Janet L. McCalla

Janet L. McCalla, of Lima Twp, MI, age 87, passed away on September 8, 2024, at her home.

Janet was born on August 9, 1937, in Ann Arbor, MI, to Harold and Marie (Pries) Powers. She married Leonard "Spike" McCalla on January 26, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. They enjoyed over 52 years of marriage.

Janet loved her life on the farm, investing her life in making their farm a home. They raised hogs for many years, and she loved her garden, harvesting, canning, freezing, and cooking up whatever they grew. She was an active member of Webster United Church of Christ in Dexter and FCE Extension Group. Janet enjoyed taking the lead in organizing events like the Webster Fall Festival and FCE conventions. She was a strong supporter of the 4-H and FFA youth programs. She had an "I can do that!" approach. She expressed her creativity by activities like painting the Roger's Corners Herdmans signs for the 4-H Fair barns and the champion hog signs for the Chelsea Fair, sewing Halloween costumes, knitting baby blankets and Christmas stockings, and a plethora of other do-it-yourself projects. She often expressed her thoughtfulness by making baked goods for the mail carrier, feed mill, and garbage man.

Janet took pride in her home and family. She was a supportive wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She took great joy in hosting family gatherings, decorating her home for the holidays, and creating a warm, welcoming environment. She was known as the family historian, maintaining scrapbooks with wedding announcements, baptisms, news clippings, and various memorabilia. She loved her grandchildren, priorizing their development and shaping of their values, while her great-grandchildren brought her much peace and happiness. Despite her shyness in her younger years, Janet's adult years were marked by a spirited and lively personality, always eager to share her opinion, a story, or a laugh.

Janet is survived by her three children, Leonard (Lara McMahon) McCalla of Grass Lake, Lucinda McCalla of Marshall, MI, and Melinda (Kirk) Hautau of Marshall, MI; nine grandchildren: Matthew (Evelyn) McCalla, Charlie (Ellie) McCalla, and Olivia McCalla (and their mother, Laurie McCalla); Rylie and Kennedy McCalla; and Kirk Madison (Olivia) Hautau, Henry Hautau, Morgan (Lauren) Hautau, and Harrison Hautau; six great-grandchildren Olivia, Camila, Piper, Campbell and Viola McCalla; and Eleanor Hautau; a brother, Neal Powers; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband, Leonard, she was preceded in death by her brother, Charles (Martha) Powers, and a sister, Alberta (Peter) Stein.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, 3:00 p.m., at Webster United Church of Christ in Dexter. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 3-7 p.m., as well as at the church on Sunday from 2-3 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to 4-H Youth Programs or Webster United Church of Christ.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Timothy P. Ward

Timothy Paul Ward, age 46, of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024. He was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan and raised in Leslie, Michigan. Timothy was the beloved son of Jim Ward and Mary Joseph. He was a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Amy, with whom he shared 22 wonderful years of marriage and 30 plus together, and a loving father to their children, Taylor Ward and TJ Ward. Timothy was also a proud grandfather to his cherished granddaughter, Addy.

Timothy was known for his remarkable versatility and passion. As a skilled welder and mechanic, he took immense pride in his work, whether he was crafting intricate welds or restoring his cherished Nova. His enthusiasm for cars was matched only by his love for attending car shows and cruising with friends and family.

Timothy's creativity and dedication were evident in everything he did. He deeply valued the time spent with his loved ones and was a source of joy and inspiration to all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends.

Timothy is survived by his wife, Amy; his children, Taylor and TJ; his granddaughter, Addy; his sister, Ann (Chuck) Lett; nephew, Nicholas Lett and numerous extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Ward.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Janet Ruth Luck

Janet Ruth Luck (January 8, 1942 – September 7, 2024)

Janet Ruth Luck, age 82, of Chelsea, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2024. She was born January 8, 1942 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. On July 20, 1968, she wed Alfred Luck and has been a Chelsea resident ever since. She is the daughter of the late James and Marian Good.

Janet worked at Jiffy Mix for 28 years and retired in 2001. Janet was a wonderful mother, a very strong hardworking woman, who dedicated her life to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, arts and crafts, going to the park, watching soap operas, studying her faith, and especially having ice cream. Her father built a house on Crooked Lake, where she and her family spent many summers at the lake.

