Helen F. Townsend

Helen Frances (Platt) Townsend, age 80, of Dansville, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 22, 2025.

Helen was born in Mason, Michigan and spent her childhood there before getting married and moving to the Townsend family farm in Dansville.

Helen attended the Pink School in Mason during her elementary years. She was hired by the teacher to clean the erasers after school and created such a dust storm that the teacher would often make her go outside to finish the task. She graduated from Mason High School in 1963 and MSU in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in business.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, LeRoy; three children: Steve (Charissa) Townsend of Jenison, MI, Greg (Gina) Townsend of Barnhart, MO, and Janeen (Joshua) Tkaczyk of Dansville, MI. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Chaney (Taylor), Landon (Morgan), Ashley (Jay), Lexie (Steven), Samantha (Luke), Nolan (Morgan), Madison, Calvin and Carter; along with eight great-grandchildren. Helen is also survived by her two wonderful sisters, Marie (Gary) Laxton and Alice Kidder (Terry), who she loved so dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Elma Platt, and sister, Sue Willis.

Helen enjoyed many things in life: flower gardening, Bunco and Bingo, watching MSU and the Detroit Tigers, antiquing, refurbishing furniture, and hanging out with her family and her six Platt cousins while she was growing up (Gale, Doug, Jon, Bob, Gary and Don). Helen loved attending the Vantown Community Church and the many special friends that attended.

Services will be held at the Vantown Community Church, 3504 E. Howell Road, Webberville on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 am. There will be a meal following the service. In lieu of flowers - donations can be made to the Mason Historical Society (Pink School Project), PO Box 44, Mason, MI 48854.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Michael P. Radant

Michael Paul Radant, age 49, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on August 19, 2025.

He was born on September 29, 1975, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of R. Phillip and Judy I. (Miller) Radant. A lifelong resident of the Chelsea community, Mike graduated from Chelsea High School in 1993.

When Mike was young, he loved BMX biking, Star Wars, and skateboarding. He was an intense student of history and trivia, loved muscle cars, and music. He studied auto body repair at WCC, and worked as an auto body painter, first at dealerships, then with his own business. Mike was most recently employed at Navitas in Ann Arbor.

Mike was always welcoming and generous. He gathered friends wherever he went. His greatest joy was being a father to his daughter, Eliana, and spending time with her.

Mike is survived by his parents, Phil and Judy Radant; his daughter, Eliana Radant, and her mother, Lisa Radant; two sisters, Stephanie (River) Munier of Detroit and Melinda (Chris) Pierce of Westfield, IN; aunts and uncles: David and Mary Radant, Barbara and Bob Burns, Bernice and Gary Packard, and Marilyn Hopkins; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his aunt, Virginia (Dale) Weese, and uncle, Ken Hopkins, and cousin, Jamie Cameron.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home, with Pastor Matthew J. Hook officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Waterloo Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to an educational fund for Eliana. Checks can be made payable to Eliana Radant.

Helen E. Hancock

Helen E. Hancock, age 91, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away on August 19, 2025 in Belleville, MI.

Helen was born on August 13, 1934 in Grand Traverse County, MI, the daughter of Albert and Violet (Plucker) Smith. She married Delbert H. Hancock on November 14, 1954, and he survives. Helen had lived in the Grass Lake area for the past 20 years, moving from Canton, MI. Helen was the Valedictorian of her graduating class. She worked as an administrative assistant for the Western Wayne Correctional Facility. She was also a Sunday school teacher at Calvary Baptist Church in Canton, and she was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Chelsea. She enjoyed cooking and gardening.

In addition to her husband, Delbert, she is survived by a daughter-in-law, Kathryn Hancock of Belleville, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Delbert Matthew on November 11, 2022; a sister, Florence Smith, and two brothers, Maxwell Smith and Martin Smith.

A funeral service will be held at Faith Baptist Church, Chelsea, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Adam Summers officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.

Burial will take place at Downs Cemetery in Grand Traverse County, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Larry R. Humrich

Larry R. Humrich, age 80, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on August 19, 2025 at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. Larry was born on April 21, 1945 in Howell, MI, the son of Ralph and Kathryn (Roberts) Humrich.

Larry had lived in the Stockbridge area all of his life where he worked as a farmer. He served in the United States Airforce during the Vietnam Era. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing, and hunting. He was an avid bowler, winning state championships and traveling to national tournaments.

Larry married Lorraine (Blanton) on February 26, 1994, and she survives. Also surviving are three children, Sherry (Chris) Cain of Texas, James White of Fowlerville, and Brenda (Matt) Brockway of Fowlerville; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his siblings: Gary (Kathryn) Humrich, Ronald (Lynda) Humrich, Linda (Robert) Vogel, Carol (Ralph) Goerge, and Elaine (Mike) Boyd; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a nephew, Benjermin Humrich.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Paula Vergowven officiating. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery.

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

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Melissa A. "Missy" Handloser

Melissa A. “Missy” Handloser, age 57, of Grass Lake, MI, passed away peacefully at her home on August 18, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Missy was born on August 5, 1968, in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Robert and Judith (Haines) Keiser. She had lived her entire life in Chelsea, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1986. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University and worked for many years as a loan officer.

On October 5, 1991, she married Gary Lee Handloser. They shared nearly 34 years of marriage and raised their two sons in Chelsea. She was a devoted wife and mother who selflessly supported her boys in everything they did. She always put others first.

Missy lived life with energy and joy. She enjoyed softball, volleyball, camping, and bike riding at Hudson Mills Metropark; also bowling, scrapbooking, and more recently, playing pickleball. Traveling brought her great happiness, with Maui, Hawaii holding a special place in her heart. Above all, her greatest joy came from her family.

Missy is survived by her husband, Gary Handloser; her sons, Zachary N. Handloser and Alexander J. Handloser; six siblings: Stephen (Sandra) Keiser, Kenneth (Sandi) Keiser, David (CeCe) Keiser, Karen (Eric) Keiser, Joseph Keiser, and Sandra Palmer; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Nicholas Keiser.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Per Missy's request, please enjoy Hawaiian themed clothing at the 6-8 p.m. visitation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Area Pickleball Association or to the GoFundMe established in Missy’s honor.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Jeffrey G. Kitchen

Jeffrey Kitchen, age 58, of Fowlerville, MI, formerly of Dexter, MI, passed away on August 15, 2025. He was born on December 7, 1966 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Leonard and Karen (Lovelace) Kitchen. He married Deanna L. (Owens) in Dexter, MI on October 19, 1996.

Above everything, Jeff cherished his family. His greatest joy came from the time he spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren, who will carry forward the love, honesty, respect, and selflessness he instilled in them. His love for family was unwavering, and he built a legacy rooted in kindness, strength, and devotion.

Jeff had a passion for life’s adventures. He loved off-roading and never hesitated to share his knowledge, patiently teaching his children and others the many talents and skills he possessed. He had a deep appreciation for animals, history, and the outdoors, always finding beauty in the world around him.

Those who knew Jeff will remember his bright, room-filling smile and the kind of hug that could take away life’s burdens. His presence was a source of comfort, laughter, and light to everyone blessed enough to know him.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, his children, his grandchildren, and all of his extended family and friends.

Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on in the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the lives he touched.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 29 years, Deanna Kitchen; his children: Austin Kitchen, Cheyenne (Rob Chie) Kitchen, Tommy Owens, Tyler (Samantha) Kitchen, and Remington Kitchen; his mother, Karen Lovelace, and second mother, Emily Kitchen; his in-laws, Ed and Rhonda Owens; his siblings: Melissa (Ryan) Doletzky, Leonard Jr. (Julie) Kitchen, and Elizabeth (Doug) Troop; his grandchildren: Cyrex, Blake, Raeanne, Kylie, and Kelsey; his fur babies, Zeus and Marley; and his grand fur babies, Lily and Luna. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard K. Kitchen, in 2013.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jeffrey Kitchen Go Fund Me

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

James P. McCrea

January 9, 1957 – August 15, 2025

Humble, wise, and generous husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully at his lakefront home on Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by love.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Jim was the son of Alma and Clinton McCrea. His life was shaped by deep loss early on—his mother passed away when he was just four years old, and his father when he was fifteen. Despite these hardships, Jim showed remarkable resilience and strength. He worked as a paperboy, mowed lawns, and held jobs at the neighborhood pharmacy and pizzeria to help support himself and his sister, Mary Ellen, allowing them to remain in their family home in Redford until each married.

Jim married the love of his life, Sara Jane Genova, on August 20, 1990. Together, they built a beautiful life, moving to Dexter, Michigan in 1991 with their three sons and later welcoming a daughter and another son. They raised their children in a close-knit community, forming lifelong friendships and memories.

Jim worked as a diesel mechanic for SEMTA (SMART) and AATA for 37 years, retiring in 2016 due to health challenges. In 2022, he received a kidney transplant, which sadly failed due to complications, returning him to dialysis. A man of many passions, Jim loved woodworking, tinkering in his garage, boating, sailing, and driving his Corvette. He was a devoted fan of NASCAR, the Detroit Red Wings, and his daily newspaper. But above all, Jim cherished time with his family, friends, and pets. He found joy in watching his grandchildren grow, sharing stories, and making others laugh with his practical wisdom and humor.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Sara; his children: Emma McCrea, Clinton (Bailey) McCrea, Duffy (Emily) Fair, Jason (Channon) Fair, and Paul Fair; and his nine adored grandchildren: Austin Gibson, Roman, Grady, Ezekial, Bronson, Tyson, Cooper, Jolie Fair, and Cameron McCrea. He also leaves behind many dear friends—Mark and Shelly, Patty, Jay, Bob, Carl, Jeff, Matt, Dale, Devin, Danny, and Jamie—and his cherished dogs, Elsa and Lois.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Ellen; his friends, Lanny and Jeff, and many beloved pets.

If you were fortunate enough to know Jim, you carry with you his legacy of generosity, humility, and wisdom—always practical, always kind, and often delivered with a smile and a story.

A special and deeply felt thank you to Shannon and Ed at Chelsea DaVita Dialysis, Kristen K. and the Henry Ford Transplant Team, and the many friends and neighbors who have offered their care, kindness, and support over the years. Your compassion made a meaningful difference in Jim’s life and in ours, and we are forever grateful.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m.

A luncheon will follow from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Dexter, 8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd, Dexter, MI 48130.

In lieu of sympathy, donations may be made to: the Humane Society of Huron Valley, and/or Dexter Community Fund, checks can be made to Dexter Community Fund, AAACF, 301 N. Main St., Suite 300, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

Wanda Dase

Wanda Dase, age 79, of Dansville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025.

She was born on July 31, 1946 and graduated from Leslie High School. In 1965, she married Richard Dase, and they were together for over 60 years.

Wanda worked for the Dansville School system for many years, primarily serving as the Middle School Librarian.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard, and leaves behind two sons, Rich (Heather) and Darren (Jody), along with her beloved grandkids: Trevor, Elizabeth, Sawyer, Hoyt, and Denton.

Wanda had made the decision long ago not to have a memorial service, wanting everyone to remember her for who she was. She rests with her family and next to her husband at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, Michigan.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Marlene “Mouse” Ann Stevens

Marlene “Mouse” Ann Stevens, age 66, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on August 16, 2025, at her home. Marlene was born on December 7, 1958, in Jackson, MI, to Lillian (Salyer) and Arthur Minix.

She graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1977 and, after spending years in the workforce as a seamstress and in the auto industry, went on to earn her associate’s degree from Jackson College to become a medical assistant. Marlene loved her work—especially putting casts on broken bones and building rapport with her patients.

She was known for her gift of conversation and her genuine interest in learning about others and forming connections. Every Christmas, she proudly claimed the title of “best peanut brittle maker” in the family, though her brother Mike would beg to differ. For relaxation, Marlene enjoyed watching TV shows and playing computer games on her laptop. During hunting season, she could often be found scouting for turkeys.

Marlene is survived by her children, Chassidy Long, Robert Long, and Jess Stevens (Kay); her grandchildren, Alexander Long and Mya Long; her brother, Michael Minix (Robert); and many other loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ardell Long; her parents, Arthur and Lillian Minix; her brother, Scottie Minix; and her sister, Deborah Schenk.

A gathering of friends and family will take place at the Caskey Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Humane Society in Jackson.

“I consider raising my children as the greatest adventure I have ever encountered. Definitely worthwhile, even with the tears that go along with the laughter.”

Beatrice "Bea" Geisler

Beatrice "Bea" Geisler, age 73, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025 with her husband, Carl, the love of her life, at her side.

Bea was born on August 20, 1951 in Stockbridge, MI, the daughter of Edward and Sarah (Salyer) Marshall, who preceded her in death.

Bea graduated from Manchester High School in 1969. She was a loving, kind, and gracious lady who was loved by all who knew her, especially her church family at the Church of Christ in Chelsea, MI. Bea was an avid chef and baker, and she loved and doted on her grandchildren.

Bea is survived by her husband, Carl Edward Geisler; daughters, Teresa Lynn (Joseph) Petrozzi of Kissimmee, FL, Angela Elizabeth Geisler of Carleton, MI, and Michelle Lynn (James) Gonyon of Columbia, TN; and sons, Ryan George (Holly) Macomber of Grass Lake, MI, and Aaron (Melissa) Macomber of Tipton, MI; 16 grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson; her siblings: Delorse Hafley of Chelsea, Margaret (Richard) Steele of Chelsea, Cleadious Marshall of Watkinsville, GA, Virginia Adkins of Milan, TN, and Akel Marshall of Chelsea; and two sisters-in-law, Shirley Marshall of Michigan, and Sally Marshall of Florida; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Rodney Edward Macomber; her siblings: Justice Marshall, Lawrence Gray Marshall, Douglas Marshall, and Opal Marshall; brothers-in-law, Laverne “Porky” Hafley and Dempsey Adkins, and sister-in-law, Jean Marshall.

A private graveside service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson, MI.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.