Bryan P. Garner

Bryan Paul Garner, age 58, of Stockbridge Michigan, passed away on January 28, 2022 at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan. Born July 31, 1963 in Lansing, Michigan, he was cherished by his parents, Harold and Marilyn (Nelson) Garner.

Bryan graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1981, where he was actively involved in athletics, particularly running track and cross country. He was taught masonry by his grandfather and stayed in the construction and restoration field for most of his career.

Bryan had a large and strong circle of friends that remained close from grade school. He had an adventurous heart which led him to travel where he made many more friends, which he loved dearly.

Bryan was a musician and very passionate about music. He was known for his kindness, resilience, humor, loyalty, and his generosity to help others. He was a collector of various things including vehicles, vinyl records, guitars and good stories.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Marilyn (Nelson) Garner; sister, Nyann (Garner) Sweet; children: Brandon Garner, Breanna (Garner) Meier (Kevin), and Kyle Henley (Tiffanee); grandchildren: Desmond Meier, Bowie Meier, Evelyn Henley, Aeden Henley and Aurora Henley; niece, Candi Sweet and family; and nephews, Billy Sweet and family, and Adam Barker and family.

Bryan was preceded in death by his father, Harold E. Garner, and grandparents, Fred and Alma Nelson.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held Thursday, February 3, 2022 at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, Michigan with visitation from 11 a.m. -1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to assist his children with his final expenses payable to Bryan Garner’s Memorial Fund, Farmers State Bank 5101 S. M-106, Stockbridge, MI 49285.

Also, a Go Fund Me account has been set up to help the family with final expenses.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Margurite "Peg" Helfrich

Margurite “Peg” Helfrich, age 84, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on January 29, 2022. She was born the daughter of Helen (Piepelo) and Wilford L. Palmer on February 9, 1937. She married Dennis Helfrich, Sr. in February 1996, and he survives.

Margurite was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother – with an unwavering sense of humor. She was very creative, had an amazing green thumb, and enjoyed crafting, painting, and drawing. She loved coffee, cleaning, her pets, the casino, and never let you leave the house without toast in your pocket. She was resilient, a follower of Christ, and loved everyone unconditionally.

She was a longtime part-owner of Stockbridge Manufacturing and worked at the IGA grocery store for several years. In addition to her spouse, she is survived by her children, Cynthia (Dan) Kuhn, Renee (Brian) Basore, and Larry (Lisa) Cornish II; step-children, Denny Jr. (Kelly) Helfrich, and Kelly (Kyle) Owen; brothers, Charles (Jeri) Palmer and Joseph (Stephanie) Palmer; grandchildren, Cassandra (Michael), Alexandra (Gregory), Andrea, Danielle, Ari, and Larry III; step-grandchildren, Nicole, Danielle, Kendall, Kameron, and Karlee; great-grandchildren, Mia and Lucy; step-great-grandchildren, Wesley, Bowen, and Charlotte; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Marguerite was preceded in death by her first husband, Larry Cornish I, and her parents.

A gathering of friends and family will take place at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. with a short prayer officiated by Craig Goodlock at 7:30 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Stockbridge Community Outreach.

Walter W. "Wally" Arnold

Walter W. “Wally” Arnold, age 79, passed away on January 26, 2022 at his home in Chelsea, MI surrounded by his family. He was born on August 28, 1942 in Cleveland, OH, the son of Walter W. and Mary (Bush) Arnold.

Wally was raised in Cleveland, OH. He attended Michigan State University followed by seminary and became an ordained minister. He served as Pastor for Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he baptized, confirmed, counseled, and married countless parishioners for nearly 30 years. He then served as an assistant to the Bishop of Southern Ohio where he continued to share his gifts helping other pastors and congregations.

After retirement, he moved to Chelsea, Michigan, where he served as a volunteer at Chelsea Community Hospital, served on the hospital Ethics Committee and became active at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Chelsea.

Wally was a nature lover. He loved spending time outside camping, hiking, traveling, and exploring God’s creation. He and Lynn enjoyed volunteering their time at camps and National Parks, sharing their love of nature with others.

He met his wife Marilynn “Lynn” Schmiege at Michi-Lu-Ca, a church camp in northern Michigan. They were married on June 29, 1968 in Kalamazoo, MI and then settled in Ann Arbor where they raised their children, Julie and Scott.

Wally is survived by his wife, Lynn, daughter, Julie (Adam) Tuttle of Chelsea, and son, Scott (Albie) Arnold of Dearborn; as well as cherished twin granddaughters, Zoe and Addison.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Arnold, and brother, Gary Arnold.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, on Friday, February 25, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1400 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The family will receive friends at church on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

The family respectfully requests that all attendees wear a mask if they are able.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Wally may do so to campwestminster.com to support continued outdoor camping ministry in Michigan.

Susan M. Cole

Susan Marie Cole, age 50, passed away on January 16, 2022 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was born on April 20, 1971 in Detroit, Michigan to Julian and Arlene (Lagocki) Rubicz.

Susan grew up in Stockbridge and attended Stockbridge High School.

She is survived by her four children, Alexander (Melissa) King, Jeffrey King, Emily King, and April Cole; granddaughter, Sophia Smith; sisters, Michele DuBois, Diane (Jeff) Shepherd, and brother, Julian (Carrie) Altvater.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Timothy Cole, and her granddaughter, Isabel Smith.

Susan had a very kind heart and a great sense of humor and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

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.