Arlene J. Koker

Arlene (Kaiser) Koker, age 79, passed away surrounded by her family on March 25, 2024 at the Courtyard Manor Nursing Home in Howell, Michigan.

She was born September 3, 1944 in Detroit, MI to Norman "Jack" and Wilma (Scheppe) Kaiser. On January 4, 1964, she married the love of her life and devoted caregiver, Richard Koker, and they enjoyed 60 years together. She is survived by her husband, Richard, her children, David (Wendy) Koker, and Daniel (Angela Christiansen) Koker, and the apple of her eye, granddaughter, Taia Koker. She is also survived by her brother, Ronald (Arlene) Kaiser, as well as nieces, Tracy, Jennifer, and Michelle, and their families. The family would also like to thank her very special friends, Glenn and Hilda Buckmaster, for their continued love and support. She also enjoyed her extended Koker family, Marion (Frank) May, John (Nancy) Koker, Jerry (Bettsey Spink), Karen (Larry) Kurzynowski, Mike (Rachel) Koker, and Stephanie (Tom) Heyden.

She was predeceased by her parents, and her father- and mother-in-law, John and Helen Koker. Her family was the joy of her life, and we are grateful for the memories that were built together. May they carry us through the days ahead.

Arlene especially enjoyed traveling and making beautiful jewelry. She began her working career as a very skilled cosmetologist. However, Sales Consulting was in her blood. She worked for many years in the Furniture Department of JC Penney at Briarwood in Ann Arbor. Always looking for new adventures, she found her real love as an extremely successful real estate agent. Arlene retired from Reinhart Realty.

The family would like to thank Courtyard Manor Nursing Home and Careline Hospice for their exceptional care and support. According to her wishes, Arlene has chosen cremation.

Visitation will be at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, Michigan, on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the Richard F. Smith American Legion Post 29, 3200 Lansing Ave., Jackson, MI, with a visitation one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. Funeral service to be celebrated by her niece, Pastor Tracy Collier. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Waterloo Farm Museum.

Bob Brill

Bob Brill 1930 - 2024

Bob Brill died at home on February 24, 2024. Bob is survived by his wife Laura Hayes, his son Jeff Brill and wife Emma and their children Shoshana, Flora, and David.

Bob was born on December 31, 1930 In New City to Carolyn and Arthur Brill. Bob wrote his first poems and stories at about the age of six or seven. He sold his very first one for fifty cents to one of his dad’s friends and the guy made off with the only copy.

After graduation from college he knocked around Europe, wrote a novel, came back broke and became a computer programmer to support his habit of eating every day. Wondering why the novel hadn’t sold, he reread it, decided to call it a practice novel and relegated it to the landfill

He married and supported his family as a programmer while devoting his spare me to writing, playing the guitar and composing chess problems. Eventually he married again, and upon retirement he wrote several graphics programs and developed skills as an algorithmic artist. He produced a huge portfolio of math-based artwork, but in late 2003 he set all that aside to focus on achieving his lifelong ambition to be a writer. For nearly 30 years he devoted his energies to writing fiction and poetry. His novellas, short stories and around 150 poems have appeared in over forty online magazines, print journals, and anthologies.

Occasionally, he was asked how he got his ideas.

‟Early in the morning, before breakfast or any other activities, I open my journal and start writing without any thoughts or topics in mind. I just keep the pen flowing to let my unconscious mind spout whatever wants to come out. No worries about grammar, spelling, editing or even making sense. A lot of garbage comes pouring out, but often I find jewels floating in the barf. Later I work these up into poems or stories.

Writing is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it is extremely rewarding. I don’t write for fame or money. I just like doing it. I get pleasure when I write something I think is good. I also like it when other people enjoy my work, so I have to admit there is an element of vanity in it, but it’s the day to day joy of doing the work that sustains me.

My development as a writer has been characterized by an effort to find my own voice and for me that requires more freedom, fewer rules. I began to feel constrained by the conventionally accepted rules of fiction writing as well as tightly structured poetic forms. I started writing more free verse poetry which is less rule bound than rhymed and strictly metered poetry. I’m very fond of haiku, senryu and tanka, where the tight constraints of those forms taught me how to be concise and shine a narrow concentrated light on a single moment, a lesson that carries over into longer works. Ultimately I needed to break out into longer poems to express more complex ideas.” Hello Goodbye, Selected poems by Bob Brill was published in 2016.

Ricky D. Salisbury

Ricky D. Salisbury, of Jackson, MI, passed away on March 21, 2024 at his home. He was born the son of Hargus and Juanita (Vanderpool) Salisbury on September 23, 1956 in Garrett, Kentucky.  On December 26, 1980 he married Teresa Ann Dyer, and she survives.  

Ricky loved University of Michigan football. He was an avid gardener, loved his dogs, Jack and Oscar, and loved his grandchildren. Faith, family, and friends were most important to Ricky, and he loved being a girl dad.

