Peder G. VanHouten

Peder G. VanHouten, age 83, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Dexter, MI, passed away on January 17, 2022 at Chelsea Retirement Community-Towsley Village.

Peder was born on March 15, 1938 in Hillsdale, MI, the son of George and Harriet (Houghtby) VanHouten. In 1959, Peder married Sybil J. (Salsbury), his high school sweetheart, and she preceded him in death in June of 2020. He was also preceded in death by his son, Eric VanHouten in 2010, as well as his parents. Peder is survived by his daughter, Jennifer VanHouten of Dexter, MI, one sister, Sue VanDeusen, and several nieces and nephews.

Peder served in the United States Army. He attended Ferris State University and worked for the University of Michigan Print Shop for many years. He had lived in the Dexter area for 55 years. He loved nature, animals, woodworking, and above all, his family.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, with Chaplain LeAnn Seto officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dexter Area Historical Society or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Barbara J. Swistock

Barbara J. (Palac) Swistock, age 73, of Chelsea, MI passed away on January 16, 2022 at her home. She was born October 13, 1948 to Joseph and Anastasia Palac in Elizabeth, NJ. She was raised in Fanwood, NJ and graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.

Barbara moved to Ann Arbor, Ml in 1966 to attend the University of Michigan, where she earned her BA and MLS degrees. There she met and later married Robert Swistock. They moved from Ann Arbor to Chelsea in 1981. She always said Chelsea reminded her of beloved Fanwood.

Upon graduation, Barbara worked for the University of Michigan library system for 20 years, primarily as a subject cataloger at the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library on the Diag. Barbara loved animals and flowers, spending many hours on her rose garden and perennial bed. She especially loved her golden retrievers. A past president of the Ann Arbor Dog Training Club, she was an obedience instructor for the puppy classes (her favorite). Barbara also participated in pet therapy programs with her goldens at Chelsea Retirement Community and Chelsea Community Hospital, now St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital. Barbara also volunteered for many years at Chelsea Hospital, the Chelsea Library, and she assisted in the formation of the Heritage Room at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

She is survived by husband, Robert, sisters, Carol Reid and Janet Palac, cousins, Tanya, Bob, Paul, Steve, Janet, Joan, Joyce, nephews, Kevin, David, Adam, niece, Leah, and godson, Hon. Michael Brown.

A family service will be held in New Jersey later this year, COVID permitting.

The family would like to thank Dr. R. Patrias, Barbara's primary physician, A. Medina, personal aide, St. Joe's Chelsea Emergency team, St. Joe's Ann Arbor Oncology Department, Huron Valley Ambulance, and the team at Arbor Hospice for all the excellent care and professionalism that supported Barbara and the family during a difficult time.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Arno M. Simon

Arno Max Simon passed away on Friday, January 14, 2022 in Eaton Rapids, Michigan after an 8-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Arno was born in Maskow, Pommern, Germany (formerly Prussia) on March 5, 1936 to Minna (Tietz) and Richard Simon, the second child of twins. Soon after World War II ended, the family moved to Breman, Germany, and in 1952 the family immigrated to the United States and settled on a farm in Grass Lake, Michigan. 

In 1963, Arno married his wife Mary (née Huls) and settled in Plainfield, Michigan. Together, they had a daughter in 1965. Arno was a machinist at Central Fibre in Chelsea and then at R&B Manufacturing in Hamburg, retiring in 1999. He attended Plainfield Methodist Church and helped with many of the monthly chicken dinners. He will be remembered for his craftsmanship and for his love of sweets, the Detroit Tigers and animals (especially his chickens and cats). In later years, he enjoyed being part of Gregory’s seniors, having lunch, and playing bingo with friends. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and doing puzzles. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary, special twin sister, Asta, and her husband, Arnold Surdyk. Surviving are his loving daughter, Tammy (Bob) Caldwell, and his grandchildren , Ally, Bobby and Brandon Caldwell, step-children, Vicky (JB) Huff, Oakie (Shiela) Hays, and Darkus (Sonny) Robbins, all of Indiana, his niece and nephew, Debbie and Tony Surdyk. 

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the special ladies at Country Acres Adult Care Home. Your love and support has been invaluable during this challenging time. 

Due to the ongoing pandemic, in lieu of public services, the family requests condolences be sent to Tammy Caldwell at P.O. Box 511, Holt, MI 48842. 

