George A. Staffan

George A. Staffan, age 81, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2021 in Howell, MI. He was born in Ann Arbor, MI on July 15, 1939, son of George L. and Kathryn A. (Hindelang) Staffan. George was a real estate developer, and the last in the line of Staffans to be involved with Staffan Funeral Home (now Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home).

He is survived by his daughters, Susan Staffan (Douglas) Wipperman of Traverse City, MI, Kristin (Paul) Rossi of Fayetteville, AR, and Andi (Chris) Dolinsky of Saratoga Springs, NY; as well as seven grandchildren.

Services are private, including burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan or St. Mary Catholic Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

J. F. (Jeff) Rentschler

J. F. (Jeff) Rentschler passed away January 22, 2021, at his home in Tecumseh, MI. He graduated from Ann Arbor High School, class of 1953, was a retired firefighter for the City of Ann Arbor, a breeder/shower of German Shepherd dogs, and ran a boarding kennel for several years. Jeff was born January 25, 1935, the only child of Edwin Doan and Lois Gates Rentschler. He married Dian Louise Hague, on June 25, 1955.

He is survived by his wife, Dian, daughters, Holly Lynn Rentschler and Dawn Marie (Alan) Reau; and eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Robin Lee Fallot.

At this time, due to current MDHHS COVID-19 restrictions, the services will be private for family only. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Harold D. Bennett

Harold Day Bennett of Chelsea, MI, age 89, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor on January 22, 2021. He was born the son of Myron and Grace (Caplan) Bennett on March 1, 1931. He married Phyllis E. (Reynolds) on June 6, 1953 in Ypsilanti. Harold and Phyllis spent 63 happily married years together while raising a family that made them both very proud. Phyllis preceded him in death on August 24, 2018.

Harold enjoyed refurbishing furniture, and owned an upholstery business for over 30 years, Harold’s Upholstery. He also enjoyed family camping trips to Northern Michigan, sitting around a campfire at “Camp Usher,” while welcoming the company of his family and close friends. He served in the Navy Reserves and was very proud of his country. Harold was a handyman at heart and loved to fix things—he could make anything like new again with just a piece of duct tape! He loved eating anything his wife or children cooked for him, and always enjoyed a cup of coffee at any time of day. Gardening, deer hunting, and spoiling his children and grandchildren with candy and sweet treats were his passions in life. Most of all, he was a very loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Harold is survived by his children, Beverly (Gary Mayher) Talbot, Bruce (Cindy) Bennett, Teresa (Rodney Schneider) Usher, Micky (Kim) Allen, and Jennifer (Lucky) Beeman, along with 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren—all of whom he loved dearly. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Bennett, and siblings, Buddy Bennett, Laura Southerland, and Donald Bennett.

In accordance with his wishes, a private family gathering and burial are planned. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Russell "John" Wagner

Russell "John" Wagner, 72, passed away peacefully at home in Gregory, MI on January 15, 2021, after struggling with cancer for three years. He was the son of Bernice (Kline) and Russell Wagner of Ypsilanti, MI.

John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sue; children, Noel (Paula), Jocilyn, and Sam; and brother-in-law, Gary Schoolmaster. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Judy Schoolmaster.

John graduated from Willow Run High School, class of '67. He enjoyed working on their 50-year class reunion and staying in touch with classmates. His favorite pastimes included family get-togethers, traveling, talking on CB radios, photography, space exploration, and all things Star Trek. He was raised on motorcycles and passed his love of riding and restoring them on to his two sons. As a music lover, John enjoyed a wide variety, from Roy Orbison and old country western to Big Band. When his children were young, he volunteered for many years as a Scout leader. Early in his career, John made deliveries for Mayer-Schairer Office Supplies of Ann Arbor and committed to memory thousands of Michigan’s main and back roads. John was a kind, gentle, and patient man who drove everything from a school bus for disabled children to gargantuan snow-melters on the University of Michigan campus. He became a proficient snowplow operator and retired from the U of M after 25 years of “unburying” student dorms. In retirement, he bought a personal snowplow and several trucks to help friends, neighbors, and family.

A memorial will be held in early Spring, 2021. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Plainfield United Methodist Church, 17845 M-36 Highway, Gregory, MI 48137. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

April R. Sawyer

April R. Sawyer, age 79, of Munith, MI, passed away on December 9, 2020. She was born in Tacoma, WA on September 13, 1941, the daughter of Glenroy and Clara (Gleason) Thayer.

April’s love was felt by everyone she met, because others’ happiness was most important to her. When she loved you, you knew and you felt it. When she smiled, you couldn't help but smile, too. Family was not just blood to her, as her heart was large enough to let in so many others. She was a mom to her children's friends and her nieces and nephews, and was a grandma to her grandchildren's friends, too. Her love had no conditions and no bounds, and it included all animals—but dogs and cats were her favorites. She always had dogs and cats in her life and thought there was always room for “just one more.” Her love of animals was well-known as people would drop off strays—and she was the one bringing home animals—it was never asked, "Can we keep them?"

She was the first stop for a celebration, as everyone gravitated to her—she was always ready to sing along to the music and even dance when the feeling struck her. She loved to play games and cards, like Euchre, Bunco, Hand and Foot, Pinochle, and Dice/Farkle. Many blizzards were spent playing cards to pass the time. She was mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, wife, and friend to so many. The loss of her will be felt for a long time.

