Richard E. Kranz

Richard E. Kranz, age 95, of Mason, MI, passed away on August 14, 2020. He was born on October 25, 1924 in Holt, MI, the son of Edwin and Hazel (Ribby) Kranz. He married Jean (Bopp), and she survives him. Also surviving are two children, Kurt (Barbara) Kranz of Mason, and Rhonda (Patrick) Montoya of Ann Arbor; as well as four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his brothers, Don, Max, Harry, Jim, and his sister, Norma, who passed away within hours of Richard.

Richard served in the US Army Air Force. After that, he worked for Consumers Energy, retiring after 36 years of service as a Gas Service Department supervisor. He was a proud, hardworking farmer who raised Hereford cattle and did crop farming, as well. Richard served his community as Trustee of Alaiedon Township. He enjoyed antique automobiles and restored his pride and joy: a 1924 Model T one-ton truck--which was original to his family and still owned by the family. In addition, he loved traveling with his wife. 

Per Richard’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no Memorial Service. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Katherine Staffan Wagner

Katherine Staffan Wagner was born in Chelsea, Michigan on September 17, 1915 and died August 23, 2020. Her father was the owner and mortician of the Staffan Funeral Home. She enjoyed outdoors activities with her two brothers, George and Frank, and was the captain of the Chelsea High School girls’ basketball team.

In 1937, Kate married Fredrick J. Wagner who was from Dexter, Michigan and served in the Navy during World War II. They had three children, Fredrick (Fritz) Wagner, who resides in Seattle, Washington with his wife Margaret, Stephanie (Sis) Wagner Kanten (deceased), and John P. Wagner of the Phoenix, Arizona metro area. She is survived by her three grandchildren, Kellie, Melanie, and Ryan; four great-grandchildren, Bria, Kaya, Aydin, and Ada; and her niece, Kandie Kay Waggoner. She had a special relationship with each of her dogs (Puddles, Peppie Lamoko, Buffy, Daisy, and Willow).

Kate and her husband owned and operated the Dexter Cider Mill for years. Kate loved to read. Her Aunt Katie donated the house that became the Chelsea Library, and Kate served on the library board for many years. Kate was an active bridge player in the community and hosted numerous afternoon card parties. A favorite activity was watching TV—especially the Detroit Tigers and westerns (John Wayne was her favorite). Her trips to Florida started with accompanying her mother and continued with her husband, family, and friends.

Kate was adventuresome and in her eighties she went for a hot air balloon ride with Pat Merkel, as well as white water rafting in Virginia. She enjoyed living at Crooked Lake and purchased a float boat—which is still in operation. Kate would organize family and friends to make breakfast on the boat and she would bring the coffee. In fact, she took a ride on her boat a few days before her 103rd birthday.

Kate spent the last few years of her life with the Silver Maples community. Her driver and companion, Irene, would take her to breakfast at Big Boy where she would greet the servers and ask others to join her for breakfast. Neighbors, friends, and her family will remember the bracelets that jangled on her wrist and eating her sugar cookies. She will be missed.

Services are private. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Chelsea Library or the Chelsea Area Historical Society. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Harold James (Jim) Eberts

Harold James (Jim) Eberts, age 83, of Chelsea, passed away on Mon., March 30, 2020, in Ann Arbor, MI. Jim was born in Dearborn, MI on September 8, 1936, the son of Harold Henry and Bernice (Robb) Eberts. He married Lorna Bertha (Knisely) in 1956 on his birthday.

In addition to his wife, survivors include their children, Dawn (Tim) Cook, and Dwight (Luciana) Eberts, daughter-in-law, Robin Noel-Eberts; grandkids, Danny Tremble, James Taylor Eberts, Andrew Cook, Stuart Cook, Sophia Eberts, and Ava Eberts; brother, Ron (Kim) Eberts; as well as extended family. Jim was predeceased by a son, Dean Eberts.

