Lee Ann Brown

Lee Ann Brown, age 52, of Jackson, MI, formerly of Bunkerhill, MI, passed away, February 28, 2025.

Lee Ann was born on February 1, 1973, in Jackson MI, the daughter of Earnest and Barb Brown.

Lee Ann lived many places over the years but had finally settled in Jackson, MI. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Lee Ann loved taking pictures and crafting with them. She also loved helping people, and if it was within her means, she would do all she could. She fought many health battles over the years but always pulled through. She was often quick witted and loved joking around, anything to get a rise out of you.

She is survived by her father, Earnest Brown of Bunkerhill; a sister, Toni (Chad) Quinn, and a brother, Wally (Vickey) Brown; daughters, Emiley Brown, Dawn Brown, Sheyanne Williams, and Ariel Brown; many grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Barb Brown and sister, Lynette (Netty) Brown.

A cremation will be taking place and a celebration of life will be held and announced shortly.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her father, Earnest Brown, or Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Jane E. Wood

Jane Elizabeth Wood, of Chelsea, MI died at home at the age of 59 on February 28, 2025. She was born on January 17, 1966 in Ann Arbor, MI the daughter of Clarence and Nancy Wood. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1984, where she was a cheerleader, played basketball, and began a lifetime love of sports. After high school, Jane went to Michigan State University and earned a degree in Communications. Jane’s college years resulted in her becoming an MSU superfan. She rarely missed her beloved MSU Spartans when they played football or basketball.

After graduating from college, Jane had a rewarding career in TV news production in Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001 and returned to Chelsea shortly thereafter. Jane had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. In recent years, she worked as a caregiver for two elderly disabled men. She brought joy and humor to their lives, and they gave her delight and a happy sense of purpose. In addition to being an avid MSU fan, Jane was a cat lover. She had numerous cats over the years, which she cared for with love and tenderness. Jane also read insatiably, knitted countless hats and scarves, and completed beautiful diamond paintings (mostly of cats).

She was devoted to her family, and she truly loved each and every one of them. If you knew her, you knew that was true. The Wood family summer reunions were the high point of her year. Her family fondly remembers her frolicking at Cavanaugh Lake with her friends, sense of humor, thoughtful handmade gifts, beautiful smile, the way she made them laugh, and the impact she had on their lives.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Thomas and Joseph, her sister, Nancy, and many cats.

She is survived by her step-mother, Patricia Wood of Chelsea, siblings: Janice Perry of Vashon, WA, David Wood (the late Brian Mulhern) of Minneapolis, MN, Jack Wood (the late Jean Wood) of South Lyon, Mary Veltema (Bruce) of East Lansing, Paul Wood (Phyllis Holmes) of Plymouth, and Mike Wood (Lyn) of Dexter; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 North Main Street in Chelsea, followed by a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be at the church on Friday from 10-11 a.m. A Funeral Mass is set for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E Old US Hwy 12 in Chelsea. Jane will be interred at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.

Should you feel so inclined, you are welcome to make donations in Jane’s name to the Humane Society of Huron Valley or the Chelsea District Library.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Edward A. Zygowicz

Edward "Ziggy" A. Zygowicz, age 79, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Arlington Heights, IL, passed away peacefully in hospice care on March 1, 2025, at the Chelsea Retirement Community-Kresge Heathcare & Rehabilitation Center. 

He was born on December 1, 1945, in Chicago, IL, the son of Aloysius and Sophie (Gajda) Zygowicz. On June 5, 1971, he married Susan E. (Bataska) in Chicago, eventually moving to the Chicago suburbs where they spent the majority of their days. In 2019, they moved to Chelsea, MI to be closer to their only child, daughter Karen (Nick) Bowersox and two grandsons, Maxwell and Ian Bowersox. 

Ziggy dedicated over 30 years of his career to PPG Industries, retiring as Director of Operations of a paint manufacturing facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Beyond his professional life, he enjoyed playing basketball, golf, and bowling, and was always an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls. 

