Chelsea State Bank ad

Recent Obituaries: Donald Bauer, James ‘Jim’ Lyerla

Donald Bauer of Ann Arbor, 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.

The family will receive friends at Cole funeral Chapel on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For the full obituary, please click here.


James “Jim” Lyerla of Chelsea, age 72, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023 at his home in Chelsea.

He was born Nov. 19, 1950 in Detroit, 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.

At Jim’s request, cremation has taken place. A private graveside service will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.

For the full obituary, please click here.