Dina Soresi Winter

Dina Soresi Winter passed away Saturday, September 18, 2021 at her home in Grosse Pointe Shores at the age of 91. Her death was due to natural causes. Her mood as she passed away was one of peace, tranquility, and quiet contentment. She is survived by her husband, Eric, whom she married in 1970.

Dina was passionate about whatever she turned her hand to!

In her early teens she saw her first opera, La Traviata. She saw it looking out over the rail on a balcony way above the stage at the old New York Metropolitan Opera. She was mesmerized by the splendor of the scene, the costumes, the sets, the orchestra, and, most of all, the singers. She told her mom, ”I want to become an opera singer!” And become an opera singer she did, winning a big prize that enabled her to be coached in Europe, and going on to sing leading operatic roles there.

Her operatic claim to fame is to have sung the lead role in the first significant twentieth century production of Donizetti’s then almost forgotten opera, Mary Stuart, in 1958. Her success brought this opera to the attention of major opera producers, with the result that Mary Stuart is now a staple of opera theatres across the globe.

Dina’s next passion was Waldorf education, and she was a key member of the team that got the still-thriving Detroit Waldorf School off the ground in 1966. She tried always to be the person answering the phone, and, if there was even a glimmer of interest, Dina was off articulating the values of Waldorf education. “At what other school,” she would ask, “do the children weep when they are too sick to attend?”

Her primary interest later returned to music, and she became the Director of Opera Programs for the award-winning Detroit Concert Choir, where some of their most successful concerts were their opera programs.

Her final passion was Tuesday Musicale of Detroit, where she was asked to join the board and went on to become President. Tuesday Musicale puts on monthly programs and annually features an Artist of the Year and a Young Artist of the Year. With her unquestioned musical credentials, the organization’s substantial financial resources and a storied history going back to 1885, Dina was able to gather round her a board and musicians who together raised the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit to a new level. She also selected and inspired the leadership of Tuesday Musicale’s Student League, where highly talented teenagers meet once a month to perform for one another and receive advice on how to develop their art from some of the finest musicians in the area. Dina served one three-year term and one four-year term as President before resigning from this position in June.

Dina has now left us, and while she will be sadly missed by her husband and her many friends and admirers, she will be celebrated and revered for her many contributions to the life of Southeast Michigan.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021, 3:00 p.m., at the Christian Community Church in Ferndale. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit, put in memo: Dina Soresi Winter Voice Fund.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, Michigan.

Dona Erhart

On a chilly September morning with a blood orange sun rising in the sky, Dona Erhart (age 89) went home to the Lord and her husband Bob...who preceded her in death four years previous.

Dona was active in the Stockbridge Garden Club to which she had many friends. Her friend, Jan Huffine, was her closest friend and confidant.

At one time she opened a Tea Room in Williamston, and also owned and operated a Charcuterie. Cooking seemed to be what she did best....cooking for other people.

She is survived by her daughter, Nina Wilkins, and granddaughter, Stacey (Jason) Warren, both of Northern Kentucky, as well as a granddaughter, Christine Bryant of Florida. There are still many cousins scattered around Minnesota, as well as many friends she made over the years.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in her name be made to: "PAPAYAGO RESCUE HOUSE" for parrots. Donations can be sent to: "Papayago Rescue House, 3778 Canton Road, Marietta, Georgia 30066.

A private burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Kirk L. Curtis

Kirk Lloyd Curtis passed away peacefully on September 17, 2021 at the age of 78 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in Lansing, MI, the son of Helen and Lloyd Curtis on December 3, 1942. He was raised on a dairy farm in Stockbridge. 

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary (Ward) Curtis; six children: Rebecca (William) Mayer, Charles (Juli), Shannon (Jennifer), Nathan, Johnathon (Megan), and Benjamin (Sara) Curtis; sixteen grandchildren: Chelsea Ozuch, William Mayer, Caroline (Scott) Johnson, Allison (Clint) Clark, Collin Curtis, Tori Curtis, Camryn Ozuch, Schuyler Curtis, Alexander Mayer, Olivia Curtis, Xavier Curtis, Jack Curtis, Isla Curtis, Owen Curtis, Leo Curtis and Samuel Curtis; two great-grandchildren: Mason and Saylor Johnson; one brother, Colin (Melody) Curtis; in-laws: Monte Shuck, Joan Bumpus, and Terry and Phyllis Ward. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Helen and Lloyd, sister, Carol Shuck, and infant daughter, Mary Beth.

Kirk graduated Salutatorian from Dansville High School in 1961. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Michigan State University in 1964. He later earned his Masters Degree in 1966 from Eastern Michigan University. He began his professional career at Hunt Jr. High School in Jackson, Michigan where he taught Civics and Social Studies. He then transitioned into his career in labor relations with the Michigan Education Association, retiring as Associate Executive Director for Uniserv after 38 years. 

