Duane C. Kunzelman

Duane C. Kunzelman, age 75, of Gregory, MI, passed away on May 25, 2023 at his home in Unadilla Twp, MI. Duane was born on October 10, 1947 in Ann Arbor, MI to Phillip and Margaret (Bovee) Kunzelman.

He had lived in the Gregory area all of his life. Duane loved to hunt and fish. He also loved to farm. Duane served in the US Army from 1966-1968. He remained an active member of the Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post #510 in Stockbridge. Duane had worked for DANA Corporation in Chelsea as a machine operator for many years. He married Chita (Moeckel) on February 15, 1969, and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage before she passed away in 2020.

Surviving are his children, Eric (Beth) Kunzelman and Kenneth (Kristina ) Kunzelman, all of Gregory; three grandchildren, Brooke Kunzelman, Kayden Kunzelman, and Kristopher Kunzelman; his brother, Gordie (Penny) Kunzelman of Gregory; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to his wife, Chita, he was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Harold Kunzelman.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Unadilla Twp. Fire Department. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

John B. "Jack" Dunn

John B. "Jack" Dunn, age 88, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on May 22, 2023 at his home at Cavanaugh Lake.

Jack was born on October 22, 1934 in Ann Arbor, MI to John F. and Eva H. (West) Dunn. Jack was a long-time resident and business owner in Chelsea. He married the love of his life and best friend, Nancy (Luhrs), on July 21, 1956, and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage until she passed away in 2021. They met as children at Higgins Lake where their families summered starting when Jack was 9 and Nancy was 12. They grew up as best friends, married, and together they built a family, built a business, and raised three children in Chelsea: Kathy Dunn Finger, Kimberly S. Tapping, and John F. Dunn.

As a proud alumni and legacy of the University of Michigan, he was a diehard University of Michigan fan. Jack and Nancy were season ticket holders to Michigan football games and enjoyed many years of tailgate parties, UM Football, and Chelsea football. He also loved growing up and later living on a lake, boating, and playing golf. He operated Central Fiber in Chelsea and then served as President and Owner of Chelsea Industries, as well as owner of Dunn & Associates. Family and faith were central throughout his life, and he was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. After retirement Jack and Nancy spent winters in Venice Florida at Aldea Mar known as the ‘Village by the Sea’, which they shared with their family and many close friends. Anyone who knew Jack, knew he had a wonderful sense of humor. He was always quick with a story or a joke that usually started with, “Did I tell you the one about …”

Jack is survived by three children: Kathy (Art) Finger, Kim (Don) Tapping, and John (Anna) Dunn; as well as grandchildren: Mark (Rochelle) Tapping, Christopher (Lindsey) Tapping, Stephen (Erica) Tapping, Bryan (Sarah) Dunn, Elise (Chris) Burhans, Megan (Al) Zeiher, and Lucas Dunn; and great-grandchildren: Aubrey & Morgan Tapping; Ethan & Emma Tapping; Bella, Leo, Gus & Iris Tapping; Nora, Wendy, William & Ingrid Dunn; Jack, Easton & Grant Burhans; and Anna Zeiher; and sister-in-law, Judy (Luhrs) Connors of Henderson, Nevada; as well as many amazing and special nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, Michigan.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, as well as at church on Friday from 10-11 a.m. before Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or St. Louis Center.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Robert L. "Bob" Bauer

Robert L. Bauer, age 93, of Chelsea, MI passed peacefully on May 21, 2023 at his home in Lima Twp.

Bob was born on December 17, 1929 in Chelsea, MI to George and Ruby (Hadley) Bauer. He was a life-long Chelsea resident. Bob graduated from Chelsea High School in 1948. He proudly served in the US Navy from 1948-1949. He married Mary C. (Schittenhelm) on March 24, 1951 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea, MI, and they enjoyed 70 years of marriage before her death in 2021.

Bob was very involved in the Chelsea Community. In his early years he owned and operated Bauer's Marathon Gas Station (next to the Wolverine) for five years. He worked as a builder, owning his own business, R.L. Bauer Builders, for many years. He also served as an auxiliary officer of the Chelsea Police Department for 25 years. He was a life-long farmer and a member of FFA. He was a proud supporter of the Chelsea Community Fair, acting as Superintendent of the Antique Tractor Pulls for 10 years. He also was a member of the Herbert McKune American Legion Post #31 and the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. He was a life-long and active member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea.

