Dennis L. Joseph

Dennis L. Joseph, better known as “Mr. Fix It,” age 69, of Jackson, MI, passed away on February 19, 2026 at Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson.

Dennis was born on February 10, 1957 in Stockbridge, MI, the son of Walter and Frances (Fauser) Joseph. He served in the United States Army from 1974-1975, and during his working career he served as the Maintenance Director for the Jackson County Medical Care Facility. He also spent most of his free time at the car lot. He was good with his hands, always one to tinker with an old car, and make (or create more) home improvements. He was a Detroit Tigers fan, and also loved to sing and play music.

Dennis is survived by his loving companion, Brenda Herrington; his children: Shannon (Steve) Weston of Leslie, Jillian (Ryan) McDonald of Madison Heights, and Nathan (Felecia) Joseph of Madison Heights; the mother of his children, Deborah Joseph; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his siblings: Mike (Barbara) Joseph of Haslett, Terry Joseph of Jackson, Larry Joseph of Kalamazoo, and Denise (Robert) Stull of Rives Junction; his nephew/brothers Mark (Lisa) Joseph of Wayne and Mike (Ursula) Joseph of Wayne; as well as Brenda’s children, Michelle O'Donnell of Whitmore Lake, Jennifer Flores of Stockbridge, and Michael (Brea) Gabrys of Albion; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Frances Joseph; his daughter, Amber Puckett; and his siblings: David Joseph, Betty Easterday, Ethelyn "Babe" Howard, Richard Joseph, Jerry Joseph, Kenny Joseph, Jimmy Joseph, Jack Joseph, and Mary “Dolly” Ward.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 5-7 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI.

Jill Ann (Werner) Seitz

Jill Ann (Werner) Seitz, age 76, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson, Michigan. She was born on March 26, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, to Wilbur “Webb” and Mabel Werner.

Jill was raised in Chelsea, Michigan, and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1967. It was there that she met the love of her life, Gary Seitz. High school sweethearts, Jill and Gary shared 57 beautiful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, laughter, and time spent with family and friends.

Jill began working while still in high school at Chelsea Pharmacy, where she started by serving sweet treats at the soda fountain. Her dedication and strong work ethic turned that teenage job into a lifelong career serving the community. Over the years, she transitioned from the soda counter to the pharmacy as a pharmacy technician and later into accounting. She became a familiar and cherished presence to generations of customers, greeting everyone with warmth and genuine kindness.

Jill loved looking her best wherever she went, whether relaxing poolside or attending a special event. She was especially known for her beautiful jewelry, her signature gold sparkle, and her elaborate holiday decorations. Jill had a gift for making others feel seen and valued. Even while facing her own challenges, she was always ready to listen, offer encouragement, or lend a helping hand.

Above all, Jill treasured her family and close friends. There were few days when she didn’t talk to her best friend since high school, Kathy Barker (Foster). She took great joy in spending time with those she loved most. Her family was her heart, and she celebrated every holiday and milestone, big and small, with decorations and gifts for the children.

Jill is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Gary Seitz; her two sons, Randy (Sandy) Seitz of Chelsea and David (Emily) Seitz of Chelsea; her grandchildren, Jake (Julia), Ava, and Luke; her sister, Lori (Larry) Stautz of Manchester; her nieces, Lisa (Greg) Brown and Jennifer (Philip) Buzzerio; her nephew, Ryan (Haley) Stautz; and her many great-nieces and great-nephews, whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Cheryl Hamilton; and her niece, Missie Revill.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jill’s memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and Henry Ford Hospice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Julie Ann Tatar

Julie Ann Tatar, age 61, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away at her home on February 16, 2026.

Born on September 20, 1964, Julie grew up in Pleasant Lake, MI, the third daughter of Hershell and Carolyn (Czyzewski) Morgan.

Julie lived a quiet life and loved spending time outdoors. She was an avid gardener, well known for her beautiful flower and fairy gardens. She was quick to offer help to anyone and had a big heart.

She is survived by her son, Richard Tatar Jr.; her daughter, Jennifer (James) Feeny; her four grandchildren, Lincoln, Victoria, James, and Lorelai; her mother, Carolyn; and her siblings, Becky Crist, Donna (Frank) Randolph, John (Tracy) Morgan, and Sharon Morgan, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth.

In accordance with Julie’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services will be held.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Robert William Nickerson

Robert William Nickerson, age 82, of Manchester, MI, passed away at his home on February 14, 2026, after an extended illness. He was born in Wyandotte, MI on March 10, 1943, the son of Wm. “Vernie” and Catherine (Lustila) Nickerson.

Shortly after birth, they returned to Germfask, MI in the Upper Peninsula, where he and his mother resided on the Lustila family farm while his father was in the Army. At that time, his grandmother nicknamed him “Sonny.” Relatives and Yooper friends still remember him as “Sonny.” His grandparents were born in Finland and settled in the U.P. Sonny was very proud of his Finnish heritage and Yooper background.

He lived the majority of his life in Manchester, MI and graduated from Manchester High School in 1961. He proudly remembered earning a starting position on the varsity football team as a freshman. After graduation, he joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 512 and 687, retiring in 1998. His last “big job” was designing and building his cherished log cabin in the woods of the U.P. With his son, Bart, and best friend, Keith Reed, Sonny spent every possible minute at his cabin that he loved so much.

He was an avid golfer and hunter, especially bear and deer. He obedience trained German Shepherd dogs, and he raised white-tail deer for 22 years. Due to health issues, his log cabin time came to an end. He and Helen were blessed with caring for their great-grandchildren, Taylor and Robert, who entertained them daily.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Bret; his parents, Vernie and Catherine Nickerson; and brother, Mike Nickerson.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Helen Nickerson; son, Bart (Joyce) Nickerson; grandson, Jesse; great-granddaughter, Taylor Ann; great-grandson and namesake, Robert William; two sisters and one brother, all of Manchester.

Cremation has taken place. No services are planned.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Karen L. (Atwood) Cobb

Karen L. Cobb, age 68, of Houghton Lake, MI, passed away on February 10, 2026. Karen was born on May 25, 1957, in Jackson, the daughter of Lyle and Alice (Andrews) Atwood.

Karen enjoyed spending time outdoors and could often be found at the beach, hunting and fishing, riding four-wheelers, foraging for mushrooms, or spending time with her dog, Maya. She also enjoyed cooking and baking. Karen worked as an administrative assistant for the Salvation Army.

Karen was married to Larry Cobb for 43 years.

She is survived by her daughter, Kalee (Zeke) Williams of Decatur, Alabama; two grandchildren, Ezra and Kaden; her siblings, Donald (Carol) Atwood, Cynthia Atwood, Barbara Jean Crowley, and Alice (Ron) Wood, all of Jackson; and several nieces and nephews, including, Mark (Carmen) Barden, