Cheryl Kleinschmidt

Cheryl Ann (McCalla) Kleinschmidt, age 68, of Sierra Vista, AZ, passed away October 13, 2020 with her husband at her side, after a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. She was born October 21, 1951 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Raymond and Shirley (Dickson) McCalla. On July 4, 1975, she married Robert Kleinschmidt, and he survives.

Cheryl attended Ann Arbor public schools and got her diploma through the Adult Education Program at Pinckney High School. She worked at her parent’s business, the Washtenaw Farm Garden of Ann Arbor and later Dexter, MIchigan. She later worked for the University of Michigan Family Practice in Chelsea, MI, from which she retired.

Cheryl and her husband, Robert, became licensed foster care parents and took two young children. They became full time RVers in 2014 and traveled around, eventually settling down in Sierra Vista, AZ.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Krystal (Mike) Kleinschmidt of Whitmore Lake, MI, one son, Scott (Misty) Kleinschmidt of Whitmore Lake, MI, two step-sons, whom they raised, Robert Jr. (Paulette) Kleinschmidt of Lakeway, TX and Michael (Kimberly) Kleinschmidt of Alton, IL; two brothers, Ronald (Cora) McCalla of Celina, OH, Gary (Linda) McCalla of Munith; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; also several nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Crossroads Community Center, 5501 Webster Church Rd., Dexter, MI on Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 1-3 p.m., with family remarks at 2:30 p.m.

Those wishing to make a donation in Cheryl’s memory may do so to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Matthew T. McCormick

With our deepest sorrow we announce that Matthew Thomas McCormick, born on September 24, 1991, has departed this world on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. Matthew was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Betsy Ball (Tony Brown) of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Thomas McCormick (Pam) of Dexter, Michigan.

Matthew, affectionately known to his family as Punkin, Matt, Chewers, Broham, Matty, and Red, was a graduate of Dexter High School, Class of 2009. Matthew was a machinist, fabricator and programmer in Industrial Technology and Facilities Maintenance at Fischer’s RV Park and Camping.

A longtime resident of Dexter, Matthew is survived by his parents, and sisters, Sandra (Mike) Kokke and Jamie Middlebrook; his grandmothers: Mary Lou McCormick, Margaret Ball, Sandra Sue Cox, and Cynthia Saunders; his beloved nieces and nephews: Addyson, Jack, Caleb, Lincoln, Briella, and Bryce; aunts and uncles: Bill and Shawn (Ball) Mikkelson, Bobbi (Ron) Toma, Eileen Ball, Robert (Juan) Gimmey, and William (Sarah) Ball; cousins: Andy Toma, Robert ‘Dale’ (Londa) Ball III, Danielle (Brandon) Cornwell, Chance (Kelly) Mikkelson, Andrea (Kyle) Butler, Madelynne Brown, and Tyler Ball (Maria Anderson.) Matthew is preceded in death by grandfathers: Robert Arnold McCormick, Robert Dale Ball Sr., James B. Cox Sr., and uncles: Robert Dale Ball Jr. and Unsel Brown. He is also survived by a plethora of family, friends, and his friends that are now family.

Matthew, just like his dad, was an avid University of Michigan sports and Raiders fan. Anyone who ever spent more than a minute with Matt undoubtedly had their life changed for the better. He was one of the most genuine, kindhearted, and caring souls that anyone could have the pleasure of knowing. Whether you needed a good laugh, a shoulder to cry on or just a lending ear; he never hesitated to be there. If you knew him, he truly was one of your favorite people.

“It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.”

― John Steinbeck

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. A gathering of friends and family will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 from 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Go Fund Me link: The Family of Matthew T. McCormick

Linda Switzenberg

Linda Switzenberg, age 73, passed away on June 24, 2021 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI. She was born the daughter of Lester and Betty (Stevens) Hodgson on September 23, 1947 in Mason, Michigan. On December 18, 1965, she married Keith Switzenberg, and he survives.

Linda enjoyed crocheting and telling mom jokes. She loved camping up north and having a good time with her family.

