Garnet J. Winquest

Garnet Juanita Winquest, age 90, left us to be with the Lord peacefully on March 5, 2023 with her family by her side at her home in Lima Twp., MI.

Garnet was born on December 16, 1932 in Detroit, MI to Archie and Marynell (Schade) Matthews.

In her younger years, Garnet was a social butterfly who loved getting dolled up and enjoyed dancing with her sisters. Garnet was a skilled archer who practiced competitively and was published in The Archer’s Bible written by Fred Bear. She was an accountant who worked for many firms but found her true joy serving others at Chelsea Community Hospital, where she worked for 13 years until she retired in 2007.

It was her love of her family and being with them that made her the happiest. You could always find her on the sidelines of her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s 4-H Horse Shows, Chelsea Fair events, Dexter Dreadnaughts Equestrian Team, years of wrestling matches, soccer and rugby games, gymnastic competitions, fashion shows, plays, and concerts. She was everyone’s grandma and lovingly known to everyone as Grandma G.

Garnet had a deep love for animals and helped take care of the family horses, lambs, goats, chickens, cats and dogs. She especially loved her granddaughter’s horse (who she bought for) Dark O Moon and dogs Trinket, Buffy, Duffy, and Charlie. In her later years, she built a beautiful bird sanctuary outside her home that is home to many birdies, as she called them, and is a beautiful tribute to her spirit. Those that know her best knew she loved the color red. If you were ever to ask her what her greatest accomplishment is she would say without pause, “My Judy!” She lived a happy life and was ready to “float on a cloud in Heaven.”

She is survived by her daughter, Judy Even of Dexter, two grandchildren, Terra (Chris) Parker and Jacob (Sarah) Even; great-grandchildren, Tyler (Madison) Even, Madison Even, Coleman Parker, and Krista (Timothy) Allen; great-great grandchildren, Colin, Nash, and ParkLynn Allen; her Goddaughter, Pamela Bennett; two sisters, Goldie Maschke and Cindy (Steve) Nickel; as well as her special caregivers, Tina and Ginny. She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Marynell Matthews, her siblings, Robert F. Matthews and Gloria Feingold, brother-in-law, Ronald Maschke, and son-in-law, Raymond T. Even.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Camp Woodbury at Nordman Lake, 1991 N. Steinbach Rd., Dexter, MI, with Pastor Larry Van Slambrook officiating. The family will receive friends in the main lodge from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, St. Andrews UCC, or Arbor Hospice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Patsy M. "Pat" Schmell

Patsy M. "Pat" Schmell, age 82, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on March 6, 2023 in Brighton, MI. Patsy was born on September 21, 1940 in Gun Creek, KY to Arthur and Pearlie (Howard) Marshall.

She moved to Michigan when she was 16 years old. She met her husband, James P. Schmell, and they married on December 22, 1962 in Chelsea where they raised their family. Jim and Pat were life members of the Free Methodist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Faith and family meant everything to her. She had a good heart and soul.

Pat loved bluegrass and gospel music. She loved to sing and dance, and she loved singing in her bluegrass group that met every week. She loved being outside, working in her vegetable and flower gardens. She also enjoyed canning. Pat worked for Chelsea Milling Company for 43 years and retired in 2002.

Pat is survived by three children, Renee Schmell of Chelsea, Rachel (Eric) Engelmeyer of Florida, and Kim Schmell of Florida; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; her siblings, Emogene Push, Ross Marshall, and Roleigh Marshall. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Pearlie Marshall, her husband, James P. Schmell; her siblings, Sonny, Jessie, Earl, and Lora Marshall; her son, Aaron Schmell, an infant grandson, Aaron Buchanan, and niece, Vicki Push.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, March 10, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Oak Grove East Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Gabriel "Gabi" Weinreich

Gabriel “Gabi” Weinreich passed away peacefully from natural causes on February 22, 2023 in Chelsea, Michigan at the age of 95.

Born on February 12, 1928 into the vibrant, Yiddish-speaking culture of Vilna, Poland (now Vilnius, Lithuania), Gabi escaped with his mother Regina after the start of the Second World War. Forced to travel east, they crossed the Soviet Union, the Pacific Ocean, and the continental United States before being reunited in New York City with older brother Uriel and Gabi’s father, Yiddishist Max Weinreich.

