Bronislaw J. Zonca

Bronislaw J. Zonca passed away on August 29, 2020. He was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan the son of Polish immigrants. He served in the United States military from 1945 - 1948 and later retired from Ford Motor Company. He lived many years in Garden City, Michigan then came to love the small town of Stockbridge.

He is the beloved and dearest husband of Lois, loving father of Richard (late wife, Denise) Zonca, and Ronald (Connie) Zonca, surviving their mother (late wife, Sophie), Juan (Sarah) Florencia, Myra Florencia, Joseph Zonca and Glen Zonca; proud grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of five.

He was the dear son of the late Magdalena and Peter Zonca. He was preceded in death by eight brothers and four sisters. He is survived by his brother, Donald (Delores) Zonca.

He will truly be missed for his wonderful sense of humor and by his loving friends and family. Barney was a devoted Catholic and member of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church, where he loved attending mass.

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

Ronald E. Thomas

Ronald Edward Thomas “Ronnie” was born November 13, 1933 in Belleville, Michigan. He passed away peacefully at his family farm in Gregory, where he had lived since 1944, on August 30, 2020. He loved his family, his “extra” kids, watching/yelling at sports, his cows, playing golf and his John Deere 4020. 

Ronnie was a profound pundit of the English language, and he never missed an opportunity during a game or gathering to effortlessly articulate an awe-inspiring collection of expletives. He mentored several youth in the ways of farming, sports, fun, and swearing.

He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Tillie June, his parents, George and Alma, and his five siblings. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan; children, Eldiva (Mark) Lathrop of Holt, George (Amy) of Gregory, Daisie (Wes) Scharmen of Saline, and Douglas of Gregory; nine grandchildren: Ross, Georgi, Lyndsie, Wyatt, Lillian, Lucille, Lyla, Gabe, and Dylen. His passing leaves a hole in our lives. He will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 3-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with ten people at a time, every twenty minutes. Funeral Directors follow current CDC recommendations for COVID-19;  those attending will be instructed accordingly-masks must be worn.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. 

Marion Clark

Marion Clark, age 103, of Mason, MI passed away on Friday, August 28, 2020 at Sparrow Health System in Lansing, MI. She was born on February 28, 1917 in Stockbridge, MI the daughter of Emil and Edna (Nichols) Sommer.

On June 29, 1936 she married Jack Clark, and he preceded her in death in 1969. She is survived by four children, Lee (Betty) Clark, Tim (Dawn) Clark, and Sherry Weitlauf, all of Stockbridge, and Julie Clark of Mason; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; also one sister, Evelyn Sommer of Mason. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Dave Clark.

Marion had lived in the Stockbridge area most of her life. She was a farmer alongside her husband, and she loved to drive a tractor. She also loved baking, reading, and spending time with her family and grandkids.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Sandra Stamper

Sandra Kay (Patrick) Stamper passed away August 21, 2020 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sandy was born on July 28, 1959 in West Liberty, Kentucky to Paul Patrick and Nancy (McCormick) Wheeler.

Sandy is survived by her three children Ryan, Sarah (Kyle Sater), and Jake Stamper of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and former husband, Jeffery Stamper of South Lyon, Michigan. Sandra is also survived by her two sisters, Gwena Rudd (Chris Vaughn) of Belleville, Michigan, and Lori Williams (James Toombs) of Carmel, Indiana; her eight nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nancy (McCormick) Wheeler and Paul Patrick.

Sandy lived in Chelsea, Michigan for the majority of her life. Sandy graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977. Sandy worked in the printing industry and retired with Malloy Lithographing after 35 years.

Sandy adored her family and enjoyed spending time with her loved ones. She was a beloved mother, sister, aunt and a dedicated friend to many. She took pleasure in cooking, listening to music, reading, watching sports and spending time with her cat, Xena.

Private memorial services are being planned, information is to be announced. Expressions of sympathy can be made in Sandy’s name to Breast Cancer Research of America.

Patricia Middlebrook

Patricia L. Middlebrook, age 89, of Munith, MI, passed away at her home on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. She was born on April 28, 1931 in Jackson, MI the daughter of Arona and Lorraine (Moore) Ewing.

Patricia was a member of the Stockbridge Presbyterian Church and the Munith American Legion Auxiliary. She was a girl scout leader, and she enjoyed sewing, crafts, and her many cats.

She is survived by three daughters, Donna (David) Ross of New Bern, NC, Gay (Ezequiel) Flores of Jackson, MI, and Gale (Rainer) Borchert of Munith, MI; and one son, Dean Middlebrook of Mason; ten grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Bishop, and her second husband, Richard Middlebrook; three sisters, Cleo Horning, E. Bonnie Holland, and Phyllis L. Allsire, and one brother, Gerald Ewing.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2020 from 3-5 p.m., at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Funeral Directors follow current CDC recommendations for COVID-19; those attending will be instructed accordingly--masks must be worn.

She will be laid to rest in a private burial at Woodland Cemetery in Jackson, MI.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Ernest "Jay" Hopkins

Ernest “Jay” Hopkins, Jr., age 92, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2020. He was born on May 30, 1928, son of Ernest J. and Edna (Dixon) Hopkins, Sr. On October 11, 1952, Jay married Betty Jean Wollpert in Grass Lake, MI, and she survives him.

Jay lived in the Chelsea/Dexter area all his life. He was interested in and deeply involved with all local area community Boards, and local politics were always on his mind. Farming was his life! A member of the North Lake United Methodist Church for 92 years, he took pride in his long-standing involvement there.

In addition to his wife, survivors include their children, Larry (Pamala) Hopkins of Macomb, IL and Janis (Rod) Knieper of Munith, MI; grandchildren, Jana (Wayland) Ford, Kevin Myers (Courtney Pettit), Andrea (Chad) Holovach, Robert (Lindsay) Knieper, Sharon (Adam Hoopengardner) Knieper; and great-grandchildren, Paetyn Ford, Tanner Ford (Blakeley Lincoln), Terry Wayne Myers III, Dylan Senecal, Megan Clark, Carter Holovach, Charlie Holovach, and Elliott Knieper.

A Funeral Service is planned outdoors for Sunday, August 30, 2020, 1:00 p.m., at the North Lake United Methodist Church’s field, with the Rev. Todd Jones officiating. The church is following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly; masks must be worn and social distance maintained.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the North Lake United Methodist Church, the Silver Lining Fund of Silver Maples Retirement Community, or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, www.mitchellfuneral.com.

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.