Emma C. Allison

Emma Chloe Allison, of Stockbridge, MI, age 70, passed away on September 15, 2023 at her home in Stockbridge, MI.

Emma was born on October 8, 1952 in Waynesburg, PA to Alvan and Coradel (Jacobs) Allison. She had lived in the Stockbridge area for the past 50 years. She worked as an assistant broadcast engineer for TV 31. Emma was a member of the Stockbridge United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling up north, enjoying many of the State Parks, and she enjoyed baking cookies.

Emma is survived by seven children, James Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, Alvan of Jackson, Kevin (Nicole) of Munith, David (Allison) of Ft. Worth, TX, Steven (Michelle) of Stockbridge, Scott (Richard) of West Bloomfield, and Jerry of Stockbridge; as well as 10 grandchildren, and one brother, Alvan D. Allison of Morgantown, WV. She was preceded in death by an infant brother, Kent Allison, and the father of her children, James Allison Sr.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Stockbridge United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 1-2 p.m. Burial will take place in Penn Forest Natural Burial Park in Verona, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Joseph G. Burman II

Joseph G. Burman II, of Chelsea, MI, age 65, passed away surrounded by his family, after a long, tough fight with cancer on September 15, 2023 in Chelsea, MI. Joe was born on June 19, 1958, the son of Joseph Sr. and Virginia (Borieo) Burman.

He married Teresa Lynne (Breza) on October 24, 1981, and she survives him. Joe moved from Saline to Chelsea in 1981, where he and Teresa raised their family. He worked as an electrician for the University of Michigan, retiring after 30 years. He was an all around handyman, and he also owned his own electrical company. Joe was always the life of the party. He was good to others, and he had a lot of friends. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a member of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed cooking for others and smoking meats. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Teresa, he is survived by three children, Jessica (Nick Gieske) Burman of Grass Lake, Christina (Dan) Whitesall of Chelsea, and Adam (Katelyn McClanahan) Burman of Grass Lake; 10 grandchildren; his mother, Virginia Burman of Saline; and his siblings, Cynthia (Bill) Harrison of Waterloo, Jennifer Escott of Britton, MI, and Jeffrey (Helen) Burman, of Britton, MI. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Burman Sr. and a brother-in-law, Gary Escott.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Deacon John Liddle officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, September 18, 2023 from 6-8 p.m., as well as on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Please join the family for a luncheon at the Chelsea Fairgrounds.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Kevin D. Grim

Kevin Daniel Grim, of Ann Arbor, MI, age 61, died September 6, 2023, after a lengthy illness. He was born April 14, 1962.

Kevin had a passion for watching football. He also loved hunting and fishing, and one of his favorite hobbies was to have an extraordinary garden and lawn. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, funny jokes, and love for dancing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Grim, and his parents, Gary and Sharon Grim. He is survived by his son, Jason (Jennifer) Grim, daughter, Jessica Grim, and son, Nicholas (Charla) Grim; grandchildren, Conor Grim, Morgan Grim, Mason Grim, Madelyn Grim, and Garrison Grim; as well as his brother, Richard (Jill) Grim, sister, Kathleen (Wade) Beitelschies, brother, Gary (Beth) Grim, many nieces and nephews, and partner, Linda Johnson.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. A private service and burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery.

Andrew G. Noble

Andrew Glenn Noble, age 44, of Nokomis, FL, passed away on September 4, 2023.

Andrew was born on January 13, 1979 in Howell, MI to Daniel and Pamela (Laurel) Noble. Andrew grew up in the Stockbridge area and had lived in Florida for the past 10 years, where he was self-employed in the construction industry. He enjoyed hunting and tinkering with cars.

He is survived by his father and step-mother, Daniel (Diane) Noble of Stockbridge, sister, Amanda Noble of Coleman, MI, step-sisters, Stacy (Matthew) Wright of Gregory, MI, Tracy (Shawn) Warren of Munith, MI, and Wendy (Jason) Garrison of Chelsea, MI; as well as many step-nieces and step-nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pamela Noble, grandmother, Gloria Noble, and uncle, Earl Rau.