Gabi quickly learned English, and graduated from George Washington High School in Manhattan at age 16. Gabi enjoyed the family’s gift for language: in addition to being completely at home in English and Yiddish, as an adult he could converse in German, Russian, Polish, and French, and had reading knowledge of Hebrew, Latin, ancient Greek, Italian, and Aramaic. After high school, Gabi studied physics at Columbia University, first as an undergraduate, then as a graduate student, obtaining his Ph.D. in 1953. He met his first wife Alisa (Lourie,d. 1970) in Los Angeles in 1948, and they wed in New York in 1951. After graduate school, Gabi worked at Bell Labs until 1960 when he joined the faculty in the Physics Department at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In 1971, he met and married his second wife, Gerane (Siemering, d. 2009), starting their blended family of five children. Gabi enjoyed a lifelong passion for music. While still in high school, he studied composition with a former student of Rimsky-Korsakov. And for decades in Ann Arbor, Gabi hosted regular chamber music sessions, at which he loved to play the piano (he was largely self-taught) and the cello. He also enjoyed improvising at the piano, and accompanying himself on the songs of Tom Lehrer. Later in life, a brain operation left him partially paralyzed, after which he laboriously retaught himself the piano, and the music of Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and especially J. S. Bach provided a comforting and healing focus for him in his final years.

In the mid 1970s, Gabi became interested in the physics of the piano and the violin, thus bringing together his passions for science and music. This work led to a long-term residency as a consultant at the Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique (IRCAM) in Paris, France and a visiting professorship at the University of Paris. During this period, Gabi also began to study for the Episcopal priesthood, and was ordained in 1986. He served as Adjunct Minister for St. Clare’s Church in Ann Arbor from 1985 to 1990, and then as Rector at St. Stephen’s in Hamburg, Michigan from 1993 to 1996. Gabi was the author of several textbooks and a memoir, Confessions of a Jewish Priest (Pilgrim Press 2005), in which he explored the complexity of both his history and his faith. Gabi retired from the University of Michigan in 1995, and in 2005, Gabi and Gerane moved to Silver Maples in Chelsea, Michigan where they found a profoundly rewarding community that enriched them both until their deaths.

Gabi is survived by five children and stepchildren, Catherine Benamou, Marc Benamou (Raúl Ianes), Daniel Weinreich (Wendy Nelson), Rebecca Weinreich (Tara Rose Weinreich), and Natalie Benamou Scotti (Sergio Scotti); and by nine grandchildren, Thomas, Stephen, Shoshanah, and Ashira Weinreich, Thomas Wilson, Arianna and Valentina Scotti, and Aiyana and Emma Lao. He also cherished the more than 50 people he esteemed as “honorary children and grandchildren.” He will be dearly remembered by many as a pathbreaking physicist, an inspiring teacher and mentor, a talented amateur musician, a Yiddish speaker, a man of faith, and a loving husband, parent, uncle, grandparent, and friend.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Arbor Hospice, Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice, or Jewish Family Services.

Funeral Services will take place at St. Clare’s Church in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. Those unable to attend in person may contact the church for a Zoom link. There will also be a Memorial Celebration for sharing memories on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Maples Room at Silver Maples Retirement Community in Chelsea. Contact celebrating.gabi@gmail.com for additional information, including a Zoom link for those unable to attend. Finally, remembrances are being posted to a memorial website https://sites.google.com/view/celebrating-gabi/home.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home

Christine M. Taylor

Christine Mary Taylor, of Chelsea, MI, age 78, passed away on March 6, 2023 at Michigan Medicine Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI.

Christine was born on January 12, 1945 in Detroit, MI to Harry and Anna (Hoder) Greene. She graduated from Pioneer High School in 1963. She had lived in the Chelsea area for the past 47 years and was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren. She was always supportive and attended many of their school and sporting events. She also enjoyed spending time at both Cavanaugh Lake and Strawberry Lake. Christine was always the perpetual caregiver of others. She will be missed immensely by all the lives she touched.