Pamela Ann Gray

Pamela Ann Gray, age 79, died on Thursday, January 13, 2022, in Whitmore Lake, MI. She was born in Cincinnati, OH, on January 12, 1943, daughter to Irvin and Marcella (Robinson) Cook, and attended high school in Colorado Springs and college at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Pamela raised her family and lived much of her life in Ann Arbor, Gregory, and Chelsea, MI. She worked for several years as a bookkeeper, and later as a paraprofessional in the Dexter Community Schools. Pamela’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren delighted her, and she especially loved animals and crossword puzzles.

Pamela is survived by her children, David (Rachel) Thayer, Kelly (Carolyn) Thayer, Jordan (Jessica) Gray, Amanda Gray, Emily Romine; ex-husband, William Gray; brother, Lawrence (Barbara) Wood; grandchildren, Jacob (Lindsay) Thayer, Benjamin (Caitlin) Thayer, Zachary Thayer, Nicholas (Shelby) Thayer, Daniel Thayer, Alexander Thayer, Quincy Thayer, Tyree O’Shea Hunter Russell, Julian Thayer Gray; and great-grandchildren, Lillian Thayer, June Thayer, Eloise Thayer, Bodie Thayer, Margaret Thayer, and Andrew Thayer.

Pamela is preceded in death by her first husband, David Thayer, Sr.; her father and mother; paternal grandparents, Fred and Ernestine (Scheib) Cook; and maternal grandparents, Leslie and Lillian (Smythe) Robinson.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 16, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 17, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with V. Rev. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.

Fritz W. Wagner

Fredrick “Fritz” Walter Wagner, 79, of Seattle, Washington, passed away on October 7,  2021, at Swedish Hospital in Seattle from an aggressive cancer. He was born on  October 25, 1941, in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Katherine Ada (Staffan) Wagner of Chelsea  and Fredrick John Wagner of Dexter. Fritz grew up in the Village of Chelsea with his  sister Stephanie “Sis” (Wagner) Kanten, brother John Phillip Wagner, and lifelong friend  Pat Merkel. In 1959, Fritz and Pat were the first class to graduate from the “new”  Chelsea High School on Washington Street. He played football and ran track and field. Connection was a theme throughout Fritz’s life. He made friends with everyone and  actively maintained those connections.  

Fritz earned a degree in education and a teaching certificate in 1963 from Michigan  State University. After college, Fritz and his friend Pat Merkel had an adventure of a  lifetime. They rode motorcycles through Europe and across the length of Africa over the  course of a year. Fritz met his future wife, Margaret Ann (Ferris) Wagner, in Cape Town  at the end of the Africa motorcycle trip. Fritz returned to Michigan in 1965, unmarried,  and began teaching and coaching at North Muskegon High School. Margaret visited  Chelsea in 1966, and later they were married in Cape Town, South Africa in 1968. The  newlyweds returned to the United States and settled in North Muskegon. On a separate  trip in 1967, Fritz traveled throughout Europe with William “Bill” Coltre of Chelsea in a  1967 Volkswagen Bug that is still owned by his family.  

In 1969, Fritz and Margaret moved to Seattle where Fritz attended the University of  Washington and earned a master’s and PhD in Urban and Regional Planning. In 1974,  they moved to New Orleans when Fritz accepted a position as professor at the  University of New Orleans (UNO). Shortly thereafter, he became the founding Dean of  the College of Urban and Public Affairs at UNO. He served for eight years on the New  Orleans City Planning Commission, with two as its chairman. He was also instrumental  in the creation of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Reserve in southern  Louisiana. Margaret and Fritz started their family in New Orleans and had two children,  Melanie Katherine Wagner and Ryan Fredrick Wagner. In 2000, and after 26 years in  New Orleans, Fritz and Margaret moved back to Seattle where he continued mentoring,  teaching, and serving as the interim Dean and Chair of the Department of Landscape  Architecture at the University of Washington.  

Fritz never lost his passion for travel and education. He and Margaret lived in  Alexandria, Egypt for six months where Fritz worked as a Fulbright scholar for the World  Health Organization. He also created a study abroad program that brought students to  Mexico and Canada. Fritz and his family regularly returned to Chelsea to see family and  friends. 

