Leotta M. "Lee" Minix

Leotta Mae "Lee" Minix, age 78, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on Monday, June 27, 2022, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI.

Lee was born on March 10, 1944, in Enoch, West Virginia, to George and Ona (Brady) Ramsey. She lived in the Stockbridge area for 51 years and was a member of the Jeruel Baptist Church in Munith. Lee was a long-time caretaker for her husband, David, and her "grandbabes." She loved spending time with her family, friends, and three pups, gardening, watching the birds, and talking on the phone. Leotta was spunky and full of sass but the most selfless and loving person you would ever meet.

On May 1, 1970, she married David L. Minix, and he survives. Also surviving are three children: Lisa (Troy) Wester of Wildwood, MO, Andrea Aiken of Stockbridge, and Chad (Christy) Minix of Stockbridge; six grandchildren, Abigail Wester, Alivia Wester, Ally Minix, Riley Aiken, Travis Aiken, and Zac Minix; her brother, Delmis J. Ramsey of Brighton, and sister, Linda Lou (Jeff) Hime of Pinckney. She was preceded in death by her parents and 10 of her siblings.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jeruel Baptist Church.

Donald E. Kvarnberg

Donald E. Kvarnberg, age 85, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 25, 2022. He was born on April 19, 1937 in Muskegon, MI, the son of Gustaf and Olga (Larson) Kvarnberg.

He married Carol Ann (Dahlquist) on May 7, 1960 in Muskegon, MI, and they were married for 62 years. He served in the Army National Guard of Michigan from 1959 -1963. Don worked at the Chrysler Proving Grounds as a brake engineer for 33 years, retiring in 1999.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, where he was active in the Contemporary Services there, leading the music and playing his guitar. He was also a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice, FL for 20 years, where he especially enjoyed singing in their church choir and quartet.

Don was a charter member of the Chelsea Lions Club. He served on the board as Secretary for 14 years, and he volunteered countless hours for the Lions Club activities over the years. He was also active in Boy Scouts, and served as Troop Leader for Pack 425.

Don enjoyed music throughout his life. He played the trumpet, and at one point he was a member of the Scottville Clown Band. If there was an opportunity to join a community concert band or choir, Don would jump right in. He participated in the Ann Arbor Concert Band, Chelsea Community Choir, North Port Concert Band, and the Silver Maples Choir.

He was a life-member of Inverness Country Club. He also enjoyed swimming, biking, and playing cards. He was a Michigan fan at heart. He loved to tinker, and he could fix (and break) anything. He enjoyed working outside in his yard and always had a garden full of vegetables, berries, and flowers.

After his retirement, Don and Carol spent their winters in Venice, FL, and their summers in Chelsea. They enjoyed traveling with family and friends. They enjoyed many cruises and traveled throughout the United States and Europe. Don had a group of five friends from high school, often referred to as the "Brothers." Over the years they kept in touch and had an annual trip to somewhere special. The bond he had with the "Brothers" and their wives was something he cherished. He was proud of his Swedish heritage, and he enjoyed the traditional Swedish smorgasbord at Christmas time.

Most of all Don loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren in their sports activities and music concerts. He had a sweet disposition and funny sense of humor, and that continued until his last day. He loved the Chelsea community and the place he called home for the past 56 years.

In addition to his wife, Carol, he is survived by four children: Steve (Paula) Kvarnberg of Lake Clarke Shores, FL, Chris Kvarnberg (Patrick Powers) of Kalamazoo, Cindy (John) Mitchell of Chelsea, and David (Julie Sanfilippo) Kvarnberg of Forest Park, IL; nine grandchildren: Haley and Erik Kvarnberg, Eretia (Cole) Warner, Paige (Brad) Carpenter, Jacob Schultz (Elisa Ortega); Wesley, Mason, AJ, and Sophie Mitchell; great-grandchildren: Eli Warner, Leo and Aubrie Carpenter, and Nehemiah and Seth Salazar; one sister, Grace Reishus, one brother, Lee (Maria Elena) Kvarnberg, brother-in-law, Ron (Sue) Dahlquist, and nieces and nephews: Ingrid (Brian) Bowers, Kiersten Zweibaum, and Daniel (Elyse Julian) Kvarnberg, Barb (Matt) Whitney, and Bill (Stephanie) Dahlquist.

