Joseph P. Kruse

Joseph Patrick Kruse, age 93, of Dearborn, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on March 19, 2024 (the Feast Day of St. Joseph). He was born on November 2, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan.

Joe led a remarkable life filled with love, laughter, and service to others. Throughout his life, Joe's warm and jovial personality touched the hearts of all who knew him. He was known for his infectious good mood, sense of humor, and generosity. Joe's unwavering dedication to the church began at a young age when he joined the seminary at 13 and never faltered.

Joe was a dedicated member of the US Army, where he served his country with honor, stationed in Germany. His commitment to duty and country was evident throughout his military service. After his time in the service, Joe embarked on a fulfilling career as a special education teacher in Hazel Park, where he met his beloved wife, Rose. Their love story was one of devotion and companionship until her passing.

A devout Catholic, Joe worshiped at Divine Child Catholic Church in Dearborn, MI, where his faith played a central role in his life. He attended Mass daily, frequently walking to the church even in the winter until he was 89. He then moved to the country to be close to his sister, Margaret Mary, and attended St. Agnes Catholic Church in Fowlerville, Michigan.

Joe will be deeply missed by his surviving sister, Margaret Mary Kruse Byars, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife, Rose Garofalo Kruse, his parents, Ann Nester and Francis Richard Kruse, his brothers, Francis Richard Jr., John Alphonse, and Thomas Michael Kruse, and his sister, Mary Ann Howard.

Visitation for Joe Kruse will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Fowlerville, Michigan, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at St. Hedwig Catholic Cemetery in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.

Joe's legacy of kindness, faith, and selflessness will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know him. He was truly a beacon of light and love to all who crossed his path.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Tessie Warrens

Tessie Warrens, of Munith, MI, age 88, passed away on March 18, 2024 at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital.

Tessie was born on December 7, 1935 in Garrett, KY, the daughter of Woodrow and Artie (Wallen) Patrick. On May 2, 1955, Tessie married the love of her life, Farlen Warrens, with whom she shared many years until his passing in 1999. Tessie's life was marked by dedication and compassion, devoting 47 years of service as a nursing assistant at Chelsea Community Hospital. She was a social butterfly and enjoyed talking to everyone. Her commitment to caring for others extended beyond her work life, as she was a devoted mother and grandmother, filling the lives of her family with boundless love and affection. She adored her dogs and loved spoiling them with affection. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed shopping excursions, camping adventures, and Bluegrass music.

She is survived by her son, Jimmie (Patty) Warrens of Jackson; her grandchildren: Jeremy Warrens, Jason (Rachael) Warrens, and Elizabeth Rickman; great-grandchildren: Riley and Rachel Warrens, Lucas, Cody and Eli Warrens, Shalynn Weiman, John Burlew, and Paisley Smith; and great-great-grandchild, Memphis Warrens; two sisters, Bertha Phelan, and Jeanette (Wesley) Gipe. In addition to her husband, Farlen, she was preceded in death by her brothers: Bob Patrick, Leonard Patrick, Jerry Patrick, infant brother, Terry Patrick, and sisters, Glessie Warrens, and Janice Elliott.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Chad Patrick officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Stephen B. Clark

Stephen Bruce Clark, of Chelsea, Michigan, born on June 1, 1940, died at the age of 83 on March 16, 2024. He was a pioneer and intellectual leader of the Charismatic renewal, a spiritual movement which has had a transformative impact on the Christian churches.

Steve was born in Queens, New York, the son of Louis Seidenstein and Estelle Edna Clark. He attended Bellerose Public School on Long Island and Peddie Boys School in Hightstown, New Jersey. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Yale University, Steve studied at the University of Freiburg in Germany on a Fulbright Scholarship. He then completed his Masters in philosophy at Notre Dame University.

Steve became convinced of the truth of Christianity while a student at Yale, where he was baptized a Catholic. Reading about Francis of Assisi led him to seek a life of simplicity, prayer, and service to others. That pursuit inspired him to give up his doctoral studies in philosophy, and to dedicate himself to Christ as a lay evangelist and community builder.

In 1967 he moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, along with three friends who shared his evangelistic vision. They had been among the first Catholics that year to have a Pentecostal experience, and in Ann Arbor they formed the first Charismatic covenant community. The group was called “The Word of God,” and it soon included thousands of local Christians of various ages, states of life, cultural backgrounds, and churches. Steve was one of its primary leaders.

At the same time Steve gathered a group of young men who sought to share a celibate life of simplicity, prayer, and service. Together they formed a lay ecumenical brotherhood called The Servants of the Word with Steve as its first overall leader. their first presiding elder. They now have more than ten households in six countries.

In 1983, The Word of God and other related communities joined together to form an international community called The Sword of the Spirit, with Steve as its founding President. The Sword of the Spirit now consists of more than 82 communities around the world with over 12,500 adult members and 5,000 children.

Steve authored or compiled composed more than twenty books and several hundred articles. His writings have had a profound influence on the development of the Catholic Charismatic movement and its communities. But his greatest legacy consists of the lives of thousands of men and women whose love for God and God’s people took flight from Steve’s youthful decision to imitate Francis and follow Christ wherever he led.