In addition to her husband, Keith, Linda is survived by her children, Tom (April) Switzenberg and Cheri (Brian Grosshans) Corrette; three grandchildren, Melissa, KC, Chris, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Linda is also survived by her sisters, Jane Hensley and Sue Hodgson. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Larry, Bruce, and Boyd Hodgson, and a sister, Mary Wirt.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Monday, June 28, 2021 at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Child and Family Charities of Lansing, Michigan

Donald R. Bell

Don with three bears.

Donald R. Bell, age 67, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away on June 23, 2021 in the comfort of his home. He was born in Ann Arbor, MI on April 22, 1954, the son of Robert and Pauline J. (Ketola) Bell.

Donald taught hunter safety classes and was a lifetime member of both the Archery Bear Hunters of Michigan and the Bowhunters Association of Michigan. He was a union electrician and was head foreman for the construction of many buildings in Ann Arbor. He was a member of the Grass Lake Sportsmen’s Club and Eagles. He enjoyed hunting in the UP, fishing and trapping, and old Western movies were his favorite.

He is survived by his life partner, Mary McKillen; sons, David (Nicole) Bell and Paul (Monique) Bell; as well as grandchildren, Riley, Spencer, and one more on the way. Donald was predeceased by his brother, Bruce Bell.

In accordance with his wishes, Donald has been cremated, and no services will be held. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Donald’s name to IBEW Local Union #252, 7920 Jackson Rd, Suite A, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Nancy A. Hoyt

Heaven gained another angel as Nancy Ann (Nichol) Hoyt passed away on December 22, 2020. Nancy was born on February 9, 1933 to Alva and Lila (Welton) Nichol. Nancy married the love of her life and soul mate, Leslie Hoyt, in Angola, IN on June 25, 1948. They had 48 wonderful years together until his passing in 1996. They did everything together, from traveling and camping, to just riding around at dusk to see deer. They especially enjoyed camping with their grandson, Ken Hoyt, Jr.—traveling to Northern Michigan, the Upper Peninsula, and Canada with him. Nancy’s family was her pride and joy.

Nancy was the oldest of 10 children. She is survived by her son, Ken Hoyt (Debbie) of Harrison, MI, and grandson, Ken Hoyt, Jr. of Grand Rapids, MI. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Patti (Gary) Sanders; brothers, James Nichol and Bill Nichol; her dear sister-in-law, Jane Nichol; and many special nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her mother, Lila Nichol; her father and stepmother, Alva and Cora Nichol; her sisters, Phyllis Rainsberger, Janice Dix, Sister Elizabeth Ann Marie (Kathleen); and brothers, Nelson Nichol, Alva Nichol (Sonny), and Gary Nichol.

She was a devoted member of Hope Baptist Church in Harrison, MI, and her church family was very special to her.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Graveside Service is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at Munith Cemetery in Munith, MI. Donations in her memory can be made to Hope Baptist Church in Harrison, MI or to the North Woods Nursing Center Activities Department in Farwell, MI. Nancy’s family wishes to thank the staff at North Woods for the wonderful care they gave her. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Justin Titus

Justin D. Titus, age 37, of Munith, MI, passed away on June 17, 2021. He was born in Jackson, MI on July 29, 1983, the son of Clark and Dawn (Kitley) Titus. Justin had lived in the Munith area his entire life. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, or working for his family’s excavating company, Kitley Excavating. He enjoyed trapshooting with his grandfather, Bud Kitley, when he was younger.

Justin is survived by his parents, Clark and Dawn Titus, and two very special kids that he thought the world of and as his own, Taivyn and Willow, as well as their mother, Samantha Craft; his grandmother, Connie Kitley of Munith, sister, Heather Titus, aunts and uncles: Patricia (Reggie) Riba of Munith, Charles (Jo) Kitley of Munith, Carl Kitley of Munith, Debra Collings of Pinckney, Steve Titus of Texas; and nieces and nephews: Ben, Nick Kaitlin, Kara, and Kathryn. He was preceded in death by his brother, Clark Titus, Jr, maternal grandfather, Dewayne “Bud” Kitley, and paternal grandparents, Larry (Lois) Titus.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021, 3:00 p.m., at the Munith United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 2:00-3:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at Munith Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Justin may do so to the Munith United Methodist Church.