Local arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Conrad Connelley

Conrad Connelley, age 90, of Chelsea, MI passed away peacefully September 4, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

He was born in Salyersville, KY on September 26, 1932. Conrad was the son of the late Francis and Gladys (Blankenship) Connelley.

Con was married to Faye (Adams) Connelley on October 5, 1951. To the union was born three children: Doug, Connie, and Mike. Con was preceded in death by his son, Doug, on July 16, 2023, sister, Aliene McCoy, and brother, Walter Francis Connelley.

Con is survived by his loving wife, Faye, daughter, Connie (Nando) Connelley Mejia, of Pinckney, MI, and son, Michael Connelley, of Ann Arbor, MI, as well as grandsons, Chris Pittao, of Windsor, Canada, and Cameron Fraser of Pinckney, MI.

Con grew up in Salyersville, a little town in eastern Kentucky, where everyone was like family. He loved fishing from the Licking River, hunting in the beautiful hills, and playing basketball with friends at an old hoop put on a barn. He loved UK basketball and never missed a game on the television.

After he and Faye married, he worked in the gas and oil fields for a short time before moving to Chelsea in 1951. He then worked at Ford Motor Company until retiring. Con was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was dedicated to his family, his work, and his church.

Con long ago became a member of the Faith Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir, loved the Lord, and trusted in Him always.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, 2:00 p.m., at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea, MI, with Pastor Adam Summers officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis Center.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Joseph S. Gurkey

Joseph S. Gurkey, age 49, of Chelsea, MI, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Dexter Township on August 31, 2023.

Joe was born on July 7, 1974 in Mayfield Heights, OH to Joseph S. and Carol A. (Perlatti) Gurkey. He married Alyssabethe F. (Mefford) on October 4, 2003 in Lyndhurst, OH. They moved to Michigan shortly thereafter and have resided in Chelsea since 2017. He worked as a claims manager for 27 years for Progressive Insurance. Joe loved spending time outdoors. He was passionate about the weather and always wanted to be a meteorologist. He closely followed the Weather Channel, and at one point was a "spotter" for NBC News in Ohio. He was the most devoted and loving husband, father, and son, and a dear friend to many.

Joe is survived by his wife, Alyssa, three children, Grace, Jack, and Kate, his parents, Joseph and Carol Gurkey of Concord Twp., Ohio, mother-in-law, Marilyn Ford of The Villages, FL; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Thursday, September 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m., with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Due to the temporary road closure on M-52 just north of the funeral home, please know that you can still get to the funeral home.

If you are coming from the north, follow the detour signs to Sibley Road. If you are coming from the south (or town), the road is still open to local traffic. Go around the barricade.

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

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Richard L. Zieman

Richard L. Zieman, of Jackson MI, formerly of Dearborn Heights and Chelsea, MI, passed away on August 31, 2023. Richard was born on September 5, 1929 in Detroit, MI to Herbert M. and Arline Zieman.

He married Gayle (Nagle) on September 13, 1952. They lived in Dearborn Heights, MI until her death in 2011. In 2014, Richard moved to Chelsea, MI, where he lived until 2021, when he moved to Jackson, MI.

Richard worked as a truck driver for many years and was a US Navy veteran. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling, ice cream, and was a big fan of local sports teams.

Richard is survived by two children, Jill (Thomas) Demske of Chelsea, MI and Richard (Julie) Zieman of Taylor, MI, and five grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Zieman.

A memorial service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 12:00 p.m., with visitation from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest at a later date in the Great Lakes National Cemetery.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Judy Kay Armstrong

Judy K. Armstrong, age 72, of Laingsburg, MI, formerly of Gregory, MI, passed away on August 29, 2023 in Lansing, MI. Judy was born in Ann Arbor, MI on February 2, 1951 to Carl J. and Lillian (Allshouse) Sanderson. She married Charles D. Armstrong on March 3, 1973.

