David B. Steinbach

David Blake Steinbach of North Lake, Michigan, age 64, passed away on August 9, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Dave was born on May 5, 1959 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Ray and Alice (Bregger) Steinbach. He grew up in Chelsea, Michigan and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977.

Dave attended Northern Michigan University and then joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Nuclear Reactor Operator on the U.S.S. Omaha based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On September 7, 1984, Dave married the love of his life, Shannon Springer, and while still serving in the Navy, son Sean and daughter Tracy were born. After leaving the Navy, Dave and Shannon returned to Michigan, and Dave started working at the University of Michigan, where he was employed at the College of Engineering supporting classroom technology for over 34 years.

Dave’s true passions were family, the outdoors, and University of Michigan sports. He loved anything to do with hunting, fishing, and conservation. Dave was a hunter safety instructor and an active member of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club, where he served in a number of positions, including president. He also helped start and was an active instructor of the youth shooting group since 2002. Dave also served in many positions of leadership with the local, state, and national chapters of Ducks Unlimited, Inc., where his involvement and contributions will serve the organization for years to come.

Dave loved to entertain, host gatherings, and make others happy. From his famous wild game meals, to fund-raising dinners, to his annual North Lake Fireworks celebration, Dave’s gift was bringing people together. One of Dave’s favorite places to get away to was Murph’s Camp in the Upper Peninsula, where he spent the opening week of deer season for over 30 years. The camp was also the location for relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends throughout the year.

Dave is survived by his wife, Shannon (Springer); son, Sean Steinbach; daughter, Tracy Steinbach; brother, Vic (Shari) Steinbach; mother-in-law, Sallie Springer; sisters-in-law, Sherrie Springer and Shelly (Curt) Kessler; and many nieces and nephews who affectionately called Dave “Uncle Buck.”

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Alice Steinbach, and father-in-law, Sheridan Springer. Dave’s life was enriched by all the friendships he made over the years and he will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, on Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the Chelsea Rod & Gun Club, 7103 Lingane Rd., Chelsea.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Dave’s memory may do so to the Chelsea Rod & Gun Club or Western Washtenaw Ducks Unlimited.

Irene Ida Naegeli

Irene Ida (Blaser) Naegeli, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the age of 96. She was born on February 3, 1927 in Basel, Switzerland, the daughter of Gottfried and Katharina (Weber) Blaser. Irene had lived most recently at Silver Maples of Chelsea, Michigan for the past ten years, spending many years previous to that in Harbor Springs, Michigan.

Born, raised and educated in her home country of Switzerland, Irene then transitioned into a truly fascinating adult life that included many highlights such as - working for the Swiss Foreign Office inBelgrade, Yugoslavia; meeting her future husband skiing in the Swiss Alps; emigrating alone to the USA in 1956; marrying Edward Naegeli in Michigan in 1957; obtaining US citizenship in 1963; raising their five children; living in Germany and England with the family from 1973 – ‘87 while Edward served international assignments there for General Motors; and traveling much of the World upon his retirement. Hobbies and interests included nature and the outdoors, traveling, sewing and knitting, listening to music, golf and, above all, her family. Amazingly, in her early seventies, she quickly developed into a prolific producer of art. In her later homes, she was able to surround herself with her own stunning creations. She was interesting, interested and lived a life highlighted by positive attitude, good spirits, love, and gratitude.

Irene is survived by her five children, Esther (William) Durnwald of Portland, Michigan; Markus (Susan) Naegeli of Kokomo, Indiana; Christopher (Virginia) Naegeli of Franklin, Michigan; Monika (Bridget Benshetler) Naegeli of Snow Hill, Maryland; Lilian (James) Anderson of Ann Arbor, Michigan; her sister, Margrit Rochat of Evilard, Switzerland, thirteen grandchildren (Brigitte, William, Henry, Kaleb, Anna, Kira, Leah, Christina, Jakob, EmmaJane, Samuel, Gabriela and Christofer) and eight great grandchildren (Irene, Liam, Emma, Olivia, Desmond, Heidi, Nora and Luke). She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward (2017) and her two brothers, Freddy and Werner.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Irene Naegeli may be made to Faith In Action, a community funded assistance and resource center in Chelsea Faith In Action - Make a Donation (faithinaction1.org)

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, 1:30 p.m., at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

Rodger I. Stewart

Rodger Ira Stewart, of Grass Lake, MI, age 66, passed away on August 8, 2023 in Chelsea, MI.

Rodger was born on February 26, 1957, the son of Harold and Virginia (Peck) Stewart. He had lived in the Chelsea area most of his life, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1975. On June 30, 1979, he married Anita A. (Harat) in Chelsea, MI. He was self-employed as a mason for many years. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, deer hunting and fishing. He loved watching a good Western or Army movie.

