Jackie J.R. "Jack" Phelan

Jackie J. R. “Jack” Phelan of Leslie, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor, MI, passed away surrounded by his family on January 8, 2021. Jackie was born on March 9, 1937 in Corning, AR to William and Eathel (Gleghorn) Phelan.

Leaving the farm life at age 15, he moved to Kalamazoo, MI and finally settled in Ann Arbor, where he met and married the love of his life, Patricia Stepp, in 1957. Together they raised three daughters, Deborah (Charles) Seleska of Savannah TN, Cheryl Heinz (Ricky Bradley) of Leslie, MI, and Jacquelyn (Ralph) Mullins of Jackson, MI. 

Jackie spent his life spoiling his wife and girls, and as the grandchildren arrived, they were spoiled as well. He worked making precision ball bearings in Ann Arbor for Industrial Tectonics and Ultraspherics, Inc. He retired at the age of 70 from University Plastics, which he said, “was the best job he ever had—and the best friend/boss, Bill Tratchet.”

Jackie leaves behind to remember his good humor and never-ending stories, three daughters, along with 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren with one more on the way, four sisters, many family members and dear friends, along with special friends, Vickie Reum, Vicki Bradley, Ashley Hintz, and Billie Gibson, as well as special caregivers of Medilodge of Capital Area, Lansing, and Grace Hospice of Lansing. Welcoming him in Heaven with open arms is his wife, Patricia, who has been waiting for him since 1987, his parents, four sisters, and two brothers.

Because of Jackie’s love for dogs and the many that were part of his life, please donate to your local animal shelter in his name in lieu of flowers. As he would say, “Spoil them dogs, flowers are a waste of money.” Or contributions may be made to the Medilodge of Capital Area, Lansing or Grace Hospice of Lansing.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI, on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. 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. A private burial will take place at Washtenong Cemetery in Ann Arbor, MI at a later date.

Jan Willem Niklaas Zuidveld

On December 30, 2020, Jan lost his long struggle with depression. And we all lost our Jan. He was born June 10, 1992 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Fred and Miriam (Sass) Zuidveld.

From the earliest age, Jan was fascinated by and eager to explore and interact with the natural world. No swamp was too murky, no tree too high, no creature too wild, no forest too tangled to deter his passion. He was delighted to hike, climb, wade, swim, bike, and kayak, enjoying the motion as much as the observed flora and fauna. Jan was a scientist and an artist; smart, witty, funny, creative and sweet, with a wonderful sense of humor. He was supportive, thoughtful, and loyal to his broad circle of friends. Jan had firm convictions and practiced honesty. He enjoyed music, stand-up comedy, and movies, particularly the works of Wes Anderson and Guy Ritchie.

Jan was the proud founder and owner of Mitten Reptiles. He bred and raised a variety of reptiles for sale on his website as well as providing advice and education to reptile enthusiasts around the world. This was the culmination of years of experience with a vast and varied pet collection followed by work with Great Lakes Zoological Society and the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Through his work and educational outreach, Jan strove to emulate his conservation heroes, most notably Sir David Attenborough and Steve Irwin.

Jan is survived by his parents, his sister, Zoe (Joe) Kuzdzal, and his beloved nephew, Willem, as well as his adored dog, Bug. He is remembered and mourned also by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, their spouses, their children and their children’s children, friends and former classmates. Jan was predeceased by his grandparents, great-aunts and great-uncles, and several other extended family members.

Cremation has occurred. Due to COVID-19 there will not be a memorial service at this time. A gathering in his memory will be held when it is safe to do so. For those who wish, a donation made to Legacy Land Conservancy (legacylandconservancy.org), Fauna and Flora International (fauna-flora.org), or a nature related charity of your choice in his honor would be a fitting tribute. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.mitchellfuneral.com.

Michael H. Rybka

Michael H. Rybka, of Chelsea, MI, age 61, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. He was born on November 18, 1959 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Henry and Helen (Sedoreak) Rybka.

He was a life-long resident of Chelsea. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977, and Eastern Michigan University in 1997 with a journalism degree. Then he worked as a reporter for The Chelsea Standard. Mike was a talented chess player, and he enjoyed reading, music, and cooking for friends.

Michael is survived by his sister, Kathryn Rybka (Darrell Hoemann) of Champaign, IL.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., with a brief service at 2:30 p.m. 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. Burial will be private at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to St. Louis Center, 16195 West Old U.S. 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.

Sherry Rosana Bejster

On Tuesday, December 29, 2020 Sherry Bejster entered Heaven in the same way she lived her life—with courage and grace.

Sherry was born in West Virginia but grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She developed a love for animals early on—especially horses. Her last ride on earth was in September with her son, Ian Bejster, and husband, Fred Bejster. We imagine that she is riding a majestic Friesian in heaven today.

