Susan Renee Opp

Susan Renee Opp, age 58, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on April 22, 2021 at the Sacred Heart Adult Care Facility in Gregory, MI. She was born March 19, 1963 in Fremont, MI, the daughter of Leonard and Carolyn (Gibson) Fowler. She married Steven K. Opp in 2014, and he survives.

Also surviving are her mother, Carolyn Fowler of Six Lakes, MI; three children, Michelle (Francisco) Romero of Stockbridge, MI, Paul (Jennifer) Fowler of Owosso, MI, and Christopher (Chelsea Gayle) Haines of Morrice, MI; two step-children, Nikki (Chris) Nelson of Dundee, MI, Dallas (Andrew) Tweedy of Parma, MI; one brother, Leonard (Kristin) Fowler, Jr. of Saginaw, MI, and one sister, Mary Lloyd of Detroit, MI; as well as 10 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father.

Susan had lived in the area most of her life. She worked for the United States Postal Service for 22 years as a postal carrier in Pinckney. She loved being outside, whether it was gardening, riding horses, or tending to her chickens. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Services are private. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Hospice or Sacred Heart Adult Care Facility.

Michael J. LeMasters

Michael J. LeMasters, age 79, of Jackson, MI, unexpectedly passed away with his son, Tyler, at his side on April 14, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance Health of Jackson. He was born in Newark, OH on November 18, 1941, son of W. Howard and Christine L. (Woodhouse) LeMasters. He married Ruth Ann (Broesamle) in 2000, and she preceded him in death on August 1, 2007.

Mike served as an Army Reserve sergeant and gun technician, earned a business degree from Findlay College and attended the Ohio State University, earned a master’s degree in economics from Western Michigan University, and ultimately retired from Aeroquip/Eaton Corporation as plant manager for their coupling division. He was a member of and on the board of directors for the recently shuttered Pleasant Lake United Methodist Church, and for years, he owned and operated Setters Rest Kennels of Jackson. Mike enjoyed salmon and trout fishing, tying flies, training bird dogs and hosting field trials, hunting, skeet shooting, adventures at the cabin up north, being in nature, reading, attending church, and spending time with family and friends. The Ruffed Grouse Society and Pheasants Forever were organizations important to him.

In addition to his son, Tyler LeMasters of Jackson, Mike is survived by his mother, Christine, also of Jackson; stepdaughters, Shelly Finch of Spokane, WA, and Penny Peterson Murray of Grass Lake, MI; daughter-in-law, Kerry Lammers of Jackson; grandchildren, James (Miranda) Finch of Elmira, MI, Tyler Finch of Escanaba, MI, Trevor Murray of Grass Lake, and Brianna LeMasters of Jackson; five great-grandchildren, Ruth Ann Finch, JJ Finch, Elliot Finch, Aiden Marriott, and Carter Raab; very special friends—whom the family thanks for their everlasting support—Art and Nancy Conley, Rose Wahl and Chuck Mohlman, Dale Wahl, and Katie Wahl, all of Jackson; and dearly loved English setters, Hawk, Cider, and Emma. In addition to his wife, Ruth Ann, Mike was preceded in death by his father, W. Howard, and son, Michael J. LeMasters II, along with many treasured hunting dogs.

A gathering of friends and family is planned for Saturday, May 1, 2021, 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI, with a private funeral service afterward. Funeral directors are following current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for COVID; those attending will be instructed accordingly, and masks must be worn. A private burial will occur at a later date at Spring Grove Cemetery in Bloomingdale, MI. Rather than flowers, the family asks that expressions of sympathy be made in Mike’s name to an organization he deeply valued: the Andy Ammann Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society, Attn: John Anton, Treasurer, 2111 Barritt St., Lansing, MI 48912.

Mohammad Javad Jazayeri-Nejad

Mohammad Javad Jazayeri-Nejad

May 27, 1945 - April 11, 2021

On April 11, 2021, Mohammad Javad Jazayeri-Nejad of Adrian, MI passed away. Mohammad was born May 27, 1945 in Khorramshahr, Iran, son of Abdul Rahim and Rohbabeh Kiasi Jazayeri.

Mohammad had hidden artistic talents where he prided himself in his portraiture and penmanship. He immigrated to the United States when he was 19 years old, and moved to Miami, FL, where he learned how much he detested heat and humidity—and, so he moved to Kalamazoo, MI to enjoy the snowy winters. He attended Western Michigan University where he studied engineering. It was a great honor for him to have become a naturalized citizen of the United States.