In addition to his wife, Anita, he is survived by two children, Cory (Hannah) Stewart of Chelsea, and Jesse (Kelly) Stewart of St. Clair Shores; four grandchildren, Cameron, Riley, Jenna, and Allison; his siblings, Ralph Stewart, Richard Stewart, and Brenda (David) Smyth, all of Grass Lake; Sharon Anteau and Leona Ingram; sister-in-law, Monica Maurer of Grass Lake, and brother-in-law, Bruce Dygert of Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Bradley Quinn Sullivan

Bradley Quinn Sullivan, age 22, passed away on August 6, 2023. He was born the son of Michael and Annette Sullivan on April 15, 2001 in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Brad lived a dynamic life.  In so few years he experienced far more than most, and more than we even know. He met and endeared himself to many people, both friends and acquaintances.  He was always willing to help someone in need, really anything. 

Brad found awe in life in his travels and excitement in most anything new. He took his own unique path in life; it was his university. He was a small scale entrepreneur, always finding a way to do something better. He was destined to start his own business one day. No doubt he would have been wildly successful once he found and focused on his true passion. He recognized the need to acquire the finer skills to enable his dreams.

When he passed, Brad again was going after his unique approach to explore excitement, new experiences, and gaining knowledge, as he was in the process of joining the United States Air Force and hoped to start a degree in business while there. 

Brad loved his country deeply. The energy of his dreams and visions inspired many and those fortunate to know him will never forget him. He loved his mother, father and siblings and his puppy, Gus.  In addition to his parents, he is survived by his siblings, Mack (Maureen) Sullivan, Wesley Sullivan, and Russell Sullivan. He is also survived by his grandfather, Lloyd Clapper, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Brad was preceded in death by his grandmother, Sandra Clapper, and his grandparents, Paul and Barb Sullivan.

A public visitation will take place Thursday, August 10, 2023 at the Staffan-Mitchell  Funeral Home from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  A private service will take place at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation or The Sullivan Family Go Fund Me.

Karen Lynn Bush

Karen Lynn Bush, age 52, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away on August 6, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family. Karen was born on January 28, 1971, in Clovis, New Mexico, the daughter of Jerry and Vicki (Mitchell) Poley. She graduated from Manchester High School, class of 1989.

She had lived in the Grass Lake area for the past 22 years, and she worked in the accounting department at Kia of Jackson for the past 15 plus years. Karen enjoyed crafts and painting. She loved her dog, Bella, and enjoyed spending time outside, whether it was gardening, fishing, or hunting. She also enjoyed camping and traveling. One of her favorite trips was with her husband, Gary, to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. She took a couple special trips with her sister, Amie, filling much of her bucket list which included Alaska and Yellowstone. Most of all she loved her family.

She is survived by her husband of almost 30 years, Gary Bush, her father, Jerry Poley of Grass Lake; sister, Amie Armstrong of Manchester; aunt, Jacki (Karl) Roehm of Tecumseh; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Vicki L. Poley, in April 2023.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. as well as on Wednesday, from 12-1 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Burial will follow at Ridgeway Cemetery in Tecumseh, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Hospital Cancer Center. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Carol Ann Gerisch

Carol Ann (Laska) Gerisch, age 78, of Gregory, MI, passed away August 4, 2023 at U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. She was born on March 12, 1945, the eldest daughter of the late Arthur and Cecilia Laska.

She had lived on Bruin Lake for the last 54 years in the house she and her husband Robert built, spending winters in their beloved home in Florida. She worked as a teacher, coach, and administrator for River Rouge and Stockbridge Schools until she retired. She loved going to watch youth sporting events, gardening, quilting, off shore fishing in Florida, lake life, Michigan football, and most of all her grandchildren.

On June 28, 1968 she married Robert Gerisch, and he preceded her in death. Surviving is her son, Aaron (Meghan) Gerisch of Kingwood, TX; two granddaughters, Ayla and Khyla; two brothers, Arthur (Ann) Laska of Livonia, MI, and Scott (Shelly) Laska of Knoxville, TN; one sister, Mary Malone of Grosse Pointe, MI; also numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other extended family members.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Janet L. Harden

Janet L. Harden, age 72, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Livonia, MI and Linwood, MI, passed away on July 31, 2023. Janet was born on November 21, 1950 in Bay City, MI, the daughter of Leo and Marian (Luptowski) Kula.

Janet had lived in Livonia, MI for many years, and she most recently moved to Chelsea. She was a nurse for 50 years, graduating from Madonna University in 1973. She later received her MBA from Madonna University, and then her Master's in Nursing Administration and her PhD from the University of Michigan. For 20 years she served as Professor and Assistant Dean of the School of Nursing at Wayne State University.

