrell. He was a sweet, caring, and adventurous 15-year-old young man. He loved playing football, basketball, and being outdoors, but mostly he liked hanging out with his friends. He was a big MSU fan. He attended school in both Stockbridge and Grass Lake, but was currently finishing this school year online.
Jordan was raised in a big family by his parents, his maternal great aunts Diana Hadley and Dottie Skodak, his granny Deb, and his paternal great-aunt and great-uncle, Jerry and Pamela Barnett.
Jordan was preceded in death by his maternal grandma, Debbie Mundinger, his maternal grandpa, Malcolm Jones, and his paternal uncles, Rodney Howard, Claude Gipson, Jr., and Curmit Gipson. He is survived by mom, Shawndra (Curt), and 5 brothers, Malachi, Dylan, Kaeson, Brycen, and Jace; his dad, Brandon (Jessica), and 2 sisters, Dymond and Amari; grandparents, Debra Jarrell and Robin Jefferson; great-aunt and -uncle, Pamela and Jerry, great aunts, Diana, Dottie, and Diane Gipson; a great uncle, Clint (Jean) Gipson; many aunts and uncles: B.J. (Rebecca) Jarrell, Elina Jarrell, Darrell Jarrell, Justin (Olivia) Jarrell, Stasia Jarrell, Myles (Makayla Clemens) Jarrell; Alexus Clemmons; Tonya (Steven) DeRose; Kyle Johnson, Rose Klapperich, Chris Makielski, Sandra (Tony) Galletta; and lots of cousins who love him very much. He has many more friends and family, too many to list.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 3, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cole Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses.
Janet Ann (Greene) Ammann
of Chelsea, MI
Age 84, passed away on April 30, 2023 at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI.
Janet was born on July 26, 1938 in Detroit, MI to Harold and Anna (Hodor) Greene and was the oldest of four daughters. She moved to Ann Arbor and graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1957. She subsequently earned a Diploma in Accounting from Cleary College in 1960.
She lived between Ann Arbor and Chelsea for more than 70 years and most recently was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. Janet worked as a bookkeeper for the family dry cleaning business in Ann Arbor and later for two insurance agencies (Shehan and Kleinschmidt) before retiring.
She enjoyed reading, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and particularly cherished her time traveling outside of the country. She treasured time with her grandchildren whenever there was an opportunity. She was very family-oriented and attended as many gatherings, school activities, and sporting events as she could.
She also enjoyed time with family on Strawberry and Cavanaugh Lakes, singing her favorite Neil Diamond songs while boating. Her presence in our lives will be forever missed.
Janet is survived by her two sons, Mark (Amy) Ammann of Dexter, and David (Kelly) Ammann of Bad Axe; six grandchildren: Alicia (Lukas), Alex, Gretchen, Sean, William, and Lucas; brother-in-law, Ronald Rinker of Harbor Springs, MI; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her three younger sisters, Joyce Gauntlett, Christine Taylor, and Patricia Rinker.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. where the family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the St. Louis Center (https://stlouiscenter.org/give-here/donate/), Detroit Public Television (https://donate.dptv.org/dptv/donate) or Faith in Action (https://faithinaction1.org/donate/)
Margaret Lena “Meg” Heydlauff
Of Dexter, MI
Age 83, died after a brief illness on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 in Sebring, FL.
She was born May 31, 1939 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Clarence Edward and Esther Loretta (Reesman) Moore.
Meg attended boarding school at Adelphian Academy in Holly, graduating in 1958. She attended Andrews University in Berrien Springs for 1 year. Meg worked 11 years for Varsity Laundry on Liberty Street in Ann Arbor, then 25 years for UMI/ Bell-Howell.
She was a life-long member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. She enjoyed traveling with Jerry. Meg was an avid gardener. She loved crocheting and knitting, and gave away her creations to anyone and everyone.
On Aug. 12, 2012, she married Jerry Heydlauff, and he survives. Other survivors include her daughter, Susan (Joseph) Cassar; 3 sisters, Martha (Richard) Burns, Marilyn Bliesath, Marian Osborne, a step-grandson and step-granddaughter; and 5 great-grandchildren; 2 step-daughters, Sharon (Stephen) Starling, Sue Stanley; 3 step-sons, Daniel (Kathy) Heydlauff, Dale (Gloria) Heydlauff, and David (Heather) Heydlauff; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Salem Grove Cemetery, Grass Lake.
Memorial contributions may be made to Seventh Day Adventist Church in Bunker Hill, or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
Audrey Foster
of Whitmore Lake
Age 92, died Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at her home.
She was born October 13, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Melbourne James and Dorothy E. (Thomas) Troxel.
Audrey graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School and attended Grand Rapids Junior College. She worked at U of M for many years, retiring in July, 1986. She attended Sharon United Methodist Church and was a member of the Ann Arbor Women’s City Club.
On April 7, 1951, she married Gilbert R. Foster in Lansing, and he preceded her in death on Oct. 12, 2011. Survivors include a daughter, Katherine Ray of Manchester; two granddaughters, Katherine Caldwell of VA, and Emily (Keith Guerette) Ray of WA; great-grandsons, Brayden Caldwell and Milo Guerette; and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Steven Ray, and brother Allan Troxell.
A graveside service will be held at Rowe’s Corner Cemetery, Manchester on Saturday, April 29, at 1 p.m., with Pastor Tom Waller of Sharon Church officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
Ronald G. Joseph
Age 87, died Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Chelsea Hospital (ICU).
He was born September 10, 1935, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Dona Thomas & Ethel L. (Osborn) Joseph.
Ron grew up in Chelsea.
On September 4, 1958, he started working at the Chelsea schools and worked there for many years.
On October 31, 1955, Ron married Sarah Ann Melton in Jackson. She preceded him in death on June 6, 2006. Ron is survived by two sons, Dona T. (Terry), of Grass Lake, Louis P. “Paul” (Sherrie) of Manchester; one daughter, Vickie L. (Eddie) Hamilton of Qulin, Missouri; grandchildren, Amber (Thomas) Case of Chelsea, Brad (Teresa) Cole of Ypsilanti, Jason (Jennifer) Cole of Iron River, Michael Hamilton and Sarah (Darrall) Garner of Saline, Gordon Cole of Ypsilanti, Tylor Joseph and Ron Joseph of Cadillac, Travis (Sally) Joseph of Pecos, Texas, Alyssa (Brian) Joseph of Dallas, Texas, Angela Fernandez of Detroit, Lisa Fernandez of Dearborn Heights, and Christopher Joseph of Taylor. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Ann Joseph in 1993; his son, Ronald E. Joseph in 2014; sister, Delores Allen; and brother, Robert Joseph.
No public services are planned. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
James Franklin Lancioni
December 25, 1955 – April 22, 2023
James “Jim” Lancioni, age 67, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, April 22 after a brief battle with Multiple Myeloma.
James entered this world as a Christmas gift to Wilma and Diore in Grand Rapids, MI. His favorite childhood memories were summers spent on Portage Lake in Onekama, MI, water skiing, boating, mini biking, and fishing.
He started his musical career at an early age, discovering the drums and percussion. Showing great promise, he attended Interlochen Arts Academy every summer for five years. Upon his high school graduation, he was awarded a full ride scholarship to the University of Michigan to pursue a degree in Music Performance. All through high school and college, he played in youth symphonies, taught drum students, and played numerous classical gigs. During his time at U of M, he spent a summer playing in the Colorado Philharmonic and a summer in the Canary Islands playing opera with the likes of Joan Sutherland.
James played with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra as the principal timpanist for a total of 41 years under numerous conductors. One of the highlights of his A2SO performances was playing Nielsen 4 as a soloist. In addition to classical music, he also played in Stolen Moments, a wedding band, and Coconut Radio, a rock band.
Throughout his career, James had a chance to play with famous musicians Ravi Shankar, Dave Brubeck, Weird Al Yankovich, Dennis DeYoung of Styx, Ann Murray, John Cage, Van Cliburn, and Bob Hope. Later in life, he taught a plethora of drum students, as he was a natural teacher. He also volunteered at his daughter’s school musicals and coached percussion students at Chelsea High School.
Although he was always pursuing his passions, his greatest love was for his family and spending time with his loved ones. He was an adoring husband, father, Papa and the star of his whole family. He was loved by many.
James is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Mia, daughter Rosa (Matt), and grandchildren Jimmy, Eddie, Lydia, and Etta. Also surviving are his siblings Ruth (Jeff), Mary (Bryan), David (Candy), sister-in-law Tammy, sister-in-law Marlene (John) and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Charley.
A gathering of family and friends has been set for May 6 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI from 3-6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Interlochen Arts Academy, or Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
John Lawrence “Larry” Butler
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 94, died Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at home.
He was born March 3, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Jess Mervis and Elizabeth (Cowan) Butler.
Larry graduated from Northwestern High School in Detroit, and served in the United States Army. He worked for the Ford Motor Company in Body Engineering as a wood model maker for over 30 years, and retired in 1994. Larry was a longtime member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Brooklyn, MI, and had recently attended St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea.
Larry loved driving his pontoon boat on Lake Columbia as captain for family and friends. He enjoyed the wintertime at Lakeshore Villas in Lake Wales, Florida. He also enjoyed golf and woodworking. Larry was a quiet, gentle, man who liked to tell stories and reminisce.
On May 12, 1950, he married the love of his life, Margaret May Graham who preceded him in death in 2007. He is survived by his daughters, Linda A. (Bill) Cregan of Chelsea and Bonita Springs, FL, Sandra J. (Rick) Riley of Dexter; sons, David J. (Kathryn) Butler of Commerce Twp., Michael J. (Debra) Butler of Commerce Twp., James L. (Eileen) Butler of Elmira, MI, Robert S. Butler of Livonia;14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Buccos.
A memorial service will be held at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Saturday, April 22, at 3:00 p.m. with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 pm. Dinner will follow the service at the Dexter Pub, 8114 Main Street, in Dexter.
Interment will take place at St. Rite Catholic Church in Brooklyn, Michigan at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Silver Maples of Chelsea Employee Scholarships Fund, Silver Maples Development Office, 100 Silver Maples Dr., Chelsea, MI 48118.
Tom Brown II
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Albion
Age 88, died suddenly Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC) Dancy Hall Independent Living.
He was born August 21, 1934 in Oak Park, Illinois, the son of Tom Brown and Margaret (Nehls) Brown. Tom attended East Detroit public schools, graduating from East Detroit High School in 1952. He was very active in Boy Scouts, attended an International Jamboree, and was a Sea Scout, where his love for sailing began. He graduated with a BA from Albion College, Albion, MI in 1956 with majors in English and History.
After meeting her in the Albion College Choir, Tom married his college sweetheart, Patricia Louise Sanford on August 27, 1955 in Lansing, MI. They honeymooned in Paradise, Michigan. Tom celebrated their love every month on the 27th with an original poem, a flower, a song, a dance around the living room, etc.
After Tom finished his Albion College degree, they moved to Boston, MA so he could earn his Masters of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology and Harvard Theological School, graduating in 1959. There he met and studied with Martin Luther King, Jr. under professor Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman. Throughout their lives, Tom and Pat read, celebrated, and quoted Dr. King and Dr. Thurman.
Tom pastored his first church starting in 1957 in Malden, MA at Faulkner Methodist Church while obtaining his Masters Degree. He was ordained as an Elder in the Detroit Conference of the United Methodist Church in Michigan in 1959. He was a pastor for churches in Dearborn: First (assoc) 1959; St. Clair Shores: Good Shepherd 1960; River Rouge: Epworth 1965; Iron Mountain: Trinity 1968; Roseville 1973; Hemlock, Nelson 1978; Warren: Wesley 1984; Flint: Oak Park 1986; Burton: Emmanuel 1992; and retired in 1997 to Albion, MI after 40 years of service. He was a Director of Communications for the Detroit Conference of the United Methodist Church, member of the National Fellowship of Worship Artists (previously FUMWMA), NAACP, Flint Council of Churches, and the General Commission on Religion and Race.
He walked in the June 23, 1963 Martin Luther King, Jr. “The Walk to Freedom” on Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan that passed Central UMC going to Cobo Arena. The whole family attended the 1968 memorial celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life in Detroit, Michigan.
The family created their own hidden forest paradise in Boyne Falls for about 30 years where they built a rustic cabin and enjoyed nature, singing around the campfire, hiking, berry patches for making jam, tree houses, swimming, sailing, skiing, snowshoeing, games, reading, but mostly, peace and quiet. Tom and kids built a wood and canvas sailing rig for a wood Old Town canoe they sailed regularly on Lake Louise. Tom and Pat led the Michigamme Methodist Church Family Camp as the charter lead family in 1968 and continued through 1974. Other UMC camps the family attended were Lake Huron, Lake Louise, Judson Collins, and more.
Music was a central theme for the entire family. Tom was a member of several community choirs, along with Pat, including the Midland Music Society Chorale, the Madrigal Chorale of Southfield, and the Albion College Concert Choir (2000-2004). After Pat’s sudden death in 2018, and to support more student musicians, the family established the Sanford-Brown Family Music Scholarship at Albion College.
Tom was an active leader and supporter of the Dort-Oak Park Neighborhood House in Flint. He created, founded, organized, and managed the Neighborhood Health Visitors Program in both Flint and Albion which continue to be active.
After Tom and Pat retired (“came home”) to Albion, Tom was a member of Albion Health and Wellness Action Team (HWAT), Albion First United Methodist Church, Albion Area Lifelong Learners (AALL), and continued to be active with Albion College Alumni, Boston University Alumni, and TKE Omicron Chapter Alumni.
In summers, Tom and Pat hiked extensively in Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon Territory of Canada, and in Alaska (via car) from 1985-2001. They loved canoeing at Patricia Lake, in Jasper, Alberta, and staying in the Patricia Lake Bungalows. Banff and the Canadian/US Rocky Mountains were other favorites. Tom continued his love of sailing in Seward, Alaska chartering an aluminum sailboat. They also enjoyed wintering in Naples, Florida for 20+ years.
In 2017, Tom and Pat moved to the Chelsea Retirement Community Independent Living in Chelsea, MI where they were welcomed by many friends they had known most of their lives. Tom participated actively in Diversity+, Church and Society, One World One Family, the CRC Chapel Choir, Church support activities, exercise classes, swimming and many social events.
He greatly enjoyed a recent trip to Albion to stay in the family house and attend the March 17-18, 2023 National Intercollegiate Tenor-Bass Choruses Conference coordinated by Director Dr. Clayton Parr at Albion College. He also enjoyed special gatherings and dinners with many interdenominational pastors and spouses also living at CRC.
Tom was a joyous, perceptive, caring, sharing and creative person, a wonderful husband to Pat, father to their children, grandfather and “Great” grandfather to all his kiddos. Everyone he met was a friend or “cousin”. He especially liked to share a favorite comic strip or applicable newspaper article with family and friends. It was one of the many ways he showed his interest in and consideration for others.
Tom is survived by his brother Jerry Brown (Diane Tite) of Tavaras, FL; three children: Steven (Melody Snow-) Brown of Albion, MI; Peter (Lori) Stephens-Brown of Skandia, MI; Mary Lenardson of Albion, MI; 3 grandchildren: Luther (Cassie) Snow, Lara Stephens-Brown (Toño Abramson), and Julie (Barry) Brannan; 4 great-grandchildren: Christian, Abigail, Brooke, and Reese; Nieces Kelee Brown (Cathy Retherford), and Megan Paradis; and special first cousins Joanne (Brown) Wilson and Nancy Hornfisher. Preceding him were his wife Patricia in 2018, and grandson Noah Stephens-Brown in 2022.
A family visitation time will be held in Albion on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 1 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Albion First United Methodist Church Tennant Hall. A second memorial service will be held in Chelsea on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel followed by a reception in Dancy Hall.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Sanford-Brown Music Scholarship Fund at Albion College (611 E. Porter St., Albion, Michigan 49224), or the UMC Michigan Conference Church Camps, or the United Methodist Retirement Communities Foundation (805 W. Middle St, Chelsea, MI 48118).
Daniel Maroney
We lovingly remember our dad and grandpa, Daniel R. Maroney, who died peacefully at Grace Village Retirement Community on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
Dan was born to Paul and Roxie Maroney on March 5, 1932 in Ann Arbor, MI. He lived in and around Chelsea, MI most of his early years until January 1966, when he moved to Ohio, then later to Columbia City, IN.
He liked talking about Chelsea, as it was the home of Jiffy Mix and actor Jeff Daniels, whose family he knew.
In 1950, Dan began attending Olivet College, Olivet, MI. Dan always loved music and while there, he played trombone in the Jackson Civic Orchestra. He transferred to Michigan State his third year, and from that point on was a die-hard “Go Green” fan. He took the train to attend the 1954 MSU-UCLA Rose Bowl Game – noted as one of the largest mass movements of people at one time. Unbeknownst to him, his future wife, Patricia Bowman, attended the same game on that same train.
Dan joined the Army in March 1954, where he served at Ft. Lewis, WA and was later honorably discharged after “one year, nine months, and 19 days.” He returned to MSU where he studied production management, graduating in March 1957 with a B.A.
Dan met Pat Bowman, of Detroit, on a blind date at Michigan State. She loved to tell of their first meeting when she opened the door and thought, “Oh, no. Stuck again.” Things worked out for them, though, because they married on September 7, 1957 at Bushnell Congregational Church in Detroit.
Over the years, Dan worked for a variety of manufacturing companies including Pontiac Motor Division, Chelsea Products, and Bendix Systems Division – Ann Arbor.
While living in Michigan, Dan and Pat were active in the Michigan Jaycees and often told of organizing an event sponsored by the Jaycees to install seat belts in cars following new state legislation. They were both state officers and Dan was a State VP and a National Director.
Dan took a job at Weatherhead Tool Division as materials manager in May 1968 and moved his family to Columbia City that summer. In March 1970 he became production and inventory control manager with the Gatke Corporation, Warsaw, IN. During his time at Gatke he served on the Board of Directors of the Warsaw Junior Achievement.
Dan was in an automobile accident, July 1972, which seriously impaired his ability to return to Gatke. He ultimately accepted a custodial job at Marshall Middle School in Columbia City, where he worked from 1974 until his retirement in 1994. His ever-present eye patch made him a familiar sight around the school, sporting a Halloween-themed one each year to the kids’ delight. He enjoyed his co-workers, seeing new groups of kids each year, and biking to work when the weather cooperated, especially in the summer months.
In 1992, Dan and Pat bought property at Round Lake, part of Tri Lakes, IN and enjoyed living summers there. While at their lake property, Dan enjoyed playing golf and attending Columbia City Optimist Club meetings, having served several times as president, and once making it to an Honor Club.
In their retirement, he and Pat enjoyed Tigers baseball, Lions football, Big Ten basketball, and watching their grandchildren. Dan loved to putter around both houses and could often been seen working in the yard in Columbia City. He was always happy to lend a hand to neighbors when they needed it, and shoot the breeze when they didn’t.
Dan and Pat had four children: Kathy (Maroney) Vessey, Mike Maroney, Carrie (Mike) Yocum, and Mari (Brian) Wineland. They had six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He and Pat passed on to their kids their strong values of hard work, education, and responsibility, along with a love of music and their sense of humor.
Dan missed his “Patty,” who died September 18, 2012 after 55 years of marriage. In 2015, Dan moved to Grace Village Retirement Community in Winona Lake, IN where he enjoyed walking, going on outings, making new friends, and his independent living apartment, later moving to health care where a team of wonderfully kind staff cared for him.
