LaVerne E. Quinlan

LaVerne E. Quinlan, age 98, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Hamburg, MI, passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020 in Chelsea. She was born April 23, 1922 in Lisbon, ND, the daughter of George and Dora (Saeter) Bachman.

LaVerne had lived in Hamburg for many years, where she was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She moved to Silver Maples Retirement Community and enjoyed living there for the past five-and-a-half years. She loved cooking, crafts, spending time with her grandchildren, and traveling with her sisters. She enjoyed going to casinos and wintering in Englewood, FL.

She is survived by her son, Gregory (Kathy) Quinlan of Webster Township, MI, daughter-in-law, Paula Quinlan of Linden, MI, sister, Dorine Miller of Alpena, MI, sister-in-law, Phyllis Bachman of Fenton, MI, four grandsons, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Neil Quinlan, two sons, Larry Quinlan and Kenneth Quinlan, three sisters, Ardell Park, Marilyn Trevarthen, and Maxine Barkus, and one brother, George Bachman.

A private memorial service is planned for a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in LaVerne’s memory may do so to the Silver Maples Employee Scholarship Fund. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Thomas D. Kessler

Thomas D. Kessler, age 80, of Gregory, MI, formerly of Westland, MI, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 5, 2020. Thomas was born March 9, 1940 in Flint, MI the son of Frank and Colette (Schmelzle) Kessler.

Thomas proudly served in the United States Navy from 1959-1961 and was then transferred to the Naval Reserves. He worked as an air freight agent for United Airlines, retiring in 1990 after thirty years of service.

He moved from Westland to the North Lake area in 2000, where he enjoyed spending time on the lake and pontoon rides. He also loved Lionel trains and rifle target shooting. Most of all he loved his family and spending time with his grandkids.

On June 25, 1966, he married Patricia A. (Chopp), and she survives. Also surviving are three children, James (Sherry) Kessler of Belleville, Thomas (Sheri) Kessler of New Baltimore, and Jeffrey Kessler of North Lake; four grandchildren: Kyle, Nicholas, Faith, and Sarah; his siblings, Kay Kessler of Farmington Hills and Colette (Rich) Ahrens of Grass Lake, a sister-in-law, Anna Kessler of Florida, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Robert Kessler and Dale Kessler.

Burial will be held at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Thomas’ name, may do so to the March of Dimes, Special Olympics, the Salvation Army, or North Lake Fireworks.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Margaret E. Kunzelman

Margaret E. Kunzelman, of Gregory, MI, age 97, passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI on December 4, 2020. She was born on July 12, 1923 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of MacDonald and Flora (Nicholson) Bovee.

Margaret had lived in the area since 1942, moving from Ann Arbor. She was one of the oldest members of the Gregory Community Church, where she sang in the choir and was involved in the church clothes project. She also was a member of the Senior Citizens, and she worked many elections over the years.

Margaret is survived by two sons, Duane Kunzelman of Gregory, and Gordon (Penny) Kunzelman of Gregory; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; two sisters-in-law, Freida Meredith and Jean Kunzelman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip, her son, Harold Kunzelman, and daughter-in-law, Chita Kunzelman.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from 12-1 p.m. at the Gregory Community Church. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19, which allows for ten people at a time; those attending will be instructed accordingly and masks must be worn.

A private burial will be held at the Plainfield Cemetery in Unadilla Twp. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Gregory Community Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Winston E. Boyer

Chelsea lost a true legend who many called the cookie man, but was also an avid card player. It must have been in the cards that he would die on National Cookie Day.

Winston Boyer, born August 22, 1934, died at home in Chelsea surrounded by family on December 4, 2020. He was one of the last of the greatest generation. Winston was called Winnie, Dad, Uncle Winston, Grandpa, and that guy who rides around on his bike picking up pop cans. He was easy to spot with his signature walk and yodeling. Singing or humming a tune he would nod his head to you and say, “Hello.” He might even give you one of his homemade cookies or give your child a quarter.

Winston was frequently seen buying scratch off lottery tickets, delivering his cookies, and playing cribbage while drinking coffee at Seitz’s Tavern. Customers may have heard one of his many phrases like, “Shake my bones and rattle my toes. Tickle my hide call me Moe.”

