Murray E. "Gene" Smith

Murray Eugene “Gene” Smith, age 87, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at the Chelsea Retirement Community on July 7, 2021. He was born in Ann Arbor, MI on September 5, 1933, the son of Murray J.A. and Juliette Josephine (Wines) Smith.

Gene grew up in Ann Arbor and graduated from Pioneer High School. He proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. In 1958, he married Gertrude E. Wente, and in 1972 they moved to Inverness Golf Course, where he and Gertrude were life-long members. He enjoyed playing in the Inverness Golf Men’s League, as well as playing cards every Wednesday night in the “Fraternal Order of Euchre” league. He was passionate about conservation and nature and was a member of Ducks Unlimited, Whitetails Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club, and the Ann Arbor Moose. He was also a member of the Dexter American Legion. Gene was the founder and sole proprietor of Pinnacle Engineering in Manchester, MI, operating it for 51 years.

Gene is survived by his son, Bradley (Julie) Smith of Manchester; four grandchildren, Cory (Sam) Smith, Trevor Smith, Steve (Lindsey) Henes, and Tim Henes; five great-grandchildren, Logan, Emersyn, Max, Mason, and Michael; sister, Diane (Kenneth) Smith-Harrison of Plymouth; and sister-in-law, Patricia Smith of Ann Arbor. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Gertrude Smith, his daughter, Leslie M. Smith-Figg, and brother, Gary W. Smith.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Burial will follow at North Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, July 9, 2021, 6-8 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in Gene’s memory may do so to the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club, PO Box 382, 7103 Lingane Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118.

Gerald F. "Jerry" Bradley

Gerald F. “Jerry” Bradley, age 87, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at his home on July 4, 2021. He was born in Detroit, MI on October 17, 1933, the son of Joseph and Frances (Rakowsky) Bradley. Jerry attended high school at St. Philip Neri and Cass Tech in Detroit. He became a Benedictine Monk, and later an ordained Catholic Priest. In 1969, he received dispensation from the priesthood, and in 1970, he married Rose Anne (Heck) in Detroit, MI. He earned his Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan, and he worked as a librarian for the Detroit Public Library. He then worked for over 40 years for Northwestern Mutual Life as an insurance sales agent, working in Detroit and later in Ann Arbor.

Jerry had a love of reading and sharing of books. He delighted in long discussions on any topic. He also enjoyed doing needlepoint. Most of all he was devoted to his family, and he enjoyed spending time with his seven grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Rose Bradley, as well as their children, Charles (Claire) Bradley, Daniel (Erin) Bradley, Brendan Bradley, and Mary Bradley; seven grandchildren: Tigerlily, Kasmira, Aruna, Conor, Corbin, Elias, and Bo; and three brothers, Frank (Ann) Bradley of Grosse Pointe Shores, Jim (Diane) Bradley of Shelby Twp., and Tom (Glenda) Bradley of Baxter, TN. He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Joseph G. Bradley, and his youngest brother, Joseph W. Bradley.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 12, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., also at church on Monday from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation, the St. Louis Center, or the Children of Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota (make checks payable to Rose Bradley).

Judith M. Promo

Judy on the left with her mom, Helen (center), and sister, Sally.

Judith Mary Promo (nee Marshall), a long-time resident of Florida, passed away peacefully June 6, 2021 in Ann Arbor, MI, with her daughters by her side.

Judy was born August 31, 1938 in Grand Rapids, MI. In 1974, she married Richard E. Promo, who preceded her in death in 1998.

They made a life raising three daughters in Hartland, MI. She enjoyed music, and was often found dancing to Motown tunes in the kitchen!

After moving to Florida in 1999, Judy became an avid traveler; cruising to warm tropical climates, and walking on the beach were favorite pastimes. But, Judy found her greatest joy as a Grandma!

Judy is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Kimberly and Brian Simons, Laura and Randy Hoffman, and Melissa and Will Eby; plus, her six beloved grandchildren, Andrew, Emily, Grace, Spencer, Will, and Jack. She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Andrew Marshall, sister, Sally Marshall, and brother, Daniel Marshall.

By Judy’s request, a prayer service will follow at a later date. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

John L. Parks

John Lawrence Parks, age 69, of St. Helen, MI, passed away on July 1, 2021 in Auburn, MI. He was born on November 11, 1951 in Jackson, MI, the son of John Edward and Genevieve (Guinan) Parks. He married Donna Jean Karnes in July of 1986, and she preceded him in death after 33 years of marriage.

He served our country in the US Navy, and his favorite pastimes were trapping, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his horses. He loved his Native American heritage. John was his own person, and he visited and experienced every state in the continental US via hitchhiking.

Survivors include his siblings, Jane Schertzing, Dan Parks, Eric Parks, Alicia Parks, and Annie Hoard; his half brother, Bobbi Lazurus; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his wife, Donna, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lela Parks, and brothers-in-law, Richard Hoard and Christopher Schertzing.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Wednesday, July 7, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Craig Goodlock officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of John to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Marion Usher

Marion Usher, age 83, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at St. Joseph Mercy - Ann Arbor on June 29, 2021. She was born in Detroit, MI on September 17, 1937, the daughter of Albert and Marion (Lloyd) Frabutt. She married Robert A. Usher on June 29, 1957, and he preceded her in death in 2010.

