John C. Johnston

John C. Johnston, age 84, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024, at Cascade Senior Care Center in Jackson, MI.

Born on January 28, 1940, in Garden City, MI, he was the son of Clarence and Carol (Shipman) Johnston. John grew up in Garden City and later settled in Gregory, MI, where he lived for 60 years. He lived in Texas for 24 years and moved back to Stockbridge a year ago. On February 17, 1962, he married Marcia May (Gillmore) in Pinckney, MI, and together they celebrated more than 62 years of marriage.

John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965. He worked for many years at Dana Corporation in Chelsea, retiring in 1995. A man of the outdoors, John found joy in hunting, camping, and running a lawn service. He especially liked John Deere tractors. A skilled craftsman, he even built his own family home.

John’s family was his pride and joy. He is survived by his devoted wife, Marcia; his son, John (Dawn) Johnston of Texas; and three grandchildren, Zachary (Karen), Devin, and Deztiny. He is also survived by his brothers, Everett (Erma) Johnston of Arizona and David (Grace) Johnston of Gregory; and sisters-in-law: Sandy Johnston and Mary Johnston, both of Gregory, and Diane (Dan) Noble of Stockbridge; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and seven siblings: Donald Johnston, Robert Johnston, Murlin Johnston, Mary Vonlinsowe, Richard Johnston, Katherine Oppenheim, and Dennis Johnston.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 4-7 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA).

Michael R. Kushmaul Sr.

Michael Richard Kushmaul Sr. was born on January 3, 1948 in Jackson, Michigan. He was one of three children born to the union of Nelson Kushmaul and Donna (Sackrider) Kushmaul Gauss.

Michael attended Chelsea High School, graduating in 1966 before enlisting in the United States Air Force in November of 1966, where he served for four years. When he returned from his enlistment, he was gainfully employed by the Chelsea Proving Grounds until retirement.

During his time in the Air Force, he met the love of his life, Rosemarie Vickery, in Bicester, England. They wed on December 13, 1970 in Bicester, England. They spent some time living in Germany before returning to the United States at the end of Michael’s enlistment. They were blessed with one son, Michael Richard Kushmaul Jr.

Together, Mike and Rose enjoyed a life full of lake living, cruising around on their boat, and enjoying beautiful views over tea and coffee on the back deck. They also spent many years camping all over Michigan, making wonderful memories with their son and his family. Michael enjoyed all sports, specifically local Detroit sports. There was never a holiday that he hosted that didn’t have a game on the television.

Michael was a selfless, determined, hard working, and welcoming man. He was an outstanding father and an even better grandfather. Michael always welcomed everyone with open arms and would have done anything for those he loved. Michael would tell stories of his time in the Air Force and all of the skills he learned - from sewing clothes to packing parachutes, and cooking pizzas for his fellow troops. Following Michael’s end of his journey with the Air Force, he worked many years at the Proving Grounds, where he continued his work in fixing things. Michael continued his devotion to fixing things in every aspect of his life by making sure his mother was taken care of. If there was ever anything his family needed fixed, he was there to fix it.

Michael showed a softer side once he became a grandfather and spent countless years creating memories with his granddaughters - from the custom train room, to the lake days, to being there for all the sporting events, to Thanksgivings at his house, there was never a dull moment with Michael. But most importantly, Michael was a loving husband. His wife, Rosemarie, was his everything. There was rarely a day they were apart. Michael was a funny, sarcastic man, and Rosemarie would simply laugh and shake her head at all of his jokes.

Michael Richard Kushmaul Sr. passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024 at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his father, Nelson Kushmaul, his brother, Roger Kushmaul, and several aunts and uncles.

To cherish his memory, Michael leaves his mother, Donna Gauss; wife, Rosemarie; son, Michael (Christina) Kushmaul of Jackson; granddaughters: Chene (Greg) Wainwright of Ferndale, Rachel (Russell) Henry of Jackson, and Amanda (Zachary) Summerville of Monroe; one great-grandson, Roman Henry; and sister, Pam Kushmaul of New Mexico.

Friends may gather from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main Street, Chelsea, MI. A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., also at Staffan-Mitchell, with Pastor Mike Smith officiating. Procession will follow to Oak Grove East Cemetery for burial.

The family would like to specially thank nurses Nichole and Kelsie of Henry Ford Allegiance Health, 6-West, for their outstanding care and support throughout Michael’s passing.

Lastly, if you have ever met Michael, make sure to keep his memory alive by always having a LifeSaver mint on hand.

Marsha A. Winters

Marsha Agnes Winters, age 79, of Dexter, Michigan, passed away on November 11, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on June 20, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Cieslik) Wallet.

On May 5, 1962, Marsha married Robert Winters in Detroit, Michigan, and they enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Family was the most important thing to Marsha. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she cherished her time with her family. 