Sherry graduated from Faithway Baptist Church School and from Cleary College, where she studied Business Administration. Sherry worked as an executive assistant at various firms after graduating from college. She left the corporate world to care for her son, Ian, after his birth. During that time, she worked part time as a nail technician. Sherry met many dear friends during her time as a nail technician. Years later, Sherry renewed her administrative career with the University of Michigan and later U of M’s Health System. She worked with the Department of Neurosurgery for several years then as the Executive Assistant to the Emergency Department Chair.

At the center of Sherry’s world were her husband, Fred, and her son, Ian. Sherry, Fred, and Ian enjoyed traveling and outdoor activities together as a family. They hiked, skied, and fished both locally and out west. Sherry was most passionate about riding horses, owning several different horses during her lifetime. She also enjoyed supporting Ian in his various activities including competitive Tae Kwon Do, performing arts, and cross country.

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Sherry would attest to her positive outlook. She always had a smile on her face. She was loyal and true to her family and friends. She was fun to be around and always up for an adventure.

Sherry battled pancreatic cancer for 18 months like a warrior. She never once shed a tear for herself. Her only concerns were for her son and for her husband. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

Sherry was preceded in death by her grandparents, Elva (Bishop) Martin and Marcus Bishop; her in-laws, Frederick and Angeline Bejster; and her biological mother, Ruth Charles.

Sherry is survived by her husband, Fred Bejster, and her son, Ian Bejster, both of whom reside in Gregory, Michigan. Her parents, Dean and Anna Bishop, reside in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Sherry was close to and survived by her siblings: Tammy Selvey Brock, Diana Grecu, Thomas Inman, Terri Plunk, Gloria Johnston, Terry Potter, Randy Potter, her brothers in-law and their spouses, and her many nieces and nephews.

Memorial visitation is scheduled for Friday January 8, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 6805 Mast Road, Dexter, Michigan. A Memorial Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. following visitation.

The family requests memorial donations in lieu of flowers to one of the following organizations which were important to Sherry: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dexter, Michigan, Starry Skies Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, or U of M Rogel Cancer Center Pancreatic Cancer Program Fund – 308187 .

Irene Lydia Jacob

Irene Lydia Jacob, age 89, of Jerome, MI, passed away at home on January 2, 2021. She was born on February 15, 1931 in Freedom Township, MI, daughter of Walter and Lydia (Hartman) Luckhardt. She married Raymond Jacob, Jr. on December 31, 1949, and he preceded her in death in January 2010.

Irene served as a nurse’s aide for 31 years at Chelsea Hospital, and lived in Sharon Township for 37 years before moving to Jerome. She loved her children--especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, watching the kids play sports, camping, gardening, and making homemade German-style pretzels. Some of the best times were spent at the family’s Up North cabin, Duke’s Possum Hollow.

She is survived by her children, Lyle (Linda) Jacob of Williamsburg, OH, Susan (John) Fletcher of Brooklyn, MI, and Larry (Laurie) Jacob of Batavia, OH; six grandchildren and eight (soon to be nine) great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Betty Luckhardt of Manchester, MI. In addition to her husband, Raymond, she was preceded in death by brothers, Robert Luckhardt, Gilbert Luckhardt, and Andy Luckhardt, and sisters, Viola Kruze and Arlene Rentschler.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI. A private family memorial service will follow with Pastor David Bucholtz officiating. 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. Burial is at Oak Grove Cemetery, Manchester. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Elara Caring or Paramount Care at Home. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

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Bradley Dalton

Bradley Brent Dalton, “Bub,” 29, of Munith, MI — Our beautiful and loving son, brother, uncle, and friend, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, December 22, 2020.

Bub was born in Lansing on January 18, 1991, the son of Michael and Priscilla Dalton. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Amber (Travis) Collins, and brothers, Mikey (Leah) and Greg (Ashley); grandmother, Alva Mays; great-aunt, Marie Wallen; six nieces, Kaylee, Kenzie, Maddie, Emma, Allie, and Elyse, and four nephews, Kegan, Jacob, Brayden, and Blake; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Bub was preceded in death by his sister, Shayla, and grandparents: Julia Mays, Don Hanselman, Frank and Phyllis Dalton, and Carolyn Dalton.

Bub loved his family, especially his nieces and nephews. He loved riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, hunting, fishing, goofing around with the kids, and blue popsicles. He always said “I love you” before parting for the day. Bub loved so many and was loved by so many more. He was sweet, kind, giving, fun, a teaser, and the best son, brother, uncle, and friend anyone could want. His last gift was to the “Gift of Life” on December 26, 2020. He was the Christmas Miracle for which other families were praying. Bub is, was, and always will be, our Miracle and Blessing. We thank God for this and all the blessings we have received.

Services are private, and expressions of sympathy in memory of our Bub may be made to Priscilla Dalton. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI.

