Donald W. Keiser

Donald William Keiser, age 87, passed away on January 24, 2022 at his home in Gregory, Michigan. He was born on February 21, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Walter and Viola (Kelch) Keiser.

Donald served in the Marine Corps Reserves during the Korean War. He had lived in the Gregory area for 80 years. He worked as a tool and die maker at Rockwell in Chelsea, Michigan for 30 years. He was on the Unadilla Fire Department, and he was the Unadilla Township Supervisor for two terms.

He was a farmer at heart, and he raised and sold hay for many years. He was an avid John Deere man. Only green tractors would do.

Donald enjoyed being with his family and keeping up with all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He married Wilma Jean (Latimer) on May 7, 1955, and she survives him. Also surviving are his children: Aldonna (Jim) Raciborski, Jeanne Keiser (Robert “Bob” Hoffman) (deceased), Linda (deceased) Dick Zenz, and Donald (Lorraine) Keiser; grandchildren: Amanda McAlister, Joshua and Sarah McAlister, Zac and Megan Zenz, Marianne and John Walters, and Emily, Erin, and Hayden Keiser; great-grandchildren: Lucas, Zoey, and Ryan Zenz, Alexis Walters, and Mason McAlister. He also leaves behind one brother, Robert “Bob” Keiser, and one sister-in-law, Ginny Keiser.

Donald was preceded in death by six siblings: Lavern (Theresa) Keiser, Valbert (Ruth Ann) Keiser, Charles Keiser, Amelia (Alfred) Bollheimer, Mary Rose (Richard) Borges, and Ruth Ann Keiser; and one sister-in-law, Judy Keiser.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no services at this time.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mackinder Glenn Post #510 American Legion in Stockbridge.

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

Geraldine Oliver

Geraldine Oliver, age 75, passed away on January 21, 2022 at her home in Stockbridge, Michigan.

Geraldine was born on March 22, 1946 in Hamtramck, Michigan to Marvin R. and Ines L. (Durham) Wooldridge. She had lived in the Stockbridge area for over 20 years, moving from South Lyon. She enjoyed gardening, painting, and writing poetry and short stories.

Geraldine is survived by a daughter, Deborah (Richard) Williams of Redford, MI, and son, Edward (Tammy) Oliver of Eaton Rapids, MI; her siblings, Connie Montieth of Florida, Bobby (Katrin) Wooldridge of Colorado, Kenny Gollihue of Florida, and John Lovern of Detroit, and sister-in-law, Becky Lovern of Detroit. She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Oliver in March of 1999; as well as her siblings, Marvin Wooldridge, Jr, Jonell Kramer, Kathy Lankton, Michael Lovern, Glenn Lovern, and Elizabeth "Betty" Lankton.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022, 1:00 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI, with Pastor Philip David officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the City Rescue Mission of Lansing.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Carl "Chuck" Carpenter, Jr.

Carl “Chuck” Carpenter, Jr., age 65, passed away on January 23, 2022 at MediLodge of Campus Area in East Lansing, MI. Chuck was born on April 8, 1956 in Portland, ME to Carl, Sr. and Gloria (Gurney) Carpenter.

He had lived in the Lansing area since 2015, moving from Dimondale, MI. Before that he lived in Jackson, MI and Chelsea, MI. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, woodworking and making things with his hands. He also enjoyed cooking.

He is survived by his father, Carl Carpenter, Sr. of Jackson, two daughters, Patricia (Joshua) Essex of Bath, MI and Andrea Carpenter of Jackson, MI, his brother, Randy (Catherine) Carpenter of Mancelona, MI, two sisters, Jan (John) Allen of Maine, and Terrie Carpenter of Maine; four grandchildren, Christopher Lewke, Eric (Amber) Lewke, Brandy Joe Pickell, and Miley Pickell, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022, 3:00 p.m., at the UAW Local 1284, 2795 M-52, Chelsea, MI 48118. Catering will be provided by West Texas Barbeque. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. A GoFund Me account has been set up to help with final arrangements.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Andrew J. "Andy" Craft

Andrew Justin Craft, age 34, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on January 21, 2022 at his home in White Oak Twp. Andy was born on September 25, 1987 in LaGrange, IN to Gordon C. and Claudia "Ellen" (Risner) Craft.

He graduated from Stockbridge High School, Class of 2006. Andy was a true animal lover. He especially liked his dogs and had a real talent for training and teaching animal obedience, a talent he learned from his dad. He loved hunting and anything outdoors.

He was a true gentle giant. He was a caring caregiver to anyone who needed an extra pair of hands, feet, or eyes. He was raised alongside his physically impaired aunts, Barb and Vivian Risner, who absolutely adored him. He learned to walk holding on to Barb’s wheelchair. He was a happy baby that brought so much joy to his family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 24, 2022, 4-8 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Mission, 5050 M-36 Stockbridge, MI 49285.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Good Shepherd Mission with pastor and good friend, Billy Allen, officiating. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery in Bunkerhill Twp. A luncheon will follow at Good Shepherd Mission.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Jacklyn A. "Jackie" Case

Jacklyn Ann (Gale) Case, age 85, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on January 14, 2022 at her home. She was born on December 2, 1936 in Jackson, Michigan the daughter of Helen Louise (Gale) Taylor.

She is survived by her five children, Cynthia (Dale) Keiser of Pinckney, MI, Beth (Dean) Rindfleisch of Williamston, MI, William Case of Vilonia, AR, Thomas (Ann) Case of Jackson, MI, and Deborah Hamlin of Owosso, MI; 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; also four sisters, Wanda, Margie, Jean, and Janet, and one brother, Barry.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Howard B. Case on May 3, 2005, her mother, Helen L. Taylor, her step-father, George W. Taylor, her foster-mother, Nora Phelps-Larson, her sister, Rosie Walters, and two brothers, Jerry and Jim Taylor.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no services. A special thank you to her many caregivers, Theresa Viviano, Kay Mayer, Tina Erisman, Joe Allen, Judy Radant, Emily Hartman, Elizabeth Noble, and Frances Grumelot.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post #510 in Stockbridge or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

Tammy D. Gradowski

Tammy Dawn Gradowski, age 55, of Pinckney, MI, passed away on January 17, 2022 at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital. Tammy was born on January 4, 1967 in Ypsilanti, MI, the daughter of Paul D. and Wanda L. (Miller) Brown.

Tammy grew up in the Gregory/Pinckney area. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, and spending time with her mother, Wanda, and her daughters, Jenni and Makayla. Tammy was an animal lover and always had many pets. She also enjoyed camping. She loved people and her community, her heart will never be forgotten.

Tammy is survived by her mother, Wanda Brown, and her two daughters, Makayla and Jenni Gradowski; as well as her sister, Letitia. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Brown, and a sister, Elaine Brown.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Missy Noll officiating. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery.

Please click here to stream her service starting at 11:00 a.m.

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.