Bob is survived by three children: Linda (William) Pearsall, James (Kathleen) Bauer, and Janice (Steve) Loveland; six grandchildren: Jeff Pearsall, Todd (Lauren) Pearsall, Jennifer (Steve) Robbins, Michelle (Roger) Cook, James (Lindsay) Bauer, and Christopher (Sara) Bauer; 14 great-grandchildren; his sister, Barb (Charley) Fredette, and sisters-in-law, Jayne Bauer and Leila Bauer. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Mary, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Walter Bauer, Donald Bauer, and Norm Bauer, and a nephew, Shannon Fredette.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 4-7 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Chelsea on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Henry "Ken" Horner

Henry "Kenneth" Horner, Jr., age 71, of Leslie, MI, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at his home in Rives Twp. Ken was born on December 6, 1951 in San Antonio, TX to Henry and Laura Marie (Kosticky) Horner, Sr.

Ken worked as a millwright for DAVCO Industries in Saline. Had lived in Ypsilanti for many years and moved to Rives Twp. in 2002. He enjoyed riding his Harley's and made many friends riding with the Mackinder Glenn American Legion Riders. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially camping and hunting. He also enjoyed his hobby of making leather and wood crafts and goods.

On January 8, 1971, he married Susan M. (Aldred) of Pontiac, MI. She survives, as well as two children, Bruce (Crissy) Horner of Stockbridge, and Kimberly Fullerton of Stockbridge; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and his siblings: Mike Horner of Flat Rock, Laura (Jim) Williams of Florida, Joseph Kosticky, Charles Kosticky, and Mary (Mike) Moody of Wyandotte. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Wanda Fullerton (Bill).

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at their home on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers in Ken's name may do so to the Mackinder Glenn American Legion Riders Post #510.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

James "David" Tillery

James “David” Tillery, age 69, of Houston, Texas, passed away on May 13, 2023. He was born April 27, 1954 in Shreveport, LA to the late James Henry and Juanita Eidel Thomas Tillery. He moved from Shreveport, Louisiana when he was young and had lived in the Houston area most of his life.

David was a pilot for a few years before he started working with the pipeline. He loved to fly. David worked for 38 years as a pipeline controller for Enterprise Products in Houston and really enjoyed his job. David loved gardening, cooking, movies, and music. He loved his dog, Ginger. David also loved rollercoasters.

David is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Tillery; his children, Thomas Foreman (Rachel Quint), Paige Foreman (Travis) Van Wyck , Megan Foreman (Steven) Coons, Caitlin Tillery, Alexander Tillery, Matthew Tillery (deceased) and Robert Tillery; sister, Linda Tillery (Henry) Oursler; two nephews, Brandon Oursler and Brooks Oursler, and one niece, Becca Oursler Lee; grandson, Onyx Foreman, granddaughter, Harper Van Wyck and a baby girl Van Wyck due in a few weeks; father-in-law and mother-in-law, George Stevens, and Sherrell (Wesley) Tomlin, and sister-in-law, Jennifer Stevens.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, May 28, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at North Stockbridge Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

David Bauer

David Bauer of Chelsea, Michigan passed away at his home on May 17, 2023. He was born the son of Mark W. and Betty R. (Fletcher) Bauer on December 14, 1954 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

David loved being social and cooking for his family and friends. He was known for many dishes that included deviled eggs, meatloaf, potato and tuna salads.

David is survived by his siblings, Janet (Dennis) Williams and Mark (Julie) Bauer; nieces, Megan and Traci; nephews, Dennis and Marc. David was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Larry Bauer.

A graveside service will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Chelsea Faith in Action.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Lee F. Clark

Lee F. Clark, age 83, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on May 16, 2023 with his family by his side. Lee was born on May 20, 1939 in Stockbridge, MI to Jack and Marion (Sommer) Clark.

Lee was born, raised, lived, raised his family, and passed away all in Stockbridge, MI. He was a true Stockbridge man.

