William "Bill" W. Seaton

William (“Bill”) W. Seaton, 91, husband of Ruby Ayres Seaton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at Chelsea Retirement Community in Chelsea, MI. Born September 23, 1929, in Danville, IL, he was the eldest son of the late William and Marjorie Cole Seaton. Bill attended St. Bernice High School in St. Bernice, IN, where he met his future wife, Ruby Ayres. They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1948, and lived in Dana, IN and Georgetown, IL before moving to Dexter, MI in 1958, where he lived the rest of his life.

Bill obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (BSE) in 1954 from General Motors Institute (GMI), and held jobs at the Central Foundry Division of GMC in Danville, IL and International Automation Corporation in Ann Arbor, MI before starting his own company, Seaton Engineering (later Seaton-SSK Engineering), in Ann Arbor. Bill and his company specialized in automatic metal pouring, and he became well known in the industry with numerous patents for design and for building automated pouring equipment. His most significant project was an order for the Soviet Union to design and build 33 large pouring cars, each capable of pouring three tons of iron. Bill and his company designed and manufactured a multitude of carrier systems and Bill traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, and Australia, consulting on their installation and operation before retiring and enjoying his winters in Florida with his wife, Ruby.

Never a man to sit idle, Bill obtained his pilot’s license after retiring, fulfilling a lifelong dream, and spent many years flying the skies over Michigan in a two-seater Cessna airplane as a member of the Michigan Fliers Club of Ann Arbor.

Bill is survived by his children, Ilona Samborn of Ann Arbor, and Greg Seaton of Plymouth, MI; his three granddaughters, Alison Samborn, Lindsey Seaton Cavendar, and Kara Seaton Rabouin; his two great-grandsons, Graeme Cavendar and Pete Rabouin; and his siblings, Delores (“Dolly”) Hadley of South Carolina, and Dennis Seaton of Kentucky.

At a future date, Bill will be laid to rest next to his late wife, Ruby, in Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Chelsea Retirement Community (Chelsea) or the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (Ann Arbor). Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Edmund L. (Ted) Palmer

Edmund L. (Ted) Palmer died on January 27, 2021 in his Ann Arbor, MI home at the age of 97.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Elaine M. (Hadley) Palmer. Born in Toledo, OH to Mabel and Herbert Palmer, he lived most of his life in Ann Arbor, where his father had a successful photography business, Palmer Studios, in the Michigan Theater Building. After graduating from Ann Arbor High School in 1941, he served in the CBI (China Burma India) Theater of War during World War II. He was a military policeman and motorcycle dispatch rider at Kurmitola Air Base in India, where transport and bomber planes—including those of the famous Flying Tigers—took off to fly “the Hump,” the eastern end of the Himalaya Mountains. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater ribbon with three bronze stars for his military service.

After the war, he lived briefly in California, where he delivered blocks of ice to homes and restaurants and managed a bowling alley. After returning to Michigan, he earned both his BA and MA degrees and began a long career of teaching at Slauson Junior High School in Ann Arbor. He is fondly remembered by his students for stories that brought history alive, field trips to Tigers Stadium and Greenfield Village, and visits to his own “general store,” a recreation of a 19th century establishment.

After retirement, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and driving his 1930 Model A Ford. He created beautiful gardens at his home, and spent many hours at local golf courses, where he maintained a highly-respectable eight handicap. He put his many home repair skills to work, helping friends and neighbors in Ann Arbor and on Fripp Island in South Carolina, where he and his wife maintained a vacation home for 36 years. On the island, he and his wife and dogs walked on the beach, enjoyed the native wildlife, and golfed at the island golf course.

In addition to his wife, Elaine, he is survived by several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and many close friends in Michigan, California, Tennessee, and Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings and several beloved cocker spaniels.

A funeral service is scheduled on Thursday, February 4, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, Reverend Robert Livingston officiating. Visitation is on the same day at the funeral home, noon until the time of service. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID-19; only 10 people are allowed to pay their respects at one time—those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn. Interment is private at Washtenong Memorial Park, Ann Arbor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

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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.

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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.