The youngest of seven children, Winston grew up in Mulliken, Michigan in Eaton County. His father, Fremont Boyer, died when he was only nine months old, leaving his mother, Ruby Huffman Boyer, to raise him and his siblings. After graduating from Grand Ledge High School in 1954, he moved to Chelsea, Michigan following his Aunt Alice, sister Eulahlee and brothers Laurence, Fremont, and Duane. Winston worked at Central Fiber in Chelsea and met his future wife, Judith Ann Karvel of Dexter, at Hartown Rollercade in Chelsea. After they married on March 30, 1957, Winston enlisted in the army. He served in the Army National Guard until 1961.

Winston was employed at Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea while also working for Heydlauff’s Appliance Store and Meabon’s in Chelsea.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church on Park Street, and in addition to playing card games like euchre and cribbage, Winston loved going deer hunting, fishing, being a Scout dad (especially teaching firearm safety), listening to Bluegrass music and watching his children, grandchildren and their friends in sporting events. Winston had a heart of gold and loved people unconditionally. He wanted everyone around him to be happy. Those who knew him will never forget him.

In addition to his wife, Judy and his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Floyd Boyer, Keith Boyer, Laurence Boyer, Fremont Boyer II, and Duane Boyer; sister, Eulahlee Packard, daughters-in-law, Mary Beth Aspiranti Boyer and Kathy Dills Kime Boyer; and his grandson, Christopher James “CJ” Boyer.

He is survived by his children: Jamie Boyer of Gladwin, Bonnie Burchett of Chelsea, Jeff Boyer of Stockbridge, Joel (Betsy) Boyer of Irons, Heidi Ray of Chelsea and special friend, Jimmy Toon.

He is also survived by several grandchildren: Heather (Jimmy) Krichbaum (Peyton, Wyatt) of Gladwin, MI Victoria Boyer of Muskegon, MI, Haley Storm (Richard) Kopitsch of Laingsburg, MI, Cody (Kristen) Ray (Savannah) of Jacksonville, NC, Nick Boyer of Traverse City, MI, Courtney (Chris) McCauley (Liam) of Lake Elsinore, CA, Alexandria Ray of Walled Lake, MI, Ryan Berry of Allendale, MI, Caleb Boyer of Stockbridge, MI, Dani (Autumn) Boyer (Toby) of Caledonia, MI, James (Kristina) Wodarek (Anna, James, Isabelle) of Caledonia, MI, Emily (Marcus) Zahm (Amaya, Presley, Raegan) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Amber (Nate) Abbott (Natalie B, Jessica, Alexis) of Belmont, MI.

Memorial contributions can be made in Winston’s name to: First United Methodist Church, 128 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

A private burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Lois Ann Bivins

On Friday, November 13, 2020, our beloved Lois Ann passed away at the age of 83. Lois was born February 19, 1937 in Turtle Creek, PA to Gerald and Alice (Chapman) Stewart. She graduated from Turtle Creek High School in 1955 and went to work for US Steel in Pittsburgh. She then married the first love of her life, Donald Lee Gardner, on October 12, 1957. After spending a few years in Virginia, they moved to Whitewood Lake in Pinckney, where she enjoyed lake living and developed many skills: water skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and motorcycling.

Lois was active in her community as a Brownie leader, member of the Order of Eastern Star, and served as Mother Advisor to Pinckney chapter of Rainbow Girls. She had a long career, spanning 35 years, starting with administrative assistant to the superintendent of Pinckney High School. She transferred to the US Government - VA Hospital, Ann Arbor as administrative assistant to the Chief of Staff, and later transferred to the Environmental Protection Agency, from where Lois retired in 1995.

After the loss of her first husband in 1987, Lois was blessed to find love again. She married Jerrold Bivins on July 12, 1991. They moved to Stockbridge and went into business, opening Jerrold’s Quality Flooring. They enjoyed many years of ballroom dancing and small community life, all while being active members of Stockbridge United Methodist Church.