Marion retired from being an administrative assistant in the publishing business. For many years, she worked for Braun-Brumfield in Ann Arbor, and then later at Rockwell Manufacturing in Chelsea until they closed their doors. She loved traveling Up North--especially to Kalkaska, Traverse City, and Petoskey--and she enjoyed camping, too. She was an exceptional bowler, and enjoyed bowling with her husband, Robert, and she also participated in a bowling league with her three sisters. Her favorite games to play were Euchre, other card games, casino games, and Yahtzee. She enjoyed spending time at the Chelsea Senior Center, and the Grass Lake Senior Center as well.

Survivors include her grandchildren, Jeramy (Katie) Usher and Rachel (Patrick) Pangborn; great-grandchildren, Alayna, Roselyn, Bow, Bobby, Blaze, and Patrick; daughter-in-law, Teresa Usher; and siblings, Dee Zander and Nancy Nichol. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Robert A. Usher, Jr., and siblings, Barbara Cervera, Gloria Zur, Sally Pettit, Marilyn McNair, Richard Frabutt, Albert Frabutt, and Joanne Allgood.

A Funeral Service is planned for Tuesday, July 6, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 6, 2021, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Oak Grove East Cemetery at a later date. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Marion may be made to the animal shelter of one’s choice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Liseli Bowers

Liseli A. Bowers, age 75, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2021. She was born on May 28, 1946 in Scottfield, IL, the daughter of Bert and Martha (Tillman) Lynn. On June 29, 1968, she married Robert C. Bowers, and he survives. Also surviving are three children: Stephanie Vanderpoel of Toledo, OH, Timothy (Holly) Bowers of Jackson, and Kelly Bowers of New Hampshire; two grandsons, Evan and Ryan; one sister, Maureen (Ty) Larson of Maryland. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Chip Lynn and Kurt Lynn.

Liseli had lived in the Chelsea area since 1972, moving from Columbus, OH. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She worked for many years as an administrative assistant at Lane Animal Hospital, alongside her husband, Robert, longtime veterinarian for Lane’s. She also enjoyed reading, quilting, and cooking. Most of all she was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021, 11:00 a.m., with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at church from 10:00 a.m until the time of service.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Chelsea District Library or the Scleroderma Foundation of Michigan. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

John M. Harook

John M. Harook, 84, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. John was born on August 10, 1936, in Detroit, MI, son of Michael and Genevieve (Chalfonte) Harook. On September 5, 1964, he married Phyllis (Fox), and she preceded him in death in 2005. On March 17, 2012, he married Janet (Azzi), and she survives.

John was a long-time resident of Chelsea, and a 1954 graduate of Chelsea High School. He was a test driver for Chrysler Corporation, both in Chelsea and Florida. John was well-known for his bowling prowess, becoming inducted to the Ann Arbor Hall of Fame, as well as leading a program for special needs bowlers at Belmark Lanes of Ann Arbor. He served many years as the financial secretary for the UAW Local #1284 in Chelsea.

In addition to his wife, Janet, survivors include his children, Cindy (Woody) Hoover, Jeff (Kellysue) Harook, Tracie (John) Moniz; stepchildren, Craig (Kim) Warriner, Scott (Karen) Warriner, and Keith (Kathy) Warriner; 18 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, Larry (Violet) Desmither and Agnes Miller; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was preceded in death by his son, Gregg Harook, stepdaughter, Joy Goe, and brothers, Ed and Sam Harook.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Friday, July 2, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Visitation is at the funeral home on Thursday, July 1, 2021, 5-8 p.m., as well as on Friday, July 2, 2021, 10 a.m. until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy in memory of John may be made to the St. Louis Center, 16195 Old US 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.

Lenard E. McDougall

Lenard E. McDougall, age 77, former Chief of Police, passed away at home in Chelsea on Monday, June 28, 2021. He was born in Ypsilanti, MI on May 17, 1944, son of William A. and Helen M. (Moore) McDougall. On December 4, 1966, he married Mary H. Lawson, and they lived and raised their family in Chelsea since 1969.

Lenard served our country as a Marine and was a law enforcement officer for 50 years--20 of those years as Chief of Police for the City of Chelsea. He enjoyed fishing in Scottville, MI, and teaching hunter safety to his grandchildren, as well as hunting with them. He was especially proud to help his granddaughter bag her first deer.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Mary, and their three children, Joseph (Heather) McDougall of Grass Lake, MI, Jeffrey (Christy O’Brien) McDougall of Michigan Center, MI, and Jeannette (Alexander) McDougall Perreault of Stockbridge, MI; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; as well as siblings, John (Pam) McDougall of Florida, Jim (Vickie) McDougall of California, George (Jane) McDougall of Ypsilanti, Darlene Sanders of Detroit, MI, and Gloria Tindall of Florida. Lenard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Kathleen McDougall, and infant grandson, Conner Jonas McDougall.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with both Pastor Kevin Caldwell and the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., also at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will be at (Old) Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Lenard may be made to the Herbert J. McKune American Legion Post #31, PO Box 293, Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

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