Christine is survived by her children: Michael (Michelle Schertzing) Taylor of Chelsea, and Lisa King of Grass Lake; the father of her children, David Taylor of Florida; three grandchildren: Jonathan (Rachel), Anna, and Peri; sister, Janet Ammann of Chelsea, brother-in-law, Ronald Rinker of Harbor Springs, MI; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Joyce Gauntlet and Patricia Rinker.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at The Collins Off Main, 120 W. Middle St., Chelsea, on Friday, March 17, 2023, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. There will be a brief Memorial Service to be held at 2:00 p.m. with a light reception to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ele's Place or The Thin Blue Line of Michigan.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Kevin M. Cook

Kevin M. Cook, age 59, of Gregory, MI, passed away on March 5, 2023 at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI.

Kevin was born on March 15, 1963 in Jackson, MI to Keith and Barbara (Durfey) Cook. He had lived in the area all of his life, and he graduated from Grass Lake High School in 1981. He then went on to serve in the United States Coast Guard from 1981-1985. He received his certification and license for massage therapy in 2020. Kevin was a humble man. He loved doing anything outdoors, especially fishing and car “Hood” parties, and spending time with family and friends, especially “up north.” He was also a devout member of the Gregory Community Church. He was born again on April 6, 2006.

On April 26, 2003, he married Amanda M. (Kenewell), and she survives. Also surviving are two children, Kaylee Cook (Brandon Benjamin) of Lansing, and Stuart Cook of Gregory; his mother, Barbara Cook of Jackson, and his father Keith Cook of Texas; his siblings: Mark (Melissa) Cook of Mason, Kimberly (Chrissy Ingalls) Cook of San Diego, California, sister-in-law, Karen Cook of Georgia; his mother- and father-in-law, Stuart and Terri Kenewell of Gregory; brother-in-law, Phillip (Karin) Kenewell of Gregory; nieces and nephews: Emma, Spencer, Max, Ian (Becky), Josh (Clay), and Jeffrey. He was preceded in death by a brother, Brian Cook.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at Gregory Community Church, 126 Church St., Gregory, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gregory Community Church, with Pastor Dan Miller officiating. Military Honors will follow the service. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gregory Community Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Linda M. Lapp

On March 4, 2023, God opened His loving arms and welcomed our cherished Linda Marie Lapp home. The void she leaves in our lives seems too much to bear, but the peace that comes with knowing that she is finally free of suffering gives us comfort. Our memories are flooded with her beauty, grace, larger than life smile, and extraordinary love and compassion towards everyone. We miss her terribly but gain relief knowing she is now at peace in her rightful place in Heaven.

Linda was born in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Perry V. and Luella A. (McCully) Lapp. Linda was raised in the church and found great comfort in His word. She always put God first and believed in doing so, all other things will fall into place. She worked at Blue Care Network for 18 years and owned a daycare up to retirement. She loved capturing every moment with a photo. Linda showed her love to family and friends through her cooking and baking. She was known for her hall of fame worthy sweet tooth, never meeting a dessert she didn’t love. Linda was a devoted animal lover and made that apparent by always having an animal by her side. She also loved crafting, traveling, and shopping. She cherished all the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Linda is survived and missed by her children, Corey (Dobromira-Dirica) Sparks and Jeanette (Rob) Stull; grandchildren, Alyssa Stull, Alyson Stull, Joshua Stull, Mila Sparks, and Sophie Sparks; two sisters, Brenda Lutz and Betty Morrow She had many close friends, including her friendship with Linette Miller, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and her family in Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Carolyn Braatz, and sister-in-law, Georgeanna Howder.

All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906.

Deborah K. Schenk

Deborah K. Schenk, age 67, passed away on March 2, 2023 at her home in Gregory, MI.

Debbie was born on July 31, 1955 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Arthur and Lillian (Salyer) Minix. She had lived in the Gregory area for the past 30 years, moving from Ann Arbor. She had previously worked for the City of Ann Arbor as an Administrative Assistant. Debbie loved reading, all animals, and spending time with her grandkids.