He will be remembered fondly for his sense of humor, willingness to help others, and good-natured, amiable spirit.
If you would like to remember Dan with a donation, the family suggests the Chelsea Area Historical Society, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, or Grace Village Retirement Community.
Services for Dan will be on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Smith and Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City, IN with visitation from 9:00-11:00 am and a service at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Chelsea, MI on Sunday, April 23, 2023, with visitation at Cole Funeral Chapel from 1:00-2:30 pm and a graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery at 3:00 pm.
Mary Alice Shrosbree
Passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on March 29, 2023 after suffering a stroke.
She was born on December 12, 1928 in Canton, Ohio to LeRoy Reed and Margaret (Bowerman) Taylor. She graduated from Perry High School in 1946 and received a full academic scholarship to the University of Michigan where she graduated with a BA in Education in 1950. She earned a Masters in Education from the University of Michigan in 1955.
During that time, she met and married the love of her life, Al Shrosbree. They had two sons, William “Bill” (Jane) and Robert “Bob” (Sue), 6 granddaughters, Kate, Sarah (Tyler), Emily, Lisa, Beth and Kelly and 2 great-grandchildren, Grant and Sadie.
Mary Alice was active in her church, most recently at Northbrook Presbyterian Church and for many years before that at Southfield United Presbyterian Church. Over the years she was a member of the choir, served as a trustee and Sunday School teacher, participated in various women’s groups, and had other leadership positions.
Mary Alice loved music and trained as an opera singer at the University of Michigan. She passed her love of music to Al and her children and all of them enjoyed performing together and with others. A lifelong learner, she was active in the American Association of University Women and two long-term book clubs.
Mary Alice began her career as a teacher in Dearborn, Wayne, and Newton, MA and then took a hiatus to raise her boys until Bob was 9. She resumed her career as an elementary and middle-school teacher in Southfield and retired at 67. She was a hard, but fair, teacher and received many notes from students whose life she had positively impacted.
Al and Mary Alice were married for 68 years until Al’s death in 1990. They attended graduate school together at the University of Michigan where they became life-long Wolverine fans. They worked, raised their family and then traveled the world together. They were blessed with a wonderful circle of friends.
Mary Alice was extremely grateful to share her life with Al. Their love was a model for all. She was proud of their sons, their families and their accomplishments. Despite living without Al for the last three years she remained positive and was known for her infectious smile at Sunrise Assisted Living Facility.
Mary Alice is survived by her son, Bob (Sue) Shrosbree, daughter-in-law Jane Shrosbree, her grandchildren, Kate, Sarah (Tyler), Emily, Lisa, Beth and Kelly as well as her great-grandchildren, Grant and Sadie. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Ed Helbling and nephew Andy Helbling. She is preceded in death by her husband Al Shrosbree, son Bill Shrosbree, and sister-in-laws, Alice Shrosbree, JoAnne Casillas, and Carol (Ed) Helbling.
A Memorial Service will be held at Orchard United Methodist Church, 30450 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, Monday April 10th at 11 a.m. Friends may visit at the church on Monday beginning at 10am. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held at the church in Mary Alice’s memory. A private burial will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Wendella “Wendy” F. Ten Eyck
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Age 96, died Monday, April 3, 2023 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
She was born April 23, 1926, in Bangor, Maine, the daughter of Wendell and Margaret (Young) Fernald.
Wendy was an RN for Standard Oil in Venezuela where she met her husband William “Bill”. Wendy and Bill loved to travel and went all over the world. She was an avid Bridge player and played in 3 leagues. Wendy was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham.
Wendy was married to William W. Ten Eyck for 51 years. He preceded her in death in 2014. Wendy is survived by two sons, Bill Ten Eyck (wife Kathy) of Gregory, Michigan; Jim Ten Eyck (wife Sharon Adams) of Taos, New Mexico; one daughter, Margee Ten Eyck (husband Mark Stevens) of Beulah, Michigan; two grandchildren, Will Ten Eyck (wife Alexa), Emily Heisler (husband Dustin); one great-grandchild, Emerson Heisler; one brother, Bruce Fernald (wife Judy) of East Millinocket, Maine. She was preceded in death by sisters, Joyce and Caroline, and her brother, Tom.
A private Memorial Service will be held by the family.
Leila Amanda Draugelis
of Chelsea formerly of Wauzeka, WI; Plymouth, MI; and Tucson, AZ
Age 91, died Thursday, March 30, 2023.
She was born on September 10, 1931, in Boscobel, Wisconsin, the daughter of Ora and Harriet Leila (Mercer) Oswald.
From her childhood on a cattle farm in Wauzeka to her retirement years in Chelsea, Leila met life with a quiet grace and intelligence. Leila earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and her master’s in library science from the University of Michigan.
For years, Leila stayed home with her children and volunteered. Later, she worked as a high school teacher, a high school librarian, and later in a public library. After retiring, she moved to Chelsea and volunteered in the libraries at North Creek Elementary School, the Chelsea Center for the Arts, and the Chelsea District Library. She was proud to have served on the Chelsea District Library Building Committee.
Most importantly, Leila was a devoted grandmother. She attended all performances and athletic events. Although a perfectionist herself, she ignored her grandchildren’s mistakes. They called her Grandma Lee, and often, she was the one they called. She dropped off snacks, meals, and forgotten items. She knew their friends and what was important to her grandchildren. They had many conversations and laughs over the years. She stayed current on what they were doing and was extremely proud of each of them.
All of Leila’s family and friends were important to her. She thought about them and talked about them often. She also enjoyed chatting with the regulars at the Chelsea Bakery.
Leila loved plants and animals, especially giraffes and birds, and had a unique teddy bear collection. She was a talented artist, drawing beautiful, realistic plants and birds. She enjoyed family genealogy research and was working to document her relationship to General Hugh Mercer. Her family and friends will miss her support, unique wit, generous and loyal nature, and her ideas and strong opinions.
Leila is survived by daughters, Anne (John) Dunlap, Krys Draugelis Patton, and Toni (Rich) Kinsey; sisters, Gweneth Weigel, and Bunny (Jerry) Mueller; grandchildren, Richard (Ashlee) Kinsey and Peter (Tracy) Kinsey, Amanda (Myles) Austin and Daniel Patton; two great-grandchildren, Marvin and Mack Kinsey; nephews, Dennis (Delores) Stantorf, Kevin (Pamela) Stantorf, Wade (Shelley) Mueller, and Wayland (Jennifer) Mueller; nieces, Candace (William) Ferrall, Vicki (Robert) Lewis, Stephanie Weigel; and many great-nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Orvis Oswald; a sister, Vergene (Ivan) Stantorf; and a niece, Megan Weigel.
Per Leila’s wishes, family will have a private family service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118, or to the Villa Louis Carriage Classic, P.O. Box 117, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
William G. “Bill” Moller
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 91, died Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at his home.
He was born March 26, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of William G. and Marie (Kreitner) Moller Sr.
Bill graduated from Sewanhaka High School on Long Island in 1949. He earned his Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytech Institute in Troy NY. Bill was commissioned as a Naval Officer (3 years active duty during Korea). He worked for Union Carbide as a Product Engineer for 4 years. He earned his MBA from the University of Michigan in 1962, and his PhD in 1969, from U of M’s Rackham Graduate School. Bill did research at Syracuse from 67-72.
He moved to Chelsea in 1973, taught at U of M, and served 7 years as Associate Dean at the U of M Business School. He enjoyed reading, music, playing golf, and cross country skiing. Bill was a former member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, where he served on the board. He was a member of the RPI Men’s Honorary Society, co-captain of the Lacrosse team in college (made All American), and helped establish the Lacrosse team at U of M.
On December 28, 1957, he married Edith Miriam O’Hara. She preceded him in death on April 25, 2021. He is survived by his daughter, Diane (Brian) Sikkenga of Texas; son, Bill (Amanda) Moller of Chelsea; 1 niece; and 3 nephews. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Donald C. Moller and Glenn R. Moller.
A private graveside service will be held at North Lake Cemetery in Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army.
Susan Bower
Sue peacefully fell asleep in death on March 17, 2023 at her home in Chelsea. She was 71 years old.
Sue was a loving wife and mother who loved her garden, and to cook. Anyone who came to the house never left hungry, she loved showing hospitality.
As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, it brought her much joy to share her love for Jehovah and the Bible with others, whether in the door to door ministry in her younger years or sharing it with those she met in hospitals or in acute care facilities.
Sue is survived by her husband, Ben, her son, Ben, daughter, Abby, brother, John Freeland. Also by her many dear friends too numerous to mention.
Her memorial service will be held on April 9, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 17690 W. Old US Highway 12 Chelsea, MI 48118.
Melvin “Mel” Leach
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 89, died Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at his home.
He was born April 27, 1933, in Chelsea, Michigan, the son of Clarence L. and Theresa M. (Schwab) Leach.
Mel served in the Army from 1953-55. He worked for the Village of Chelsea in the Wastewater Treatment Plant for 33 years. Mel was a member of the Rod and Gun Club and the American Legion.
On August 10, 1957, he married Barbara Wilson in Toledo, Ohio, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 8, 2019. Survivors include two daughters, Cynthia (Wesley) Mikesell of Fremont, and Susan Leach of Jackson; sons-in-law Adrian Carlino of Carlos Paz, Argentina, Daniel Spaulding of Jackson; 3 grandchildren, Nicole (Jason) Adams, Justin Degregorio, Anthony Degregorio; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and 4 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Karen Carlino and Kathy Spaulding, and one brother, Merle Leach of Chelsea.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 27, 1:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Pastor Larry Lyons officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 26, from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Rod & Gun Club or the American Legion.