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan; daughter, Karen (Nick) Bowersox of Ann Arbor; two grandchildren, Maxwell and Ian; and a sister, Eleanore Strzok of Illinois. Ziggy was preceded in death by his parents. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel , 805 W Middle St, Chelsea. All family and friends of Ziggy and his family are welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the UMRC - Porter Hills Foundation. 

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Gary L. Dyer

Gary Lee Dyer, age 53, of Jackson, MI, passed away on February 27, 2025 at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. Gary was born in Jackson, MI on April 15, 1971, the son of Talmage and Geraldine (Rudd) Dyer.

He had lived in Leslie and Stockbridge for much of his life and moved to Jackson two years ago. Gary served in the United States Army from 1989-1991 during the Gulf War. On July 5, 2002, he married Melissa M. (Risner), and they enjoyed over 22 years of marriage. He found joy in spending time with his family, especially his kids and grandkids, and he was proud of each one. Gary was a member of the Michigan Center VFW. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also loved going to garage sales and riding his motorcycle.

Gary is survived by his wife, Melissa; five children: Nathan Smith of Lansing, Caleb Medina of Jackson, Dylan Dyer of Jackson, Lindsay Risner of Jackson, and Austin Dyer of Jackson; two grandchildren, Brooklyn Miller and Scarlet Smith; two brothers, Greg Dyer of Jackson, and Vernon (Ashley) Dyer of Horton; his father-in-law, Donnie Risner Sr., and his mother-in-law, Regina Crockett, both of Jackson. He was loved by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Mary Barrett officiating.

Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Russell Lee Beeman

Russell Lee Beeman, age 74, of Lansing, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on February 25, 2025 at University of Michigan-Sparrow Hospice House in Lansing, MI. Russell was born on November 29, 1950, in Stockbridge, MI, the son of Donald and Barbara (Stoker) Beeman.

Russell lived in the Lansing area for the past 30 years. He had many talents and passions. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1968. He earned a degree in nursing from Michigan State University. He had a love for learning and continued his education for many years. He enjoyed gardening and putting together flower arrangements, and he built his own greenhouse. Russell was an avid woodworker, always creating pieces that reflected his craftsmanship and creativity. He also enjoyed researching his family’s genealogy, especially tracing the Beeman family history.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara Beeman of Chelsea, a sister, Darlene Kaminski of Munith; three brothers: John (Pat) Beeman, Rick (Lisa) Beeman, and Bobby (Sheryl) Beeman, all of Chelsea; an aunt, Linda Stoker of Grass Lake; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Beeman; a sister, Lisa Pane;  a sister-in-law, Karen Beeman; and a brother-in-law, Larry Kaminski.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Mt Hope Waterloo Cemetery with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Donald R. Byrd

Donald R. Byrd, age 76, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on February 22, 2025, at his home. He was born on August 28, 1948, in Robbins, TN, to Hubert and Marie (Wright) Byrd.

Donald worked as a master electrician for many years. On August 28, 1987, he married Theresa M. (Lukenich) in Las Vegas. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was camping, fishing, golfing, or caring for his lawn. Donald also loved cooking, going to the casino, and had a special place in his heart for his dogs. For several years, he served as President of the Village of Stockbridge.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa, three children: Dustin (Sonya) Byrd, Shannon (James) Neate, and Kristi Misiak; eight grandchildren: Steven, Nathan, and Lindsey Byrd, Hayley, Gabby, and Lucas Neate, and Nikolaus Misiak; and his best friend and canine companion, Hank.

A private service will be held at a later date. Donations in Donald’s memory may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA).

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

James D. Chesney

James D. Chesney, of Dexter, Michigan and Deer Isle, Maine, age 82, died peacefully at his home in Dexter, Michigan on February 12, 2025, after a nearly year-long journey with pancreatic cancer.

He was born on January 26, 1943, in Albany, New York to J. Dukehart Chesney and Marjory H. Chesney. He graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan and received graduate degrees in Political Science from the University of Maryland (M.A.) and the University of Michigan (Ph.D.).