Lois was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald, her parents Gerald and Alice, and sisters-in-law, Elaine Kipp and Lois McNaughton. She is survived by her husband, Jerrold Bivins; children, Cynthia (Dean) McBrien and Bonnie (Charles) Knight, step children, Todd (Geri) Bivins and Shelly Bivins; six grandchildren, Adam Knight and Chris, Cody, Amber, Rylee, and Iain Bivins; great-grandchild, Parker James; and brother, Donald Stewart; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Above all, Lois was a loving, warm-hearted, courageous, and beautiful person who was loved by all. Those who knew her often said, “she was so easy to love.”

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Lois’ memory may do so to: Donation Processing - The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Jean P. Kranz

Jean P. Kranz, age 92, of Mason, MI, went to join her husband, Dick, in Heaven on December 1, 2020. She was born on June 17, 1928 in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Albert and Esther (Parks) Bopp. She married Richard Kranz in 1948, and he preceded her in death by only three-and-a-half months, on August 14, 2020.

She was a wonderful mother, and she is survived by her two children, Rhonda (Patrick) Montoya of Ann Arbor, and Kurt (Barbara) Kranz of Mason; as well as four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Jean was preceded in death by her brother, Albert Bopp, Jr. of Lansing, and sister, Doris Dargitz of Burlington, WA.

Jean was an avid card player, nearly to the end. She played in several Bridge Clubs with friends and neighbors. She enjoyed time spent with her friends and family.

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

George L. Kitley

George Lewis Kitley, of Munith, MI, passed away November 24, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones at home. He was born on March 12, 1939, son of Kenneth and Shirley (Brown) Kitley (both deceased). In April 1961, he married the love of his life, Janice Hale, who survives him.

George served in the United States Air Force for four years, and learned the printing trade. He retired from the Jackson Citizen Patriot after a long career as a press maintenance foreman.

George enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada with his buddies, Larry Williams, Harold Porath, Fred Scott, and Louie Prus, where he was deemed the official cook and bottle washer, and “the big one” never got away! He knew and appreciated everyone up and down his road, and he enjoyed many vegetables from the garden of his lifelong friend, Bill Hoffman. George spent long hours in the woodshop with Larry Williams, who was like a brother to him. They turned out beautiful pieces for the family and for spoiled pets, as well. He was skilled with his hands and quick with his wit. Broken became whole with most everything except his chainsaw—which taunted him every year when it was time to cut down the family Christmas tree. His claim to fame, though, was his family, whom he crafted with love and polished with cherished traditions. Family vacations to Indian Lake in the Upper Peninsula every summer for over 30 years were looked forward to and enjoyed far more than seems possible. His family came first, and they were surrounded and supported, always, with happiness and care. Even those who weren’t blood were made to feel like family at his table. A gifted cook, George ensured no one ever went hungry.

In addition to his wife, Janice, he is survived by The Three “Mouth”kateers (his daughters), Karla Kowalec, Cheryl Bayerl, and Cindy (Doug) Lance, and his sons, Ken (Tracy) Kitley and Doug Lance; grandchildren, Jessica (Chad) Carr, Kenneth (Lisa) Kitley, Sam (Kait) Bayerl, Cassie (Josh) Watson, Georgia Bayerl, Barb (Misti) Lance, Natalie Kowalec, Dalton Kitley, and Isaac Lance; great-grandchildren, Layton Carr, Brady Carr, and Ezra Watson; baby sister, Janet (Ed) Senyko, and sister, Connie (Dewayne) Kitley; and many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his dear sister, Barbara Smith, his big brother, Dewayne “Bud” Kitley, and Willie B., the best damned dog ever. Family first, family always. Forever in our hearts, forever in our thoughts, and forever in our laughter.

No services are being planned at this time due to health and safety precautions. A gathering is being planned for May 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in George’s name to the Cascades Humane Society. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Jerry E. Lytle

Jerry Eugene Lytle of Stockbridge, MI passed away at his home surrounded by his family on November 27, 2020. He was born the son of Elmer and Elizabeth (Graf) Lytle on August 11, 1942 in Stockbridge. On June 1, 1968, he married Sue Bailey, and she survives him.

Jerry loved to mow his lawn, work in the barn, and work on his truck. He loved talking to people, and going for rides with Sue and his dog, Brodie. Most of all, he loved his family.