Betty L. (Lausen) Pope
of Chelsea, Michigan formerly of Ann Arbor
Betty passed away just one day shy of her 100th birthday, yet the legacy of her strength, will and heart live on.
Betty was born March 15th, 1923, in Rockford, Illinois, beloved daughter of Howard and Bessie Lausen.
At the age of 15, she moved with her parents to Ann Arbor where she lived until moving to the Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC) in 2006.
During her 25-year career at Hoover-NSK she worked as a supervisor in sales paving the way for future women in business. Betty was passionate about her family, instilling integrity, a good work ethic and kindness to others.
Her surviving daughters are Barbara (Bill) Mieras of Katy, TX; Betty (Tim) Bredernitz and Marilyn (Mike) Taylor both of Ann Arbor; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren soon to be six. She was preceded in her death by a daughter, Patti Mueller and a son-in-law, Doug Mueller.
Betty enjoyed traveling, antiquing, craft fairs and exploring thrift shops.
No formal memorial service is planned, although the immediate family will have an informal gathering to celebrate Betty’s life at a later time.
Those wishing to can donate to Planned Parenthood and The Humane Society of Huron Valley in her honor.
The family extends a heartfelt appreciation to all the staff at CRC for the loving care and devotion shown to our beautiful mother.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Lois Ada Marie Gibson
of Brighton, Michigan
Age 89 passed away Friday, March 17, 2023, at Trinity Health Hospital in Ypsilanti.
She was born April 24, 1933, in Oceana County, the daughter of Earl Willard and Elizabeth Caroline (Boelke) Shirtum.
Lois graduated with a Bachelor’s of Education from Albion College and a Master’s Degree from Wayne State University. While raising her family, she and Harry fostered 5 children and hosted foreign exchange students.
With her family raised, she continued her devotion to service by teaching the visually handicapped in the Detroit Public School system for 20 years, retiring in 1995. Spare time was spent taking their grandchildren on adventures in education.
Lois was an active and devoted member of Immanuel United Methodist Church in Eastpointe, Grace United Methodist Church in Chesterfield Township and Chelsea First United Methodist Church in Chelsea. For 25 years in retirement, Lois volunteered first at Corewell Health (Beaumont) Hospital in Troy and then at Chelsea Hospital in Chelsea where she served as President of the Auxiliary.
Lois married Harry Wesley Gibson (surviving) on August 28, 1954, in Montague, Michigan. Other survivors include two sons, Cedric (Mary Kay) Gibson of Pinckney, Glenn (Beth) Gibson of Naugatuck, CT; and a daughter, Teresa (Scott) Harrison of Davisburg; 7 grandchildren, Laura, Adrienne, Emily, Elizabeth “Liz”, Jonathan, Rebecca and Matthew; 3 great grandchildren, Daniel, Olivia and Keegan. She was preceded in death by a sister, Nellie Switzer, and three brothers Robert, Ernst and Earl “Jr”.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 1, 11:00 a.m. at Chelsea First United Methodist Church, 128 Park St., Chelsea, MI 48118 with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea First United Methodist Church.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Theodore Cheever
formerly of Chelsea
Age 86, died Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Glacier Hills Assisted Living surrounded by his family.
He was born June 4, 1936, in Hillsdale County, Michigan, the son of Gaylord Wilbur and Gertrude Mary (Bowditch) Cheever.
Ted graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1954, and then joined the US Navy, serving from 1954-1957. He did heating and cooling work for the University of Michigan, and then started his apprenticeship with Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 190. He worked on the Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Plant, U of M Chemistry Building, North Creek School, Chelsea Hospital, and the Beach Middle School pool.
He was a member of the Chelsea Rod & Gun Club and Wild Goose Flyers (a radio-controlled plane club). He was passionate about model airplanes, hunting and fishing; he was a big U of M football fan, and loved to share stories.
Ted married Sara Ann Taylor on December 8, 1962, at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Radine (Alex Ellingsen) Cheever of Kalamazoo; son, Scott (Lori) Cheever of Chelsea; grandson, Jake Cheever of Chelsea; brother, Gary (Shannon) Cheever of Sun City West, Arizona; aunt, Jeri Bowditch of Jackson and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 4:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Rev. Kurt Hutchens officiating. The family will receive friends before the service from 3-4 pm. A private burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Hillsdale, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Health at Home or a charity of your choice.
Marilyn Lucille Mast
of Chelsea, Michigan
Passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital on March 11, 2023.
She was born the daughter of Norman A. and Betty L. (Wahl) Hinderer on April 24, 1951 in Jackson, Michigan. On September 5, 1970 at Zion Lutheran Church, she married Ronald John Mast, and he survives.
Marilyn was baptized, confirmed, married, and will be buried at Zion Lutheran Church. She enjoyed gardening and growing flowers, baking, and being a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling to the GEHRKE Club near Hubbard Lake and playing cards, especially Euchre. Faith, family, and friends were everything to Marilyn.
In addition to her husband Ronald, she is survived by her children, Michelle (Kirk) Hedding and Jason (Debbie) Mast; grandchildren, Emma Hedding, Isabelle Mast, Madeline Hedding, Lily Mast, Ben Mast, and Charlotte Mast. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marilyn Hinderer. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Donald Hinderer.
The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and again at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service. A funeral service will take place at Zion Lutheran Church, Chelsea on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. The burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.
Carolina Pauline Herman
of Swartz Creek
Age 88, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away March 4, 2023.
Carolina was born June 7, 1934 in Flint, the daughter of William and Caroline Bodek.
She married Robert C. Herman on July 6, 1956 in Angola, IN; he preceded her in death on March 7, 2007.
She is survived by her children, Dr. James (Debora) Herman, Janene Saidoo, and Jane (Michael) Koch; son-in-law, Dave Saidoo; grandchildren, Jeff (Rhonda) Herman, Jessica (Brian) Donat, Katie (Mark) Pulford, Kristine Herman (Shane Paeth), Nic Herman, Dr. Sydney (Robert) Nelson, Kayla Koch, Alison Koch, Casie (Austin) Garrett and Sean Saidoo; 21 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her parents and by two brothers and six sisters. Many thanks to Brenda and Wilma for their special care, along with her church family at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, with Pastor Daniel Pezzica officiating. Private burial will take place in Crestwood Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9AM until the time of service Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea.
Gabriel Weinreich 1928-2023
Gabriel (“Gabi”) Weinreich passed away peacefully from natural causes on February 22, 2023 in Chelsea, Michigan at the age of 95.
Born on February 12, 1928 into the vibrant, Yiddish-speaking culture of Vilna, Poland (now Vilnius, Lithuania), Gabi escaped with his mother Regina after the start of the Second World War. Forced to travel east, they crossed the Soviet Union, the Pacific Ocean, and the continental United States before being reunited in New York City with older brother Uriel and Gabi’s father, Yiddishist Max Weinreich. Gabi quickly learned English, and graduated from George Washington High School in Manhattan at age 16.
Gabi enjoyed the family’s gift for language: in addition to being completely at home in English and Yiddish, as an adult he could converse in German, Russian, Polish, and French, and had reading knowledge of Hebrew, Latin, ancient Greek, Italian, and Aramaic.
After high school, Gabi studied physics at Columbia University, first as an undergraduate, then as a graduate student, obtaining his Ph.D. in 1953. He met his first wife Alisa (Lourie, d. 1970) in Los Angeles in 1948, and they wed in New York in 1951. After graduate school, Gabi worked at Bell Labs until 1960 when he joined the faculty in the Physics Department at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1971, he met and married his second wife, Gerane (Siemering, d. 2009), starting their blended family of five children.
Gabi enjoyed a lifelong passion for music. While still in high school, he studied composition with a former student of Rimsky-Korsakov. And for decades in Ann Arbor, Gabi hosted regular chamber music sessions, at which he loved to play the piano (he was largely self-taught) and the cello. He also enjoyed improvising at the piano, and accompanying himself on the songs of Tom Lehrer.
Later in life, a brain operation left him partially paralyzed, after which he laboriously retaught himself the piano, and the music of Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and especially J. S. Bach provided a comforting and healing focus for him in his final years.
In the mid 1970s, Gabi became interested in the physics of the piano and the violin, thus bringing together his passions for science and music. This work led to a long-term residency as a consultant at the Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique (IRCAM) in Paris, France and a visiting professorship at the University of Paris.
During this period, Gabi also began to study for the Episcopal priesthood, and was ordained in 1986. He served as Adjunct Minister for St. Clare’s Church in Ann Arbor from 1985 to 1990, and then as Rector at St. Stephen’s in Hamburg, Michigan from 1993 to 1996.
Gabi was the author of several textbooks and a memoir, Confessions of a Jewish Priest (Pilgrim Press 2005), in which he explored the complexity of both his history and his faith. Gabi retired from the University of Michigan in 1995, and in 2005, Gabi and Gerane moved to Silver Maples in Chelsea, Michigan where they found a profoundly rewarding community that enriched them both until their deaths.
Gabi is survived by five children and stepchildren, Catherine Benamou, Marc Benamou (Raúl Ianes), Daniel Weinreich (Wendy Nelson), Rebecca Weinreich (Tara Rose Weinreich), and Natalie Benamou Scotti (Sergio Scotti); and by nine grandchildren, Thomas, Stephen, Shoshanah, and Ashira Weinreich, Thomas Wilson, Arianna and Valentina Scotti, and Aiyana and Emma Lao. He also cherished the more than 50 people he esteemed as “honorary children and grandchildren.”
He will be dearly remembered by many as a pathbreaking physicist, an inspiring teacher and mentor, a talented amateur musician, a Yiddish speaker, a man of faith, and a loving husband, parent, uncle, grandparent, and friend.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Arbor Hospice, Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice, or Jewish Family Services.
Funeral Services will take place at St. Clare’s Church in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 1st at 2:30 p.m. Those unable to attend in person may contact the church for a Zoom link. There will also be a Memorial Celebration for sharing memories on Sunday, April 2nd at 1 p.m. in the Maples Room at Silver Maples retirement community in Chelsea. Contact [email protected] for additional information, including a Zoom link for those unable to attend.
Finally, remembrances are being posted to a memorial website https://sites.google.com/view/celebrating-gabi/home
Prudencio “Prudy” Claro Calado
of Gregory, Michigan
Age 71, died Sunday, February 19, 2023, at his home.
He was born May 4, 1951, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of George Celi and Leatrice Joy (Hall) Calado.
“The basic difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge while an ordinary man takes everything as a blessing or a curse.” ~Castañeda
Prudy graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1969. He owned his own delivery service “P&C Delivery” in Ann Arbor, delivering tofu and other specialty foods to grocery stores and restaurants. In his younger years, Prudy was part of the Counter-Culture Revolution. This had a direct influence on the shape of his life.
Throughout his life, Prudy’s participation in cultural events, historical re-enactments, and the study of history, the world, and politics helped him develop many deeply held beliefs. With his warrior spirit and vast knowledge, he could debate anyone who believed otherwise. But, Prudy also had a fun and whimsical side that made him the life of the party.
He had a love for riding his V-Max motorcycle, Blues music, drinking beer, barbecuing, and having a good time with his many friends.
He was an amazing chef and barbecue master. His gamesmanship and competitiveness, in cards, darts, pool, bowling, video, and board games were always impressive. Later, he turned towards a love of the outdoors kayaking, fishing, and shooting his bow and black powder guns. It can’t go without saying that one of his true passions, which he shared with his grandson, was for bladed weapons including knives, hatchets, and swords. These and his black powder rifles were among his prized possessions.
Prudy also had a spiritual side in communing with nature. He was a friend to the many plants and animals that lived in his world. Prudy was a truly unique person who will be missed by many.
Prudy was father to his daughter, Julie (Danial) Dewyer of Gaylord, and grandfather to his grandson, Malachi.
A Memorial Barbecue will be held later this year.
In lieu of flowers, drink a beer or do a shot and give a toast to Prudy.
Therese Marie Scharphorn
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 91, died Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson.
She was born August 25, 1931 in Chelsea, Michigan, the daughter of Emmett Matthew and Oleta Freida (Hutzel) Hankerd.
Therese grew up in Chelsea, and was a Beta Sigma Phi member. She worked for thirty-five years at the Federal Screw Works as a purchasing agent. Therese was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church choir until age 85.
Therese was very active and enjoyed being outdoors on their farm. She and her sisters often gathered to create delicious preserves from the garden. Therese was a skilled quilter, making many beautiful quilts, which she shared with most of her nieces and nephews. Their farm included an airstrip and hanger, allowing her and David to make many trips across the country in their private plane.
On July 1, 1967, Therese married David Scharphorn in Chelsea, Michigan, and he survives. She is also survived by two sisters, Mary Houle, and Eileen Brooks; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Paul “Bud” Hankerd; and three sisters, Jane Cecile Hankerd, Rose Ann Salvante, and Sr. Helen Hankerd.
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, March 9, 11:00 a.m. 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, Wednesday, March 8, from 3-6 p.m., and at the church Thursday from 10-11 a.m. A Rosary service will take place Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E Old US Highway 12, Chelsea, MI 48118 or the Huron Valley Humane Society, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
Wanda Lou Conner
of Grass Lake, Michigan
Age 80, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at her home with her family at her side.
She was born January 2, 1943, in Ypsilanti, MI, the daughter of Harley “Vern” and Josephine Betty (Green) English.
Wanda was a member of New Harvest Church (formerly Chelsea Free Methodist) and worked as the church secretary for 16 years from 1983-2000. She also served in the Sunday school nursery, and baby sat for Mastering Motherhood and she was active in Susie’s Shawls.
Wanda worked at a shop on Main Street in Chelsea called County Craftique. Wanda loved to read, crochet, and garden. She and Richard enjoyed traveling and visited Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, and most of the U.S. They also lived in Southeast Asia during Richard’s military years.
On March 11, 1960, she married Richard John Conner in Ypsilanti, and he preceded her in death on July 27, 2016. Survivors include a daughter, Sara (Jeff) Smith of Grass Lake; two sons, Richard John II (Tammy) Conner of Grass Lake, Timothy S. Conner of Jackson; 4 grandchildren, Britt Hanson, Kali Staebler (Casey Maloney), Brandon (Krista) Conner, Joshua Conner; 3 great-grandchildren, Oliver Hanson, Elsie Hanson, Serenity Conner; 2 sisters, Nancy Johnson of Westland, Edith Christianson of Ypsilanti; 1 brother, Fred Colby of Belleville; sister-in-law, Kathy Conner; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Violet Murray; and brother, Arden Colby.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at New Harvest Church, 11875 Jackson Rd. Dexter, MI 48130, with Pastor Mark Hendricks and Pastor Larry Lyons officiating. The family will greet friends from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice https://www.arborhospice.org/, New Harvest Church https://new-harvest.co/ or International Child Care. https://www.internationalchildcare.org/give. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Marion J. Wortley Caledonia
Marion Jean (Zincke) Wortley 87, passed away Monday, February 27th, 2023, at Sunrise Senior Living in Cascade, MI.
She was born June 12, 1935, and raised in Chelsea, MI, the daughter of Grace (Conlin) and Armin Zincke. Marion graduated from Chelsea High School and shortly after married her loving husband Dean Wortley also of Chelsea. Marion and Dean were married for 60 years living most of their adult life in Battle Creek, MI.
Marion had a love for reading, birds, and all animals especially cats and dogs. Her love of dogs encouraged her to volunteer raising dogs for the Leader Dog Association. Marion later graduated from college in Mesa, AZ as an LPN. After returning to Battle Creek, she worked as a nurse at hospitals, doctors offices, and lastly Visiting Nurse Association.
She is survived by her son; David (Teresa) Wortley of Middleville, MI, daughters: Linda Miville of Vicksburg, MI, Elizabeth (Tracy Alan) Spencer of Battle Creek, MI, daughter-in-law Cindy (Bob Older) Older of East Leroy, MI. Marion has six grandchildren; Michele Whitlock, Karmen Wortley, Amy Spencer, Bethany Spencer, Danny Older, and Josh Gardner. Marion was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dean, son Robert, daughter Mary Jo Wortley (Jeff Gardner), son-in-law Ray Miville, grandson Bradley Older and brother William (Bill) Zincke.
There will be a small private service held for family.
Memorial donations may go to Gentiva Hospice of Grand Rapids.
George Arthur Merkel
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 93, died Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Chelsea Retirement Community.
George was born on June 6, 1929, to Joseph and Florence (Latreille Doll) Merkel in a farmhouse across from the present-day Chrysler Proving Ground. In 1948, he married Nancy Ellen Clark, and their union lasted for the next 62 years, until death separated George from the love of his life. Together, George and Nancy parented seven children.
George began life as a farm boy, but tried his hand at many occupations over the years. To support his large family, George hauled milk from farm to dairy, drove a semi, owned a service station, owned a bar, and eventually returned to farming, an occupation which he enthusiastically continued until a stroke forced him into retirement at the age of 88.
Even after his debilitating stroke, George lived to farm again. Years after his stroke, although he was completely bed-bound, he spent his time dreaming of the crops he’d plant “next spring”. He was proud to be named as the Farmer of the Year at the Washtenaw County Agriculture Banquet in 2018. The same year, he received a Recognition Award from St. Louis Center.
George served his township as a trustee, his county as a county commissioner, and his church as a member of the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, serving at one time as Grand Knight of his local council and also as State Master. George also loved to celebrate his German heritage as a member of the German Park and the GBU. He was an Ehrenmitglied of the Schwaben Verein in Ann Arbor.
His love of travel took him to Hawaii and Europe with Nancy, and later he enjoyed many trips to destinations in Europe, as well as the Holy Land and Canada.
George is survived by 6 children: Michael Merkel of Azalia, Linda (Walter) Hahn of Chelsea, Ann (Rodney) Salyer of Bark River, Beth (Craig) Corwin of Pinckney, Theresa (James) Tietjen of Waxhaw, NC, and Margaret (William) Stech of Chelsea; as well as 13 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved Nancy, his oldest daughter, Ellen (John) Hall; his parents; his brothers, Joseph, Thomas, and Mark; and one sister, Monica Gauthier.
George’s family would like to express special thanks to his beloved caregivers, Frannie Franklin and Alan Laeder for going above and beyond to make his last years as comfortable as possible.
The Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m. 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 in Chelsea, Monday, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 8:00 p.m. There will also be a visitation at the church Tuesday, at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Louis Center, https://stlouiscenter.org/, the Humane Society of Huron Valley, https://www.hshv.org/, or Arbor Hospice, https://www.arborhospice.org/.
Webb Douglas Seegert
Manchester, MI
Age 86, died Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at his home.
He was born May 24, 1936 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Theodore Peter and Phyllis Lou (Wadsworth) Seegert.
Webb graduated from Petersburg (Summerfield) High School in 1954. He worked at Chrysler for 34 years in Vehicle Impact and was a member of the UAW Local 1284. Webb was a member of the Manchester United Methodist Church and the President of Manchester Family Service. He enjoyed gospel music.
On July 1, 1961, he married Evelyn “Evie” Dresch and she preceded him in death on November 30, 2018. Survivors include his two sons, Randy (Cindy Bradstreet) Seegert of Hudson, Timothy (Rebecca Scherdt) Seegert of Manchester; three daughters, Tammy (Jeff) Crunkilton of Sparta, GA, Teresa (Timothy) Sannes of Grass Lake, and Alicia (Kim) Seegert of Tecumseh; six grandchildren, James (Jesi) Seegert, Ryan (Stephanie) Sannes, Joshua (Kylah) Sannes, Kristen Sines, Evan Seegert and Samantha Seegert; four great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Evelyn, and Everett Sannes and Stephan Sannes; two sisters, Helena “Anne” Wright and Dianne Gieske; and brother, Daniel Seegert, and sisters in law Barbara Dresch of Tennessee and Ethel Dresch of Georgia, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 25 at 11am at the Manchester United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dillon Burns officiating. The family will receive friends at the church Friday from 4-8pm and Saturday from 10-11am. A private burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester. Memorial contributions may be made to Manchester United Methodist Church, 501 Ann Arbor St, Manchester, MI 48158.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
John William “Jack” Crump
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Albion, Michigan
Died Thursday, February 9, 2023, at the age of 91.
Jack was born on January 18, 1932, in Santa Rosa, California, the son of John Richard and Helen (Skinner) Crump. He attended public school in his hometown of Sebastopol, graduated from Analy High School, and then attended Santa Rosa Junior College and the University of California, Berkeley. An excellent student, he was elected to Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, and to Phi Beta Kappa in recognition of his academic achievement.
Following graduation from Berkeley, Jack traveled east to pursue a doctorate degree in chemistry at the University of Illinois. At Illinois, he was active in the campus Wesley Foundation, where he met Beverley J. (Bev) Hill, the love of his life. They were married in Urbana, Illinois, on June 19, 1955.
After completing his PhD in 1956, Jack accepted a position in research at Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan. While at Dow, he taught an extension course through Central Michigan University that sparked his interest in teaching. He joined the faculty of Albion College in 1962 as an associate professor of chemistry and served as department chair beginning in 1969.
Jack’s passion for chemistry and the liberal arts inspired generations of Albion College students, and he continued to mentor many of them even after his retirement in 1997. Rarely seen on campus without a cup of coffee in hand, he greatly enjoyed collaborations with his colleagues in chemistry and beyond, including co-authoring two chemistry textbooks. His interest in a wide variety of subjects led to enriching sabbatical years at the University of Leiden (The Netherlands) in 1970 and Lucknow Christian College (India) in 1978.
When Jack and Bev moved to Albion with their young family, they had just finished construction on a new home in Midland, where Jack built all the cabinets in the kitchen. In Albion they purchased a historic home, the only house on tiny Cedar Street, and their inquiries into the history of the unusual house with a turret inspired a lasting interest in genealogy. Throughout their married life, they spent many hours and drove thousands of miles tracing their family roots.
Jack devoted his time to serving the communities where he lived. In Albion he served as a Cub Scout leader for Stephen’s scout pack, particularly enjoying the challenge of making racecars for the pinewood derby. With Bev, he chaperoned all three daughters’ Camp Fire Girls groups, leading them on camping trips and other adventures. He worked to support racial and ethnic diversity in Albion through his support for integration of the school board in the 1960s and contributed to the betterment of the town through his work for the United Way and the Albion Civic (Community) Foundation. He was a regular participant in the annual Crop Walk for Hunger and helped establish Habitat for Humanity in Albion. A lifelong Methodist, he was active member of the First United Methodist Church in Albion, where he especially enjoyed teaching the senior high school Sunday School class. After moving to Chelsea, he became a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor, where his daughter Nancy is pastor.
Jack enjoyed spending time and sharing interests with his family and friends. His generally quiet demeanor was often punctuated by eruptions of laughter as he delighted in those around him. His children recall camping trips when he shared his love of the outdoors through fishing, hiking, skipping stones, and making blueberry pancakes over the campfire. He loved the woods and enjoyed identifying birds and many species of plants and wildflowers.
He and Bev shared a deep appreciation of music. They held season tickets to the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Detroit Symphony, and the Michigan Opera Theater for over 20 years. In 1998, they had the thrill of a lifetime when they attended The Elixir of Love at La Scala in Milan, Italy. Jack always enjoyed singing, and together he and Bev were founding members of the choir at the Silver Maples of Chelsea retirement community.
Jack pursued many of his lifelong hobbies at the Cedar Street home in Albion. He had a woodshop in the basement, set up a ham radio station in the furnace room, and enjoyed building fires in the basement fireplace. In the large back yard, he and Bev planted flower and vegetable gardens. He continued gardening after he and Bev moved to their home outside of Albion in 1984, developing a penchant for dahlias. After moving to Silver Maples of Chelsea, he continued his habit of voracious reading and enjoyed cooking, gardening, and attending concerts and other events.
Jack is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bev, and by his children: Stephen (Diana) Crump, of Sanford, Florida; Becky (Paul Gottschalk) Crump of Chelsea; Sandra (Paul Rardin) Crump of Havertown, Pennsylvania; and Rev. Nancy Lynn of Ann Arbor. In addition, he is survived by three grandchildren, Emmett Lynn Howard, and Lily and Violet Crump; nieces Julie Cohen, Kristen Hill, Cindy Atchley, and Christina Scott; and nephews Mike Spiess, Greg Scott, and David Hill. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lou Spiess, and his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on March 10, 2023, at Silver Maples of Chelsea, 100 Silver Maples Drive, Chelsea. At a later date, burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery in Ann Arbor.
Memorial contributions may be made to the John Crump and Paul Cook Research Scholarship at Albion College (albion.edu/jack-crump). The Silver Maples of Chelsea Retirement Neighborhood’s Silver Lining Fund (checks to Silver Maples of Chelsea, noting that the gift is in memory of Jack; or online at https://silvermaples.org/donate), or the United Methodist Committee on Relief (https://umcmission.org/umcor/).
Mary Ann Pappas
of Chelsea, formerly of Clarkston and Bay City
Age 89, passed away on February 20, 2023.
She was born May 31, 1933 in Alpena to Frank and Magdalene Spencer.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Art; and her brother Malcolm Spencer, mother of Katie (Bob) Leach, Kit (Teri) Pappas, John (Candace) Pappas and Mandy (Tom) Higgins; grandmother of Alex, Spencer, MaryClaire, Madeline, Sophia, August, Elizabeth and Thea.
Mary Ann graduated from Central Michigan University and taught business at Clarkston High School. She lived in Clarkston for over 50 years.
Mary Ann was a kind, reliable neighbor and friend. She was an active member at St. Daniel Catholic Church until moving to Chelsea in 2014 where she was an active resident of Silver Maples Retirement Community.
Memorial Mass Saturday, March 18 at 11 a.m. at St. Daniel Catholic Church, Clarkston with visiting directly at the church at 10:30 a.m. Private interment Lakeview Cemetery, Clarkston.
Memorials may be made to Independence Township Library.
Arrangements entrusted to Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston.
Barbara Jeanne Preston
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 92, died Friday, February 17, 2023, at her home.
She was born December 25, 1930, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Gerald and Dorothy (Schade) Hepner.
Barbara lived on Pontiac Street and went to Donovan Elementary School which was on Wall Street. From there she went to Slauson Jr. High. High School was at Ann Arbor High School. She attended Alexander Beauty School and later had a beauty shop on Ann Street near the corner of Glen.
In her younger years, Barbara had great fun ice skating in the winter and swimming all summer long at the beach which was located on Long Shore Dr. on the north side of Ann Arbor. She and her sister, Gerry, had a great group of friends that they played with every day. She really had a great childhood.
Barbara drove a school bus in Ann Arbor and Chelsea for many years. She also worked at Arbor Hospice for seven years.
In 1952, Barbara married Robert B. Preston in Angola, Indiana. He preceded her in death on August 7, 1987. She is survived by their three children, John Preston of Roscommon, Robert (Linda) Preston of West Branch, and Gayle McMillen also of West Branch; six grandchildren, Laura, Robert, Amanda, Travis, Alex, and Tina; five great-grandchildren, Cory, Preston, Kia, Violet, Hayden, and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Harold Crist; sister, Geraldine True; and granddaughter, McKinley McMillen.
No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the WAVE bus. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Donald Bauer
Ann Arbor, Michigan, formerly of Chelsea
Age 86, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023 at Glacier Hills Care and Rehab Center in Ann Arbor.
He was born Sept. 19, 1936 in Chelsea, Michigan, the son of George Frederick and Ruby Mae (Hadley) Bauer.
Don worked as the Brake Department Supervisor at Chelsea Proving Grounds, retiring in 1988. He was a member of St. John United Church of Christ. He had been a member of Lima Township Planning Commission. Don enjoyed golf, carpentry, travel, family, friends, and cats.
On January 8, 1955, he married Leila C. Trinkle, and she survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Jeanette “Jeanne” (Jef) Spencer of Manchester; a son, Donald “Donnie” Bauer, Jr. of Chelsea; adopted son, Robert “Bob” Shipman of Chelsea; a brother, Robert Bauer; a sister, Barbara (Charles) Fredette; sister-in-law Jayne Bauer; as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Cole funeral Chapel on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Happy Hearts Feline Rescue, 10905 E. Pleasant Lake Rd., Manchester, MI 48158 or to Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
James “Jim” Lyerla
Chelsea, MI
Age 72, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at his home in Chelsea.
He was born Nov. 19, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Clifford and Bethel (Newbury) Lyerla.
Jim had lived all of his life in the area graduating from Chelsea High School in 1968. He worked at Chrysler Proving Grounds for 36 years and retired in 2006 and served the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War. Jim remained active at the Chelsea Wellness Center for many years and enjoyed bowling, softball, the Detroit Tigers and U of M football and basketball.
Jim is survived by one son, Robert Lyerla of Chelsea; two brothers, Thomas (Tokuko) Lyerla of Glendale, AZ, Steven Lyerla of Vandercook Lake; one granddaughter, Kylie Lyerla; and Mark Cook’s family. He was preceded in death by his parents and special friend Mark Cook.
At Jim’s request, cremation has taken place. A private graveside service will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Diabetes.