Jim’s life was lived with a blueprint of democratic values and a love for public policy and activism. From his college days to the recent past, his passion was focused on campaigns for elected office, formal policy initiatives, and local grassroots efforts for political, environmental, and social change. His early work in Public Health centered on the statute revisions of statewide health policy legislation in Michigan. While employed at Wayne State University and Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, he collaborated on the creation of a much-needed Federally-Qualified Health Center in Detroit to help give a voice to the underserved populations there. One of Jim’s longest and favorite volunteer efforts was his service on the Board of Directors of the Rapoport Foundation in Waco, Texas, a family foundation that enabled voting rights, electoral policy, and social justice nationally and locally.

After retirement, Jim remained active in Democratic politics, advocating for issues of governance and equality in the Ann Arbor area. When he and his wife Barbara moved west a few miles to Dexter, Michigan, he immediately fell in love with and advocated for the local park, trail, and creek initiatives that were underway right outside his doorstep. He had brought his brand of quiet, effective, and humorous activism to his new town nearly five years ago. Now that town recognizes him as part of their latest water pathways initiative.

But Jim’s passion bloomed in Maine as well as in Michigan. His parents and many relatives from Canada began coming to Deer Isle in the early 20 th century. Every summer would begin with a trip to Deer Isle after school let out in Albany, New York, and would end with a trip back just before school started again. Deer Isle on Dunham’s Point was summer. It would become his happy place on earth, his retirement home, and the template for his life. Sailing out of Sylvester’s Cove onto Penobscot Bay became the model for a life well lived, enjoyed, and cherished. He transferred that love of Deer Isle to his family including his wife Barbara, his son Carey and his wife Ilze, and especially to his three adored grandchildren: Luke, Brooke, and Fiona.

Jim also found a venue for his continued activism on Deer Isle. He served as member and later as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries in Stonington, Maine. This was where his life-long love of Deer Isle came to intersect with his intellectual and political ideals. He loved being lucky enough to be a part of the summer community, and appreciated the Deer Isle lobstering industry and its local fishermen. To be able to contribute to a place he had loved forever was of immense value to Jim.

Jim was predeceased by his sister, Susan Chesney Wakelin and his brothers-in-law Bruce Paul (BP) Vander Mel, James Henry Wakelin, and Kirk Cullen Kingman. In addition to his beloved grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara Kingman Chesney; his son Carey Kingman Chesney and wife Ilze Amelia Chesney; his twin brother Alan Parker Chesney and wife Barbara Haack Chesney; his sister Lucy Chesney Vander Mel; and sister-in-law Susan Kingman Herman and her partner Denny Whipp.

Jim will be missed at home in Michigan and in Maine. Comfort comes to his family and friends from the fact that he was able to serve, to influence, to enjoy, and to love in his full and dedicated life.

There will be a memorial celebration for Jim on August 6, 2025, at the Deer Isle-Sunset Congregational Church with a Zoom link for those who cannot attend in person.

Contributions in Jim’s honor may be made to: Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative, 339 E. Liberty Ste. 320, Ann Arbor MI 48104 (Memo line: Team Chesney Bridge the B2B) Link to Give Online: https://www.classy.org/team/640395; Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, P.O. Box 27 Stonington, ME 04681; Deer Isle-Sunset Congregational Church, P.O. Box 292, Deer Isle, ME 04627.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI.

Gary DeWayne Weeks

Gary DeWayne Weeks, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away at Trinity Health Ann Arbor on February 21, 2025. He was born the son of Billy W. Weeks and Juliette S. Weeks (Argiero) on April 12, 1961 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Theresa Lynn Weeks.

Gary grew up in Ann Arbor and attended Abbott Elementary, Forsythe Middle School, and graduated from Pioneer High School in 1979. Gary met Annette working at the Sears cafeteria in Briarwood Mall. He married Annette Marie Baughman in Ypsilanti, MI on April 1, 1981. Sears has now since closed, so Gary and Annette would fondly joke that their warranty expired, and they could no longer return each other! They loved spending time with family, taking motorcycle trips, and spending time on the boat.