Jim was a member of the North Lake United Methodist Church for 12 years. He enjoyed being outdoors, deer hunting and fishing with his family, all sports during all seasons, including water skiing, SCUBA diving, boating, and in later years, sailing. He loved being a 5’ 9” guard on Dexter High School’s basketball team, but was disappointed when he found he didn’t belong on University of Michigan’s team. His first job was being a “gopher” for Klave’s Marina at the tender age of 12, later hitchhiking from Portage Lake to Ann Arbor to work at Wrigley’s, beginning a life-long pattern of being a hard worker. He began building homes when he was 19, and attended U of M to study architecture. Jim had a life-long love of trees—his legacy still tall and proud at every place he and Lorna set down roots. He served in the Army Reserves for five years, worked at King Seely Thermos (now Chrysler), K&E Screw Products, and retired to own and renovate the 21-unit Tawas Motel, before retiring again to move back to the Chelsea area.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 1:00 p.m., a Memorial Service will be held at North Lake United Methodist Church. The church is following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly; masks must be worn. Expressions of sympathy may be made to North Lake United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Chita K. Kunzelman

Chita (middle) with her kids.

Chita Kay Kunzelman, age 73, of Gregory, MI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on August 23, 2020.

Chita was born in Stockbridge, MI on September 25, 1946 to Kenneth and Mona Moeckel. She was married on February 15, 1969 to Duane Kunzelman, and he survives. She was an amazing wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She worked at Stockbridge High School, and in later years she was a sterilization technician at Chelsea Hospital, McPherson Hospital, and Foote Hospital. In addition, Chita was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post #510. She was also active in the Stockbridge High School Alumni Association. Her greatest joys of all were her boys and her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Mona Moeckel, sister, Suzelle Nottingham, brother-in-law, Steven Williams, and father-in-law, Phillip Kunzelman. In addition to her husband, Chita is survived by her children, Eric (Beth ) Kunzelman and Kenneth (Kristina ) Kunzelman of Gregory, all of Gregory; her three grandchildren, Brooke Kunzelman, Kayden Kunzelman, and Kristopher Kunzelman; her siblings, Wendell (Carol ) Moeckel of Grass Lake, Tim (Wanda ) Moeckel of Tennessee, Kim (Linda) Moeckel of Gregory , Roxann (Dennis) Jarrell of Jackson, Sherry Williams of Holland, brother-in-law, James Nottingham of Stockbridge, and Betsy (Phil) Lewis of Stockbridge; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Services are private. Expression of sympathy may be directed to the Women’s Auxiliary of Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post #510. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Thomas O. Stock

Thomas O. Stock, native of Highland Park, Michigan, and resident of Chelsea, Michigan, died on August 23, 2020.

Tom was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1932, and attended school through junior college in Highland Park. In August, 1952, he married Jeanne Deleruyelle and began a life of work with cars, gardens, and family.

Tom completed his engineering degree at Eastern Michigan University, was service manager at various area car dealerships, and worked at Chrysler Proving Grounds. Later, he was the owner of Village Motor Sales in Chelsea. His principle enjoyments outside his family and business were sports, including University of Michigan football and Detroit Tigers games, along with many Shakespeare trips to Stratford, Ontario. Lately, he had been reading the complete works of Louis L’amour and he spent happy hours discussing 70 of the 100 books with son, Jim.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jeanne; sons, David and Jim (Donna), and daughter, Ann (Steve); eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as his sister, Judith Stock. He was predeceased by his daughter, Susan (Vern), his son, Thomas Richard, and a sister, Lois.

A private celebration of his life for family and friends will be held in the future. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Thelma S. Adams

Thelma S. Adams, of Fowlerville, MI, age 102, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Home Away from Home in  Fowlerville, where she lived for the past six years. Her family was at her side. 

She was born May 23, 1918 in Munith, MI, the daughter of Charles F. and Emma (Frinkle) Stanfield. She is survived by her sons, Robert Adams of Norway, and James and Duane Adams of Saline, a daughter, Linda (Jim) Snyder of Fowlerville; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and sisters; husband, Wilford; son, Russ; daughters-in-law, Verna, Pat, Laura, and Virginia; four granddaughters, and one great-grandson. 

She married Wilford Adams on March 25, 1939, and he preceded her in death on November 12, 2008. For many years, she was a member of Pleasant Lake United Methodist Church. A Graveside Service will be held at Munith Cemetery on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. 

Phyllis L. Choate

Phyllis Lee Choate, age 59, of Gregory, MI, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at her home. She was born February 26, 1961 in Howell, MI, the daughter of Thomas and Joan (Davis) Humphries.