For his career, he drove buses for Kalamazoo Metro, and won many driving trophies at the annual Bus “Roadeo” for his excellent driving skills. Known to many as “Mo'' in his bowling league, Mohammad enjoyed a greater than 220 bowling average. He lived in Kalamazoo for over 30 years, where he raised his two children with his ex-wife Karen Sue McDougall. He loved hunting, the outdoors, old westerns, nature documentaries, and sharing experiences with his family, such as summer visits to Chicago and attending sporting events and auto shows.

Mohammed was predeceased by his older brother, Jamshid Jazayeri. He is survived by his ex-wife, Karen McDougall, and two children, Mark (Christine) Jazayeri and Jessica Jazayeri; two siblings, Thomas (Tonya) Jazayeri, and Shohreh Housler; and 10 nieces and nephews, and numerous grand-nieces and nephews.

A burial service will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 11:00 a.m., at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter, MI. 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. The family will celebrate with a memorial service to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the National Park Service.

FEMA to Reimburse for COVID Deaths

FEMA announced that individuals will be able to begin applying for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance on April 12, 2021. The FEMA Funeral Assistance website has been updated with the phone numbers that families can call to begin the application process.

 
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number
844-684-6333 ● TTY: 800-462-7585
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT

Up-to-date information about the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program can be found on the FEMA Funeral Assistance Page in NFDA's COVID-19 Information Hub.

Please note the death certificate must indicate cause of death was from COVID, COVID 19, or COVID-like symptoms. The time frame ranges from January 20, 2020 to current day.

Helen "Galina" Haab

Helen “Galina” Haab, of Chelsea, MI, age 77, passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at her home. She was born in Russia, the daughter of Grigory and Natalia (Ulianov) Ivanov. She married Keith K. Haab on October 16, 1971 in Cleveland, OH, with maid of honor, Sharon (Ivanov) Gonzales. They moved to their home on Waters Road in Freedom Township in 1976, where they resided until she passed.

Surviving are her husband, Keith, and two daughters, Sheila Haab of Tennessee, and Abigail Haab of Chelsea; one sister, Valentina Breus of Parma, OH, and two brothers, Vitalek (Ester) Ivanov of Sterling, CO, and Arkady (Philomena) Ivanov of Federal Heights, CO; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Nikolai Ivanov.

Helen enjoyed sewing, gardening, tending to her flowers, cooking, ballroom dancing, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Visitation will be at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 4-8 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 graveside service will be held in Freedom Township. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Anthony Jerod (AJ) Franklin

Anthony Jerod (AJ) Franklin, age 41, of Dexter, MI, took his own life on Sunday evening, April 4, 2021. Born on April 26, 1979 in San Diego, CA, AJ was the son of Deacon Thomas G. and Joy A. (Tomseth) Franklin. The Franklin family moved from California to Chelsea, MI in 1984.

AJ owned a successful carpet installation business. He was baptized and raised in the Catholic faith. AJ enjoyed the outdoors, being creative, and his pets. Outdoors, his favorite pastimes were hunting (both bow and black powder), fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, off-road motocross, and foraging the woods in search of prized mushrooms. AJ stretched his creative muscles by creating at the pottery wheel, playing the piano and drums, enjoying music, gardening, and caring for houseplants. He loved Spike and Walter, his dogs, and they loved him right back. AJ was never the same after he lost his son, Jared.

Survivors include his parents, Tom and Joy; his siblings, Peter (Pam Painter) Franklin of Jackson, MI, John Franklin of Chelsea, Amy (Michael) Franklin-Landando of Park Falls, WI, Sarah (Douglas) Poley of Grass Lake, MI, Joseph Franklin of Grass Lake, and Patrick (Bekah Dickenson) Franklin of Grand Rapids, MI; as well as five nieces and two nephews. AJ was predeceased by his son, Jared L. Franklin; sisters, Mary Rebecca Franklin, and Ashley Franklin; his maternal and paternal grandparents; and uncle, Michael Franklin.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea. Visitation is the same day at the church, 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial is private. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of AJ to the local, Chelsea-based, “Why You Matter” initiative or to the local Grass Lake Sportsmen’s Club. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

George Bowling

George Bowling, age 78, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away on April 3, 2021 at his daughter’s home, under the care of Elara Hospice. He was born in Pikeville, KY on June 9, 1942, son of Joe Jack and Mildred (Hensley) Bowling. He married Nancy, and she preceded him in death.