Throughout his childhood, he made many lifelong friends. Friends and family were incredibly important to Gary. His favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, and working on projects in the garage. There was never a time when he wasn’t willing to lend a hand or give advice when asked. Gary always had the tools or the knowledge on how to get something fixed so you were never left in a bind. His heart was so big. A simple phone call had him showing up on your doorstep with every tool possible that was needed to finish the project that you were in the middle of.

His grand”babies” were especially special to him. He loved taking them fishing on the big boat and the little boat that used to be his dad’s. Gary and Annette went to every possible softball game and school event that they could. He enjoyed the simple things, like letting them drive him around on the golf cart all day picking up sticks in the yard.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Annette, his daughter, Shannon (Richard) Wade, and beloved grandchildren, Madison and Reagan Wade. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis (Larry) Cole, and his Aunt Mary Argiero, and many other aunts, an uncle, and nieces and nephews.

A funeral will take place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with the Rev. Joy Barrett officiating.

Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 6-8 p.m., and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the funeral.

Following the graveside service there will be a lunch at North Lake United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Chelsea First United Methodist Church, Children's and Youth Ministry. 

Jason E. Zimmerman

Jason Edward Zimmerman, age 52, of Parma, MI, formerly of Jackson, MI, passed away on February 16, 2025. He was born on July 6, 1972, in Jackson, MI, the son of Allen "Rocky" and Vonda Lee (Mullins) Zimmerman.

Jason was an outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He worked as a machinist at Melling Industries for 23 years and enjoyed working on cars in his spare time. He was a member of Page Avenue Baptist Church. Jason cherished time spent with his entire family. He had an amazing bond with his in-laws, Gene and Sallianne Gardner, both of Jonesville, MI. Jason had a deep love and respect for his parents, Rocky and Vonda Zimmerman, both of Jackson, MI, and he went out of his way to make sure his three children and 10 grandchildren knew they were loved. He absolutely adored being around each one of them!

He is survived by his loving wife and true soul-mate, Bonnie Lynn Gardner; his parents, Allen "Rocky" Zimmerman and Vonda Lee Zimmerman of Jackson; his in-laws, Gene and Sallianne Gardner of Jonesville, MI; his three children, Ashlee (Andrew) Smith of Jackson, Alexis Zimmerman (Brandon Hamilton) of Pleasant Lake, and Daniel Gardner (Krystal Chapman) of Parma, 10 grandchildren: Valeira, AJ, Gena, Roselynn, Scarlette, Jeremiah, Austin, Ethan, Alyvia, and William; two brothers, Adam (Lyn) Zimmerman and Shaynne (Christie) Zimmerman, both of Jackson; and four nephews, Kaleb, Kameron, Damian (Amanda), and Matt; two nieces, Kaley (Adrian) and Heather (John); one great-nephew, Adrian Jr.; and one great-niece, Kennedy.

Visitation will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 5-8 p.m., and on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 10-11 a.m.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Phil Draffen officiating. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery. A Celebration of Life/Memorial Luncheon will immediately follow the burial at Page Avenue Baptist Church, 5023 Page Avenue, Jackson, MI 49201.

Donations to help for final costs of Jason Zimmerman and future living expenses may be made to: Bonnie Gardner.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Jack LeRoy Joseph

Jack LeRoy Joseph, of Mason, Michigan, passed away on February 18, 2025 at his home.

He was born the son of Walter and Frances (Fauser) Joseph on April 16, 1940. He worked as a custodian for Kinko's for many years. He enjoyed the simple things in life like going for walks, drawing, travelling, being with family and friends, and "doing different activities."

Jack is survived by his siblings: Michael (Barb) Joseph, David Joseph, Larry (Janine) Joseph, Mary Ward, Denise (Bob) Stull, Terry Joseph, and Dennis Joseph. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Judy and Sue Joseph. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ken, Jerry, James, and Richard Joseph; sisters, Betty Easterday, Babe Howard; sisters-in-law, Bobbie, Donna, and Mary Lou Joseph; and brother-in-law, James Ward.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to the time of service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.