He was very active in local, state, and national politics, including a run for State Senate. Kirk was passionate about athletics and youth sports. He served as a certified sports official with the MHSAA in basketball for over 30 years, and as a volunteer youth coach. He was active in his local community and involved with the Stockbridge High School Athletic Boosters and instrumental in establishing the SHS soccer program.

Kirk was also an ardent Michigan State Spartan fanatic and has held season basketball tickets for the last 59 years; and he dearly loved to watch his Spartans play. GO GREEN! 

You could find Kirk regularly tending to his vegetable and flower gardens, in addition to looking for deals at estate auctions and garage sales. He believed in youth development, being a dedicated 4-H member and leader, and at one point served as Ingham County Fair Board President.

Visitation will be at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI on Friday, September 24, 2021 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney, MI on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Athletic Boosters, St. Mary Catholic Church, Pinckney, White Oak 4-H Club, or a charity of your choice.

Glenn Carey

Glendon Wayne Carey, age 75, of Gregory, MI, passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital. He was born March 23, 1946 in Louisville, KY, the son of Clinton and Lillie Carey.

Glenn had lived in the area for the past 35 years, moving from Kentucky. He was self-employed as a contractor, and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and riding his Harley.

On June 12, 1965, he married Linda Sue (Hatfield), and she survives. Also surviving are his son, Shane (Tracy) Carey of Gregory, one sibling, Sharon (Nat) Leezer of Kentucky, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in his death by his daughter, Candace Young.

Cremation has taken place, and at this time no services are planned. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Glenn’s name may do so to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Philip L. Stetson

Philip Leon Stetson, loving husband, father, and outdoorsman, passed away on September 7, 2021 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Elena, his four children, Sean, Colin, Megan, and Ryan, and his three grandchildren, Hannah, Nathan, and Vivienne.

A dedicated and consummate student, Phil earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, and a master’s degree in Biochemistry, an MD, and a PhD in Pharmacology from New York University. His career spanned many years of advancing cancer research at the University of Michigan and directing the analytical chemistry department at WIL Research Labs.

Phil was a lifelong and dedicated fisherman. He loved his time on and around the water, be it a river, lake, or ocean, and spent many of his freest moments in nature, humming a tune in peace and tranquility, purposeful, with rod in hand.

Possessed of a beautiful voice and a penchant for crooning, he earned his nickname “Pops” living out his deep love of music in karaoke bars, surrounded by the cheers and adulations of his friends and family.

In love and remembrance, Phil’s family will be holding a private service. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting either the Karma Senior Dog Sanctuary, founded by his son Ryan, or the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Patricia Grambau

Patricia Grambau, age 87, of Stockbridge, Michigan passed away on September 10, 2021 at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson, Michigan. She was born the daughter of Joseph and Rella (Boyce) Miller on August 8, 1934 in Mason,  Michigan.

Patty is survived by her loving companion of 34 years, Basil Lance; two sons, Mark (Sandy) Grambau and Mike Grambau: grandchildren: Joel (Jennifer) Grambau, Melissa Grambau, and Jake (Jessica) Grambau; great-grandchildren: Miller, Harper, Madden and Tatum Grambau. She is also survived by her extended family: Kurt Lance (Margo Hoogstraten), Doug (Cindy) Lance, Jennifer (Robbie) Marshall; grandkids: Nate Lance, Clay (Kayla) Lance, Cassie (Josh) Watson, Barb (Misti Stephens) Lance, Isaac Lance, Kaedin Hoxey, and Kai Hoxey; and great-grandchildren: Danika Lance, and Ezra Watson.

A private burial will take place at North Stockbridge  Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, Michigan.

Jackie Munsell

Jacqueline Munsell, of Gregory, MI, passed away at the age of 91 on September 11, 2021 at the Sacred Heart Care Facility in Gregory, Michigan. She was born the daughter of John and Ruth (Ellison) Dancer Healey on June 13, 1930.

On June 24, 1951, she married Robert E. Munsell, and he preceded her in death. Jackie, together with her husband and his family, owned Munsell's Super Market in Gregory for many years. Jackie later worked for Chelsea Hospital, where she later retired from. Jackie loved to travel and was passionate about sports. She enjoyed motorsports, especially Nascar and Indy Car racing. She loved Michigan State Spartans.

Jackie is survived by her sons, John Robin Munsell and Rod (Vicki) Munsell, along with her two grandchildren, Andy and Alex. She is also survived by a brother-in law, Gerald (Linda) Munsell. Jackie was preceded in death by brother, John Dancer, and sister, Joan Dancer.

The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 6-8 p.m., and a private burial will take place at a later date at Plainfield Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Livingston County Humane Society.