On February 16, 1997,  she married Frederick I. Choate, and he survives. Also surviving are two children, Breanna Choate and Frederick Choate, both of Gregory; two brothers, Christian Stone of Brighton, and James (Jimmie) Humphries of Texas; and one sister-in-law, Laura (Chuck) Lewis of White Lake; her mother-in-law, Janet Cherum of Howell, as well as her father-in-law,  Ervine Choate of South Lyon. She was preceded in death by her parents. 

Phyllis had lived in the Gregory area for the past 25 years, moving from Pinckney. She was a 1979 graduate of Howell High School and worked for Kroger as a cashier for ten years.  Phyllis enjoyed spending time outdoors gardening and feeding her wild birds. She was especially fond of Orioles and Hummingbirds. She loved walking her dog and loving on her cats. She loved animals of all kinds. 

A private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. 

Marlene Ramsdell

Marlene Onnalee Ramsdell, age 75, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away suddenly at her son’s home in Holly, MI on August 15, 2020.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Ed Ramsdell; their daughter, Shelly Bumpus (Matthew Bowler), and son, Scott (Danielle) Ramsdell; two grandsons, Alec (Brittani) Bumpus, and Ian (Jasmine) Bumpus; two great-grandchildren, Haley and Logan Bumpus; sister, Melanie (Kevin) Snider, brother, LeRoy (Jeanette) West, brother, Larry West, sister-in-law, Ethel Walling, brother-in-law, Richard (Maryellen) Ramsdell; so many nieces and nephews; her dear friend, Jean Weathers; and her little dog, Lilly. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Marguerite (West) Haines.

Marlene was born in Jackson, MI on September 21, 1944, and moved to Stockbridge at the age of 16. She went on to earn her nursing degree and was involved in the early open heart surgeries at University of Michigan Hospital in the mid 1960s. Marlene was the owner of Shelly’s Flowers and Gifts, where she satisfied her love for flowers. She thoroughly enjoyed quilting, gardening, cooking, and most of all spending time with her family—especially at their cabin in Northern Michigan.

She was the most caring and loving soul with the biggest heart, and she will be missed so much by so many. The holidays will never be the same. She always made sure our tummies were full of her delicious food made with much love.

At her request, cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Please join Marlene’s family in celebrating her wonderful life from this day forward. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association of Michigan. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Barbara J. Gardner

Barbara J. Gardner, age 90, of Okemos, MI (formerly of Pinckney, Stanton, and Springport, MI), passed away peacefully on August 18, 2020. She was born on September 8, 1929, the daughter of Erwin and Ethel (Hoard) Nicholas.

Barbara loved to be surrounded by her family. She enjoyed swinging in the yard and watching wildlife. She also enjoyed Bingo, puzzles, yard sales, and flea markets.

Survivors include children, John Gardner of Onsted, Donna (Tony) Von Hatten of Stockbridge, and Janet (Kirk) Bosser of Fort Wayne, IN; as well as many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Donald Gardner, son, Timothy, and siblings, Donald Nicholas, Clarence Nicholas, Ronald Nicholas, and Dorothy Brady.

A Graveside Service is planned for Friday, August 21, 2020, 1:00 p.m., at Plainfield Cemetery, Unadilla. Visitation is scheduled on the same day, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy may go directly to the family, c/o Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Karen M. Heeney

Karen Marjorie Heeney (née Ahlbaum) of Stockbridge, MI, aged 74, died on August 16, 2020 at her home after a year-long battle with Leukemia.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Patrick, and their children, Debra (Bill) Jones, Jason (Yaron) Heeney, and Katie (John) Begalla; her daughter-in-law, Zohar Shatil; her grandchildren, Christopher, Bridgette, Bryce, Shea, Kirsten, and Lotan; her brother, Kenneth (Heidi) Ahlbaum; brothers- and sisters-in-law Juanita Heeney, Thomas (Judy) Heeney, Ellen (Mike) Mosson, Gloria Heeney, Ann (Willis) Jackson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Marjorie Ahlbaum; and brothers-in-law, William and Gerald Heeney.

Karen was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada and moved to the US as a child. A 1964 graduate of Northwest High School in Jackson, MI, she went on to study nursing after her children were in school. Karen retired from Foote Hospital as an LPN and volunteered at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital-Chelsea up until her illness.

She enjoyed time with her family, arts and crafts, travel, and family games of Euchre and Cribbage. An excellent baker, her chocolate chip cookies rarely lasted long enough to cool.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, and a future notice with service dates will follow. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.