She will be leaving a void her family cannot fill. Janet was preceded in death by her late husband, Alfred Luck, and four brothers, Robert, Donald, Roger, and Steven Good.

She was a beloved sister to surviving brothers, Charles (Simone) Good and David Good. She was a beloved mother to four children, Robert Luck of Michigan Center, Julie (Tom) Kittel of Onsted, Patricia Kelly of Chelsea, and Daniel Luck of Mason.

She was a loving grandmother of Corey Lazarz (Amber) of Jackson, Marisa Laughter (George) of East Lansing, Jared Lazarz (Haley) of Farmington Hills, Jeremy Lazarz (Kelly) of Jackson, Alison Luck of Grand Rapids, and Mackenzie Luck of Kalkaska, and another grandson due in October. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was also a great-grandmother of Karlie Lazarz and Luke Lazarz, step-great-grandmother of Piper Laughter, and another great-granddaughter arriving in November, Maeve Laughter.

Her celebration of life will be held on September 12, 2024 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, Michigan. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m., with services at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea.

Flowers can be sent to Staffan-Mitchell, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, Michigan, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chelsea Retirement Community.


Mary Lou Fletcher

Mary Lou Fletcher, of Stockbridge, MI, age 85, passed away on August 28th, 2024 at Chelsea Hospital. She was born on August 27th, 1939, in Sublett, Kentucky, the daughter of Western and Sis (Montgomery) Allen.

As a child, Mary Lou and her family moved from Kentucky to Chelsea. On October 31st, 1959, she married Willard Fletcher, and they resided in Stockbridge for 36 wonderful years until his passing on September 9th,1995.

Mary Lou held various jobs throughout her life, including positions at Jiffy Mix, the local movie theater, and the hardware store all in Chelsea, as well as the Speedway gas station in Stockbridge that she and Willard owned for several years. She also worked as a cook for Stockbridge Community Schools. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Stockbridge for approximately 60 years, where she started the church's quilting club, donating everything from material to thread.

Mary Lou loved gardening, mushroom hunting, and many people enjoyed her delicious Southern cooking. However, her greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always finding time to attend every sporting event for her family and friends.

She will be dearly missed by her three daughters, Linda (Dennis) Petsch of Stockbridge, Lisa (Kurt) Knisely of Stockbridge, and Jennifer (Tim-deceased) Schilz of Pinckney; two grandchildren, CJ (Jackie) Lewis, and Emily (Mike) Hoard; and one great-grandson, Benjamin Carl Lewis; four sisters, Molly Sue (Luke) Collinsworth of Chelsea, Nellie (Beacher-deceased), Patrick of Jackson, Joyce (Ron) Watkins of Hillsdale, and Theda (Mike) Dyer of Lansing; several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and distant relatives; as well as two children she babysat that she thought of as her own, Sarah and Matthew Ford; and her wonderful caretakers, Bill and Patrisha LeMaster. The family also wishes to thank Bradford Howard and Katherine Smarch for their efforts.

In addition to her husband, Willard, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Western and Sis Allen, a son, Bobby Jo Fletcher, a sister, Phyllis (Emerson-still living) Marshall, a brother, "Buck" (Linda-still living) Allen; two infant sisters, Pauletta and Gladys Allen, and her sister-in-law, Sandy Allen.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, on Saturday, August 31st, 2024 from 4-6 p.m., as well as on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 from 1-2 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with Larrel Whitaker officiating. Burial will be private at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o Jennifer Schilz.

Roger Antonio Uchergi

Roger Antonio  Uchergi, of Gregory, MI, passed away at the Chelsea Hospital on August 26, 2024 in Chelsea, Michigan. He was born the son of Mario and Yolanda (Pagnuco) Uchergi  Sr. on April 19, 1941.

Roger loved to hunt and fish, and drive his golf cart all over. He was known to tinker on many things and enjoyed watching The Price is Right and "Big Time" Wresting.

Roger is survived by his siblings, Mario Christialino Uchergi, Cynthia Marlene Uchergi, and Anita Marie Shepherd; niece, Cathy, nephews, Mike and Chris, and many great-nieces and -nephews.

A private service and burial will take place at a later date.

