Norman E. Wanty

Norman E. Wanty, of Ann Arbor, MI, passed away at the Arbor Manor in Spring Arbor, MI on November 22, 2025.

He was born the son of Mark W. and Calista (Butts) Wanty on September 1, 1933 in Ypsilanti, MI. Norman married Bonnie Wicks on August 7, 1976, and she preceded him in death.

Norman was a proud member of the United States Army and served with a missile battalion. He worked for the City of Ann Arbor Water Purification Plant for over 35 years after his discharge from the Army.  Norman loved to walk in the outdoors and enjoyed nature. He enjoyed taking pictures of historical sites and the presidents’ burial tombs.

He is survived by his sons, Steve (Cathy) Pendell, Tracy (Dana) Pendell, and Maurice Pendell; and his sister, Janet Pendell. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara; brother, Mark Jr.; sister-in-law, Betty; niece, Kathy; nephew, Christopher Pendell; and brother-in-law, Royal Pendell.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. A private entombment will take place at Arborcrest Cemetery. 

Brenda K. Stockwell

Brenda Kay Stockwell, age 77, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 18, 2025.

Brenda was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 21, 1948, to Forrest and Alyce Goll. She grew up with her twin, Michael, her older sister, Shirrell Fischer, her younger twin sisters, Barb Herrst and Beverly Lorenze, and her youngest sister, Tammy Branscheidel. Her parents and three siblings, Mike, Bev, and Barb, preceded her in death.

On May 10, 1969, Brenda married Edward Stockwell, building a life together for over 56 years in the Ann Arbor area. Brenda and Ed welcomed a daughter, Michelle Antunes (Tony) early in their marriage, and in 2007, on their 38th wedding anniversary, adopted a daughter, Haley Powell (Nathan).

Brenda earned degrees from both Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan University and spent many years serving children through the ministry at Crossroads Church and Solid Rock Bible Church, both in South Lyon, MI, and NorthRidge Church in Plymouth, MI. She also enjoyed horse riding, participating in horse shows, and doing stained glass. Her love language was cooking and baking for her family and friends. For the last 10 years, Brenda and Ed were snowbirds, spending the winter at Light & Life Park in Lakeland, FL, making many friends near and far.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Monday, November 24, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Funeral services will be held at the NorthRidge Church, 49555 North Territorial Road, Plymouth, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Wayne Kurtycz officiating. Burial will take place at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be sent in Brenda’s honor to Arbor Hospice, NorthRidge Church, or Florida Light & Life Park, 5604 Deeson Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810 .

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

David R. Kirk

David Robert Kirk, age 76, of Manchester, MI, passed away at the Henry Ford Jackson Hospital on November 13, 2025. He was born the son of Robert F. and Mary M. (Rose) Kirk on October 28, 1949 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

David was a remarkable man. His life was shaped by a childhood accident that left him with disabilities, but he never let that limit him or discourage him. He went on to live another 65 years of a rich life, one in which he played many roles. He was a lifelong resident of Manchester. He was self-employed and owned an excavating company for many years. Most of all he was a great family man, and a loving son, brother, and uncle.

David is survived by his siblings, Gretchen Connors, Kathleen (Homer) Rose, and Maureen (Dennis) Rompasky. David is also survived by his nieces and nephews: James Connors, Sarah (William) Williams, Robert Connors, Renee (Michael) Peterson, Douglas Rompasky, Derek (Maneewan) Rompasky, and Rachel Rose; as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews, Brayden and Aurora Williams, Christopher Connors, Cameron and Jackson Peterson, Orion Rompasky, and Matthew and Adam Jones. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Theresa and his brother-in-law William Connors

Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester on Monday, November, 24, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Gerald Gawronski officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Dutchmen Fire Firefighters Association.


 

James A. "Jim" Lilliefors

James A. “Jim” Lilliefors, age 67, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away on November 13, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital.

He was born on December 8, 1957, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Alvan and Elizabeth (Densmore) Murphy. He grew up in Saginaw and then earned his bachelor's degree at Michigan State University. He worked as a senior payroll implementation analyst for many years.