In addition to his wife, Teresa, he is survived by his girls, Angie (Ben personal handyman) Thomas, Nick Salisbury (granddog Rue),  and Stephanie Salisbury. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Brenna, Camren, Devin, Deacon, and Brandon; siblings, Peggy Honaker, Toby Salisbury, Richie Salisbury and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and church friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Rick Salisbury Jr., and brother, Dickie Salisbury.

The family will receive friends at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, March 25, 2024 from 4-8 p.m.

A funeral service will take place at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will take place at Fitchburg Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Rebel Dogs Detroit Animal Rescue.

Robert S. Adams

Robert S. Adams, of Pinckney MI, age 62, passed away on February 5, 2024 after courageously fighting glioblastoma for the past year.

Despite spending much of that time in and out of doctor’s appointments and hospital visits, he never lost his sense of humor. Throughout his entire journey, he cracked jokes with his grown children and family. He had a great ability to make others smile, and his sense of humor will be missed.

Bob was born to Neil and Shirley (Sherwood) Adams on May 29, 1961, in Manhasset, New York. He grew up in Ann Arbor, MI, playing hockey, spending time with amazing neighborhood friends, spending time out at Base Lake, and water skiing with brother, Jim (Adams), as well as sisters, Sheri (Judkins) and Jill (Adams).

Later, Bob attended Michigan State University in 1979, where he graduated with a degree in Physical Science. During his time at Michigan State University, he made forever friends and helped start the Michigan State Water Ski team. Bob had a love for engineering and lighting design, as his father Neil did. Bob had the opportunity to work with his father for over 25 years at Neil Adams, Inc. of Ann Arbor/Dexter, MI, that he enjoyed greatly.

Bob moved to Pinckney, Michigan in 1989 and married Kimberly (Adomaitis) in 1990. Together they had four amazing children, Bob’s biggest passion. He coached them all in various sports, mainly hockey.

Beyond their own children, Bob coached hundreds of children in Southeast Michigan. Bob loved his men’s hockey leagues and was part of AAAHA for 25+ years where he cultivated many cherished friendships.

Earlier this year, Bob lost his adorned mother, Shirley. We know that she was waiting for him and took his hand. Bob’s eldest son, Ryan, is marrying Abigail Hultgren this coming summer. He, his mother Shirley, and those who came before them will be there in spirit as the sun shines down upon us, giving us peace and comfort.

Bob is survived by his wife of 33 years, Kimberly; four children, Ryan (Abigail Hultgren) Adams, Andrew Adams (United States Navy), Michael Adams, and Neil J. Adams II; father, Neil J. Adams, brother, James (Jill) Adams, sister, Sheri (Richard) Judkins; nephew, Christopher (Sarah) Adams, nephew, Robert (Alexa) Adams, and nieces, Nicole and Emily Judkins; mother-in-law, Carolyn Adomaitis (Toth), sister-in-law, Stacy (Todd) Adomaitis Taylor, and nephews, John and Carl Taylor. He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Adams, and father-in-law, Carl Adomaitis.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the First Congregational Church, 608 E. Williams, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, at the corner of Williams and State Street.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Donald Lee Holzhausen

Donald Lee Holzhausen, of Chelsea, MI, age 77, passed away on March 20, 2024 at his home surrounded by family and dogs.

Don was born on February 24, 1947 in Wyandotte, MI, the son of Donald J. and Virtle Marie (Hicks) Holzhausen. He proudly served in the US Navy during the Vietnam Era. He worked as an electrician for General Motors for 42 years, retiring in 2008, and proudly drove General Motors cars his entire life. On June 3, 1971, he married Sandra A. (Mercatante), and together they built a life in Chelsea, making it their home for the past 53 years. He was an avid U of M sports fan and enjoyed watching his beloved Wolverines football and shared that love with his family as a 45-year season ticket holder. He loved the outdoors and fishing and hunting and spending time with family at Clear Lake. He never wanted to miss a summer sunset over Clear Lake. He also always had a special place in his heart for his dogs and 'granddogs'. In his later years, he enjoyed going to Stivers and watching game shows there with his group of friends as their appointment television.

Don is survived by his wife, Sandra, three children, Jeff (Kelly) Holzhausen of Chelsea, Jennipher (Mike) Wheeler of Spring Lake, and Jamie (Jenna) Holzhausen of Plymouth; seven grandchildren: Reaghan, Grant, Logan, Wyatt, William, Jordan, and Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Waterloo Twp, MI.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 4-7 p.m., as well as on Monday from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley or Chelsea Athletic Boosters.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Ruth E. Cesco

Ruth E. Cesco, of Stockbridge, MI, age 65, passed away on March 14, 2024 at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital.

Ruth was born on December 30, 1958, the daughter of William and Lois Adams. She had lived in the Stockbridge area for the past two years, moving from Ohio. She loved to sing, spent many hours cooking, and enjoyed shopping.

Ruth is survived by three children, William Cesco of Jackson, MI, Kara (Josh) Gilbert of Tekonsha, MI, and Robyn Cesco of Indiana; her siblings, Phil Adams of Jackson, Justine Shepherd of Jackson, Caryl Adams of Jackson, and Phyllis Adams of Chelsea.

Funeral Services will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 12-1 p.m. She will be laid to rest at North Waterloo Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

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.