Judy and Chuck lived in Gregory, MI for over 40 years and recently moved to Laingsburg MI to be closer to their family. Judy was a dedicated administrative assistant at Beach Middle School for over 20 years. She was a member of First Congregational Church of Chelsea for many years. Judy had a passion for quilting, sewing, and crocheting. She loved to make quilts and blankets for her family and friends. She also enjoyed RVing and spending time with her grandchildren. Judy also spent many summers gardening and canning.

Judy is survived by her husband, Charles, and their three children, Aimee (Brian) Byars and Erin (Richard) Chelotti, all of Dewitt, and Bob (Christin) Armstrong of East Lansing; one brother, Larry (Judy) Sanderson, and one sister, Trudi (Brian) Whitley, all of Grass Lake; nine grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Judy was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Barbara Edema officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., as well as at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church of Chelsea or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (www. themmrf.org).

Shirley S. Adams

Shirley S. Adams, of Dexter, MI, age 88, passed away on August 7, 2023 after bravely battling dementia for several years. Shirley was born on September 3, 1934 in Queens, NY, the daughter of Raymond and Enid (Constant) Sherwood.

Shirley grew up in Manhasset, NY and attended Lasell College in Newton, MA. On May 10, 1958, she married Neil J. Adams of Chicago in Manhasset, NY. They lived in New York for several years before moving to Ann Arbor in 1962. Shirley worked as a medical secretary for several private practices in the area as well as Mott Children’s Hospital for many years. She also worked at the National Highway Safety Research Institute for several years. Raising a family in a fantastic Ann Arbor neighborhood, she was the classic “Kool-Aid Mom” to dozens of kids and was always there to support and provide the oft needed band-aid. Shirley and Neil remained close friends with families first met in 1962.

Shirley and Neil moved to and restored a farmhouse in Dexter in 1991, where she enjoyed gardening, quilting, needlework of many kinds and knitting. She was a talented seamstress who could sew anything. She and Neil traveled extensively in their motorhomes, covering most of the country. They also traveled internationally with trips to China and much of Europe. She enjoyed playing tennis into her late seventies and loved to watch her eight grandchildren play sports, rarely missing a game over 30 years. She loved spending time at the family cottage on Baseline Lake and enjoyed many full-family events. She was a 50+ year member of the First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor, and a longtime member of the Dexter Area Historical Society Guild, and enjoyed participating in activities in both. She went on a number of church mission trips to the south to help rebuild communities following hurricanes. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.

Shirley is survived by her husband of over 65 years, Neil; three children, James (Jill) Adams of Dexter, Robert (Kimberly) Adams of Pinckney and Sheri (Rick) Judkins of Ann Arbor as well as eight grandchildren: Christopher and Robert Adams, Ryan, Andrew, Michael, and Neil Adams, and Emily and Nicole Judkins.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. A light lunch will follow.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Shirley's memory may do so to the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor or the Dexter Area Historical Society.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Robert J. "Bob" Hafstad

Robert "Bob" Hafstad, of Taylor, MI, age 81, passed away on August 23, 2023 at Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn, MI. Bob was born on September 18, 1941 in Cass County, North Dakota to Garrett and Bertha (Zimprich) Hafstad.

Bob married Jerrie (Lehnen) on November 7, 1975 in Westland, MI. Bob was a member of Faith Baptist Church for over four years. He had a strong faith and loved just chatting with the Lord. He loved singing when he was working, playing, or resting. He enjoyed working as a truck driver and doing training ride-alongs. Bob never met a stranger. He always could make anyone laugh. He was fun-loving man and most of all, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Bob will be missed by his wife and their children, Robert Allen (Katrina) Byrum, Karen (William) Castleman, Lori Jean (John) Whitaker, Kristen (Eric) Sielaff; 25 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; sister, Kathleen Nanett Rice; brother, Thomas Garrett Hafstad. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Karen Kay Young; sisters, Joann Bretzlaff and Rosemary Garcia; brother-in-law, Lash Rice; sister-in-law, Claudia Hafstad.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at Faith Baptist Church, 4030 Kalmbach Road, Chelsea, with Pastor Adam Summers officiating. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.