Rosemary Brown

Rosemary (Cheesbro) Brown, age 89, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away peacefully at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice House on February 13, 2020. Born on October 16, 1930 in Adrian, MI, she is the daughter of Leon and Elsie Cheesbro. 

Rosemary was a member of Faith Baptist Church. She loved painting, drawing, and cooking. The Chelsea Big Boy was a favorite eatery. Rosemary liked to travel, and she especially loved gospel music, her family, and her faith.

She is survived by children, Star Crowdis, Hattie Davis, Paul (Audrey) Brown, Danny (Carol) Brown, Leon (Melinda) Brown, Lois (Greg) Hodgkin, and Duke (Sandy) Brown. Along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved so much.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Andy Brown; children, Dennis Brown and Candy Brown; grandchildren, Drew Brown and Kaurter Salts Brown; and her brother, Leon Cheesbro. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 17, 1:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Pastor Adam Summers, officiating. Visitation is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Sylvan Center. Expressions of sympathy may be given to the family.

Donald Ward

Donald Ward, Sr., age 84, born to Harry and Anna (Johnson) Ward on November 16, 1935 in Lincoln, MI, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2020 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor. Donald loved going to Florida for the winter, completing woodworking projects, and spending time outside in his yard or in his man garage. He especially loved spending time with all of his family. Donald worked for Foster Floors and retired from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. 

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Josephine (Clark) Ward; three children, Shelley (Bob) Lewis, Amber (Mark) Wright, and Donald (Pennie) Ward; beautiful grandchildren, Ashley, Austin, Garrett, Rob (Brandi), Ryan (Alicia), and Danielle (Chad); and great-grandchildren, Kaylea, Claire, Charlie, Thomas, Ellie, Luella, Lillian, and Dylan. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family, and was preceded in death by sister, Barbara Tabben, and his three brothers, Robert Ward (lost in the Korean War), William G. Ward, and Gerald L. Ward.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Visitation is 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, and the burial will be private. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Faith in Action.

Vicki C. Push

Vicki Carol Push, age 62, of Jackson, passed away at home on February 10, 2020. Daughter of Ernest G. and Emogene (Marshall) Push, she was born in Ann Arbor on November 22, 1957.

Vicki grew up in Chelsea, where she enjoyed being a cheerleader and playing in the band. She was baptized at the Chelsea Baptist Church on April 28, 1968. Vicki was a hard-working shipping and receiving clerk for many years. Vicki was full of life and fun and if you ever heard her laugh, you will never forget it. From her high school years as a baton twirler, to setting up a large pool in her backyard for her children, to playing with her grandchildren, she embraced life to its fullest. She loved to bowl, go camping, travel/take vacations, and cook: her specialty was tuna noodle casserole. She enjoyed indulging in her favorite snacks, barbecue Krunchers and sour cream. Vicki loved throwing Halloween parties and was infamous for dressing up as Elvira. Decorating was her thing and she especially enjoyed working in her yard with her flowers and landscaping, unless you were a yucca plant. She has always enjoyed her animals and is survived by her precious dog, Jackie. Most of all, she loved her grandkids. Her home was filled with pictures of them, as well as her entire extended family.

Survivors include her two daughters, Amber (Paul) Lopez and Angela (Mike) Barry; grandchildren, Colby, Dylan, Olivia, Maryjay, Nate, Myla, Aiden, and Alexis; parents, Ernest and Emogene; siblings, Jerry (Elaine) Push and Tony (Susan) Push; along with many special nieces and nephews. 

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, Rev. Adam Summers, officiant. Visitation is on Friday, February 14, 2020, 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday, 10 a.m. until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Jeanette M. Szalay

Jeanette M. Szalay, age 84, of Ann Arbor, passed away on January 30, 2020. The daughter of Joseph and Lenora E. (Myers) Szalay, she was born on September 30, 1935 in Ann Arbor and lived there all her life. Jeanette was a housekeeping employee of the University of Michigan for over 20 years. She took care of her mother, was a voracious reader, and was known for her crocheting, embroidery, and sewing abilities. Putting together jigsaw puzzles was a favorite pastime. Jeanette was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Ann Arbor. 

She is survived by one brother, John J. (Jackie) Szalay of Rotunda West, FL (formerly of Ann Arbor); two nephews, Scott (Donna) Szalay of Ann Arbor and Kurt (Jenny) Szalay of Saline; and three great nieces and one great nephew. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 22, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Visitation is at 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society of Michigan or the American Heart Association.

Elwin D. Breniser

Elwin D. Breniser, age 90, a lifelong resident of Gregory, MI, passed away on February, 5, 2020. The son of Ralph D. and Hazel (Rowe) Breniser, he was born June 28, 1929 at home in Gregory. On January 4, 1953, Elwin married Eleanor M. Topping in Stockbridge.

Elwin served in the 2nd Armored “Hell on Wheels” Division of the Army during the Korean War, and he was a life member of the American Legion Mackinder-Glenn Post #510. On his return home, he joined his father at Breniser and Son Garage as a skilled mechanic. When his children were still young, he purchased the farm he said as a child he would own because of his love for “Central Mountain,” remaining a business owner and farmer for many years. He later sold his business, and farmed until he passed away. Elwin served 40 years on the Unadilla Township Fire Department, many as Chief, and was a member of the Stockbridge Community School Board, serving his last year as President and overseeing the building of the new high school. He loved playing and watching all sports, later playing golf and watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play sports--and he rarely missed a game. Elwin also loved to hunt and fish, and he was a long-time member of the Clinton Rod and Gun Club, as well as a Charter Member of the famed Isaac Walton Society.

Survivors include children, Mary (Jeff) Caskey of Stockbridge, and Diane “Teen” (Michael)  Johnson of Ann Arbor; grandchildren, Brad Caskey (Morgan Lukenich and children, Hayley and James) of Stockbridge, Sarah (Josh) McAlister of Munith, Daniel Johnson and Angela Johnson of Ann Arbor; three great-grandchildren, Joslynn Caskey, Shane Caskey, and Mason McAlister; and sister, Joyce Monte of Washington, MI.

Elwin was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor, and sisters, Arlene Harvey and Jackie Brunais.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2020, 2:00 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI, Rev. Deb Smith officiating. Visitation is on Saturday, February 8, 2020, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Legion Mackinder-Glenn Post #510 or the Unadilla Township Fire Department.

Alfred W. Stumpfig, Jr.

Alfred William Stumpfig, Jr., 94, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at Chelsea Retirement Community on February 3, 2020. The son of Alfred W. Stumpfig, Sr. and Hilda (Marshall) Stumpfig, he was born on February 10, 1925 in Lansing, MI. On October 25, 1946, he married Helen (Stack), and she preceded him in death on August 11, 2007. 

Alfred served as a Navy signalman in WWII, and lived with his wife in the Lansing area until his retirement from General Motors. After retirement, they enjoyed many happy years living on Lake Leelanau, moving to Chelsea 14 years ago. His many interests included fishing, hunting, golfing, bowling, and he loved anything having to do with the water.

Survivors include his children, Kay (Michael) Braddock of Manchester, Thomas (Judy) Stumpfig of Eaton Rapids, and Scott Stumpfig of Fort Wayne, IN; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, William Woldt of Virginia. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Woldt.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, February 7, 2020, 11:30 a.m., Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea, with a Memorial Service at 1 p.m. the same day at Chelsea Retirement Community-Towsley Village, Chaplain Tina Zimmerman officiating. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Chelsea Retirement Community’s Benevolent Care Fund.

(Nancy) Kay Redding

(Nancy) Kay Redding died and entered into the presence of our Savior Jesus Christ on January 27, 2020, surrounded by her husband and children at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea.

Her pride and joy in life was her family and children. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Joe. She is also survived by four children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren: Lee Redding (Anne-Louise Statt) of Ann Arbor, MI [their children, Andrew and Marisa], Todd (Wendie) Redding of Fuquay-Varina, NC [their children, Dillon (Lauren) Redding, Hailey (Austin) Johnson, Savannah Redding, and Kay’s great-granddaughters Abigail and Eleanore Redding, Hattie and Harper Johnson)], Amy (Steve) Thiel of Chelsea, MI [their daughters, Alice and Jane], and Beth (Jacob) Dykema of Gregory, MI. Kay is also survived by her brother Lee (Judina) Brunner of Indianapolis, IN, and several nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service is planned. In lieu of flowers, gifts to the Scleroderma Foundation are appreciated.

Donna E. Lane

Donna Esther (Noah) Lane, 86, of Chelsea, MI, died peacefully in Chelsea on January 29, 2020. Donna was born on October 29, 1933 at home near North Lake, the daughter of tenant farmers Laurence Eugene and Esther Mabel (Widmayer) Noah. Donna was baptized at North Lake United Methodist Church. She attended a one-room school, Pumpkin College, through the eighth grade. She then matriculated and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1951 and Henry Ford School of Nursing in 1954. Donna was head nurse at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor. On April 8, 1961, she married the love of her life, Wilfred Chandler Lane DVM, at St. Paul United Church of Christ. “Doc“ preceded her in death in 1996. For 35 years, they worked side-by-side seven days a week at Lane Animal Hospital while raising their four children.