Over the years the Kvarnberg family took in two exchange students: Per Gellstrom from Sweden in 1974, and Joanne Westra from the Netherlands in 1979. These two young individuals quickly won the hearts of all the Kvarnbergs, and they will always be part of the family.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Pastor Jeff Crowder officiating. A private burial will take place at North Lake Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 4-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Silver Maples of Chelsea or Faith in Action. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Sandra Kay Lemaster

Sandra Kay Emmons Lemaster, age 61, of Jackson County, Michigan, formerly of Salyersville, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at the Pikeville Medical Center in Pikeville, Kentucky. She was born in Jackson, Michigan to the late John and Thelma Gipson Emmons.

She is survived by one son, Lawrence Grey Emmons of Prestonsburg, Kentucky, one brother, Chuckie (Kerri) Emmons of Munith, Michigan, two sisters, Viola (Tex) Fletcher of Salyersville, Kentucky, Kimberly Emmons of Jackson, Michigan, four grandchildren, Lindsey Emmons, Joyce Lynn Emmons, Lawrence Lee Emmons, James Edward Emmons all of Prestonsburg, Kentucky, with a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Sandra Kay is preceded in death by one brother, Johnny Jr. Emmons, two sisters, Denise Emmons, and Cathy Ann Cole.

Funeral services will conducted at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, June 26, 2022 from the Magoffin County Funeral Home Chapel with Robert May officiating. Friends may visit the funeral home Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 5:00 P.M. till 9:00 P.M. and any time prior to funeral services.

Graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, June 28, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Munith, Michigan with burial to follow. The Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, Michigan will be in charge of the graveside services.

Dorothy A. Reister

On June 15th, 2022, Dorothy A. Reister left this world for her new life in heaven. Born August 23rd, 1933, she was the daughter of Colin J.W. Rice and Ursulien E.M. Maurin, and grew up in Flint, MI when Flint was a flourishing city.

She had a happy childhood, although her father died when she was just four. Her mother and sister were her family, and they lived a simple but loving life. She went to the University of Michigan, the first person in her family to go to college. She graduated in Dental Hygiene and worked part time for more than 20 years. At the University, she met Russell Reister, who she married the day after he graduated in 1954. After two years in the army in El Paso, TX, they returned to Ann Arbor with their first child, and Russ began his career at the University which lasted 35 years.

During that time Dorothy was mom to three, Pamela, Kurt and Kathi. She was a Brownie leader when her daughters were in the Scouts, and Den mother when her son was a Cub Scout, and she totally enjoyed both. Her family was the joy of her life.

While Russ was in University work and had many community responsibilities, she was involved with the U of M Faculty Women's Club, where she served in several capacities, including President in 1979. In the early eighties she and Russ bought a second home in the Les Cheneaux Islands in the eastern Upper Peninsula. They had wonderful neighbors and loved entertaining them and their family at every opportunity. The pace in little Cedarville reminded them of their childhood lives of the 1930s and 40s.

In 1991, she and Russ moved from Ann Arbor to Chelsea and enjoyed a busy retirement. She enjoyed being a hostess, especially making homemade goodies including her signature white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies, good for every ill--emotional, physical, spiritual.

In addition to her children, her great pride and joy were her grandchildren, Guz and Erick, Griffin and Willa. She was a lifelong Lutheran but also dreamed that all Christian religions might join together.

A memorial service will be scheduled this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to University of Michigan Faculty Women's Club Endowment Fund, Zion Lutheran Church, 3050 S. Fletcher Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118, or the Salvation Army.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Daniel D. Rowe

Daniel D. Rowe, age 60, unexpectedly passed away in his home on June 19, 2022 . He was born April 17, 1962, to Joanne (Brown) and David Rowe. 

Dan developed a passion for working in the dirt early in life and spent his career doing what he loved with local companies including Klink Excavating, Taddy Construction, and Cribley Drilling. He truly enjoyed helping others and was usually the first to lend a hand to friends and family, never wanting or expecting anything in return. He also volunteered many hours to the community, including the Chelsea Fair, the construction of Timbertown, and the placement of the rock at Pierce Park. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words were kind and from the heart, so everyone listened. Dan’s favorite things were bonfires with family and friends, time at the racetracks and mud bogs, and backyard BBQs perfecting his smoking skills, which were legendary. If Dan was cooking, a crowd would gather.

Dan is survived by his wife, Sara Wild, and son, Daniel Rowe Jr. (Tori Hodges), and grandson, Jack. Dan was an influential father to many others as well, including Sarah (Chad) Obenauf, Jennifer (Michael) Ford, Chris (Sarah) Hague, Colton (Erica) Veal, Devin (Alissa) Wild, and Sean McGill; as well as a grandpa to Rania, Olivia, Xander, Claire, Bradley, Granger and Madelyn. He is also survived by brothers John, Darin (Gretchen), and Pat (Thaya) Rowe, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Dan was preceded in death by grandparents, Duane and Virginia (Burg) Rowe, and Howard and Alma (Donegan) Brown.