Susan Long
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 75, died Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in Ann Arbor.
She was born June 30, 1947, in Wyandotte, Michigan, the daughter of Edward and Marion (Dufour) Novack.
Susan was the life of the party and always made a grand entrance. Susan retired from GM Powertrain. She was a member of the Red Hat Society in Lincoln Park, and volunteered at Chelsea Community Hospital.
Susan is survived by her daughter, Wendy Suzanne (David) McGraw of Fairfax, Virginia; two grandchildren, Matthew and James McGraw; five siblings, Phyllis Stone of Riverview, Fred (Beverly) Novack of Waterford, Ronald (Suzanne) Novack of Novi, Dennis (Rose) Novack of Texas, and Mary Ann (David) Wilson of Rochester Hills; many nieces and nephews; special great-niece, Isabelle Lunsford; and nephew/godson, James Wilson. She was preceded in death by her brother, David John Novack; and two husbands, Paul Berdish and Gerald Long.
A funeral mass will be held Thursday, February 16, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Arborcrest Memorial Park, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Wednesday from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m., with a vigil service at 6:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Safe House, 4100 Clark Rd, Ann Arbor.
Jay George Hanke
of Gilbert, Arizona
Passed away in his sleep on February 1, 2023.
Born March 4, 1941, the only child of Carl and Mildred (Grabbenstatter) Hanke, Jay was nearly 82 years old when he passed after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease like his mother.
Jay grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and attended Ferris State University. Jay was an avid golfer and worked for the University of Michigan Golf Course where he met his wife, Kathleen Kreul. They were married on August 12, 1968. Jay and Kathy raised their family in Chelsea, Michigan.
His career was spent in Manchester, Michigan, for the plastics machinery division of Uniloy/Hoover Universal/Johnson Controls for 27 years. Following his retirement, Jay and Kathy moved to Arizona to be closer to their grandchildren. A devoted Michigan football fan, you could always find Jay in a navy Michigan sweatshirt, even in Arizona.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Kathleen (Kreul) Hanke. Kathy was Jay’s caregiver throughout his illness with Alzheimer’s and showed true commitment to “in sickness and in health.” Jay is also survived by his two children Carol (Greg) Leicht of Gilbert, Arizona, and James (Kate Yost) Hanke of Ypsilanti, Michigan, as well as their spouses and five grandchildren, Alexis (fiancé Greg Carter), Sara, Ellie, Megan, and Ava.
Jay will be cremated at the Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home.
Carol Edman
of Chelsea, formerly of Ann Arbor and Cheboygan
(November 10, 1931 to February 6, 2023)
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near…so loved, so missed, so very dear.
“Wow what a wonderful life I have had. I was born to Violet and Clayton Russ in Ann Arbor. I was the oldest sister to Stanley Russ, Marilyn Gibson and Judy (Jerry) Pace. We grew up on Broadway Street and created so many wonderful family memories.
I attended and graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1949. I met this guy named Marshall Edman and I knew he was the one. We married on September 20, 1952, and were blessed with three children: Thomas (Diane), Karen, Mark (Stacey). Five grandchildren, Sarah (Paul) Strohbusch, Molly Edman, Tabitha (Eric) Stiller, Brandon (Jess-Fiancée) Edman, Nathan Edman. Great grandchildren, Ethan and Tucker Stiller, Emerson and Luke Strohbusch. We raised our family in Ann Arbor surrounded by many extended family and friends.
We had a house on Mullet Lake in Cheboygan, spending time there whenever possible and eventually retiring there and gaining another wonderful group of friends. I loved being a wife, mother, Nani and great Nani. I was active with the Lady Elks, bowling and golf leagues and our monthly Euchre group.
After moving north, we continued to golf in a senior group, became active in the Lions Auxiliary, Red Hatters, and Cheboygan Golf and Country Club. Marshall and I celebrated 61 years of marriage until he passed in 2013. I returned to Chelsea in 2017 to be nearer to family and have gained another wonderful group of friends at the Prairie Cottages. We loved our Tuesday’s of drinking wine and playing Euchre, as well as the time spent talking on the front porch. I have lived a full, blessed life surrounded by a wonderful, loving family and so many good friends.”
Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. So, dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be. Because I will remember you all and look on with a smile. Understand, in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.
The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Friday, February 10, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. A time of food and fellowship will follow at the Chelsea Fairgrounds Service Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, the U of M Cardiovascular Center, or a charity of your choice.
Cathleen Lynn Hall
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 63, died Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at Chelsea Hospital.
She was born March 30, 1959 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Doug and Doris (Alexander) Taylor.
On July 15, 1978, Cathleen married Richard Currie Hall. He preceded her in death on April 24, 2022. Cathleen is 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; a brother, Keith Taylor; nieces, Autumn and Jessica; and nephews, Eric and Craig.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Feb. 14, 11:00 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m.
Phyllis Joan Kalmbach
of Chelsea, Michigan
Age 91, died peacefully in her sleep, after a short illness, Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
She was born July 18, 1931, in Ann Arbor Michigan, the daughter of Walter A. and Elsie M. Heydlauff Kalmbach.
Phyllis graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1955, with a degree in education, and went on to earn a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan. She taught elementary school, mainly second grade, in Jackson until she retired in 1989.
She was also an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for many years. Phyllis was the organist for Salem Grove Methodist Church for over fifty years. She also served as the church treasurer, taught vacation Bible school many summers, and helped with the Christmas tree/Craft Sale every December.
Phyllis had many hobbies including sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She crocheted beautiful lace baptism dresses for two of her great nieces. She was very interested in genealogy and has done extensive research on the family tree. She loved to travel and went to Germany one summer with her cousin Gloria to visit Heydlauff cousins in Stuttgart. She also enjoyed a family cruise to Alaska with her brother and family, and, in later years, accompanying the family to Florida to celebrate the Christmas holidays.
Phyllis was an avid lifetime learner. She took advantage of the many opportunities offered at the Chelsea Senior Center, traveling, and taking genealogy and computer classes. She was also active in community service including Meals on Wheels. In addition to her family, one of Phyllis’s greatest loves was the family cottage on Clear Lake where she summered most of her adult life. She also loved the family farm and gazing across at the fields most summer evenings in her later years as she sat on the front porch of the old family home.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Walter A. Kalmbach, Jr. and her sister-in-law, Virginia Richards Kalmbach of Grand Rapids. Phyllis is survived and will be sadly missed by a niece, Ann (David) Kalmbach Moore of Caledonia; a nephew, Kevin (Debra) Kalmbach of Ludington; a great-nephew, Jeffrey Moore; and great nieces, Megan Moore, Marla Woodward, and Kayla Williams.
A graveside service will be held later in the year. Please check www.colefuneralchapel.com for updates.
Kenneth Clarence Toney
of Ann Arbor, Michigan
Age 84, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, February 4, 2023, at his home.
He was born September 28, 1938, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Alvin R. and Lucille (Guenther) Toney.
Ken graduated from Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, and then joined the Army where he was a cook. He worked for Western-Southern Life Insurance for many years, retiring in 2003. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling to Alaska multiple times, working crossword puzzles, and working part-time for Parts Peddler delivering parts.
Ken was an avid fisherman his entire life, with his greatest “fish tale” being his 244 lb. halibut he caught by himself on his first trip to Alaska. Ken was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, where he was very involved in church dinners, including lead chef for the Christmas dinners for 20 years.
Ken was awarded Humanitarian of the Year by Faith in Action in 2016. He also volunteered for the Chelsea Community Fair. He was very friendly, and enjoyed talking and joking with everyone.
Survivors include two daughters, Lyn (Michael) Frasson of Trenton, Jill (Steve) Atwell of Chelsea; and their mother, Jean Virgne; four grandchildren, Kayla Rivers, Lexis Frasson, Connor and Chelsea Atwell; one sister, Margaret (Frank) VanSchouten of Oregon; a special friend, Naomi Shepard; and Buddy the cat. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Marie Rothfuss Toney, his sister, Shirley (Duane) Layher; and his brother, Carl (Kathy) Rothfuss.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Feb. 13, 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Daniel Pezzica and Rev. Dale Grimm officiating. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Sunday from Noon to 4 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or Faith in Action.
Patricia Joan Russell
Patricia died peacefully at the age of 92.
Born September 26, 1930 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Walter Kranich and Edith White Kranich, Pat was the oldest of three daughters.
Pat attended Fritz Elementary School and Ann Arbor High School. On April 27, 1948 she married the love of her life Guy Patrick Russell. They made their home in Ypsilanti, Michigan until their move to Chelsea, Michigan in 1972.
Pat and Guy bought an 1860’s farm house and she delighted in keeping the farmhouse historically accurate. She inspired those around her with knowledge of period decorating. Pat was passionate about collecting primitives and other antiques that were period to her house. She was very knowledgeable about growing herbs and had beautiful herb gardens.
Pat was an incredibly creative person and was very generous with her time. She was involved with the Waterloo Farm Museum (Waterloo, MI) for many years. Pat was always kind, charming and elegant. She took delight in her family which she made the center of her life.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband Guy and beloved son Timothy John. She is survived by her adoring children Mary Therese Russell, Sandra Lee Russell, Hugh Patrick Russell (Donna), Michael Joseph Russell (Lois), Sue Ann Stamper (Michael), Rebecca Marie Dawson (Brett), Marilyn Kay Stanley, Elizabeth Irene Hadley (John Jarvis), Christine Brigitt Moore (Steve); grandchildren Joy, Brian, Megan, Laura, Jesse, Benjamin, Teresa, Travis, Rosemary, James, Amber, Jon, Stephen, Michael and William. Her family includes numerous great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.
Pat lived life to the fullest with a positive attitude, love for her family and delight in the world around her!
