Gary R. Lewis, age 70, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on May 1, 2024 at his home.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Crossroads Community Church, Stockbridge, where the family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m.
Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
A full obituary will be posted when available.
Mary Ann Seigel, age 89, of Gregory, MI, passed away on April 30, 2024 at WellBridge of Pinckney. Mary Ann was born on November 15, 1934 in Lansing, MI, the daughter of William and Clara (Becker) McGee.
She married Arnold R. Seigel on January 23, 1971, and lived in Gregory the remainder of her life.
Mary Ann's life was a testament to faith, joy, and commitment. She was a member of the Plainfield United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the church choir. She loved to sing, and she also was a member of the Sweet Adeline’s Women Barbershop Music Group. She worked as a clerk for the Department of Agriculture for 10 years. She enjoyed many years with the Gregory and Stockbridge Senior Groups, and she was the Treasurer for the National Farmers Organization up until the last five months of her life.
Mary Ann was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her family. She enjoyed crocheting and had made many afghans for family and friends, as well as donating hundreds of them to nursing homes and hospice organizations. She also loved traveling with her husband, creating many fond memories.
Mary Ann is survived by her five children, Mike (Carlie) Seigel of Stockbridge, Melinda Pfeiffer of Georgia, Marge (Fred) Noll of Gregory, Mark (Tina) Seigel of Webberville, MI and Marcia (Dan) Hengesbach of Westphalia, MI; as well as 20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren. Her husband, Arnold, preceded her in death on January 5, 2015. She was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, William Pfeiffer, and two brothers, Louis McGee and Bob McGee.
Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at the Plainfield United Methodist Church on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Missy Noll officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Plainfield United Methodist Church.
Lonnie Banks, age 74, of Homer, MI, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at his home. Lonnie was born on February 4, 1950 in Battle Creek, MI to Earl and Evelyn (Sommer) Banks.
He was a lifelong resident of Homer. During high school he worked for Fred's Soda Bar in Homer. He graduated from Homer High School in 1968, and shortly thereafter, he joined the US Airforce. He served during the Vietnam War as an airplane mechanic. When he returned, he worked as an Equipment Operator at Conrail Railroad for 20 years. During that time he also owned a business, the Village Stove Shop, in Homer with his brother, Gary.
After retiring from the railroad, Lonnie worked various part-time jobs. Lonnie was always dedicated to his work. He worked as bartender for Cascarelli's Pizza in Homer for over 10 years, a place where he became very close with the Cascarelli family. They always treated him like family. He also worked for Hammond Hardware in Jackson, True Value Hardware in Homer, and SCM Lumber in Homer. He attended Anchor Baptist Church in Homer. In the most recent years, he would be seen with his most important and trustworthy companion, his black lab, Bo. He also enjoyed watching TV, especially the evening news and anything Sci-Fi.
Lonnie is survived by three brothers, Larry Banks of Albion, Gary Banks of Munith, and Randy Banks of Mason; and special family friends, the Cascarelli Family of Homer.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, 12:00 p.m., at the Anchor Baptist Church, 6020 23 Mile Road, Homer, MI 49245, with Pastor Brian D. Walker officiating. A luncheon will follow the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Anchor Baptist Church.
Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
Norma J. Spadafore, of Stockbridge, MI, age 72, passed away on April 27, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Norma (affectionately known as Normi) was born on June 2, 1951, in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Norman and Marjorie (McIntee) Mitchell. She grew up in Leslie, MI, graduating from Leslie High School in 1969. She married the love of her life, Frank R. Spadafore, on July 24, 1971 in Bunker Hill Twp., and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage. They lived in Pinckney, MI for many years, where they raised their family and owned and operated the local grocery store before eventually settling in Stockbridge, MI.
Normi was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Family came first, and she was always happy to host Sunday dinners and organize family vacations, nurturing the close relationships she knew to be so important. She adored her grandchildren and supported their passions by cheering enthusiastically at sporting events, dance recitals, and plays.
Normi truly loved life and embraced it with open arms, never missing an opportunity to make memories. She rarely turned down a road trip, a concert, a round of golf or a game of cards. She loved music and took to the dance floor whenever the opportunity presented itself, even if the dance floor was on the golf course. Her outgoing and fun loving personality allowed her to make friends wherever she went, but she truly cherished her lifelong friendships, many spanning decades. She was always grateful for time spent with her treasured best friends and sisters, and had countless stories of their adventures. She was an avid reader, a great cook, a talented gardener, and she didn’t shy away from a healthy debate. Most recently, Normi was a fighter and faced each new challenge with patience, determination, love and humor, inspiring those around her to treasure each day.
