Floyd W. Young

Floyd Willard Young, age 55, of Munith, Michigan, passed away on September 5, 2021 at home. He was born on December 6, 1965 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Brandt and Anne (Falk) Young.

Floyd graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1984. He attended Northern Michigan University for three years before enlisting in the United States Coast Guard. He retired as an E6 / Petty Officer First Class after a 20 year career proudly serving in the Coast Guard. During his career he traveled the world having crossed the international dateline twice. He traveled from Antarctica to the Arctic circle three times while serving on the USCGC Polar Sea.

Floyd enjoyed all types of hunting and fishing, and watching any and all sports. After retiring he enjoyed prospecting for minerals. He loved spending time with family and friends.

Floyd is survived by his mother, Anne Young, and two siblings, Kevin (Kelly Taurianen) Young and Chris (Gena) Young. He had a special place in his heart for his nephew, Ethan, three nieces, Madisen, Caitlyn, and Alexis, along with many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Brandt Young.

There are no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ducks Unlimited or a charity of their choice.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Dorothy E. Hellner

Dorothy Ellen (Barth) Hellner, of Chelsea, MI, age 90, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2021 at her home, around the corner from her childhood home in Lima Township. She was born on January 30, 1931 in Chelsea, the daughter of Fredrick and Anna (Mullen) Barth. On August 9, 1958 she married Leo D. Hellner, and he preceded her in death on March 13, 2000.

Dorothy lived in the Chelsea area and was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church her whole life. She attended school at the small Lima Township schoolhouse right down the road and graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1949. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and gardening. Quick to laugh and compassionate, she was always willing to help her family. She made great cookies and believed wholeheartedly about doing the right thing. She gave her family roots and adored her grandchildren.

Dorothy is survived by four children: Greg (Bonnie) Hellner of Michigan Center, John (Sarah) Hellner of Chelsea, Michelle (Scott) McClure of Idaho, and Mary (Skip DeWall) Hellner of Chelsea; grandchildren Tyler McClure of Missouri, Kalli McClure of Kansas, Hannah Lash of Ann Arbor, and Sophie Lash of Chelsea; step-grandchildren Nathan and Noah Moyer, both of Ypsilanti.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters Virginia (Charles) Williams and Ruth (Hugo) Luenser, and her brothers Carl, Harold, and Robert Barth.

Dorothy will be laid to rest on Friday, September 10, 2021 with a Funeral Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea.

The family will receive friends at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation or the St. Louis School or St. Mary Catholic Church.

Norine M. Collins

Norine M. Collins, age 82, of Chelsea, MI, passed away Thursday, September 2, 2021 at the Arbor Hospice Residence in Saline.

She was born on November 12, 1938 in Ann Arbor, Michigan the daughter of Mac and Eulahlee (Boyer) Packard. Norine lived in the Chelsea area all her life. She graduated from the old Chelsea High School located on Park Street, Class of 1957. She always boasted that she was one of the first people to paint “the rock,” which was located on Park Street at the time. They proudly displayed ‘57 on that rock.

Norine ran the Chelsea Village Bakery for many years. She was a hard worker and very social, and the bakery suited her skills to connect with the community. She also worked at the Chelsea Community Hospital in the housekeeping department. Later she enjoyed spending time with the elderly as a nursing assistant. She also enjoyed bowling, and spending time with her grandchildren. Norine was a member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church, where she had many friends and relatives.

Surviving are six children: John Collins of Ann Arbor, Christopher Collins of Jackson, Steve (Debbie) Collins of Plymouth, Colleen (Dean) Thompson of Jackson, Beth (Jim) Fink of Ypsilanti, and Tom (Charisse) Collins of Chelsea, brothers and sisters: Gary (Bernice) Packard of Chelsea, Gloria (Basil) Greenleaf of Clinton, Nadine Packard of Las Vegas, Glenda (Tim) Osugi of Ann Arbor, and Neil Packard of Colorado; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Collins, two sons, John Collins and Ronny Collins, one daughter, Deann L. Rosentreter, and two grandchildren, Delyn Thompson, and Celora Thompson, and another infant grandchild, Sarah.

Funeral services will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, 11:00 a.m., with her grandson, Rev. Samuel Fink, officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9-11 a.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital or Faith in Action Chelsea.

Jon W. Spaulding

Jon W. Spaulding, age 63, of Chelsea, MI, died Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. He was born on June 17, 1958 in Ann Arbor, MI the son of Rolland and Gretchen (Burg) Spaulding.

Jon had worked for Chelsea Milling Company for 38 years, retiring in 2018. He loved to mushroom hunt all over the state of Michigan. He also enjoyed deer hunting and golfing.