A celebration of Dan’s life will take place on Friday, July 1, 2022 at the Dexter American Legion Post 557, from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Great Day to be Alive, P.O. Box 357, Dexter, Michigan, 48130, a charity in which Dan was passionate about and supported for many years.

Bernard Ronald "Ron" Herrst, Jr.

Bernard Ronald “Ron” Herrst Jr., age 70, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on June 14, 2022 at his home under the care of hospice. Ron was born on March 26, 1952 in Ann Arbor, MI to Bernard, Sr. and Elizabeth (Zahn) Herrst.

The Herrst family moved to a farm on Freer Road in Chelsea in 1954, where Ron and his six siblings were raised. He attended Chelsea schools, graduating in 1970. He worked in lawn care for Ryer, as well as the WISD for 11 years. He was self employed, owning and operating Herrst Construction for over 30 years. One of his proudest jobs was building the baseball stands for the Chelsea School District. He also played softball, and he bowled at Chelsea Lanes for 50 years. He was also a member of the Ann Arbor Moose Lodge #1253.

Ron is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathleen (Pidd) Herrst, daughter, Holly (Ronald) Hoepfner of Westland, Heidi Herrst of Chelsea, Ronald “Ronnie” Herrst (Ashley Long) of Grass Lake; six grandchildren: Madison Hoepfner, Akiera Long, Traeton Long, Khloe Herrst, Kenzie Herrst, and Brody Herrst; three brothers, Kenneth (Annette) Herrst of Chelsea, Robert (Sandra) Herrst of Chelsea, Erwin Herrst of Manchester; and one sister, Susan Cervera of Ann Arbor, and one brother-in-law, Steve Daniels; also many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son, Scott Koscielniak, his parents, Bernard Herrst, Sr. and Elizabeth Herrst, and two sisters, Rose Ann Daniels and Elizabeth Herrst.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, June 23, 2022, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Mark Hendricks officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Herrst Family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Promedica Heartland Hospice for their superior care. They would also like to express their gratitude to the many friends who offered their kindness and support in a time of great need.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

James L. "Jamie" Bollinger

James L. "Jamie" Bollinger, age 62, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on June 13, 2022 at his home. He was born on March 22, 1960 in Ann Arbor, MI to Paul and Beverly (Fielder) Bollinger.

Jamie was a life-long resident of Chelsea, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1978 where he played football. After high school, he joined his father and brothers in the family business, Bollinger Sanitation and Excavating, and became Co-Owner of the business, retiring in 2020.

Jamie was highly involved and passionate about supporting his community. He served on the Chelsea Village Council and was a member of the Chelsea Fire Authority. He was a Chelsea Fair Board member and a member of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. He served on the Whitetails Unlimited Board, organizing the Whitetails Unlimited Fundraiser in Chelsea, setting fundraising records back to back. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, collecting antique Waterloo Boy tractors, snowmobiling, and truck pulling with his Ram truck "Twister." He also helped excavate the Wooly Mammoth that was found in 2015 in a farmer's field in Washtenaw County. He enjoyed traveling, taking many trips with his wife and friends, whether it was snowmobiling, camping, or going on cruises.

On July 24, 1999, he married Terri D. (Jones), and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Heidi (Chris) Traugott, and Kimberly (Jorge Rosario), all of Chelsea; two brothers, Richard (Marcy) Bollinger, and Donald (Michelle) Bollinger all of Chelsea; brother-in-law, Ben Capaldi of Florida, and his best friend, Tom Bareis of Chelsea; three grandchildren, Lidia, Braylon, and Gibson; as well as nephews, Donald (Jayma) Bollinger, Jr., Derik (Jennifer) Bollinger, Grant Bollinger, all of Chelsea, and Jake (Megan) Bollinger of Grass Lake. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister, Sharon Capaldi, and nephew, Kevin Bollinger.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 15,2022, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

A Community Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the James Bollinger Memorial Scholarship.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Michael M. Valentine

Michael Matthew Valentine, age 69, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away at this home on June 12, 2022. He was born the son of Calvin and Vivian (Hammons) Valentine on March 24, 1953. On September 21, 1994, he married Penny L. (Brown), and she survives.