George was a General Motors security guard—retiring after 32 years of service, a church bus driver, and a school bus driver for Estill County Schools of Irvine, KY. He was known for being very personable, and as one who brought many to the Lord. George made a difference in the world; he loved humanity and helping people, and always saw the good in everyone. He never met a stranger, as all were friends no matter what. Family, faith, and friends were his focus, and the love of his life was Nancy, his wife.

He is survived by his children, Judy (Kevin) Siebeneicher, Donna Jean Whitaker, Daniel Perry Bowling, Amy Joe (Arron) Bowling-Higgins, and Jackie Lynn (Johnnie) Patrick; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren plus one on the way; stepmother, Lucille Bowling; and sister-in-law, Michelle Bowling. In addition to his wife, Nancy, George was predeceased by grandchildren, Brandon Higgins and Jackson Lee; brother, Junior Bowling; and son-in-law, Shayne Whitaker.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. as well as 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI. 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 private. Expressions of sympathy may be made directly to the family.

Michael M. Wireman, Sr.

Michael Max Wireman, Sr., of Spring Arbor, MI, passed away at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo on March 22, 2021. He was born on November 6, 1945 in Marshall, MI, son of Seldon and Goldie Wireman.

Michael was a machinery rigger for Miller Truck and Storage. He enjoyed listening to bluegrass music, spending time with his grandkids, and camping. He also loved his trucks and his dog, Jasper.

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth (James) Tomkin, Steven (Kasandra) Barton, Terry (Kelly) Ludwig, Jody (Bryan) Parrett, Kelly (William) Potter, and Michael (Jennifer) Wireman, Jr.; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Brian, Joanne (Charles), Thelma, Bertha (Buddy), Debbie, and Barbara. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry “Wendell” Wireman, and great-granddaughter, Emelia L Jean Wireman.

A gathering of friends and family is being held on Friday, March 26, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. 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 private. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Michael may be made to a local animal shelter in your area.

Henry Gerhard Mountain

Henry Gerhard Mountain, age 28, of Grass Lake, MI (formerly of Chelsea, MI) passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021. Born on March 17, 1993, in Seattle, WA, Henry is the son of Vincent and Michelle (Bonnicksen) Mountain.

Henry led a very spirited life. He loved being in nature--hiking, rafting, whitewater rafting, snowboarding--anything he could do out of doors! He had an immense heart, and was welcoming and accepting of other people and their beliefs and perspectives. Henry played the guitar, wrote poetry and music, and he was friends with people of all ages.

Most of all, he was a great son, brother, and friend.

In addition to his parents, Vincent and Michelle, Henry is survived by his brother, Julian Mountain; his paternal grandparents, Maury Mountain and Rosemary Mountain; his maternal grandparents, Ronald and Gloria Bonnicksen; cousins, Hallie, Emma, Grace, Tad, Cal, and Leo; many aunts and uncles; special friend, Rene E. Kiss; and his newly adopted cat, Opal.

Visitation will occur on Thursday, March 25, 2021, 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and then 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI. 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 private. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Henry may be made to the Jamie Daniels Foundation.

Ann P. Vader

Ann P. Vader, formerly of Spring Arbor, MI, age 85, passed away at Victorian Manor Assisted Living Home in Clark Lake, MI on March 16, 2021. She was born on August 1, 1935 in Salyersville, KY, daughter of Edward and Bertha (Rice) Poe. Ann was married to Gerald Vader, and he preceded her in death.

Ann was a wonderful homemaker and faithful to her Baptist upbringing. She moved to the Jackson area from Myrtle Beach, SC, and Jackson and Spring Arbor were home for over half her life. Traveling--especially going on cruises, shopping, and going out to eat were favorite pastimes of Ann’s.

Survivors include her children, Rick (Peggy) Davis of Spring Arbor and Lori (Jeffrey) Reynolds of Jackson; many grandchildren; as well as brothers, Calvin Poe of Washington, Roger (Mary) Poe of Texas, and Hershel (Sandra) Poe of Grass Lake, MI. In addition to her husband, Gerald, Ann was preceded in death by siblings, Lewis Poe, Frank Poe, Jewell Casino, Mary Risner, Rotha Christian, Grace Fitzpatrick, and Elsie Fitch.

Services for Ann are private. Expressions of sympathy may be made in her name to the American Legion Mackinder-Glenn Post #510. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.