Hunter M. Allen

Hunter Michael Allen, age 22, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on February 1, 2024, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all those who knew him.

He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Daniel (Brandy) Allen and Jayma (Donald Jr.) Bollinger.

If you were blessed to have known him, you know his smile, good humor, friendliness, and outgoing personality endeared him to all, and he truly never met a stranger.

He grew up in the Chelsea area and graduated from Chelsea High School in 2020. During high school he lettered in baseball, football, and bowling. Hunter was an avid outdoorsman who loved spending time hunting in the woods and casting a line in the nearest body of water. He had an adventurous spirit and over the years spent time riding dirt bikes, driving in the demolition derby, and even bull riding.

Hunter recently began working with his dad and started his own business, 2nd Gen Trim, and was enjoying his new career as a finish carpenter.

Besides his parents, Hunter is survived by his siblings, Shelby Sylvain, Darren Bollinger, and Braxson “Buck” Allen, all of Waterloo Township; his significant other, Olivia Shaw of Howell; his grandparents: Peggy (Dan) Nutt of Grass Lake, Danny (Sue Hutchinson) Allen of Brooklyn, Mike and Anita Spears of Chelsea, Becky (John Engelbert) Allen of Stockbridge, Donna Schwartzenberger of Ann Arbor, John Inverarity of Lawrence, KS, Dareld and Martha Albright of Lawrence, KS and great-grandmother “Gigi”, Frances Wagley of Ann Arbor, Faye (Rick) Sweeney of Stockbridge, and Donald Sr. (Michelle Grambau) Bollinger; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his uncles, Michael Spears and James Bollinger, grandparents, Judy Inverarity, Joseph Schwartzenberger, Dorothy (Richard) Fouty, Norm (Erma) O’Connor, Marlene (Joe) Keezer, Madeline and Clyde Martin, Thomas and Margaret Spears, Paul and Beverly Bollinger, and Christine Rentschler; cousins, Jay Robert Westcott and Johnny Westcott; aunt, Linda Westcott, and special aunt, Priscilla “Tootsie” Hale.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Faith Baptist Church, 4030 Kalmbach Rd., Chelsea, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as on Thursday from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Faith Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.

The family requests attendees dress in casual attire, as Hunter would want it no other way, preferably jeans, flannels, and boots.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea High School Scholarship Fund, in memo put: Hunter Allen Memorial.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Kathleen "Kathy" M. Haywood

Kathleen “Kathy” Marie Haywood, age 81, of Chelsea, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 1, 2024. She was born October 16, 1942, in Whitmore Lake, MI. She grew up in Ann Arbor, graduating from Ann Arbor High in 1960. She moved to Chelsea with her husband, Don Haywood, in 1969.

Kathy spent her working years first at the University of Michigan and then as a housekeeper for many local families. She volunteered in the community at the Chelsea Fair Kitchen and bingo tent, St. Mary Catholic Church, and with the Knights of Columbus. She loved to read, take trips to the casino, and had quite a knack for creating beautiful quilts. If you are lucky enough to own one, you know the love that was put into it, and that it will last forever.

Kathy is survived by her daughter, Erin Throneberry (Jared), grandchild, Sloane, her adopted daughter, Valerie Houle (Pat), and the second love of her life, John Phelps; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Donald A. Haywood, and her parents, Phillip and Raffaela Collica.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8pm, with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. Wiliam J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Grove East Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

The family would like to extend many thanks to the staff at Chelsea Community Hospital, (Honor) Senior Home Care, Arbor Hospice, and University Senior Living for their compassion and care. True angels on earth!

Frances H. Haidler

Frances Helen Haidler passed away peacefully at her home in Gregory, MI with loved ones by her side on December 18, 2023. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill. Frances was born to John Henry and Margaret Mary (Landua) Hirt on August 16, 1925 and grew up on her family’s dairy farm in rural Taylor County, WI. She was the second oldest of twelve Hirt children and is survived by four siblings: her older sister, Sr Anita Hirt, brother, Raymond Hirt, sisters, Leah Sladek, and Tootie (Imelda) Wozniak. Also surviving are her four children, Patricia Haidler, Maria Fox (James), John Haidler (Laurie) and Robert Haidler (Jill); her six grandchildren who she loved and cherished: Joseph and Christine Haidler, Ian and Alexander Fox, Julia and Henry Haidler.

Frances completed nurse’s training in 1946 at Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing in Marshfield, WI. She worked as a general duty and surgical nurse at hospitals in Medford and Elkhorn, WI before serving in the US Army Nurse Corps as an RN, First Lieutenant, stationed at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, CO, where she met her husband, Second Lieutenant William (Bill) Haidler. They were married in Medford, WI on September 12, 1952.

Shortly after marrying Bill, she completed her five year military commitment and was honorably discharged from the Army on October 17, 1953. They lived in Denver until being assigned to Tachikawa AFB in Japan. Thus began a life-long love of adventure and travel. Wherever their Air Force career took them, she created a warm and welcoming home for her family. Fran and Bill retired to Niles, MI in 1976, where they became long-time residents.