Marjorie N. Kirk

Marjorie N. Kirk, age 84, of Stockbridge, MI, formerly of Butler, PA, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital. She was born October 24, 1936 in Warren, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Leonard and Marjorie (Christensen) Nicholson.

Margie had lived most of her life in Pennsylvania where she worked as a teacher in Butler, PA. She was a scholarly individual who was fascinated by math and science. Margie was a problem solver and was often found to be solving crossword, word search, or logic puzzles. She believed that one should always be learning and growing. She attended many educational conferences in PA and New York for her own personal growth.

Margie loved music and very much enjoyed playing the piano. She also loved to travel. Alaska and Scotland were some of her highlights. Margie enjoyed ornithology and had many trips to find and document many varieties of bird species. Hummingbirds were her favorite. She also loved tending to her house plants having a very green thumb. Margie was helpful to all her neighbors and frequently she volunteered her time for many different causes. She loved tutoring students. She was involved with activities supporting her local chapter of PSAR. Margie spent her last several years as a resident of Towsley Village where both the staff and the residents spoke of her being a shining light who was always positive and willing to help.

Marjorie was a loving mother, and she is survived by her best friend and long time sweetheart, Richard Newmaker, her son, Mike (Donna) Lowman, a brother, Bob (Pat) Nicholson, two granddaughters, Katie (Aaron) Kohn and Amy (Travis) Engels, and five great-grandchildren, Ali, Emily, Danny, Glenn and Isaac. She was preceded in death by two brothers, James Nicholson and John “Jack” Nicholson.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Chelsea Retirement Community Towsley Village Chapel with Chaplain Tina Zimmerman officiating. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, September 17, 2021, from 6 - 8 p.m.

She will be laid to rest in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Russell, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the National Audubon Society using their website in Marjorie’s name.

Lillian J. Minix

Lillian Jay Minix, age 85, of Gregory, MI, passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital. She was born on June 30, 1936 in Sublett, Kentucky, the daughter of Lee and Amanda (Minix) Salyer.

Lillian had lived in the area since the early 1950’s, moving from Kentucky. She married Arthur Minix on October 2, 1954 in Leslie, MI, and he preceded her in death in 1989.

She is survived by four children: Deborah Schenk of Gregory, Scottie Minix of Gregory, Marlene Stevens of Stockbridge, and Michael (Robert Hudson) Minix of Gregory; seven grandchildren: William Arthur, Ryan Lee, Jeffrey Scott, Jayson Neil, Chassidy Marie, Robert Ardel, Jess Matthew; and ten great-grandchildren, including Kaitlin R. Risner, a great-grandchild that she helped raise as her own; a brother, Wisemond “Blue” (Sylvia) Salyer of Jackson, sister-in-law, Dorothy Salyer, and numerous nieces and nephews, including her niece, Joan Angonese, who was more like a sister to her. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Patchell Salyer, Ernestine Minix, Bernice Bailey, Edna Carpenter, Audrey Minix, and Myrtle Howard.

Lillian attended several churches in the area, most recently the Family Tabernacle Church of God. Lillian was a great shopper and always loved a good buy. She loved going to garage sales and to dicker and deal. She loved to play card games, especially when she won. Most of all, she loved her family and friends, and she will be missed by many.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 2-4 p.m. A short prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home, led by Pastor Jeff Howard.

She will be laid to rest with her husband at the Noah Minix Cemetery in Foraker, Kentucky with a Graveside Service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021, officiated by Elder Doyle Keeton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Outreach.

JoAnn Clouse

Margaret “JoAnn” Clouse, age 87, of Grass Lake, MI passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson. She was born on May 10, 1934, in Kimball, West Virginia, the daughter of Warren and Gertrude (Radford) Goodson.

JoAnn joined the US Airforce at the age of 18. While stationed in Baltimore, MD, she met Cecil Clouse, and they were married on June 3, 1954. He preceded her in death on May 22, 2012.

JoAnn was a member of the United Methodist Church in Waterloo, MI. She retired from the Chelsea Community Hospital after working there for 25 years. After retiring, she and Cecil delivered Meals on Wheels for 10 years. She enjoyed bowling, gardening, and spending time with all her family

She is survived by two children, Debbie (Robert) Wilson, and David (Laurie) Clouse, all of Waterloo, MI; grandchildren, Angie Drake of Indiana, Robert (Krista) Wilson of Grass Lake, Jason (Tiff) Clouse of Waterloo, Ashley Nickerson of Napoleon; great-grandchildren: Cody, Jared, Stevie, Landon, Shelby, Conner, Drake, Taylor and Robert; sister, Patty Patrick of Grass Lake, and brother, Wayne Goodson of West Virginia. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Carrie Albert, Lee Goodson, Evelyn Condo, and Nick Goodson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Waterloo. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, September 10, 2021 from 6-8 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Waterloo Village Church.