Normi is survived by her four children, Michael Spadafore of Ann Arbor, Tony (Kelly) Spadafore of Chelsea, Joe (Melissa) Spadafore of East Lansing, and Nick (Melissa) Spadafore of East Lansing; nine adoring grandchildren: Ryan, Mya, Hunter, Phoebe, Aidan, Loela, Stella, Georgia, and Sienna; her siblings, Mary Ellen (Dale) Tithof of Chesaning, JoAnne (Rae) Edmondson of San Diego, CA, James (Nancy) Mitchell of Leslie, Janet (James) Muir of Farmington, Patrick Mitchell of Leslie, and Michael Mitchell of Leslie; her sisters-in-law, Shirley Mitchell of Lake Orion, and Connie Spadafore of Stockbridge. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, in February 2024, her parents, and a brother, Thomas Mitchell.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
A Celebration Life will be held at the Brookshire Inn and Golf Club, 205 W. Church Street in Williamston, MI on Friday, May 17, 2024 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to SAESA (Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority), or the Glioblastoma Foundation.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Nancy L. Gentner, age 90, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on April 25, 2024 in Chelsea, MI. Nancy was born on April 27, 1933 in Ann Arbor, MI, to Irish and German parents, Joseph and Matilda (Feuerbacher) O'Reilly. In her early life she was raised in Ann Arbor. She attended Bach Elementary, Slauson Middle School, and the old Ann Arbor High School. Nancy completed her senior year in high school in adult education, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1950. She always said, "I was a slow learner!"
She married Ronald F. Gentner on September 29, 1956, and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage. They lived in Ypsilanti for many years and then moved to Stockbridge, and later to Chelsea. She was a member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ. Nancy's legacy is one of warmth, kindness, and devotion. As a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, she poured boundless love and care into her family. She loved baking and spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by a daughter, Tracy Gentner of Minnesota, and two grandchildren, Madeline and Allison; brothers-in-law, Duane Gentner of Colorado and Terry Gentner of Michigan; nephews, Scott (Kathy) Maichele of Michigan and Chris (Melissa) Gentner of Colorado; nieces, Pat O'Reilly and Shannon O'Reilly of Michigan, Jennifer Gentner of Michigan, Sue Goetz of Michigan, Terry Adkins of Tennessee, and Lisa (William) Chumley of Colorado; and a special friend, Kristi Eidt of Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her husband, Ronald, in 2010.
A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024, 1:30 p.m., at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor, MI, followed by a time of fellowship and reception at the Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to Faith In Action, Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Bruce Neil Geer, of Jackson, Michigan passed away at his home surrounded by his family on April 28, 2024. He was the son of Joseph and Gladys (Herman) Geer and was born on July 24, 1952 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. On October 18, 1969 in Grass Lake, Michigan, he married Linda J. Robbins, and she survives.
Bruce was a gardener and loved growing vegetables. He also loved taking care of his lawn. He was a Driver Mechanic at the Chrysler Proving Grounds for many years. Bruce had attended the Harvest Baptist Church since he was two years old. Faith, family, and friends were most important to him, and he read the bible cover to cover multiple times.
In addition to his wife, Linda, he is survived by his children, Shane (Leslie) Geer, Shannon (Michelle) Geer, Cheyenne (Patty) Geer, and Shawna Geer; 16 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; sister, Karen (Doug) Lembrick, sister, Julie (Doug) North, sister, Cathy (Jay) Ross, sister-in-law, Renee Geer, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Geer.
A funeral service will take place Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Harvest Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Kelly Daniel and Bobby Toler officiating. Burial will take place at the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 6-8 p.m.
Suzin Bernadette Greenway (née Sue Marie Bernadette Neff), aged 71, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2024, under the care of The Willows at Okemos and Heart to Heart Hospice.
She was born on August 10, 1952, in Oakland County, MI to Robert and Mary Neff and was the youngest of five siblings. Suzi (as she was informally known), by her own account, was a willful, challenging child and kept her independent streak throughout her entire life. Her independent nature led her to move to England immediately after graduating from high school in 1970 at age 17, living initially with her friend pen pal Lynn Maskell. During her four years there, she worked as a secretary, then a mail carrier, enjoyed traveling throughout Great Britain and learning the art of British baking. She also met her first husband Richard Greenway, who taught her to ride on a 1961 BSA Bantam motorcycle, then gave it to her as an engagement present. Suzi's passion for motorcycling grew and became a major focus of her life. In 1974, they moved to the USA, and wanting a rural setting, they purchased a farm bungalow in White Oak Twp/Stockbridge, MI. Suzi was a proud resident of Stockbridge for almost fifty years. She took great pride in keeping her home neat and tidy. She enjoyed working in her yard, tending the garden, and filling her bird feeders.
Over the years she was a photographer, housekeeper, professional baker, sous chef, inn keeper, caregiver, writer, actress, community activist, and market manager. She was very proud to serve as president of the International Norton Owners Association motorcycle club for over twenty years, also serving as secretary for the Michigan Norton Owners chapter. She organized many motorcycle gatherings which attracted thousands of motorcyclists to the Stockbridge area for years. She served on the board of the Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition for over a decade, managed the Open Air Market of Stockbridge for 13 years, and participated in Town Hall Players' productions. One of her proudest moments was having the black and white portrait she took of Judge Susan L. Reck, installed in the historic Livingston County Courthouse in Howell, MI during the summer of 2023.
Suzi was passionate, exuberant, friendly, and fun. She loved cats, birding, flowers, music, jokes, good food, chardonnay wine, music, celestial gazing and bringing people together. She was a big fan of NPR and public radio, often calling in on talk shows to offer her thoughts on the issue of the day. She loved to cook for her friends and would host many dinner parties throughout the years. Her keen interest in cooking started as a child when she would ask her mother to let her make something in the kitchen after dinner was over. She would eventually study culinary arts at Michigan State and win blue ribbons at state and county fairs for her breads, cookies and pies. She was grateful to be given a "second life" after a serious motorcycle encounter with a deer 24 years ago and determined from then on to be a force for positivity and good. Her giving nature expanded to help people in need, whether it was teaching them to cook, making meals for them, or serving them a meal at her own dining table. She was involved with local Community Outreach programs.
Suzi was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Robert and John Neff, and is survived by sister, Mary Ann (Randy) Fulkerson; brother, Thomas Neff; nieces, Jennifer (Jason), Stephanie (Mark), Shannon, Julie (Doug); nephews, Matthew, Mark (Rachel), Kenneth (Tyra). Suzi also leaves behind her longtime friends, Pamela Moore, Lynn Maskell, special friend Lucas Haines, along with hundreds of friends left to cherish her memory and her beloved one-eyed barn cat, Thompson.
Oaklawn Cemetery in the Village of Stockbridge, MI will be her final resting place. There will not be a formal funeral service. An "official" memorial will be held on a later date. Many "unofficial" gatherings to remember and honor Suzi have been and will be held, including a tree-planting at Beckwith preserve to honor her work there with the Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition. Her canopy will be set up at the Open Air Market of Stockbridge on May 3, 2024 with opportunities for people to gather and share memories, and the All Clubs Ride will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2024 in Stockbridge, MI by the Village Square.
Suzi was an avid supporter of public radio and TV, and if you would like to honor her memory, you can make a charitable donation to your local public radio and or TV station.
Arrangments by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
Deborah Sue Polzin, of Adrian, MI, age 64, passed away on April 25, 2024 in Monroe, MI. Deborah was born on December 14, 1959 in Indianapolis, IN, the son of Donald and Fern (Maddux) Cochran.
She was married to Harold Polzin Jr., and he preceded her in death in 2017. She is survived by a son, Mark (Monica) Polzin of Gregory, MI; three grandchildren whom she dearly loved: Kaytlin,Lillian, D'lorah; and her siblings: Al (Elizabeth) Cochran, Brian (Roxanne) Cochran, Roger (Clair) Cochran, Laura (Walt) Fountain, and Vicki (Silver) Chavez.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Hospital.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Bradley Alan Patterson, age 61, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away at home on April 21, 2024.
Bradley was born on May 7, 1962 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of W. Calvin Patterson III and Janet (Brown) Patterson. On September 24, 1999, he married Belinda Kanclerz Chandler, who survives him.
Brad loved being with family and life-long friends. He enjoyed spending time at Higgins Lake and photography. He was an avid reader and loved music of all kinds. Brad was a proud Michigan State University alumni and had a long successful career fundraising including serving as the President of the Iowa Community Foundation as well as the Vice President of Development at the Salvation Army.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his siblings, Ann (Lou) Raden, Doug (Ruby) Patterson, and David (Cindy) Patterson; nieces, Jessica, Lexi, and Danielle, and nephews, Tyler, Allen, and Ryan. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother.
The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will take place thereafter.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Faith in Action.
Daniel D. Levliet passed away at the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home on April 20, 2024 in Jackson, MI at the age of 87.
He was born the son of Daniel D. and Lucile E. Schill, and they preceded him in death. On June 23, 1990, he married Jerri Lynn (Williams), and she survives. He is also survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings.
Daniel was proud to be a veteran of the United States Army and served two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he received the Purple Heart. Daniel served more than 23 years in the Army and retired as a Sergeant First Class. He was a meticulous craftsman and builder, and he built his own house. Anyone who knew him had heard the phrase, “you’re not doing it right.”
A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