Karen E. Haywood

Karen Elaine (Fink) Haywood, age 77, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on December 27, 2020 at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI, due to complications of COVID-19. She was born on January 28, 1943 in Stockbridge, the daughter of Raymond and Dorothy (Ellis) Fink. On December 12, 1959, she married Raymond Haywood; Raymond preceded her in death on March 28, 1992.

Karen lived in Stockbridge her entire life. She was a caring nurse for many years. Once retired, she enjoyed helping her daughter and granddaughter at Country Petals in Stockbridge. Above all, family was very important to her, especially her granddaughters and great-grandson. Karen looked forward to casino visits, and especially loved playing the keno machines. She hated to lose, but was always eager to return and try her luck again.

She is is survived by her daughter, Patty (Gary) Young of Stockbridge, son, Tom Haywood of Leslie, brother, Donald (Karla) Fink of Stockbridge; granddaughters, Sara Dancer of Stockbridge and Erica (Evan) Barrett of Leslie; and great-grandson, Drew Dancer of Stockbridge. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

In accordance with her wishes, Karen has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Karen may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Brian G. Woolcock

Brian with his best dog for pheasant hunting, Darci.

Brian G. Woolcock, age 79, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2020 in Lansing, MI at Robinwood Landing Alzheimer’s Special Care Center. He was born on October 25, 1941 in Pontiac, MI, the son of Horace G. and Florence M. (Eustice) Woolcock. On April 18​, 1964, he married Vicki S. (McLaughlin) and she survives.

For Brian, family was always first. He moved to the area in 1969 with his wife and oldest son, James. It was here that the four boys were raised on a family farm. He also loved teaching, and served as an educator at Walled Lake Central High School for most of his 36-year career. In addition, Brian taught Drivers’ Education for most of his career, both at Walled Lake Schools and Stockbridge High School. Besides spending time with family, his favorite pastimes included hunting (pheasants with his Labradors—including Darci; deer; rabbits with beagles), traveling to the cottage on the Betsie River in Thompsonville (where he often attended performances at Interlochen Arts Academy), and farming/enjoying nature on the 47 acres of farmland north of Stockbridge.

Survivors include his wife, Vicki; four children, James Woolcock of Mason, MI, Michael (Raja) Woolcock of Paris, FR, Dean (Susana) Woolcock of Okemos, MI, and Mark (Lindsay) Woolcock of Douglas, MI; and five grandchildren, Idriss, Helen, Ewan, Esther, and Laura.

Per Brian’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service is private. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Interlochen Center for the Arts or the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Lauren Jeffrey Beerbower

Lauren Jeffrey Beerbower, age 62, of Holt, MI, passed away on December 19, 2020 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI. He was born April 10, 1958, the son of Frank and Beverly (Tirb) Beerbower. Lauren had lived in the Holt area for the past 32 years, where he worked as an EMT for Mason Area Ambulance. He loved being an EMT, going to engine shows, trains, and spending time at the farm.

Surviving are two daughters, Andrea (David) Neumann of Milwaulkee, WI, and Emily Beerbower of St. Johns, MI; one grandchild, Melody Neumann; two brothers, Wayne (Catherine) Beerbower of Farmington Hills, and Brian (Joann) Beerbower of Livonia; also the mother of his children, Rosanne Miller of Holt. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Pamela Sitarz.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19; those attending will be instructed accordingly, ten people at a time, and masks must be worn. His funeral service and burial will be private. He will be laid to rest next to his father at Farmer’s Cemetery in Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lansing Mason Ambulance or 4-H.

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John Paul Wamback

John Paul Wamback, age 74, after a heroic four-year battle with cancer, passed away on December 17, 2020, at home, surrounded by his family.  John was born June 29, 1946, in Saginaw, MI to Paul and Christine (Klein) Wamback.  He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Susan Wamback, his son, John Anthony (wife, Penny), and daughter Kelly, three granddaughters, two grandsons, and one great-granddaughter. John is survived by his four sisters as well. 

He started his military career as a US Marine and later joined the US Air Force, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant.  He proudly served his country with 23 years active duty and two tours in Viet Nam, then retiring from the US Air Force. During his military service, John received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor, and the Presidential Unit Citation, along with numerous other commendations. After his military service ended, he began a new service to his country as a federal police officer, rising through the ranks to Federal Chief of Police, Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor, MI, from where he retired in 2007.

Once retired, to begin his “Excellent Adventure, Part II,” he set out to enjoy life at its fullest by traveling across the United States, taking long motorcycles rides, playing with and helping to raise his grandchildren, and searching for the perfect doughnut. 

John will be laid to rest with honors at our national cemetery, with a celebration of life gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Home Care and Hospice, 34505 W. 12 Mile Road, Suite 100, Farmington Hills, MI  48331. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.