Marsha loved her animals, especially her dog, Baby, and her three cats. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, shopping, dancing, and going to the casino.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert; five children, Tammy (John) Koch, Pamela (Mike) Maki, Robin (Jerod) Burga, Elizabeth (Ted) Clark, and Bobby (Elisha) Winters; 11 grandchildren: Steve (Heather) Koch, Rebecca (Devon) Carr, Tyler (Desiree) Maki, Erik (Maliyah) Maki, Nick Burga, Olivia Burga, Justin Burga, Cameron, Ryan and Lauren Clark, Colton Winters, and Teddy Konchel; and three great-grandchildren, Mac, Luke and John. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Charles Wallet Jr.

All services are private.

Donations can be made in memory of Marsha to the Achalasia Awareness Organization or the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Amber J. Puckett

Amber Jeanette Puckett, age 42, of Onondaga, MI, passed away on November 1, 2024.

She was born on October 8, 1982, to Dennis and Deborah Joseph in Ann Arbor, MI. Amber was raised in Leslie, MI. She moved to Ft. Wayne, IN for a period of time before moving back to the Leslie area. Amber has worked as a nursing assistant, housekeeper for hotel chains, waitress, hostess, and most recently with janitorial services at Leslie Public Schools. Amber loved life and everyone who entered hers. She was always willing to help anyone out, especially if it involved yard work, cutting up wood, and delivering to the elderly, helping her Aunt Denise with raking leaves, and anything else that needed to be done. She enjoyed family time, especially around the holidays. She was teased by all when it came time eat. She needed to be last in line but managed to always beat everyone out.

Amber is survived by her three sons: Braynson (Alexis) Pearsall, Press Puckett, and Zechariah Puckett; grandchildren: Greyson and Ava Pearsall, her parents, Dennis (Brenda) Joseph and Deborah (Denny) Joseph, her siblings: Shannon (Steven) Weston, Jillian (Ryan) McDonald, and Nathan (Felecia) Joseph; her nieces: Jordan Belknap, Kensley and Brynn McDonald; her nephews, Nicholas Belknap and Palmer Joseph; a great-nephew, Colton Bouwens; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She is prededed in death by her grandparents, Walter and Frances Joseph of Stockbridge, MI, and Matthew and Glessie Hensley of Taylor, MI.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Terry L. Barnett

Terry L. Barnett, age 69, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on November 10, 2024.

Born on October 19, 1955, in Magoffin County, KY, Terry was the son of Clyde and Ethel (Watkins) Barnett. He had been a resident of Jackson for the past 40 years. Terry’s love for life was evident in his many passions, including cooking, helping others, caring for animals, fishing, and spending time with his family.

On January 29, 2000, he married Dawn M. (Halstead) in Jackson, MI, and she survives him. Also surviving are three children: Tonya Barnett, Terrance Barnett, and Denise (Charles) Winters; his grandson, Dakota; and his siblings: Patsy (Shawn) Fortner, Katha (Bruce) Maynard, Kathleen (Robert) O'Dell, Isom Barnett, Ruth Ann Vanuse, Brenda Runyon, Caroline (David) Davis, and Jerry Barnett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Ethel Barnett; his brothers, Eugene Barnett, Doug Barnett, Larry Barnett, and Roger Barnett; and his sister, Minnie Smith.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, with Pastor Greg Salyers officiating. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Senaida L. Gonzalez

Senaida Leticia Gonzalez, of Stockbridge, MI, age 23, passed away on November 8, 2024 at U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor after a battle with leukemia. Senaida was born on July 26, 2001, the daughter of Julian (DeAnna) Gonzalez and Josefina Medina. She grew up in Stockbridge.

Senaida had a way of lighting up every room she entered, her positivity radiating and lifting the spirits of everyone around her. With a laugh that was infectious and a smile that could brighten even the darkest days, she was a constant source of joy. Her selflessness and caring nature were evident in everything she did, always putting others first and offering kindness without hesitation. You could feel her overwhelming love in every hug.

Senaida loved cooking, cross-stitching, and listening to music, each of these passions bringing her a quiet, comforting sense of peace and joy.

Senaida will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her father, Julian (DeAnna) Gonzalez of Howell, her mother, Josefina Medina of Munith, her grandmother, Maria Guadalupe Bella of Texas; her siblings: Jose Julian Jr. (Meghan Bellestri), Andrew (Hannah) Hawker, Shania Hawker, and Alexie Hawker; nieces and nephews: Luzdivino Lucas, Lucy, Marina, Emerson, Elliana, Bryce, and Dillyn; her boyfriend, Joey Haske; and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her sister, Luzdivina S. Gonzalez in 2013, and her maternal grandparents, Joe and Isidra Medina.

The family will receive friends at  the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

William B. Snyder

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Bryan Snyder, age 34, of Grass Lake, Michigan, who left us on November 7th, 2024. William was a beloved son, brother, father, and friend, whose warm spirit, infectious smile, and thoughtful ways will be missed.