Richard E. Clark

Richard E. Clark passed away at his home in Chelsea, MI on June 16, 2021, at the age of 92, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Buchanan, MI on March 30, 1929, to Elmer E. and Edith (Metzger) Clark. He married Arlene A. Dowling on August 25, 1956, and she preceded him in death in 1985.

Richard earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering and a Master’s Degree in business from the University of Michigan. He was an engineer for Ford Motor Company, retiring after 20 years of service. He lived in the Chelsea area for 48 years.

If you knew Richard, you knew that he loved to collect tractors—he traveled all over the country to expand his collection. He loved nature and enjoyed watching and feeding the birds and rabbits in his yard. He especially enjoyed polka and country music! He was a loving and devoted grandfather, and always attended his grandchildren’s school and sporting events when they were kids. He helped them through college, and was always interested in their burgeoning careers and lives as young adults. He loved catching up over the phone or in-person, and always kept them laughing with his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor.

He is survived by his children, Alan Clark of Colorado, Lesley (George) Kramer of Utah, Douglas (Karen) Clark of Commerce Township, and Michele (Bill) Spaulding of Chelsea; seven grandchildren; and one brother, Donald Clark of Indiana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Village Church, 3430 Dover St., Dexter, MI. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of mass. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan, MI. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Richard may be made to the Buchanan 4H organization or the Chelsea Community Fair. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Ann Wren

Ann Wren, age 73, of Ann Arbor, MI, passed away at home on November 22, 2020. She was born on May 12, 1947 in Ecorse, MI, the daughter of Howard T. and Odessa (Purifoy) Morris.

Ann had lived in the area for many years. She worked for 20 years on the assembly line at Ford Motor Co. Ann was a member of the Ann Arbor Seventh-day Adventist Church. She loved her Corvette, and always had one, starting with her ‘69 convertible with side pipes. If you knew Ann, you would know that she always drank Pepsi. She also collected Lalique crystal and had a beautiful collection of crystal figurines.

She loved her family, and will be greatly missed by her four children: James Wren, Sr., Cheryl Mewton, David J. Wren, and Michael Wren; eight grandchildren: James Wren, Jr., David M. Wren, Eric Wren, and Ty Wren; David A. Wren and Shania Wren; and Mykl Mewton and Brytn Mewton; also two sisters: Myrna Bonner and Priscilla McIntosh. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Noah Mewton, and three brothers: Howard Morris, Judson Morris, and Robert Morris.

Ann has been cremated, and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Patricia A. Dietz

Born March 10, 1926

Died June 13, 2021

She was truly an angel on earth. Surrounded by family, she peacefully passed, joining her fellow angels in Heaven on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at The Pines, the former property of her late parents, John and Mary Burg. Patricia was the last of the living Burg children. She was born in the family home on Garfield Street in 1926, and she attended St. Mary Catholic School across the street. She was affectionately called “Pappy” by her father, and she may have waited on you at the counter of the old downtown Burg drugstore. Like her siblings before her, Pat started pouring fountain drinks at the age of 11. Growing up, she spent adventurous summers with her sisters, Mary Jane (Lanning), Virginia (Rowe), Angeline (Foster), Gretchen (Spaulding), and Lou (Guirey) at the family cottage on Crooked Lake, fishing, swimming, and making daily walks around Cavanaugh Lake to the store for candy. Her only brother, Vince Burg, was the last born of the Burg children.

She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1944. Her yearbook noted that she had “a gifted brain and a voice that sings and thrills.” She was a member of the high school: chorus, Journalism Club, Home Ec. Club, Student Council, Triple Trio Band, Swing Band, and yearbook staff.

Patricia may have waited on you when she worked at a small store in the hamlet of Jerusalem in the 1950s. She may have trimmed your steaks behind the meat counter at Stop & Shop in the 60s, or perhaps processed a deer you shot while she was at Jiffy Market in the 1970s. She always greeted you with a smile and a kind spirit, and was truly an angel on earth.