Steve has no surviving members of his immediate family, but his loss is mourned by his brothers in the Servants of the Word and all the men, women, and children of the Sword of the Spirit.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 Ave Maria Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, followed by a luncheon at 12:30 pm. The service will be livestreamed here: ctkcc.net/livestream.

Visitation will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Friday, March 22, 2024 from 7:30-10 p.m., as well as on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.

Burial will be private.

Given Steve’s great commitment to the Lord’s work among young people, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to SOS youth and University work in your area in his name.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Mary "Eileen" Gondek

Mary "Eileen" Gondek, age 93, formerly of Ann Arbor, and Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2024, at the Legacy Assisted Living Center in Jackson, MI, surrounded by her family.

Eileen was born on January 21, 1931, in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Oliver and Lillian (Moynihan) Westfall. She graduated from St. Thomas High School in Ann Arbor, Class of 1948. She had a dedicated career with the State of Michigan, serving for 25 years as Secretary to the Warden, Corrections Camp Program, Department of Corrections.

Devoted to her faith and community, Eileen was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and generously volunteered her time at the St. Louis Center. She enjoyed baking and would make her famous lemon meringue and banana cream pies for the St. Mary Fish Fry Dinners.

Eileen found joy in various pastimes, including bridge, bowling, and golf. She was also an avid reader and skilled seamstress. Above all, Eileen cherished her role as a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Eileen is survived by four children: Terri (Jaye) Saarinen of Cape Coral, FL, Gail (Jim DuBois) Tomaka of Jackson, Leslie (Larry) Herter of Ann Arbor, and Tom (Marcie) Gilbreath of Chelsea; her step-children: Doug Gondek of Ann Arbor, Rose (Mike) Hayden of Jacksonville, FL, and Kathy Timmons of Metro Detroit; as well as nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, M. Edward Gilbreath in 1969, her second husband, Gerald R. Gondek in 2003, and a step-daughter, Linda Doughtery.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Following the service, Eileen will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 12-1 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Music Boosters, the St. Louis Center, or St. Mary Catholic Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Delores "Dee" Branham

Delores “Dee” Ann Branham, of Ann Arbor, MI age 82, died peacefully on March 13, 2024. She was born in Vincennes, IN.

She attended St. Rose Academy in Vincennes, IN and graduated in the class of 1960. Upon graduation she moved to Ann Arbor, MI, where she put down her roots and was employed by the University of Michigan (Michigan Medicine) for 37 years and retired in 2004.

She met the love of her life in Michigan and was united in marriage to Ronald “Ron” J. Branham on October 23, 1974. Ron preceded her in death on October 23, 2018.

Dee loved knitting, crocheting, gardening, and playing Bunco. She and Ron traveled the United States and loved their classic cars and attending car shows. Her favorite flower was the iris.

Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald J. Branham, her parents, Henry W. Frey and Irene F. (Halter) Frey; her siblings, Emmalene Anthis, Wayne H. Frey, and Joyce Fane.

She is survived by her step-children, Robert J. Branham of Chelsea, MI, Susan A. Branham of Chelsea, MI, and Tracy L. Branham of Ann Arbor, MI; her step-grandchildren, Joshua A. Branham (Megan) of Atlanta, GA and Nathaniel J. Branham (Sydney) of Fairfield, CO; her siblings, Margaret (Peg) Henderson (Ron), Marcella (Marc) Montgomery, Bernadine Higgins, all of Vincennes, IN, Denny Frey (Debbie) of Seymour, IN; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Frey of Vincennes, IN, and Rob Fane of Terra Haute, IN; also many nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024, 1:30 p.m., at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith In Action, Chelsea.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Timothy Williams

Timothy Williams, age 61, of Stockbridge, MI passed away peacefully at his home on March 13, 2024.

He was born on July 23, 1962 in Paintsville, KY. He lived his entire life in Stockbridge, MI. In 1985, he married Marsha (Allen), and she survives him, along with one son, Lee (Chrystal) Williams. He was the proud “Pa” of his grandson, Waylon Wheeler Williams. In addition, he is survived by one brother, Neal (Arlene) Williams of Stockbridge, sisters-in-law: Letha Allen, Lydia Allen, and Vonda (Dennis) Smith; several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Pauline Williams, his grandparents, and special brothers-in-law, Marcus, Dud, and Joe.

He was a licensed master mechanic, specializing in tractors, motorcycles, and cars. He enjoyed fishing, and playing poker and pool. He loved watching car racing. For the past several months, Tim was under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. He was a unique, one of a kind man (Wasper), who will be missed by many.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Douglas L. Helek

Douglas L. Helek, of Chelsea, MI, age 74, passed away at his home on March 11, 2024. He was born on August 19, 1949, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of George and Gladys (Worden) Helek. He touched the lives of many with his warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication.

Doug graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1967 before serving his country in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon his return, he began his career as a Driver/Mechanic at Chrysler Proving Grounds, where his commitment and skill spanned over three decades.