On April 7, 1962, he married the love of his life, Betty L. (Boring) Clark. Lee was employed by the State of Michigan for over 30 plus years working for the Jackson Prison. He loved to tinker with just about anything; you name it he could work on it. He enjoyed all types of tractors, especially John Deere tractors.

Lee is survived by his wife, Betty, their two children, Shelley (Steve) Gottschalk of Dansville, and Stephen (Shannon) Clark of Mason; two sisters, Sherry (Clark) Weitlauf of Stockbridge and Julie Clark of Mason, and one brother, Tim (Dawn) Clark of Stockbridge; and six grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Alice Ledwidge

Alice Ledwidge, age eighty-nine, formerly of Dexter Twp., MI, went peacefully to the Lord with family by her side on April 22, 2023. Alice was born during 1933 in Montevideo, MN to Oliver and Gertrude Olson. After graduating from Montevideo Central High School, Alice went on to earn a Registered Nurse degree from the Presentation School of Nursing in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Alice married Jeremiah Ledwidge in 1956 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney, MI. God blessed Alice and Jeremiah with three children: Leisa (Jay) Achterhoff, Paul (Laura) Ledwidge, and Karen (Kim) Bondar. Alice was devoted to her family and lived always in the light of God.  Alice was a longstanding member of the St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Dexter, MI.

Alice is survived by her children; six grandchildren: Jeffery, Jeremiah, Jordan, Patrick, Anna and Hadley; five great-grandchildren: Cameran, Alek, Scotland, Jackson and Beau. Alice was preceded in death by her parents and husband; and survived by a brother, David Olson. 

Alice loved to prepare and share meals with family and friends. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren, gardening, knitting, sewing, traveling, ice skating, bird watching, golfing, and chatting with people. Alice practiced nursing at McPherson Hospital and Mercywood Hospital, and later worked at Dexter Wylie Middle School.

On May 12, 2023, the Mass of Christian Burial was prayed at St. Joseph Catholic Church, followed by the Rite of Committal at North Lake Cemetery, The Reverend Brendan J. Walsh Presiding. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Faith In Action of Dexter-Chelsea and St. Louis Center of Chelsea.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Vincent J. Watkin

Vincent J. Watkin, age 80, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Belleville, MI, passed away at his home on May 11, 2023 with his loving family by his side.

Vincent was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England on July 11, 1942 to Benjamin and Olive (Hurst) Watkin. He married Carole M. (Wise) on September 26, 1964 in England. Vincent worked for Ford Motor Company for many years, retiring in 2012. He had lived in Belleville for many years, just recently moving to Chelsea.

Vincent was a social guy. He loved talking to people and going to the Pub. He was one that never sat still. He enjoyed vacationing and spending time in St. Augustine, FL. He dearly loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carole Watkin, and four children: Jeffrey (Kathleen) Watkin of Chelsea, John (Staci) Watkin of Taylor, Dawn Butler of Florida, and Diane (Brandon) Lockman of Chelsea; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; also two sisters, Julie A. Woodward and Vivian Hinks, both of Wales. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., where the family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Senior Center or Faith in Action.

Ronnie R. "Ron" Cole

Ronnie R. Cole, age 64, of Jackson, MI, passed away on May 9, 2023 at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. Ronnie was born on August 19, 1958 in Jackson, MI to John Edward and Shirley (Bailey) Cole.

On May 6, 1978, Ron married Elizabeth (Foster). He was employed by Henry Ford Jackson Hospital for many years and retired in 2021. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed the outdoors, sports, and mushroom foraging with his sons in the spring and fall. He had a special place in his heart for his two cats, Jack and Cubbie Joe. They will miss sitting and relaxing with him.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and two sons, Ron Cole of Jackson and Adam (Dani) Cole of Alberta, Canada, and one granddaughter, the light of his life, Abigail Elizabeth Cole of Alberta, Canada. He is also survived by his three brothers, Rickie (Charlene) Cole of Michigan, Mark (Missye) Cole of Georgia, and Eric (Georgia) Cole of Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Per Ronnie's wishes no services will be held. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.