Mike was a simple man who enjoyed working on his yard and cheering his Green Bay Packers on Sunday and the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday. He was known for many sayings, but his most favorite was, "Don't put on the potatoes. We are not staying for dinner.” Most of all he loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Penny, Mike is survived by his son, Ryan Denison, grandchildren, Emmalee Denison, Jolie Bradshaw, Chase Denison, and Leland Hill. Mike is also survived by his siblings, Kathy (Mike) Durfee, Calvin (Michelle) Valentine, Bobby Valentine, Debbie Nowka, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Calvin and Vivian, Mike was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Skylar Denison and Timothy Denison; sister, Joyce Aho, and stepfather, Stan Borowski.

A gathering of friends and family will take place at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, June 20, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Burial will take place Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at Great Lakes National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Deborah G. Marshall

Deborah L. Marshall, age 72, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 14th, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. From her birth in Stockbridge, Michigan on December 12th, 1949 to her death on Tuesday, she was a strong presence offering an engaging conversation, a gregarious laugh, and a big hug.

She was born in Rowe Memorial Hospital in Stockbridge, Michigan to Ralph Duane (Buck) and Beverly Elaine (Miner) Glenn and was the oldest of four children.

Debbie grew up on her family’s dairy farm just north of town. Debbie attended Stockbridge High School and graduated in 1968. She attended nursing school and received her LPN and was a practicing nurse for over five years.

Debbie later obtained her Real Estate and Broker’s License and practiced real estate for over 40 years as the owner of Glenn-Brooke Realty, Ltd. Many will remember the historic home that she converted into an office on West Main Street.

Family meant everything to Debbie, and she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt. She married her first husband, Robert Henry Mitteer III, on April 15th, 1970. After some time living in Arizona, Oklahoma, and Idaho, Debbie returned to Stockbridge with her family after Rob’s death in 1976. On January 27th, 1979, she married her husband, Jack Marshall. They raised four daughters. She was a powerful force in her family and continued to be an involved and engaged mom and grandma for many years.

Debbie also had deep roots in the Stockbridge community and cared greatly for the people and the area. She was a visionary regarding development and would stand strong in her convictions to better the Stockbridge Community. She was a founding member of the Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority. Her work in the DDA helped start the Stockbridge Industrial Park, as well as many of the beautification projects around the downtown area.

In Debbie’s spare time, she enjoyed cooking, gardening, and sewing. She was a welcoming hostess and would always make room at the table for a cup of coffee, a meal, or a chat.

Left to honor Debbie and remember her love are her husband of 42 years, Jack, four daughters: Jennifer (Neal) Bookspan, Kate (Abe) Kohler, Amanda (Liberty) Van Hine and Meghan (Aaron) Gerisch; 11 grandchildren: Jakob, Asher, Ava, Ayla, Caleb, Khyla, Judah, Evan, Leo, Ruby and Wyatt; parents, Beverly and Duane Glenn, brother, Nate, sisters, Kris (Mark) Hartsuff and Anne (Mark) Elias: sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jill (Stan) Cross, Mary Jane Mitteer Swartout, Jack (Susan) Mitteer, Patty Mitteer, and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and extended family and friends.

Debbie was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Henry Mitteer III, grandson, Aric Urban Kohler, mothers-in-law, Helen Bullis Mitteer and Reba Louise Marshall, father-in-law, H. Edgar Marshall, sister-in-law, Polly Joyce Mitteer, brother-in-law, George Kimball Mitteer and nephew, Nathan Christopher Glenn.

Debbie will be remembered as a beacon of strength and light in her family and within the Stockbridge Community.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at the Stockbridge American Legion Post #510.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Debbie’s name to the Stockbridge Lions Club, P.O. Box 327, Stockbridge, MI, 49285.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

James W. Zeitz

James W. Zeitz went to be with the Lord quietly in his sleep Saturday, June 11, 2022. He was born July 4, 1923, son of Frank and Genevieve (Gruesbeck) Zeitz.

He grew up and attended school in Lansing, graduating from Eastern High School in January 1943. He married Edith Klink on January 15, 1944. In 1951 they purchased a farm in Bunkerhill Township where they raised their four children and continued to reside until a month before his death. Jim worked off and on as a hot roofer for several companies over the years, but his true passion was farming. His son, Hank, and grandson, Ryan, continue to operate the family farm.

He is survived by his wife of 78 years, Edith, his daughters, Audrey Martini and Peggy (Greg) McCann, and son Henry (Carol) Zeitz. His third daughter, Nancy (John) Gutierrez, predeceased him. He also leaves numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. His wish to be cremated with only a small family service at a later date will be honored.

The family suggests donations to a food bank or hospice organization of your choice in lieu of flowers.