William was born October 7th, 1990 in Ann Arbor to Lorraine Koch and Richard Snyder. William has two daughters, Jordyn and Jasmyn, that he was so proud of and loved with his whole heart. He loved taking them to Daddy Daughter dances, watching them cheer, listening to their laughter, and seeing them grow into beautiful young ladies.

Willam, "Will", grew up in Grass Lake. He enjoyed reading, playing chess, playing soccer, watching football, and skateboarding with his brother, Dillon. Will was naturally athletic and excelled in any sport he tried. He had many childhood friends that he spent so much time with, that it left him with stories and memories that he loved to share. The stories of William and Dillon, and all their friends are many and shaped a great childhood. One special friend, Josh Duke, was like another brother to William and Dillon, and always held a special place in Will's heart. William was known to his family and friends as having such a kind and loving heart, thoughtful ways, and he always loved to goof around and make people smile and laugh.

William will be so deeply missed by his mom, Lorraine Koch, his dad, Richard Snyder, stepdad, Bill Fensch, his daughters, Jordyn and Jasmyn Snyder, his brother, Dillon Snyder, and sisters, Heather (Brandon) Miller, Amanda (Anthony) McConeghy, Beonka Snyder, and Carly Snyder; as well as his nieces and nephews: Mariaha, Alyiah, Kaden, Donovan, Ellie, Jada, Tyree, Joshia, and Luca. Will is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, his grandmother, Rebecca Courvoisier; Dennis McConeghy, Bob Weir, special friend, Mike Smith, and many, many special people and friends he met on his journey. He is preceded in death by his grandpa, Robert Courvoisier.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to an educational fund for William's daughters, Jordyn and Jasmyn.

Bruno P. Pierzinski

Bruno Peter Pierzinski, age 92, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on November 7, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

Bruno was born on May 22, 1932 in Little Falls, MN, the son of Peter and Emily (Jendro) Pierzinski. He had lived in the Stockbridge area for the past nine years, moving from Pinckney.

Bruno proudly served in the United States Navy. He was always good with his hands and worked for many years as a self-employed carpenter. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and ice fishing.

On May 25, 1957, he married Eleanor A. (Wujcik), and she preceded him in death in 2005. He is survived by six children, Denise (Joe) Lonchar of Stockbridge, David Pierzinski of Howell, Douglas Pierzinski of Michigan, Daryl (Shelly) Pierzinski of South Carolina, Deidre Hatchard of Colorado, and Darius (Lynn) Pierzinski of Brighton; 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Gloria Krych of Three Rivers, and Phyllis (Buddy Wilfred) Waltz of Pinckney. He was preceded in death by a son, Dennis, and a daughter-in-law, Elaine.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Jennifer "Jen" Ruth Slagenwhite

Jennifer Ruth Slagenwhite, age 52, of Munith, MI, passed away on November 04, 2024 at her home after a year long battle with cancer. Jen was born on September 7, 1972 in Superior Twp., MI, the daughter of James L. Slagenwhite and Bertha P. Crane. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1990. Jen found joy in spending time outside, whether it was going to the beach or spending time in her garden. She loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.

Jen is survived by her loving life-partner, Brian Lytle; four children, Breanna Nelson (Derek Corser) of Pinckney, Kayla Lytle (Jake Nastally) of Brooklyn, Jenna Hardy of East Lansing, and Caleb Lytle of Munith; her bonus mom, Cathy Burt (John) of South Lyon; five grandchildren; a brother, James (Christina) Slagenwhite of Belleville; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, the American Cancer Society, or the Brain Injury Association of Michigan. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Julia M. Arnett

Julia Mae Arnett, age 93, of Jackson, MI, formerly of Munith, MI, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024, at Vista Grande Villa in Jackson. Born on February 24, 1931, in Maytown, KY, she was the daughter of Buck and Cynthia (Lafferty) Hale. Julia married Paul W. Arnett in 1947, who preceded her in death.

A devoted gardener, Julia found joy in working in her rock and flower gardens, and feeding her hummingbirds. She was also passionate about quilting, playing guitar, and sharing her love of gospel music. Family and faith were central to Julia’s life, and she cherished her many friendships at Heeney Road Baptist Church.

Julia is survived by her children, Paula K. Clark and Paul (Donna) Arnett; her grandchildren, Derek Risner, Dave A. Clark, Ryan Burke, Rebecca Davis, and Kyle D. Arnett; and a brother, Allan Hale. She will also be missed by many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; along with many, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her daughter, Wannetta Ann Burke; and her siblings, Jr. Hale, Elmer Hale, Pauline Hale, James Hale, Louise Hale, Curtis Hale, and Norman Hale.

A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Julia’s life will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge on Friday, November 8, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements are being handled by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.