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, Feb. 10th 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 10-11 am at the church. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Waterloo.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Lois Ellena Thurston
of Grass Lake, Michigan
Age 86, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born April 25, 1936, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Lewis and Rita (Tice) Elsifor.
Lois was a member of Silver Streaks and Silver Threads with the Chelsea Seniors and a member of the Waterloo Historical Society. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church and former altar care member. Lois retired from NSK Bearing Company in Ann Arbor, after 40 years of employment.
On January 7, 1995, she married Allyn J. Thurston in Lindsey, Ohio, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 14, 2014. Survivors include two sisters, Juliann Hatfield of Lakeland, MI, and Ruth (Keith) Hall of Smyrna, TN; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Lewis Elsifor, Jr.; and sisters, Shirley Wilkinson, Rita Carter, Coralle Konesko and Nancy Meadows.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 31, 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Daniel Pezzica officiating. A viewing will be held at Cole Funeral Chapel on Monday, January 30, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Main, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.
Wanda “Sue” Wood
of Chelsea, MI
Age 82, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
Sue was born on February 28, 1940 in Salyersville, KY to Charles and Arizona (Castle) Patrick. She had lived in the Chelsea area most of her life, and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1959. On October 1, 1960, she married Don D. Wood, and he survives.
Sue loved gardening and was a charter member of the Evening Primrose Garden Club. She also enjoyed traveling as well as cooking and family get togethers, especially during the holidays. She also owned Especially Yours clothing store.
In addition to her husband, Don, she is survived by a daughter, Penny (Dave) Trinkle of Chelsea, a sister, Mary Casterline of Bellaire, and two brothers, Jack Patrick of Chelsea, and Chuck Patrick of Manchester; two grandchildren, Nichole and Kaitlyn, and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly Wood in 2018, and sister-in-law, Kathy Patrick.
A Graveside Service will be held this spring at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to the UMRC Heritage Foundation-Towsley Village.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
Peter J. Severn
Chelsea, Michigan
Age 94, died Sunday, January 22, 2023, at his home.
He was born December 2, 1928, in Elkton, Michigan, the son of Nelson and Mary Ann (Higgs) Severn.
Hailing from Elkton, a tiny town in the “thumb” of Michigan, Pete was first a state park ranger, and then owner-operator of a service station, before arriving at the U-M in 1960.
Pete was one of a handful of master glassblowers maintained on staff by major teaching institutions across the country. During his tenure, Pete created and manufactured glass objects integral to research through the U-M community. His work also provided items used in the world’s first artificial heart transplant as well as in NASA explorations.
Pete retired January 31, 1991. After retirement, Pete established his own business, a consultancy to various research and development concerns. He loved golf and put together a little series of golf outings for his department at U-M every summer. Pete also enjoyed playing the guitar and was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
On November 8, 1947, he married Nettie Esther Greenleaf. She preceded him in death on October 11, 2020. Survivors include his daughter, Sandra (William) Kulenkamp of Chelsea; grandchildren, Kristie Centilli, James Scott Centilli (Becky Raines), Laura (Robert) Hoshaw, and Michael (Tammy) Kulenkamp; great-grandchildren, Gavin Centilli, Isabella Centilli, Dylan Raines, Max Raines, Matthew (Tammi) Miller, Christopher Miller, Evan (Catie) Hoshaw, Joseph (Misty) Richards, Laura Richards, Ashten (Adam) Metzger, Nicholas Kulenkamp; great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Fred Severn; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 27, 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Thursday from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. and at the church Friday from noon – 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/.
Francis “Frank” Xavier Colligan MD
of Ann Arbor
Passed away on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 at the age of 82.
Frank was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana the 7th of 10 children to Joseph and Marie (Hoffman) Colligan. He entered the seminary at age 14, eventually graduating high school and college from the University of Notre Dame and went on to attend medical school at Indiana University.
Frank married Judy (Miller) in 1965. He spent five years as a family practitioner in Topeka, Indiana before completing a psychiatric residency at the University of Michigan in 1978.
He joined Chelsea Community Hospital in Chelsea, Michigan where he practiced psychiatry for 37 years spending much of the time as Chief of Psychiatry. He finished his career at Livingston County Community Mental Health retiring shortly before his death.
When he wasn’t working, his many interests included Notre Dame football, playing tennis at Liberty Racquet Club, spending time with family and sailing his Rebel at the Colligan family cottage at Coldwater Lake in Michigan.
He loved reading the New York Times and drinking Starbucks coffee. He was a devoted follower of US politics and loved drinking a nightly Jim Beam Manhattan with his wife of 57 years.
Frank will always be remembered for his gentle, thoughtful and kind nature. He valued other people’s views and opinions, even when they differed from his own. One of his best qualities was his ability to listen, whether he was speaking with family and friends, or working with patients. He could always be counted on to provide gentle encouragement and advice without judgment or superiority.
He especially valued working as part of a team and often said he learned as much from the nurses he worked with as he had from his schooling or other physicians. He was truly an egalitarian.
He is survived by his beloved wife Judy (Miller) Colligan; loving children Kristin (Sergio) Scarcella, Mark Colligan MD, Molly (Michael) Maci, and Kerry (Merri Lynn) Colligan; siblings, Margaret and Stanley; grandchildren Julia, Joseph, Michael, Matthew, Thomas, Meghan, Madelyn, Mackenzie, Dallas (Nick), and Chase; great-grandchildren Collins and Killian as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Marie, and siblings Joan Robertson, Joseph Colligan MD, Paul Colligan MD, Charles Colligan, Mary Ortbals, Jerome Colligan PhD, Mary Ortbals, and Michael Colligan MD.
Visitation will be held at Nie Funeral Home – 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at St. Mary’s Student Parish – 331 Thompson St., Ann Arbor on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Visitation at 12:15 pm and mass at 1:00 pm. Cremation will take place privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Dr. Colligan suggests donations to Livingston Community Mental Health Services in his honor. Donations may be made by sending a check to Livingston Community Mental Health Services – 622 East Grand River, Howell, MI 48843. Please make the check payable to Livingston County Mental Health Services and in the memo line please indicate “To be used as needed; honoring Dr. Colligan”.
Rodney Worden
Age 74, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor.
He was born December 22, 1948, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of R.V. and Doris K. (Lehman) Worden. Rodney was the older of twin brothers.
He lived his first year at his grandparent’s home in Munith, before moving to Chelsea with his family in the 1950’s.
At the age of 14, he was injured in a sledding accident, leaving him disabled in his right shoulder and arm. Rodney graduated from Chelsea High School in 1967. His disability did not keep him from working over 30 years in janitorial maintenance at Beach Middle School in Chelsea.
Rodney spent the last four years at an assisted living facility. He overcame several health issues, but could not overcome a severe infection.
Rodney is survived by his brother, Ronald Worden of Chelsea; an uncle, Richard Worden; an aunt, Betty Cowan; and several cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 24, 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel.
Marion Rose Lesniewicz
of Jackson, Michigan, formerly of Hamburg and Grass Lake
Age 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 13, 2023, at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson.
She was born June 23, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Frank and Sophia (Murski) Stabile. Marion belonged to St. Francis in Ann Arbor, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ypsilanti, Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Brighton, and St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea.
Marion worked for Bell-Howell/UMI until she retired about 30 years ago. Marion was a great cook and loved her grandkids.
On June 22, 1946, she married Edward J. Lesniewicz at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ypsilanti. He preceded her in death on September 26, 1987. Survivors include three daughters, Mary Ann (Stanley) Gilbert of Manchester, Diane Kampmann of Grass Lake, Patricia (George) Karam of Rockford; a sister, Theresa Hoopengarner of Florida; 7 grandchildren Michelle (Jim) Weber, Chris (Maryl Randel) Gilbert, Kirsten (Kenyon Adams) Kampmann, Erin (Dell) Willis, Jeff (Charlotte) Kampmann, George Edward Karam, Robert (Jamie Risdon) Karam, and 10 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, William Kampmann, and a sister, Margie Zielinski.
The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 20, 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. A private burial will follow at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery in Ann Arbor. The family will receive friends at the church from 10-11 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E. Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Patrick Joseph O’Dowd
of Saline, Michigan
Age 86, died Monday, January 9, 2023. He was born November 15, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of John Michael and Katherine (Maloney) O’Dowd.
Patrick graduated from St. Theresa High School and went to the University of Detroit. He was a Social Worker employed by the State of Michigan. Patrick was very involved in the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.
Survivors include his sisters, Margaret King of Westland, Eileen (Bill) Schott of Jackson; nephews, Michael (Carrie) King, Billy (Amy) Schott; great-nephews, Greyson, Joseph, John, Michael; a great-niece, Avery; and a good friend, Jody Croskey.
Burial will be at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Johan Stohl
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Albion
Age 89, died Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Silver Maples of Chelsea.
He was born September 19, 1933, in Warren, Pennsylvania, the son of Harold and Louise (Cogswell) Stohl.
Johan was an Albion College professor, an ordained minister, and a member of the Unitarian Universalist congregation of Ann Arbor. Johan had an active social life at Silver Maples being a part of the choir, Silver Linings campaign, and promotional activities for Silver Maples. He was a published poet and a deeply admired professor; a beloved husband and family man.
His legacy includes the family cottage he built and the lives he influenced. Johan was known for his sense of humor and delight in life until the very end. Musician and carpenter, minister and teacher, he drank deeply from the well of life. Wherever he lived, he engaged in the community and left it a better place.
On June 13, 1959, he married Donna Lee Anderson in Stromsburg, Nebraska. Other family includes three children: Erik Stalhandske of Chelsea, Nathan Stohl of Ann Arbor, and Ingrid McIntyre of Beverly Hills; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; along with 3 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Karin Shipley.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 12, 2023, 2:30 p.m. at Silver Maples of Chelsea, with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Albion College-Religion Department, https://www.albion.edu/giving/.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