She is survived by three children, William (Kristie) Risner of Brighton, Ryan Risner of Gregory, and Jeffrey (Laura) Risner of Munith; the father of her kids, Billy Joe Risner of Stockbridge; her siblings, Marlene Stevens of Fitchburg and Michael (Bobby) Minix of Gregory; and five grandchildren, Kaitlin (Shane Robinson), Kayleigh, Jack, Ben, and Avery. She was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Lillian Minix, and a brother, Scott Minix.

Cremation has taken place, and all services will be private. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Debbie's honor, may do so to the Humane Society of one's choice. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Daniel J. Long

Daniel J. Long, of Chelsea, MI, ​formerly of Dennison, TX, ​age 90, passed away on January 26, 2023 at his long-term care facility, surrounded by family. Dan was born on November 26, 1932 in Cleveland, OH to Fred and Martha Long (Merriman). 

Dan served as part of the Naval Reserve alongside his father, as members of the Coastal Watch Group.  He was also a Veteran of the Korean Conflict serving from 1951 through 1955.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and worked in the book publishing industry until he retired.  He loved boating, RVing, and traveling. He was known for his delicious Texas BBQ, baby-back ribs, and brisket. 

On September 30, 1983, he married Lillian Pangle, and she survives.  He is also survived by daughters, Stacie (Doug) Heim, Jennifer (Marty) James, Elizabeth (Carl) Larrivee, and Ellie (Nick) Gusman; grandchildren, Kelsey (Chase) Shimek, Madeline and Shelby James, Preston and Dawson Heim, and Amanda (Justin) Evans; and two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Harrison Shimek. 

All are invited to attend a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in-person at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Ypsilanti, 111 S. Wallace Blvd., Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (ypsiucc.org) or via interactive Zoom (Meeting ID 764 328 2234 or Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7643282234 or phone 1-312-626-6799).

Cremation has taken place. ​A private burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Robert F. Keiser

Robert Francis Keiser, of Chelsea, MI, age 93, passed away on February 20, 2023 at his home.

Robert was born on June 15, 1929 in Detroit, MI to Walter and Viola (Kelch) Keiser. Robert lived in the Chelsea area for 60 plus years. He graduated from Stockbridge High School, Class of 1947. Bob worked at Dana Corporation for over 35 years, while also driving school bus for the Chelsea School District for 30 plus years. He was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea.

Bob married Judith A. (Haines) in 1954, and they enjoyed many years of raising a family, farming, racing horses, driving school bus, bowling and attending their eight children’s endless list of sporting events. Judy preceded him in death on June 18, 2003. In 2006, he married Nancy Morgan, and she preceded him in death on June 15, 2020. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.

Surviving are his children: Stephen (Sandra) Keiser of Gregory, Kenneth Keiser (Sandi) of Jackson, David (CeCe) Keiser of Chelsea, Karen (Eric) Keiser of Ann Arbor, Joseph Keiser of Munith, Sandra (Scott) Keiser of Munith, and Melissa (Gary) Handloser of Grass Lake; 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his first wife, Judith, and second wife, Nancy, he was preceded in death by a son, Nicholas Keiser, as well as his siblings: LaVern Keiser, Valbert Keiser, Donald Keiser, Charles Keiser, Millie Bollheimer, Mary Rose Borges, and Ruth Ann Keiser.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Barbara G. Flaugher

Barbara Gayle Flaugher, of Ypsilanti, MI, age 84, passed away on February 20, 2023 at her home. Barbara was born in Salyersville, Kentucky on June 18, 1938 to Doc and Mary (Dyer) Hoskins. She moved to Chelsea in 1956 and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1958.

She married Allan K. Flaugher on February 18, 1961, and he preceded her in death in December 2019. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Family and faith meant the world to her. She enjoyed quilting and word searches, camping, traveling, and cooking family meals. She worked for the Willow Run School District for many years.

Barbara is survived by her children, Perry Flaugher, Mark (Carey Lynn) Flaugher, and Elaine (Eric) Cantrell; her grandchildren, Melissa, Thaddeus, Kaitlynne, Danielle, Ethan, Michelle and Xavier; great-grandchildren, Makenzie, Abigale, Anna, and Aryca. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her eldest son, Paul and his wife, Brenda, as well as her siblings, Herman (Cheryl) Hoskins and Janet (Tim) Schulze.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jeff Heim officiating, at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Bible Church Youth Program.