She enjoyed traveling and visited all seven continents with Bill during their 63 year marriage. She was a registered nurse and an active volunteer at the Lakeland Hospital Gift Shop in Niles, MI. Before that, she was active in nurse recruiting in Colorado and Ohio. Always an avid reader, she read to the visually impaired as a Volunteer for the Visually Handicapped in Bethesda, MD.

She was also a long-time volunteer with the Niles Garden Club and a volunteer and supporter of the Fernwood Botanical Garden in southwest Michigan. Frances was fearless in the garden and could easily spend all day gardening and took great delight in seeing what would grow (or not!) If asked, she would readily share her hard-earned plant wisdom.

Frances treasured her children and grandchildren and always had a keen interest in their welfare and activities. She leaves them with many warm memories of hiking, skiing, golfing, going to the beach, spending lazy days at Lake Michigan and exploring new surroundings.

Frances was a unique woman of quiet grace, open-minded with clarity of thought and a strong sense of duty. She was a loving and caring soul, absolutely devoted to her family and faith and kind to all. She was a great source of comfort, knowledge and support to those who knew her. Her warmth and graciousness are her lasting gifts to her family.

She will be cremated and later interred next to her beloved husband, Bill, at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at the Bell Tower Chapel, 1500 O’Day Street, Merrill, WI 54452.

Donations in memoriam may be made to the Women’s Military Memorial, WomensMemorial.org.

The Military Women’s Memorial is the nation’s only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America, beginning with the American Revolution. Visitors to the Memorial experience the collective history of women in the military along with the individual stories of registered servicewomen. The Memorial’s world-class collection and research library are important resources for scholars, researchers and authors.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

David J. Longe

David J. Longe, of Chelsea, MI, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 31, 2024, at Chelsea Hospital in Chelsea, MI. He was born on August 14, 1936 in Connecticut the son of Daniel and Miladore (Greening) Longe.

He was a beloved, favorite educator and coach for more than 50 years. He dedicated over 30 of those years at St. Francis of Assisi Middle School, where he also coached 7th and 8th grade basketball.

He graduated from De La Salle Collegiate High School in Detroit and then received his BA from the University of Detroit. Though he grew up in Detroit, his roots to Chelsea run deep. He spent most of his summers at his family homestead north of Chelsea, where he enjoyed spending time on North Lake and at Inverness Country Club golfing. Rumor has it, he could’ve become a professional golfer for as much time as he spent on the course. He was an avid vinyl record and baseball card collector and loved to share stories with his family about his keepsakes. He was often seen driving around town, and if he wasn’t driving, he could be found at the Chelsea softball fields watching his daughters or granddaughters, always eager for the next game.

He is survived by his children, Danielle Longe of Chelsea, Shannon (Jason) Longe-Bagbey of Chelsea, Erin (Josh) Parker of Chelsea, Kelly (Robert) Smyczynski of Pinckney, Michelle (Jon) Mykala of Chelsea, Kim (Mike) Ferry of Gregory, Nicole (Dale) Allen of Chelsea, and Matthew Collins of Chelsea; 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a sister, Catherine Johnson of Georgia, one niece and nephew; and extended family, Paula Madar of Northville. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and the mother of all the children, Lynda Collins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024, 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. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Athletic Boosters-Softball Program.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Dennis G. Hamilton

Dennis Gordon Hamilton, age 77, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2024 in Chelsea, MI, surrounded by family.

Dennis was born on November 9, 1946 to Robert and Phyllis Hamilton of Manchester, MI, the third of four sons. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1965. Denny worked in the family business, Manchester Locker Plant, for many years with his father and brothers. Denny enjoyed playing golf with his longtime buddies and was an avid University of Michigan football fan. He lived the majority of his life in Manchester and most recently in Chelsea.

Dennis will be remembered as a kind-hearted guy who deeply loved his family and cherished longtime friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Robert and Phyllis Hamilton, brother, Gary Hamilton, brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Cheryl Hamilton, and niece, Melissa Hamilton Revill. Denny is survived by his brother, Steve (Sharon) Hamilton, sister-in-law, Sandra Hamilton Tilly, nieces, Lisa (Greg) Brown, Jessica (Nick) Mastroionni, and Jenna (Ryan) Kappler. Dennis was also the loving great-uncle of five great-nieces, four great-nephews, and a great-great-uncle of one niece.

Cremation will be entrusted to Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI. Interment of ashes will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in his honor.

Russell A. Brown

Russell A. Brown, age 55, of Napoleon, MI went to join his Lord on January 26, 2024. He leaves behind his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Kouba of Alpena, MI, his loving sister, Melissa (Kirk) Dettling of Napoleon, MI, his younger brother, Jason (Liliana) Kouba of Arvada, CO, his older brother, Eric (Michelle) Kouba of Canton, MI; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, Lisa Brown, Melissa Vorce, Melanie Knickerbocker, and the lights of his life, his grand babies, Lilly and Lucas.