April is survived by her children, Renae Davidson, Suzanne (Davidson) Barrett, R. Dean Davidson, Jr., Kristeen (Davidson) Webb, and Kristeen’s husband, Thomas; grandchildren, Kevin Barrett, Eric Barrett, Kristina Barrett, Shannon Melia, Clarissa Webb, and William Webb; two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Sadie Melia; her brother, Arthur Thayer, and many nieces and nephews. April was preceded in death by her mother, Clara Thayer; her brother, Allen Thayer; her second husband, Herb Sawyer, and her first husband, Roy Davidson.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19, allowing for 10 people at one time; those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn.

Please click here to see her service

Mitchell "Mitch" A. Zink

Mitchell “Mitch” Albert Zink, age 73, of Gregory, MI, passed away on January 13, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital - Chelsea. He was born on July 7, 1947 in Ann Arbor, MI, son of Albert A. and Wilhelminia M. (Gottschling) Zink. On September 22, 1967, he married the love of his life, Rhoda Sue (Vogel), at North Lake, and she survives.

For years, Mitch was a printer for the Chelsea Standard newspaper. He lived in Washtenaw County all his life, and specifically at North Lake since 1967. Mitch loved to fish, bowl, hunt, go boating, hunt for morel mushrooms every spring, and try his luck at the casinos. Favorite beverages included Coca-Cola and McDonald’s coffee. And he absolutely loved dogs, especially Jake. He was a proud member of the Chelsea Jaycees.

In addition to his loving wife, Rhoda Sue, survivors include his children, Eric (Helena) Zink of Manchester, MI, and Trever (Jodi) Zink of Grass Lake, MI; and his five grandchildren, Joseph Sysol and Nicholas, Skylyr, Hailey, and Mykaela Zink. He was predeceased by his sister, Susanne Huggins.

Funeral services are private. A public visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 15, 2021, 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19, allowing for 10 people at one time; those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn. Expressions of sympathy in Mitch’s name may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Russell F. Kebbe

Russell Frederick Kebbe was born on July 2, 1943 in Redding, CA, and he passed away at Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, on Friday, January 8, 2021, due to complications from the COVID-19 virus.

Russ was the son of Stanley Kebbe and Anita Erickson Kebbe. Russ’ dad was a hydraulics engineer who built dams across the west, so Russ grew up on the move from California to Oregon to Wyoming to South Dakota to New York, and finally to Pennsylvania, where he graduated from East Stroudsburg High School. He served a hitch in the United States Army before graduating with a degree in microbiology from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. Russ had a full career with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Public Health, where he worked in the rabies laboratory. In 2017, Russ moved to Dexter, MI to be closer to his family.

He is survived by his sister, Sandra (Kebbe) Hansen and her husband, John, of Dexter, his brother, Stan Kebbe of Aurora, CO, and his niece, Claire (Eric) Robinson of Chelsea, MI.

A private ceremony will be held in Hot Springs, SD when conditions permit. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

John S. Mischley

John Stephen Mischley, age 68, of Ann Arbor, MI, formerly of Alpena, MI, passed away unexpectedly, the result of medical complications, on Monday, January 11, 2021.

John was born in Alpena on June 21, 1952. He graduated from Catholic Central High School. He enlisted in the US Navy, proudly serving from 1972 until 1978, active duty on the USS Tripoli in the Pacific during the Vietnam War, and four years reserve. John then returned to Alpena and worked with his father at Mischley’s Shoes. He earned an Associate degree in Forestry from Alpena Community College. Following that, he moved to California where he worked with his brother, Tom, at Miracle Auto Painting; then, he earned a position with the United States Postal Service, and later transferred to the Ann Arbor Post Office, where he was employed for 25 years. He was known for being friendly, reliable, and hard working in every position he held. You could always count on John to be where he said he would be, always early. He was known for arriving an hour early to read the paper, work crossword puzzles, and visit with co-workers before the work day began. John had many friendships through his work while in Ann Arbor.

John’s Catholic faith was very strong and an important part of his life. He was active at St. Francis as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered for many parish activities. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #8989, for which he has served as Grand Knight (the highest honor). He had a deep spirituality and appreciated the quiet time in church where he said he could “talk to the Big Guy.”

John had a great sense of humor, was friendly to everyone, and often would chat and joke with store clerks and people he met to bring a smile to their faces and brighten their day. He accepted all people and was respectful. He enjoyed many years on bowling leagues as well as long rides on his bicycle (wearing his easy-to-spot, colorful biking gear). Country music and Anne Murray could always be heard on his car radio. He was close to his family, siblings, nieces, and nephews, and remembered everyone’s birthdays and special events by sending a greeting card.

John is survived by his siblings: Michael (Lynne) Mischley of Sanford, MI, Thomas Mischley of Sacramento, CA, Joanne Grosh of Dexter, MI, Rosemary (Charles) Manitz of Chelsea, MI, and Mark (Michelle) Mischley of Grand Rapids, MI. He also is survived by eight nieces and three nephews and their children. John was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Irene Mischley, and nephew, Steven Manitz. He had a special friendship with Linda Berman; they shared a common faith, enjoyed time together, and were always a great support to one another.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 16, 11:00 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, officiated by Fr. James P. Conlon. Visitation is the same day at the church, 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass. Attendees must adhere to social distancing practices and masks must be worn. Mass will also be livestreamed on the St. Francis of Assisi website: www.stfrancisa2.com. Interment will be scheduled at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery in Alpena. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity of John’s, the St. Louis Center of Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

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.