Surviving are his fiancee, Holly Bulko, his children, Jenifer (Christopher Perez) Spaulding of TN, Jon Jr. (Deena) Spaulding of AR, and Dylan Spaulding of Chelsea; Holly’s children, Nicholee (John) Houle of Chelsea, and Maclain Stedman; brothers and sisters, Jeff (Andrea) Spaulding of MD, Lee (Art) Tremper of Chelsea, Daniel (Kathy) Spaulding of Jackson, Shawn (Rick) Slane of Manchester, and Bill (Michele) Spaulding of Chelsea; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his niece, Abigail M. Uphaus.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, 11:00 a.m., from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Deacon Mike Martin officiating. Burial will take place at Vermont Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family.

David L. Luick

David L. Luick, age 85, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on September 1, 2021 from complications of Parkinson’s. He was born on January 4, 1936 on his family’s centennial farm in Lima Twp., the son of Leigh and Bertha (Gross) Luick.

Dave lived his entire life in Chelsea and attended school at the small Lima Twp. schoolhouse right around the corner. He graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1954. He enjoyed farming and especially liked his Allis-Chalmers tractors. He also served as an Ann Arbor firefighter for 25 years. He loved the Chelsea Community Fair, and he was able to attend this past fair the last week in August. Dave enjoyed playing Euchre and meeting up with his retired buddies at Stivers for a cup of coffee. He also enjoyed traveling and playing the slots at the casino. He loved ice cream and spending time with his family.

He married Martha K. McMannis on September 1, 1956, and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, Randy (Diane Thompson) Luick, and Mark (Cathy) Luick, all of Chelsea; and two grandchildren, Isabel and Nathaniel; sisters-in-law, Lynne Popovich and Joan Hoffmeyer; nephew, Duane Luick and his son, Dale (Joelle) Luick; niece, Diane (Brian) Keyes and their three children: Lindsey (Chris) Tapping (children Ethan and Emma), Craig Keyes, Alex (Summer) Keyes (child Mac). He was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Cameron, and brother, Duane Luick.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2021, 11:00 a.m., Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. A private burial will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair or the Chelsea Senior Center.

David Knisely

David Knisely, age 81, of Chelsea, MI passed away on Friday, August 27, 2021 at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

He was born in Chelsea, MI on July 17, 1940, the son of Holton and Mildred (Noah) Knisely. He had lived in the North Lake area his entire life, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1958.

Dave was a polio survivor and thriver. He was a life-long member of the North Lake United Methodist Church, where for many years he was an organist as well as a member of the choir. He was an english and reading teacher at Beach Middle School, retiring after 30 years of service to the Chelsea School District.

On March 29, 1969, he married Janet P. (Austin), and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage. Dave was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed nature, birds, butterflies, and flowers. He enjoyed North Lake for many years, and after retirement, he and Janet wintered in Ozello Keys, FL.

Dave is survived by his wife, Janet Knisely, two sons, Kurt (Lisa) Knisely and Jason Knisely, grandchildren: Michael and Chasey Knisely, and Kathleen, Karolyn, and Kayla Scripter; several great-grandchildren , and many nieces and nephews; two sisters, Lorna Eberts and Beth (Mike) Folts, and one brother, Eric (Beth) Knisely. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Jim Eberts.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, August 30, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Lake United Methodist Church.

Scott J. Otto

Scott James Otto August 1959 - August 2021

Scott could repair almost anything except his health. He lost the long battle with Parkinson’s and Cancer on August 17, 2021 at the age of 62.

Scott lived in Chelsea most of his life and truly never wanted to live anywhere else. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977 and attended Washtenaw Community College for Automotive Mechanics. He married Karin Morgan in 1985, and they have one son, Matthew. Also surviving are his mother, Janet Otto Bittner, and his brothers, Todd and Troy. He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon Otto.

Scott was a Master Mechanic at Palmer Ford before starting his own Classic Car Parts business in 1999. When he wasn't working or out picking inventory, Scott enjoyed photography, gardening, ice fishing, hiking and above all, the Demolition Derby. He started competing at the age of 17, winning many times over the years. We believe he is still the only driver to have won both Feature Nights in the same year with the same car.

Scott thrilled many people with his inventive Halloween scenes for the Waterloo Haunted Hayride. His favorite creation was the alien spaceship, which many remember as a highlight of the night. In the fall you could find him volunteering at the Waterloo Farm Museum Pioneer Days demonstrating apple cider making and giving away free samples.

Scott's family invites you to a Remembrance Party on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the Chelsea American Legion Hall, 1700 Ridge Road, Cavanaugh Lake, from 3 pm - 7pm. Come as you are; share some food, drinks, and lots of fond memories, just as Scott wished.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Waterloo Farm Museum or the Chelsea Historical Society. Funeral arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Keith Hoeflinger

Keith Hoeflinger

We brought two children into this world and struggled, as all parents do, to raise them. Then, when we saw the fruits of our labors rewarded beyond our wildest expectations with young men that were exemplars of humanity, one was taken from us earlier than anyone would wish.

Lawrence ‘Keith’ Lemons Hoeflinger came into the world on January 11, 1996 and departed on August 19, 2021 after a battle with cancer.  He leaves behind his mother (Rosie Lemons), father (Joe Hoeflinger), brother (Kyle Hoeflinger, CHS 2011), as well as many Hoeflinger cousins, aunts, and uncles in St Louis, Mo; and Lemons uncles, aunts, and cousins in Indiana and W. Virginia.