Kenneth G. Tatar

Kenneth Gerald Tatar, age 39, of Jackson, MI, passed away surrounded by his family on August 24, 2024.

Born September 16, 1984 in Lansing, MI, Ken was the middle child and eldest son. He grew up and spent the majority of his life in the Jackson area and attended Northwest schools. Ken was a talented artist, an avid outdoorsman, and jack-of-all-trades. He had a big heart, and in his best moments, he always tried to be there for the ones he loved.

Ken is survived by his parents, Richard Tatar Sr. and Julie Tatar; and his siblings, Jennifer (James) Feeny and Richard Tatar Jr.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Joseph E. Taylor

Joseph Edgar Taylor, of Gregory, MI, age 83, passed away on August 26, 2024 at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. Joe was born on July 20, 1941 in Stockbridge, MI, the son of June C. and Sylvia (Votes) Taylor. He had lived in the area his entire life, graduating from Stockbridge High School. He married Janet Kay Musbach on October 6, 1962, and she preceded him in death on September 16, 2006.

From an early age, Joe was known for his tireless work ethic, dedicating himself to farming and trucking. His commitment extended to local organizations, including 4-H, the Ingham County Fair, FFA, and MMPA. Joe also served as a school board member and was a lifelong member of Plainfield United Methodist Church.

Faith and family were the center of Joe's life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who deeply adored his grandchildren.

Surviving are five children, Julie (Doug) Wilson of Paintsville, KY, Jeff (Tammy) Taylor of Ann Arbor, Jonathon (Amy) Taylor of Gregory, Jake (Christy) Taylor of Munith, and Jodi Taylor of Gregory; his special companion, Connie Dziedziak; ten grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren (and one on the way), and one great-great-grandchild; and his siblings: Tom (Judy) Taylor of Gregory, Wayne (Kathy) Taylor of Oak Grove, MO, and Wilma Taylor of Howell. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two infant sisters.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and on Friday, August 30, 2024 from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery in Unadilla Twp.

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

Linda Jean (Cavin) Stone

Linda Jean (Cavin) Stone of Lansing, Michigan was surrounded by her loving family when God peacefully called her home on Friday August 23, 2024.  Linda was born on December 25, 1961, to Garold and Ann Cavin of Howell, Michigan.  Linda had six siblings: Kathy, Mary, Gary, Faye, Sarah and Tammy. 
Linda married and had four children: Mark Stone, Karen Stone, Jason Stone and Julie (Stone) Lawson.  She was the grandmother of 17: Kirsten, Mark, Nevaeh, Keygan, Adrionna, Haiden, Isiah, Isabel, Angel, Star, Cassidy, Dakota, Abbie, Cherokee, Novalee, Rocky and Memphis. 

She created many wonderful memories with her grandchildren.  She talked about her grandchildren all the time, and she loved them all very much.  She also had many nieces and nephews that she spent lots of time with. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Gary, and her granddaughter, Isabel.

Linda enjoyed spending time with her family, playing bingo, and poker.  She enjoyed attending Sunday church services.  She had many friends that she also enjoyed spending time with.  She lived her life to the fullest every day.

A Celebration of Life will be held. 

Details on the Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. 

Joseph William Muer Jr.

Joseph W. Muer Jr., age 88, previous owner of Joe Muer’s Seafood Restaurant, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, August 11, 2024.

Joe Muer's Restaurant was noted across North America, written up in Japan Air Lines, the Wall Street Journal, Ford Times, AAA Tour Guide, Fortune Magazine, and surprisingly listed in Vincent Price's Gourmet Dining Association.

After the restaurant closed in 1989, Joe Vicari's long personal relationship with Joe Muer inspired him to bring back the iconic legend of Joe Muer's Seafood Restaurant. With Vicari's vision and energy and Joe Muer's lifetime of restaurant experience, they recreated the Detroit classic restaurant in Detroit's Renaissance Center.

Joe is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jane Sielaff Muer; his three children, Joseph W. Muer III, Molly Ann (Dennis) Baran, Hans Thomas (Victoria) Muer; grandchildren, Hans Dennis (Melissa) Baran, Christopher Joseph Baran, and Corbin Edward (Halle) Baran; great-granddaughter, Rollin Claire Baran; and great-grandson, Beau Edward Baran.

A private celebration of Joe's life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.