She married Hank Ortbring (d. 1982), and together they raised Tim, Tina Gammon (Mike), Todd (Janice), and Trese Spiess (John Farr) at their country home on Scio Church Road. She loved the country, and enjoyed farm life and long drives on back roads. She married Lester Bennett (d. 1990), and enjoyed traveling the world with him and sharing in the lives of his children, John (Mary), Bill, and Jody Elliot (Dan). After Les passed, she found love again—ironically in the front pew at St. Mary Church (that’s where she sat for mass every day, not far from John Dietz). She and John were married in 1996, and they had a loving life together until John’s passing in 2001. She welcomed John’s children, John (Wendy) and Mark (Tom), into her life and shared a wonderful bond with each.

She had another family that was close to her: the family at St. Mary Church. Patricia was guided by her faith every minute of every day. She helped start the adoration program at church, helped with altar flowers for many years, and mentored so many—sharing her faith and beliefs. Like her father, she was blessed with a beautiful voice. She also was a gifted pianist, following in the footsteps of her late mother who played piano during the silent movies at the old Princess Theater downtown.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, a gentle spirit, and love. She touched the lives of so many, and was a second mom to others. She also leaves a lasting memory in her grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Austin, Blake, Calisa (Gary), Emily, Grant, Jamy (Jenni), Jayme Gammon (Hoag), Jeff O (Joni), Jeff E (Amanda), Todd, and Tracey; and her great-grandchildren, Abigail, Cassidy, Jack, June, Mable, and Trinity.

We will celebrate her life starting with a visitation on Thursday, June 24, 2021, 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., and then 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday, June 25, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with a private burial afterward. Patricia asked that any expressions of sympathy be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or the St. Louis Center, both of Chelsea. She truly was an angel on earth.

Amelia H. Wilhelm

Amelia H. Wilhelm, age 97 years and the last of nine siblings, died peacefully on Sunday, June 13, 2021, in West Bloomfield, MI. Her life course spanned three continents and almost one century, and the relationships she forged with so many loving friends and family members were a constant source of love and strength for her.

She was born in November 1923, in Baghdad, Iraq, to Farida and Dawood Hakim. She departed for the New World on a ship leaving Alexandria, Egypt, in April 1946. She initially lived with her brother Shaw’s family, and soon completed a training program in Occupational Therapy at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She married Dr. Rudolf Wilhelm, an immigrant from war-torn Germany, in 1952. After a half-year long honeymoon journey in a two-toned Volkswagen from Germany to Baghdad, they settled in the Detroit area. They raised three children—Chris, Mark, and Cynthia—and subsequently lived in Dearborn, MI; New Orleans, LA; Fort Knox, KY; and Dornach, Switzerland. Having been introduced to the teachings of the Austrian philosopher/clairvoyant Rudolf Steiner, she joined her husband in work that eventually led to the founding of the Detroit Waldorf School and the Waldorf Teacher Training Institute. In 1972, the family purchased a farm near Stockbridge, MI. Her ensuing combined urban and rural lifestyle, replete with guests visiting from near and far, provided her with a deeply satisfying connection with her loved ones in a setting rife with new experiences. Her life was further enhanced with extensive travel far and wide. In 1994, she moved into a renovated home on Wing Lake in Bloomfield Hills, where she enjoyed gardening and visiting with friends and family. She maintained active community involvement as President of the Friends of Wayne State University Medical School, and as a long-standing and guiding member of the Board of the Detroit Waldorf School. She was particularly proud of her four grandchildren. Her life was a powerful example of love in action—an oracle of compassionate wisdom and a generous spirit for all those whose lives she enriched.

She is survived by her sons, Chris (Susan) and Mark (Romi); daughter Cynthia; and grandchildren Anna, Kurt, Elle, and Mark. A private funeral will take place at the Christian Community Church in Ferndale, MI on June 17, 2021. A Memorial Celebration is being planned for this fall. Memorial donations may be directed to the Detroit Waldorf School or the Christian Community in North America - Detroit, 1320 E. Camden Ave., Ferndale, MI 48220. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.