 Growing up he was a difficult toddler whose stubborn streak manifested itself in epic temper tantrums that resulted in rooms that were destroyed.  As a teenager those were the qualities that made him a steadfast friend and an avid rule follower.  His friends would use the fact that they were going to be with Keith to validate the legitimacy of their evening activities, and parents accepted that validation.   

 He graduated from Chelsea High School in 2014 and then attended Grand Valley State University.  He graduated from GVSU in December of 2017 with a bachelors in criminal justice and a minor in juvenile justice.  His goal was always to work with children early and steer them away from the justice system.  He took the opportunity after graduating to work for two summers in Italy teaching English at EDUCO summer camps where he met friends from around the world that he would hold dear to his heart until the end.  Between summers he would work a variety of jobs, mostly in childcare.

 Soccer was always a large part of his life. Starting at age five, he played, coached, and reffed for the Chelsea Soccer Club. He played a couple of years with the Dexter Soccer Club which resulted in uniting the two rival teams his senior year. He was always a fierce defender, became captain of the Chelsea High School soccer team, and played for the Grand Valley soccer club team.  A fund is being set up in his memory to benefit soccer in Chelsea. Contributions to:  https://gofund.me/6ebf202b

 Thank you to the support of the community and his wonderful team at the UofM Health Care System and Arbor Hospice. There are indeed angels walking this earth, and we’ve encountered many of them these past few months.  According to his wishes, a celebration of life is planned for Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Hudson Mills Metropark. Everyone is welcome to come and share their memories.   

Keith would say to all of his friends and family to live and love right now.  Now is all that we know we have.

Sandra "Sandi" Anderson

Sandra “Sandi” Louise Anderson, of Stockbridge, Michigan, was returned to the loving arms of our Lord on Sunday, August 22, 2021.

The legacy of love that Sandi leaves with us is profound - her faithful heart and joyful spirit touched the lives of countless people. Her love of quilting, crafting, bible studies, and dancing in the kitchen is only surpassed by her love for her family, and in particular being a “Mimi”

Sandi will be missed by her loving husband of over fifty two years, Daryl, their two daughters, Karen (Andrew) Matusko, Katie (Karl) Faust, and son, Jay (Denise) Garrison; her grandchildren, Sabrina, Nick, Amelia, and Lydia.

Sandi was an adoring big sister to Charlene (Mike), Leonard, Larry (Mihaela), Scott (Mary), and Mark (Kathy), and sister-in-law to Charles (Crystal), Gale (Lorraine), Linda, and Wayne. She had a deep and abiding love for all of her nieces, nephews, her “Nik and Kristina V.” and her wacky and wild quilting friends (you know who you are).

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the Chelsea Comfort Inn & Village Conference Center, 1645 Commerce Park Drive, Chelsea, MI 48118. A luncheon will follow the service. The family requests that individuals attending the service wear masks, and that those individuals that are unvaccinated or are at-risk consider attending the service virtually.

To watch the service virtually join the public Facebook group “Sandi Anderson’s Memorial,” the livestream will launch at 11:00 a.m.

Operation Christmas Child was an annual event Sandi supported and is reflective of her love of Christmas and giving to children in need. Please consider donations to Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes in lieu of flowers.

James "Jim" C. Bradbury

James “Jim” C. Bradbury, age 92, of Dexter, MI, passed away on August 20, 2021. He was born on November 25, 1928 in Chelsea, MI, the son of J. Clifford and Lois (Hicks) Bradbury.

Jim lived in Lima Township his entire life, where he operated a dairy farm and worked as an artificial inseminator of cattle for Michigan Animal Breeders Co-op. Growing up, Jim was active in 4-H, showing cows and sheep. Jim served on the Lima Township board and was a member of St. Andrew's United Church of Christ in Dexter where he was involved in many activities. The farmers he befriended and the cows he lovingly serviced over a lifetime of work, all sent their wishes for Jim's happiness in the next chapter of his life upon his retirement in 1993.

On May 2, 1953, he married Ardis Mae Schultz in Dexter, and she preceded him in death in 2009. Jim is survived by three daughters: Wendy Weil of Elmhurst, IL, Kristie (Donald) Romine of Dexter, and Cynthia (Scott) Strudgeon of Dexter; eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty (Dave) Murphy of Chelsea, one sister-in-law, Kathryn Bradbury of Dexter and scores of nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one sister, Patricia Eder, and one brother, Keith Bradbury.

A most gentle soul, Jim embraced his entire family, sharing his love of farming, gardening and baking. No family meal is complete without the cookies Jim taught his grandchildren to make. He proudly said that he never met anyone he didn’t like, and he made everyone he touched a better person.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ in Dexter. Burial will follow at St. Andrew’s Cemetery in Dexter. Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 2-6 p.m., as well as at church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The family respectfully requests that all attendees wear a mask.