Fritz, above all else, was a caring and devoted friend, father, and husband. He was the  dad who coached his children’s soccer team. He was the dad that taught his children  the value of independence, the value of being able to fix things, the value of a dollar,  and most importantly, the value of the relationships with others. In addition to his wife,  Margaret, children, Melanie and Ryan, and their spouses, he is survived by four  grandchildren. At Fritz’s request, no funeral or memorial was held. Instead, the family is  planning a celebration this summer at Crooked Lake in Chelsea.

Robert "Bob" LeVanseler

Robert Theron LeVanseler, Sr.

October 11, 1934 - January 10, 2022

Robert “Bob” LeVanseler, age 87, died January 10, 2022 of cancer. He was born in Royal Oak, Michigan, the son of Winfield Theron and Ethel May LeVanseler. He grew up in South Lyon and was a police officer for South Lyon Police Department. Bob joined the Naval Reserves, then was drafted into the Army, and was stationed in Germany. He was assigned to A Company 35th Armor Division as a tank gunner, then transferred into the MPs. After an honorable discharge, Bob joined the Ann Arbor Police Department, retiring in 1990 as a Major Crimes Unit Detective. His specialty was arson and explosives investigations, fingerprint specialist, firearms expert, and served as the department's armorer. While working on foot patrol, he met the love of his life, Sally, and they were happily married for 51 years. Bob and Sally raised three children, Cheryl (Shaffer), Bob Jr., and Jeff (Connie). They loved their grandchildren, Holly (Peter), Christopher, Andrew, Demetrian, Nicholas (Ashley), Michaela, Benjamin, Thomas, and one great-granddaughter, Felicity.

Bob was an active member of the German Park for 55 years and could be found holding court over the potato salad preparations before each picnic as well as having served as a past president of the Park. He had a deep passion for nature and enjoyed the family cabin in the woods of northern Michigan, hunting, fishing, and breathing in the pine and sweet sage-scented air. He loved sharing the respite of the cabin with countless friends and family over the years, for a weekend getaway or deer camp. He also enjoyed woodworking and cabinetry and said that one of his greatest regrets was not being able to create more in his workshop after standing and walking became too painfully difficult to continue.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sally, sister Audrey Edwards, brother Donald LeVanseler, and son-in-law Warren Shaffer.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The family respectfully requests that those attending wear a mask.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Purple Heart Foundation.

Kenneth M. Slane

Kenneth Michael Slane, age 46, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan. Ken was born on January 3, 1975 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Michael and Beverly Slane.

Ken grew up in Chelsea, Michigan, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1993, where he was actively involved in athletics, particularly baseball and football. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Technology from Eastern Michigan University in 2001 and was employed in that field throughout his career.

Ken’s daughter, Keira, was the light of his life, and he loved her deeply. He and his brother, Ryan, were strong supporters of one another and loved each other unconditionally.

Ken had a large and strong circle of friends that remained close from grade school forward. He loved them all. He was known foremost for his gentle soft-spoken manner, and also his strength, loyalty, willingness to help others, and his humor.

Ken is survived by his daughter, Keira Pauley-Slane, his mother, Beverly Slane, and his brother, Ryan Slane. Additional survivors include aunt and uncle, Betty and Alton Howard, uncle, Charles Slane, aunts, Margaret Ball, Sandy Ball Jenkins, Rose Goebel, and Mary Gaken. He is also survived by cousins, Karen Howard (Mark Groll), Betsy Ball (Tony Brown), Shawn (Bill) Mikkelson, Billy (Sarah) Ball, Michael (Kelly) Ball, Michelle (Tom) Baisden, J.C. (Jessie) Goebel, Renee Luke, Matt (Nikki) Gaken, Lindsay Gaken, Eileen Ball, and Keira’s mother, Emily Pauley.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Michael Slane, uncles, Robert and Richard Ball, and John Goebel, cousins, Robert Ball Jr., and Matthew McCormick.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, 1:00 p.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to his daughter’s Educational Fund payable to: Keira Pauley-Slane, Lake Trust Credit Union, 1170 S. Main St., Suite 100, Chelsea, MI 48118.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Peter J. Hillaker

Peter Joseph Hillaker passed away suddenly of natural causes at the age of 39 on January 5, 2022. Pete was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 6, 1982, and grew up in Chelsea, Michigan. He is survived by his parents, Glen and Barbara Hillaker, his siblings, Earl (Kristin), Anna, John, and Daniel. He was a cherished uncle to Adelyn and Jadon, and a beloved nephew, cousin, and friend to more people than we could ever count. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roger and Verna Zeeff, and Robert and Jane Hillaker, as well as his uncle, Robert Adair, and his cousin, Faith Hillaker. 