In addition to his wife, Sue, he is survived by his children, Brian (Jennifer) Lytle, Johnny (Jamie) Lytle, and Nancy (Darren) Young; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Marilyn Katz. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Dean Katz.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with Pastor Rhonda Osterman officiating, followed by interment at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge. Visitation is on Monday, December 7, 2020, 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., also at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19; those attending will be instructed accordingly and masks must be worn. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Millville United Methodist Church of Stockbridge or Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Frederick Mark Janney

Frederick Mark Janney, age 74, of Pinckney, MI, passed away at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on November 9, 2020, due to kidney failure while battling cancer. He was born in Manhattan, New York on March 11, 1946, son of Charles Janney and Eva Skibinsky and raised from birth in the Bronx. On September 4, 1994, Fred married Bonnie Jean Abbott, and she survives him.

As an adult, Fred ventured outside New York, seeking intellectual and spiritual growth. He studied at the American University in Washington DC, and he studied Judaism on a Kibbutz in Israel.

At mid-life, Fred eventually found his home in Michigan, where he settled into a rural, meditative life, exploring Christian philosophies. Ultimately, Fred took inspiration from Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, the story of an ex-convict who struggles to start afresh upon his release from prison. Fred earned a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Wichita State University, became a psychologist to prisoners, and dedicated his life and career to their self-development and growth. Much of his career was spent at the Ryan Correctional Facility, where he helped launch the Anthroposophical Prison Outreach program and supported the program’s international growth. He also collaborated with Buzz Alexander of the University of Michigan, a fellow advocate for prisoners, facilitating the creation of artworks by the incarcerated and sharing them with the world.

Fred was an avid tennis and pickleball player, enjoyed acting as a hobby, and had a charming sense of humor. He was deeply involved with the Board of the Anthroposophical Society and a devoted advocate of Rudolf Steiner and his philosophies.

In addition to his wife, Bonnie, survivors include his stepsons, Scot (Tamara) Wood, and their children, Andrew and Chelsea; Dale Wood, and his children, Derek and Danny; his son, Eathan (Christine) Janney, and their child, Ezekiel “Zeki”; and stepchildren from his former marriage: Alan Weiland, Joe (Maureen) Weiland, and their child, Justin; Spencer (Tammy) Weiland, and their child, Rachel; Marnie (Mike Guicciard) Weiland; his brother-in-law, Ken (Debbie) Abbott, and their family; his nephew’s family: James Abbott, Suzanne Abbott, Sarah Abbott, Andrew Abbott, and Theresa Abbott; and nieces’ families: Michelle (Steve Sayre) Abbott, Kaitlynn McMichael, Kyle McMichael, Kristin (Anthony Scott Liles) Abbott, Ashley Liles, Madison Liles, and Lauren Abbott; nephews, Jordan (Debi) Plasker, and their children, Alec and Casey; Noel (Laurie) Plasker, and their children, Chloe, Ethan, and Leo; and Eric (Lisa) Plasker, and their children, Jacob, Emily, and Corey. Fred was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Janney, and sister, Barbara Plasker.

Burial is private. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021. RSVP here: https://fred-janney-memorial.eventbrite.com. Please contribute memories and condolences to https://memories.lifeweb360.com/frederick-mark-janney. Donations may be given in Fred’s name to the Anthroposophical Prison Outreach project: https://www.anthroposophyforprisoners.org. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

David A. Porras, Sr.

David A. Porras, Sr., age 52, of Jackson, MI died Monday, November 16, 2020 in Henrietta Twp., MI. He was born on July 23, 1968 in Gary, Indiana, the son of Manuel and Becky Porras. He was raised by his grandparents.

He had lived in the Jackson area for the past 15 years, working as a roofer. He had worked for Mr. Roof and Bloom Roofing, achieving skilled journeyman work level. He is survived by his loving companion, Joanie L. Emmons of Jackson, his mother of Michigan City, IN, and five children: John Porras of Jackson, Raven DeLaRosa of Washington, David Porras, Jr. of Jackson, Anthony Porras of Jackson, and Alexzandrea Cook of Jackson.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all services are private. Those wishing to make a donation in David’s name may do so to Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home to help with final expenses.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.