On June 9, 2001, Jim married Tracey M. (Bolling) in Brighton, MI, and they enjoyed 24 years of marriage. They had lived in Ann Arbor where they made their home for the past twenty years. Jim found great joy in time spent outdoors. Whether boating, fishing, camping, or hiking, he appreciated any opportunity to be in nature. He also enjoyed golfing and riding his motorcycle.

Jim is survived by his wife, Tracey; two daughters, Erin B. Lilliefors of Dexter and Kelsea (Jeff) Bush of Grass Lake; two grandchildren, Ezra and Charlotte; and his siblings, Michael Lilliefors of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Lori (Charles) Areford of Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents, and adopted-father, Richard Lilliefors.

A celebration will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Dorothy J. Bertolino

Dorothy Jean Bertolino, age 90, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Indiana, PA, passed away on November 10, 2025, in Chelsea, Michigan. She was born on February 9, 1935, in Kittanning, PA, the daughter of Gordon and Anna Marie (King) Hidinger.

Dorothy first married Gilbert Mason and spent her early years in Pennsylvania, where she raised her family and worked for Pennsylvania Bell. Later, she married William Schachter, and they moved to Michigan in 1979. They lived in Stockbridge for many years, where she worked as a supervisor for Alltel in Stockbridge. After Bill’s passing, Dorothy returned to Indiana, PA, where she met and married the love of her life, “Sam” Bertolino. Dorothy and Sam shared many wonderful years together before his passing in 2015.

Dorothy loved cooking and baking for family and friends, and she found joy in creative writing. She also enjoyed arts and crafts. In 2019, Dorothy moved back to Michigan to be closer to her family, where she spent her final years.

Dorothy is survived by four children, Jeanne (Bill) Snyder, Mark Mason, Marty Mason, and Matthew (Tammy) Mason; seven grandchildren, David (Chrissy) Mason, Derek (Susan) Mason, Christopher (Allison) Snyder, Ben Snyder, Audrey Mason, Maxwell Mason, and Michael Mason; six great-grandchildren, Brandon and Ashley Mason, Emma and Lucy Mason, and Leah and Owen Snyder. She is also survived by her brother, James (Jean) Hidinger; her niece, Christy (Jason) Wright; and two great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by a son, Michael Mason.

A private service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Marvin W. Cook Jr.

Marvin Woodrow Cook Jr., age 85, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home in Jackson.

Marvin always said, "I'm an Arkansas Boy, born on the Judd Hill Plantation on the kitchen table!"

Marvin was born February 16, 1940 in Trumann, Arkansas, the son of Marvin Sr. and Hettie (Bushong) Cook. Living many places growing up, his family eventually settled in Dansville, MI, where he went to high school and graduated with the Class of 1958.

On November 3, 1961, Marvin married Betty Jean (Salyer), whom he lovingly called “Jeanne.” Together they built their life and made their home in the Stockbridge area for over 60 years. He worked for 32 years as a driver/mechanic at Chrysler Proving Grounds, retiring in 1998. He enjoyed working with his hands, and was good at working on transmissions, as well as general carpentry and woodworking. Marvin was known for his friendly, social nature, and he loved to talk. He was a member of the Stockbridge Lions Club, where he enjoyed calling Bingo for many years. He also called Bingo at the American Legion and the Stockbridge Athletic Boosters. Most people will remember him saying, “Any more Bingos! Any more Bingos!” Above all, Marvin loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 64 years Jeanne; three children, Terry (George) Wireman of Stockbridge, Tammy (Ken) Sanchez of Stockbridge, and Audra (Jamie) Salyer of Munith; six grandchildren: Malory Wireman, Kayla (Curtis) Fletcher, James (Shane) Wireman, Samantha Sanchez, Abbey Salyer, and Gavin Salyer; and two great-grandchildren: Amelia and Bennie Fletcher; his siblings: Judy (Jon) Petoskey of Pontiac, Barbara (Warren) Petoskey of Petoskey, Melvin Curton Jr. of Stockbridge, and Brenda (Walt) Meyer of Pontiac. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Melvin Curton Sr., and his sister, Linda (Ron) Berry.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Mackinder-Glenn Post #510 American Legion in Stockbridge from 1:00–3:00 p.m., with a short prayer service at 3:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Lions Club.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

William "Bill" Rose

William “Bill” Rose, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many, passed away on November 11th, 2025 at the age of 87.