Donna was born, raised, married, lived, and died in her beloved hometown of Chelsea. Donna and “Doc “ were active in the Chelsea Area Historical Society. Donna became a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, and she especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include their four children, Caroline E. (Mark MD) Saunders of Williamsburg, W. Chandler (Jamie) Lane II of Chelsea, Rev. David L. (Ana) Lane of Cutler Bay, FL, and Jonathan DVM (Margaret DVM) Lane of Chelsea; 10 grandchildren: Chelsea Caroline Saunders, Benjamin Chandler Saunders, Margaret Mary Lane, Caroline Anne Lane, Isabel Esther Lane, Eric Ellis Saunders, Elizabeth Daisy Lane Saunders, Grace Laurence Lane, Elizabeth Mabel Lane, and Richard David (Christina) Seyfried; one great-grandson, Cody Richard Seyfried; sisters-in-law, Frances Lane of Tampa, FL, Camila Noah of Gregory, Mary Ann Noah; as well as five nieces and a nephew. Donna was preceded in death by brothers, Lloyd Noah, Lynwood Noah, and L. Duane Noah; brother-in-law, Charles H. Lane; and one niece.

A Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 8, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Graveside service immediately following with Rev. David Laurence Lane officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, February 7, 2020, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. (Rosary at 7:30 p.m.) at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, as well as Saturday at the church, 10 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Chelsea Area Historical Society, St. Mary Catholic Church, or St. Paul United Church of Christ.

Milton A. Campbell

Milton A. Campbell, of Dexter, MI, age 84, passed away at his home on January 24, 2020 with friends and family by his side. He was born in Annandale, MN, the son of Elmer and Gertrude Campbell.

Milton loved bird watching and photographing nature. He, along with two business partners, co-owned Huron Camera Service. He was passionate about all things related to photography, from repairs to teaching up-and-coming photographers. He proudly displayed his Christmas Village in the front windows of the Dexter location, which brought joy to locals and travelers from afar for several years. Being the philanthropist he was, he donated this incredible Christmas Village to Gordon Hall/Dexter Area Historical Society.

Milton donated his time and passion to several organizations as well, including the Chamber of Commerce for Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, and Jackson, the Dexter Downtown Development Authority, the Photo Marketing Association, the Society of Photo-Technologists, Ducks Unlimited, and the Dexter High School Alumni Association. No surprise, he was most proud of his induction into the Dexter High School Hall of Fame in 2003. Milton was surrounded by love from family and friends and will always be remembered for his generosity.

Milton was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Campbell and his brother, Robert Campbell. He leaves to cherish his memory three children, Vern Campbell, Deb (Dave) Sexton, and Dale (Teresa) Campbell; his friend, Nancy; his siblings Jan Pingston, Gil (Marge) Campbell, Carol Gilbertson, Pat (Rich) Yester, Joan (Edward) Kubiak, and brother-in-law, Bob Kelly, and several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family thanks Comfort Keepers and Arbor Hospice for the incredibly passionate care of Milton, which allowed him to stay home to the very end.

Family and friends will be received at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Friday, January 31, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m and 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Milton will be laid to rest next to his wife, Betty, in a private burial. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dexter Area Historical Society (Gordon Hall) would be appreciated.

Lois L. Vogel

Lois L. (Wagner) Vogel, age 87, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on January 24, 2020. Lois was born in Ann Arbor on June 16, 1932, the daughter of Conrad and Vera (Fox) Wagner. On June 20, 1959 in Ann Arbor, she married Milo Vogel, who preceded her in death on July 31, 2019. For years, Lois was co-owner and bookkeeper for Vogel’s Party Store, Chelsea. She was a crafter who loved to sew and she created many beautiful quilts. She delighted in shopping for and collecting antiques. Traveling was a favorite thing to do--especially to Las Vegas! Lois is survived by her children, Sherry (Larry Kettinger) Herter of Jackson, and Jeff (Patti) Vogel of Chelsea; five grandchildren, Chris (Katie) Herter, Tim (Melissa) Herter, Michael Herter, Jenny (Denver) Sayomac, and Lisa (Cory) Imperato; five great-grandchildren, Max, Gus, Jordan, Jase, and Lou; and one brother, Richard Wagner. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Anna Herter, and sister-in-law, Sue Wagner. A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2020, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica association of your choice.