She was a devoted Catholic her entire life and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Dexter. She enjoyed many crafts, crocheting, as well as reading. She also loved spending time outdoors, gardening, camping, and hiking. Most of all she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

On October 20, 1973 she married Edward C. Harden in Detroit, MI, and he survives. Also surviving are two children, Timothy (Michelle) Harden of Farmington Hills, and Susan (Michael) Schawinsky of Dexter; five grandchildren: Joseph "JW", Henry, Jillian, Abigail, and Cameron; and a sister, Lori (Thomas) Shaver of Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Leon and Robert Kula, and a sister, Carol Howlett.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Friday, August 4, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Saturday, August 5, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Village Church, 3430 Dover Street Dexter, MI, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh officiating. The family will also receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.

Burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dexter. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Gretchen (Craig) Scott

Gretchen (Craig) Scott, age 83, of Dexter, MI, passed away on July 19, 2023. She is survived by her husband, Douglas Scott.

She was the daughter of James and Edna (Krohn) Craig and was born March 16, 1940 in Providence, Rhode Island. Gretchen graduated from the Rhode Island School of Nursing and worked for many years in the ER, as well as the Neuro Intensive Care Unit, and Labor and Delivery. She worked for Beyer, St. Joseph Mercy, and the University of Michigan Hospitals. She also spent 20 years volunteering for the Dexter School District in the Bates Elementary Library. She loved her cats, hockey, the Boston Red Sox, and quahogs. Gretchen also volunteered over the years with the Huron Valley Humane Society and the Dexter Library Book Sales. 

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Michael (Alison) Althouse; grandchildren, Andrew (Kristen) Althouse, Evan (Gabbie) Althouse; great-grandchildren, Samantha Rose, and a great-grandson due in December. She was preceded in death by her brother, James Andrew “Andy” Craig. 

Per her wishes, there are no services at this time. A private burial will take place at a later date in Rhode Island.

Justin M. Gladstone

Justin Michael Gladstone, age 36, of Horton, MI, was called home on July 18, 2023. He was born August 14, 1986 in Jackson, MI, the son of Mark and Mariann (Huttenlocher) Gladstone.

Justin, a Panther, graduating in 2004 from Western Schools, enjoyed playing golf and baseball. Justin had a magnetic personality that was hard to match, with his outgoing nature and love for his family and friends. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially with his fiancé, Tayler Green, and sons, Tucker and Owen. Justin was a proud father, and was passionate about teaching the boys to hunt and fish. Justin was looking forward to his upcoming nuptials, and he could always be counted on for a good laugh. Justin was a member of St. Jacob Lutheran Evangelical Church in Grass Lake, where he took pride in being sexton of the church cemetery. Justin worked at Diversified Precision Products for the past two years. A son, a brother, an uncle, a fiancé, a father and a friend - Justin was a good man, a good man that will be remembered forever in the great memories he made with those whom he loved and who loved him.

Justin is survived by his parents, Mark and Mariann Gladstone, fiance, Tayler Green, children, Owen Gladstone and Tucker Heath, his grandmother, Marlene Huttenlocher, and a sister, Julie (Tyler) Northcutt of Texas. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Rowena Gladstone, and Everell Huttenlocher.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 from 5-8 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grass Lake, with Pastor Kurt Uhlenbrauck officiating. The family will also receive friends at the church on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to an educational fund for his children. Please make checks to Tayler Green.

Arlene L. Grau

Arlene Loretta (Koebbe) Grau, age 92, long time resident of Chelsea, passed away on July 17, 2023 at her home in Freedom Twp, MI. Arlene was born on May 1, 1931 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Emerson and Loretta (Heim) Koebbe. Arlene grew up in Dearborn and moved to Chelsea when she was 18 years old.

In the ninth grade, she said that she wanted to marry a farmer and have 12 kids. On December 18, 1948, she married Alton A. Grau, and they enjoyed 71 years of marriage. They were blessed with six children. Arlene was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, where she was baptized and confirmed on September 18, 1950. She was very active in the church community, serving as an altar guild member, a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Women of Zion, and a Funeral Committee volunteer. In November 2016, she was awarded Faithful Servant of the Year at Zion. She was a talented seamstress, and volunteered her sewing time and talent for L.W.R. (Lutheran World Relief). She loved and was grateful for her family and friends, her church, her farming life, and the community she lived in.

Arlene is survived by her children, Cheryl (Sam) Dimon of New York, Susan (Alan) Cohen of New Jersey, Michael (Lynne Knowlton) Grau of California, Timothy (Debra) Grau of Kentucky, Christopher Grau of Chelsea, and son-in-law, Ken Carty of Waterloo Twp.; 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, James Grau of Chelsea, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton A. Grau, daughter, Judith Grau, three brothers, Duane, Clair, and Melvin Koebbe, two sisters, Audrey Sisco, and Marilyn Boutet.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023,1:00 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Freedom Township, MI.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, July 21, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. , also at the church on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.