The family will receive friends for a celebration of life gathering on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Karen A. Price

Karen Allene Price, age 75, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on January 29, 2024 at her home.

Karen was born on May 30, 1948 in Northville, MI, the daughter of Roland and Grace (Center) Spencer. She grew up in Ortonville, one of fourteen children. She enjoyed spending time outside, gardening and tending to her flowers. Most of all she loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

On March 20, 1986, she married Thomas J. Price in Howell, MI, and they enjoyed nearly 38 years of marriage. Also surviving are three children, Matt (Nicole) Caroen of Stockbridge, Andrew Caroen of Brooklyn, and James Caroen of Brooklyn, and three step-children, Tim (Lindsay) Price of Brighton, Todd Price of Pinckney, and Scott (Gigi) Price of Pinckney; twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; her siblings: Dave Spencer of North Carolina, Randy Spencer of North Carolina, Greg Spencer of White Lake, MI, Sheila Ashley of North Carolina, Judy Reeves of Mt. Pleasant, MI, Dianna Rives of Spring Lake, MI, Marion Ring of Rock, MI, and Linda Sanders of White Lake, MI. She was preceded in death by five siblings: Edward Spencer, Daniel Spencer, Michael Spencer, Janet Murphy, and Connie Cross.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, MI with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA).

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Mae June P. Rowe

Mae June Pauline Rowe, age 94, of Jackson, MI, passed away on January 28, 2024 at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital.

Mae June was born on May 31, 1929 in Ypsilanti, MI to Theodore and Pauline C. (Wilhelm) Eichstadt. Growing up on a farm on Martz Road in Ypsilanti, she loved horses. She enjoyed going to church and music of all kinds. She was a member of St. Jacob Lutheran Church in Grass Lake. She also enjoyed playing cards and belonged to a Euchre club. She spent time crocheting, tending to her flower garden, and was also a Tigers fan. She loved to cook and loved spending time with her family, taking pleasure in watching her grandchildren on the horses, and spending time with her dog, Rex. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

On May 7, 1949 she married Oramel Lee Rowe in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and they enjoyed nearly 71 years of marriage. He preceded her in death in 2020. Surviving are three children, Diane (Russell) McGauley, Carol (Tom) Caroen, and Theodore (Melinda) Rowe; six grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her five siblings: Harry (Laura) Eichstadt, Edward (Mable) Eichstadt, William (Mae) Eichstadt, Margaret (Myron) Antcliff, and Ruth Watts.

Funeral services will be held at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grass Lake on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Kurt Uhlenbrauck officiating. Burial will follow at St. Jacob Lutheran Church Cemetery in Grass Lake, MI. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jacob Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Bruce James Chandler

Bruce James Chandler, age 66 of Munith, Michigan, passed away on January 27, 2024 at his home. He was born the son of Big Jim and Dora (Rodrick) Chandler on January 7, 1958 in Gardner, Maine.

On May 11, 2001, he married Martha Jane Kies, and she survives. Bruce was an avid supporter of the United States Constitution and the Second Amendment. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He was a firefighter and EMT for Henrietta Township for many years and enjoyed working on classic cars.

In addition to his wife, Martha, he is survived by his daughters, Barbara, Jill, Heather, Danielle, Robbin, and Samantha; 12 plus grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, big Jim and Dora Chandler, daughter, Marie Chandler; his brother, Walden, and his sister-in-law, Elain Chandler.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a private service will take place at a later date. Condolences may be mailed to 901 N Main St. Chelsea, MI in care of the Chandler family.

Vickie B. Kern

Vickie Bea Kern, age 72, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on January 26, 2024 at her home in Lima Twp, MI.

Vickie was born on May 17, 1951 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Vernie F. and Vernese (Holland) Sowards. Vickie grew up in Jackson, MI and moved to the Chelsea area in 1970 when she married Thomas D. Kern.

Tom and Vickie were married in Chelsea on November 7, 1970 and enjoyed 53 years of marriage. They raised their four children on the farm, where she learned the value of hard work. She was a 4-H Leader and a proud supporter of the Chelsea Fair. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother who put her family first. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening, canning, and cooking, and she took pleasure in teaching her grandchildren these skills. Another of her hobbies was making and painting porcelain dolls.

Vickie is survived by her husband, Tom, their children, Kevin (Jill) Kern of Chelsea, Garrett (Jennifer) Kern of Grass Lake, Becky (Harold) Burchett, and Heather (Frank Kornexl) Kern of Chelsea; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Michael (Debbie) Sowards of Florida, and Brad (Stephanie) Sowards of Virginia, and a sister, Jill Harkness of Grand Rapids. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Josh Kuck officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair.