Patricia Ann Haidler

Following an extended illness, Patricia Ann Haidler passed away at her home in Gregory, Michigan on October 25, 2025 with loved ones at her side. 

Patty was born on July 6th, 1954, at Tachikawa AFB near Tokyo, Japan, to the late William Bernard and Frances Helen Haidler.  She is survived by her sister, Maria Jean (James) Fox of San Jose, California, brother, John William (Laurie) Haidler of Gregory, Michigan, and brother, Robert William (Jill) Haidler of Mandeville, Louisiana, as well as her nieces and nephews, Alexander and Ian Fox, Julia and Henry Haidler, Joseph and Christine Haidler.  

Patty was the eldest of four siblings in a US Air Force military family and the trailblazer for her sister and brothers growing up around the US - Raleigh, NC; US Air Force Academy, CO; Tucson, AZ; Montgomery, AL; Gaithersburg, MD; Fairborn, OH; and finally in Michigan,  where she attended Michigan State University. She graduated with a BA in English Literature and went on to enjoy a professional career as a marketing and advertising executive in the retail clothing industry. She worked for Macy’s, Mervyn’s and Miller’s Outpost while in Kansas City, KS; Plano, TX; San Francisco and Chino Hills, CA, where she retired in 2000 before moving back to Michigan in 2020.

Patty was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend who always had a cheerful disposition and sharp wit.  She was one to always lend help where she could and to offer words of encouragement to her friends and family.  As a young person, she was an accomplished skier and swimmer. She thoroughly enjoyed reading, late-night movies, fine cooking, and visiting with family and friends. She was well travelled, enjoyed vacations, and saw sights around the world.  Her influence and sensitive nature will live on through those that knew and loved her. She will be missed.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney, MI, followed by burial at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery in Ann Arbor, MI. Donations in memoriam may be made to the Boys Republic in Chino Hills, CA.

Boys Republic is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian school and treatment community founded in 1907 for troubled youngsters. On its central school and farm in Chino Hills, California, and in residential and day treatment centers in other communities, Boys Republic and its companion program, Girls Republic, help children in desperate need find within themselves the resources and skills to begin meaningful lives on their own. Gifts may be made on-line via BoysRepublic.org, by mail to 1907 Boys Republic Drive, Chino\Hills CA 91709 or phone 909-628-1217.

Jeffrey S. Williams

Jeffrey Scott Williams, age 59, of Chelsea, Michigan died peacefully on October 27, 2025, with family at his side.

He was Chairman and CEO of several Ann Arbor based life sciences companies. He was an inventor on more than 40 patents, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (summa cum laude) from Alma College, and an MBA with high distinction from the University of Michigan.

Jeff loved to travel the world extensively with family and friends. Germany, London, Venice, and Arizona were among his favorites. He was extremely organized and never went on vacation without a PDF itinerary detailing the entire vacation.

He took his love of hiking to an entirely new level. He and his wife, Dawn, enjoyed the challenge of hiking Flatiron Mountain in the Superstition Mountain Range of Arizona. Once Jeff realized there was a higher peak in the same mountain range, he immediately set sights on conquering 5057, even though there was no official trail. Anyone who came for a visit to our Scottsdale, Arizona condo was taken on a hike in the Sonoran Desert.

His passion for cycling, whether a morning coffee ride to Zou Zou’s or participating in the Make-A-Wish 300-mile bike ride was trained for as a competition. He organized trainings, coordinated schedules, mapped out directions, checked the weather, and set up trips. Jeff’s enthusiasm for biking was shared by family and friends, including Dawn, who was the last holdout.

Jeff loved watching and attending UM football games. If Michigan scored a touchdown or fumbled at the goal line, we would hear joyful cheers of victory or deafening shouts of displeasure, laced with profanity, echoing throughout the house. He was a Michigan Wolverine Alumni and fan, along with his youngest daughter, Carrie, who shares his love of higher education and Michigan football games.

He enjoyed watching sci-fi, action and adventure movies especially with his daughter, Jennifer. This rang true as, together, they recited National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation every Christmas Eve.

Jeff’s summer holidays and weekends were spent with family and friends on Cavanaugh Lake, enjoying pontoon rides and swimming at the sandbar.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Dawn (Tahaney) Williams; two daughters, Jennifer Williams of Chelsea, and Carrie (Henry) Hitt of Ann Arbor; his mother, Sue (Gary) Trumble of St. Charles; and three sisters, Lori (Gary) Blohm of Brooklyn, Amanda (Jeff) Gamble of Saline, and Sara (Patrick) Barckholtz of St. Charles; as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and his cat, Rory.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with visitation at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Regents of the University of Michigan, Jeff and Dawn Williams Kidney Cancer Innovation Fund, 3003 S. State Street, Ste 8000, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1276, or Paws With A Cause, 4646 Division Street. Wayland, MI 49348-9727, https://pawswithacause.org/donate/

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Mary C. Houle

Mary Catherine Houle, age 92, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025 at Legacy Assisted Living Center in Jackson, MI.

Mary was born on November 22, 1932, in Chelsea, MI, the daughter of Emmett and Oleta (Hutzel) Hankerd. A lifelong Chelsea resident, Mary graduated from Chelsea High School and worked as a dental assistant. She married Raymond Joseph Houle in August 1954 at St. Mary Catholic Church. He preceded her in death in 1982.

Mary was a devoted lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir. Faith, family, and friends were the center of her life. She found great joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved gardening, canning, cooking and baking, and tending to her flowers.

Mary is survived by a daughter, Marie C. Houle-Krause; daughter-in-law, Denise Houle; and son, Tom (Carol) Houle; grandchildren: Jeremy (Emerson David Mora) Montange, Kevin Omans, Kari (Jeff) Corser, Audri (Leslie) Rogers, Lillian (Andy) Dotzlaf, Ashley (Brad) Hogan, Danielle (Brian) House, and Brian (Alex) Houle; and great-grandchildren: Ava Omans; Caleb and Kiersten Corser; Keith and Amelia Rogers; Raymond and Harrison Dotzlaf; Tyler and Elise Hogan; George, Charles, Brenton, and Jack House. She is also survived by a sister, Eileen Brooks, and brother-in-law, David Scharphorn, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, her son, Mark Houle, and her siblings: Sr. Helen Hankerd, Therese Scharphorn, Roseann (Joe) Salvante, Bud (Jeanette) Hankerd, and infant sister, Jane Cecile Hankerd.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 8:00 p.m., and at the church on Friday from 10-11 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Sandy Zeeb

Sandy Zeeb, age 89, of Chelsea, MI, passed from this life Monday, October 27, 2025 at home after a short illness.

She was born January 2, 1936, in Shinnston, West Virginia, a “coal miner’s daughter” of the late Joseph and Susan (Gaydos) Orosz. She was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. She followed Christ’s teachings in word and deed. She loved her family and neighbors and helped those less fortunate.

On October 6, 1956, Sandy married Walter “Walt” Zeeb at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. When not working, which wasn’t often, Sandy and Walt were active in their younger days with dancing and playing cards with Walt’s “Sodbuster” friends on Saturday nights. Walt passed away in 2007 at 74 years of age.

Sandy was not only a mother, but she was also a businesswoman in a time when there were so few. She was part of a generation of women who opened doors for future generations of women to have the opportunity to choose business careers.

Sandy and Walt owned and operated the Chelsea Greenhouse for 42 years from 1960 to 2002. They were very customer orientated and took great care of their customers. They were active participants in the Chelsea community over the years. They contributed much to the growth of the Chelsea community during that time. Walt was a longtime member of Chelsea Fair Board and Chelsea Kiwanis Club. Sandy and Walt were Chelsea’s Citizens of the year in 2001. They shared a lifetime of achievement and contributions and dedicated service to the community they loved. Gloria Mitchell of the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home was one of many who nominated the Zeebs for the award in 2001 and said, “It is difficult to find out exactly what all they have done for our community, because they do it lovingly and quietly.”

In addition to managing the Chelsea Greenhouse, Sandy was a member of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce in the 1980s. Sandy and Walt donated flowers for many community events. They also donated the flowers for the altar at St. Mary for weekly services when they operated the greenhouse.

Walt was a counselor for Cassidy Lake Technical School, United Way Chairman, and member of the Knights of Columbus, as well as the American Legion and the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. Sandy and Walt received many awards from organizations and the community for outstanding service. They donated substantial property to the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. Sandy and Walt received a State of Michigan House of Representatives certificate to honor them for their outstanding service and dedication to the Chelsea Senior Center. They also were honored by Faith in Action with the Humanitarian of the Year award for their many years of service to the community. Sandy and Walt were passionate supporters of the St. Louis Center.

Mrs. Zeeb is survived by her only daughter, Alisa Diane Drumb and her husband, Richard Drumb; her sister, Veronica “Ronnie” Orosz of Shinnston, West Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walt Zeeb; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Therese Orosz; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Andrew Gombash; sister and brother-in-law, Annie and James Edwards; and also a few pets over the years that she dearly loved.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Louis Center in Chelsea, the Chelsea Senior Center, Faith in Action, or an animal shelter of one’s choice.

God give us peace, love, and compassion to ease the suffering of others and not contribute to their pain.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Henry R. "Hank" Van Hovel

Henry R. “Hank” Van Hovel, age 77, of Munith, MI, passed away peacefully at his home in Henrietta Township on October 23, 2025.

Hank was born on November 7, 1947, in Detroit, MI, the son of Henry and Catherine (Purpura) Van Hovel. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970, earning a Purple Heart. Following his active duty, he continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserves for an additional four years.

After his military service, Hank worked for Great Lakes Steel for 30 years, retiring as Maintenance Supervisor. He lived in Allen Park for many years before moving to the Munith area in 1997.

On November 19, 1997, he married Carolyn Cooke in Toledo, Ohio. Hank was a man who loved to keep busy—he could always be found tinkering on his old cars or working on a project in his garage. His greatest pride was his 1947 Mercury Coupe. He was also a member of the Richard F. Smith American Legion Post 29 in Jackson, MI.

Hank is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his children, Cheryl (Edward) Thomas of Newberry, MI, and Michael (Lisa) Van Hovel of Allen Park; stepchildren, Lori (Michael Gearhart) Cooke-Gearhart of Temperance, MI, and Shelley (David) Sitar of Worthington, IN; seven grandchildren; his sister, Charlene Hachey; and the mother of his children, Mary Sue Plotzke of Armada, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., and again on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta Township, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard F. Smith American Legion Post 29 in Jackson, MI.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

Ronald H. Hoffman

Ronald H. Hoffman, age 84, of Pleasant Lake, MI, passed away on October 20, 2025 at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital.

Ron was born on September 16, 1941 in Stockbridge, MI, the son of Alexander and Margaret (Schmidt) Hoffman.

A lifelong resident of the area, Ron dedicated his life to education, conservation, and community. He served as a biology teacher for 27 years, and after retirement, he worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Conservation District. Ron was active in the Jackson Audubon and managing the Haehnle Sanctuary with a special interest in sandhill cranes.

On August 3, 1974, he married Joan W. (Irish) at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member of the church. Together, Ron and Joan shared a passion for the outdoors — spending countless hours hiking and birdwatching. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. Most of all, Ron cherished his family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Ron is survived by a daughter, Amy (Justin) Hamilton of Farmington Hills; and a grandson, Alex Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, on September 21, 2023.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Kurt Uhlenbrauck officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. He will be laid to rest at St. Jacob Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary, with checks made to the Jackson Audubon Society.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Thomas C. Lewis

Thomas Coggins Lewis, age 91, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born on May 27, 1934, in Flint, Michigan, the son of Roy and Mary (Coggins) Lewis. He graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1952. On June 30, 1956, he married Marilyn Jo (Reasner), and they shared 57 years of marriage until her passing in 2014.

Tom graduated from General Motors Institute with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1957, and he worked in the automotive field for various companies throughout his career. He eventually retired from Chelsea Milling Company in 1997.

In 1967, Tom and Marilyn settled in Chelsea, where they raised their family. Tom was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Chelsea, where he served as a church trustee, was active in the youth programs, and served as a confirmation mentor. Through his church ministry, he also supported the local youth by attending Chelsea High School sporting events. He was a familiar and loyal spectator for all sports, boys and girls, indoor and outdoor, and despite all weather challenges. He was a Chelsea Bulldogs fan, true and true.

Beyond his community involvement, Tom was a skilled and competitive bullseye pistol shooter, competing locally and nationally, earning numerous top awards in the sport. He was a member of the NRA/USA National Civilian Pistol Team, and he set seven national records. He was awarded the Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge in 1995 and the Oglethorpe Trophy in 1999. He was also a member of the 2600 Club, an honorary Precision Pistol Club.

Most of all, Tom found great joy in spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Tom is survived by four daughters: Tracy (Leon) Taylor of Chelsea, Sue (Jeff) Johnson of Lawrence, MI, Kate (Brian) Bancroft of Chelsea, and Colleen (Larry) Fleeman of Fountain Hills, AZ; as well as a son-in-law, Kimble Bear; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; a daughter, Margaret Bear; his parents; and a brother, Evan Lewis.

The family extends their gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Arbor Hospice and a special thanks to Pastor William and Karla for their kindness and support.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor Josh Lilly officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Athletic Boosters, with donations directed to the girls’ softball or volleyball programs.

Carol M. Caroen

Carol M. Caroen, age 78, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, at Faith Haven Care Centre in Jackson, MI, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on March 16, 1947, Carol spent the last 27 years building a beautiful life in Stockbridge after relocating from Lansing. A talented and dedicated hairdresser, she was self-employed for many years, bringing joy and confidence to others through her work.

Carol was a devoted member of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church in Bunker Hill. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family — especially in the kitchen, where she created cherished memories baking with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found peace and happiness traveling with her beloved husband, Jack, to their cabin in Grand Marais, a place that brought her closer to nature and the simple joys of life.

Those who knew Carol will remember her as a generous, loving soul who never hesitated to lend a helping hand. She led with kindness and compassion, always the first to volunteer when someone was in need.

On June 13, 1998, Carol married the love of her life, John C. “Jack” Caroen, who survives her. She is also lovingly remembered by her children, Scott (Kimberly) Witgen of Mesa, AZ, Melissa (John) Hruska of Lowell, MI, and Terry (Noelle) Witgen of Rockford, MI; her stepchildren, Tina (Bruce) Brookhouse of Williamston, Rebecca Caroen-Smith of Stockbridge, and Christopher (Tracy) Caroen of Pleasant Lake; nine adored grandchildren; eight precious great-grandchildren; and her sister, Alice Piggot of Lansing.

She was welcomed into eternal life by her parents, James and Patricia Kavanagh and her brothers, Joseph and Donald Kavanagh.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, with burial to follow at Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Cemetery in Leslie, MI. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. to share memories and honor her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA), in gratitude for their dedicated care and service.

Carol’s light, love, and laughter will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew her.

Charles D. "Charlie" Cabana

Charles D. Cabana, age 80, of Stockbridge, MI, formerly of Dexter and Pinckney, MI, passed away on October 17, 2025. He was born on January 22, 1945, in Ypsilanti, MI, the son of Charles and Blanche (Johnson) Cabana.

Charlie proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during Vietnam. On September 14, 1973, he married Debra A. Thompson, and together they made their home and raised their family in Pinckney, MI.

Charlie owned and operated Mark Chevrolet in Wayne, MI, where he worked alongside his sons. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed bass fishing and hunting trophy bucks. He especially enjoyed time spent on the lake with his wife and regularly attended his grandchildren’s sporting events.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Debra; three sons, Casey (Suzanne) Cabana of Dexter, Michael (Holly) Cabana of Dexter, and Christopher (Andrea) Cabana of Grass Lake; eight grandchildren: Gracie (Jonathan), Benjamin (Morgan), Kylie, Abrie, Cole, Joseph, Kendall, and Andrew; a sister, Rose Marie Bush; and a brother, William Cabana. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Nancy Cabana.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 5–7 p.m., and on Wednesday from 10–11 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ted Nugent Kamp for Kids.

Jane C. Ellison

Jane Caroline Ellison, age 94, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on October 15, 2025.

She was born on September 21, 1931, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Carl and Ida (Smith) Spiess.

Jane married Herbert C. Ellison on October 8, 1949, and they lived in Ann Arbor, MI for many years where they raised their family. They retired to Tower, Minnesota and spent their winters in Zapata, Texas, eventually moving to Texas permanently. Herbert preceded her in death in 1998. Jane returned to Michigan to be closer to family, making her home in Chelsea for the past 12 years.

Jane was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Chelsea and the Chelsea Senior Center, where she formed many lasting friendships. She had a love for travel, exploring Michigan and much of the United States, and enjoyed reading, going out to dinner, and working with stained glass — creating gifts for her family and friends. She was also an avid University of Michigan football fan.

Jane is survived by a son, Keith Ellison of Chelsea, and a daughter-in-law, Polly Ellison; four grandchildren: Aimee (Ken) Lilley of Virginia, Jenny (Derik) Bollinger of Chelsea, Brian (Alisha) Ellison of Chelsea, and Jimmy (Megan) Ellison of Grass Lake; and nine great-grandchildren: Marissa, Andrew, Vincent, Jacob, Brendon, Delaney, Cora, Hudson, and Ainsley.

In addition to her husband, Herbert, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael J. Ellison, and a daughter, Patricia Baum.

A private service will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Washtenong Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jane’s honor to the Chelsea Senior Center.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.