It is difficult to articulate how profoundly Pete impacted those around him and how deeply he will be missed. He was a light to all those around him, tenaciously joyful and optimistic, a friend to everyone he met. He didn’t let Down syndrome, or any of the other challenges he faced, limit or define him. He embraced life with enthusiasm, optimism, stubbornness, courage, and humor. When Pete greeted you, whether or not he knew you at all, you knew he was thrilled that you were there, and that he was eager to know you and welcome you in. 

Perhaps nothing brought Pete as much joy as being in the midst of community. Pete treasured the communities that he was a part of, and was treasured by them. He loved living among his friends at the Intentional Communities of Washtenaw since 2013, where he enjoyed a rich social life and meaningful and supportive friendships with the residents and staff alike. He loved worshipping with his church at the Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor and at Friendship Ministries, where his enthusiasm and heartfelt worship encouraged so many. Peter’s vibrant faith and trust in Jesus were a true testament to all those around him, and an example of what it looks like to welcome everyone into the family of God with open arms.

He loved his work at Polly’s and Kroger over the years, and he was so proud to volunteer with CHS group at various local organizations like Food Gatherers and Goodwill, which brought great meaning to his life. There are so many other communities that Pete was a part of— Special Olympics, Special Needs Camp, equipment manager and superfan for Chelsea High School Football, and more. Pete loved to be at the center of it all, bringing his full self to everything that he did. 

Pete lived big, routinely surpassing all expectations for what he could accomplish. It was a running joke that we could never rule out the possibility of Pete achieving even his wildest dreams. He earned his second degree black belt in karate, competed in the Special Olympics in running, swimming, and bowling. He learned how to play the drums, bringing such joy and enthusiasm to worship at the Ann Arbor Vineyard as well as playing in a band with his friends. He was always a ham, ready to put on a performance. He loved to dance, and would tear up whatever dance floor was available to him. He would tap dance, give a speech, whatever form of show was available to him. He was a huge fan of Michigan Football, and always dreamed of playing for the team. To our surprise and delight, he even found a way to pull that off, in a manner of speaking, when his Special Olympic unified flag football team game was broadcast on ESPN.

Pete will be forever cherished and missed. His legacy of deep love, enthusiastic hope, and abounding joy will continue to encourage us all as we mourn.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, on Friday, January 14, 2022, from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor, 2275 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Masks must be worn.

Memorial contributions may be made to Intentional Communities of Washtenaw.

To view the service via livestream: https://vimeo.com/event/1720057

It will also be available live and afterwards at https://www.youtube.com/user/annarborvineyard/videos

Michael T. Stapish

Michael Thomas Stapish, age 62, of Tecumseh, formerly of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on January 5, 2022 at the Arbor Hospice Residence in Saline.

He was born on September 20, 1959 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Charles and Jeanne (Myers) Stapish. Mike had lived in the Chelsea area most of his life. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977 and worked for Polly’s Country Market in the dairy department for almost 40 years. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, where he was baptized and confirmed. He loved dogs, and he showed Italian Greyhounds. He also showed chickens.

Mike is survived by his mother, Jeanne Stapish of Tecumseh, one brother, Mark Stapish of Tecumseh, and one sister, Eileen Ball of Tecumseh; also seven nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Matthew Stapish in 1988, father, Charles Stapish in 2016, his brother-in-law, Robert Ball in 2005.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m until the time of service. A private burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at a later date.

The family respectfully requests that all attendees wear a mask.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Heart Association.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Pamela L. Ashby

Pamela Lee Ashby, age 72, of Stockbridge, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on January 4, 2022 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI.

She was born on June 15, 1949 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Ormal F. “Ozzy” and Ruth Anna (Howard) Schiller.

Pamela lived in Stockbridge for the past 20 years, moving from Chelsea. She loved birds, and spending time outside, doing yard work, and gardening. She enjoyed cooking and canning, and she could fix anything.

Pamela is survived by her son, Donald Van Moore, two sisters, Patricia (Robert) Hanna of Pinckney, and Sandra (Mike) Harvey of Grass Lake; and two grandchildren, Maxwell and Ava Moore. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Kathy Ashby, and brother, Stanley Schiller.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

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