In 1980, Doug made Chelsea his home. Doug attended St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. He was also a proud member of the Chelsea VFW and the American Legion, embodying the values of service and camaraderie. He supported the Chelsea Community Fair and found joy in the simple pleasures of hunting and fishing. Doug was honest and sincere, and always a good neighbor and friend.

Doug is survived by a son, Adam W. Helek (Courtney Stidham) of Pleasant Lake; a grandson, Xander Hanson; nieces and nephews: Jodelle "Jody" (Earl) Sparks, Judith "Judy" (Patrick Watson) Rowe, and Russell "Rusty" (Christine) Rowe; great-nieces and great-nephews: Julianne, Jeffrey, Jessica, Bradley, and Enrique. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a half-brother, Charles Rowe.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 5-7 p.m., and on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Herbert J. McKune Chelsea American Legion Post 31 or the Chelsea Community Fair.

Carolyn I. Elliott

Carolyn I. Elliott, age 80, passed away on March 7, 2024 at McLaren Hospital in Lansing, MI.

Carolyn was born on November 20, 1943, the daughter of Arlo and Gladys (Sheathelm) Warfle. She grew up in Dansville, graduating from Dansville High School in 1962, and she remained in the area her entire life. During school, she enjoyed participating in the school plays. She worked for the State of Michigan in the Lands Division for 28 years, retiring in 2002. Growing up Carolyn was a member of the Millville United Methodist Church.

Carolyn was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Carolyn loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed going out to movies, going out to eat, and traveling. A favorite vacation destination was Manistee, MI on beautiful Lake Michigan. She also enjoyed reading.

Carolyn is survived by her two children, Paul Hallam of Dansville and Kimberly Hewitt (John Brown) of Holt; six grandchildren: Kody, Arlo, Zach, Tony, Josh, and Hayden; four greatgrandchildren: Yazme'ne, Aiden, Chloe, and Lincoln; her siblings, Marie (Dave) Shepherd of California, Dennis (Sarah) Warfle of Charlotte, NC, and Doug Warfle of Dansville. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, Betty Louise Warfle, her sister, Marlene Howlett, a grandson, Kyle Coffey, her first husband, Ben Hallam, and second husband, Robert Elliott.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the Millville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at North Stockbridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Millville United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Mavis B. Schaff

Mavis B. Schaff, age 100, of Jackson, MI, formerly of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on March 7, 2024 at Trellis Gardens in Jackson, MI.

Mavis embraced life with a vibrant spirit and a heart full of warmth. For most of her remarkable century, she called the Stockbridge area home, leaving an indelible mark on the community she so dearly loved.

Mavis was born on August 8, 1923 in Ann Arbor, MI to Ralph and Clarabell (Robards) Glenn. She worked as an Administrative Assistant to the VP of Warner-Lambert for many years. She loved music and found joy in playing the organ and dancing. She was very social and kept active by walking everywhere. She also enjoyed golfing, bowling, and she was an avid reader.

Mavis is survived by two children, Glenna (Jerry) Runciman of Stockbridge, and Edward (Linda) Simonds of Stockbridge; two grandchildren, Steven Runciman and Sherri (Bryan) Kaywood; four great-grandchildren, Zachary and Jacob Runciman, and Vivien and Rose Kaywood; as well as a brother, Duane (Beverly) Glenn of Jackson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, Herbert Simonds and Fred Schaff, and a sister, Marie Kotch.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024,11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, with Pastor Larry Rubingh and Pastor Stephan Weinberger officiating.

She will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA) or the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation.

Barbara Mae Noye

Barbara Mae Noye, 90, died peacefully on March 5, 2024 with family by her side at Chelsea Retirement Community.

Barb was born July 5, 1933 to Alfred Allen and Edna Irene (Cutler) Fulkerson in Sparta, Michigan. After her marriage to Frank Noye on July 14, 1951, they lived in Georgia while he served in the Army. Following his discharge, they made their home in Ann Arbor then Saline. Barbara most recently lived in Chelsea, a resident at Chelsea Retirement Community, Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Determination, perseverance, and strength became early evident qualities of Barb’s life when she contracted polio at a young age and spent part of her childhood in an iron lung, living in a children’s care home run by Mary Free Bed for her lengthy recovery. A diagnosis of “might not ever walk” did not hold her back, and she learned to walk despite having casts and braces. Barb faced several challenges throughout her life and met each with that same determination she had in her early years.

Barbara drove a school bus for many years for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. She also prepared taxes for people out of her home. Her attention to detail and her understanding of the tax codes produced many repeat clients. Gardening, doing crafts, reading, researching genealogy, and being an honorary member and treasurer of Frank’s model airplane club brought Barb enjoyment.

Of greatest joy, though, was her family. Barbara is survived by her children, Glenna Fritts, and Don (Debbie) Noye, nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother, Merlin (Mary) Fulkerson, many nieces and nephews, and special friend, Tina Bardell. Barb was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Frank, infant son, Frankie Jr., daughter, JoAnne Irene Brown, son-in-law, Barry Fritts, brother, Hugh (Shirley) Fulkerson, and sister, Rose (Lloyd) Leece.

A funeral service will be held Friday, March 8, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N Main St., Chelsea, MI with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 am until time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, 603 S Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.