Bill was born on April 29, 1938 to Robert and Dorthea Rose in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated in 1956 from Stockbridge High School and in July of that year he married the love of his life, Joann Miller, and they have been married for 69 years.

Bill served in the Navy Reserves and was honorably discharged in May 1963. Bill was co-owner of BBM Signs Inc. Throughout his years he also worked for Moore Signs Co.

He and Joann spent the winter months in Zephyrhills, Florida for 10 years, where Bill enjoyed playing golf and cards with his friends, as he also enjoyed doing in Michigan in the warmer months.

Bill is survived by his wife, Joann; three sons, Steve (Gwen), Ron (Cathy), Jeff (Angie Vandenburgh); four special grandchildren, Brandon Rose, Kaitlyn (Connor) Talbert, Megan Rose, and Zach Rose; two great-grandchildren, Marlo and Finn Rose, and one on the way in May 2026. He's also survived by his sister, Jacque Owen; plus many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Dennis Rose.

Bill attended Jeruel Baptist Church in Munith, Michigan, where a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at the church one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Jeruel Baptist Church, 11400 Plum Orchard Rd., Munith, MI 49259.

The family would like to thank Ganton’s Arbor Manor Nursing Center in Spring Arbor, Michigan, and Gentiva Hospice for the wonderful and loving care Bill received.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Evelyn E. Mullreed

Evelyn Elaine Mullreed, age 94, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, at Linden Square Senior Care in Saline.

She was born on July 17, 1931, in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of William and Bertha Hanselmann. She made her home in Scio Township since 1984 and was a devoted member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor for many years. Evelyn dedicated 36 years to the Ann Arbor Public Schools, where she worked as an administrative assistant to the principal. Evelyn was first married to Marvin Geiger, and he preceded her in death. She later married Durwood Mullreed, and he preceded her in death in 2008.

A passionate sports fan, Evelyn loved watching her family playing sports as well as U of M football. She would often get fired up at games. She also loved to read, spend time with her family, and cook. Her meatloaf, green bean casserole, and zucchini bread were family favorites.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Jeff (Kim) Geiger of Dexter; three grandchildren, Tyler (Morgan), Chase, and Carlee; and one great-grandchild, Brooks. She was preceded in death by her sister, Gert, and brother, Bob.

A funeral service will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., with Rev. Diane White officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor.

Leonard W. Hafner

Leonard W. Hafner, age 89, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on November 10, 2025 at his home in Lyndon Twp.

He was born July 17, 1936 in Chelsea, MI, the son of William and Mary (Honeck) Hafner. He married Ruth H. (Beeman) on February 8, 1958, and she preceded him in death on July 19, 2025.

Leonard had lived in Chelsea his entire life. He dropped out of school after eighth grade to help support his family after the death of his father. He later worked as a driver/mechanic for Chrysler Proving Grounds, retiring after 35 years of service. He was an avid outdoorsman, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, tending his flower garden, and mowing his lawn.

He is survived by three children, Lennie (Sue) Hafner of Alaska, Leslee (CC) Hafner of Jackson, and Linda (Gary) McCalla of Munith; two grandchildren; a brother, Dennis Hafner of Chelsea, a sister, Gloria Near of Saline, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Ruth, he was preceded in death by three brothers and five sisters.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 4-6 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Mary Barrett officiating. Burial will follow Mt. Hope Cemetery in Waterloo Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Waterloo Farm Museum.

Elizabeth A. "Betty" Turner

Elizabeth Ann Turner, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away at the Chelsea Retirement Community on November 9, 2025.

She was born the daughter of Robert and Helen (Kuckiewicz) McNamara on June 24, 1946 in Trenton, Michigan. She married John R. Turner in Ypsilanti, Michigan  in 1967, and he survives.

Betty moved to Stockbridge over 50 years ago. She was a longtime librarian of the Stockbridge Library. She was a member of the Crazy Quilters for many years, and enjoyed gardening. She really enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her husband John, she is survived by her children, James (Kimberly) Turner, Mark (Jody) Turner, and Teresa (Luke) Turner-Hill. Betty is also survived by her grandchildren: Conrad, Zane (Kendra), Logan, Bennet, Ivan, Summer, and Agustus. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert and Richard McNamara.

According to her wishes a private service and burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.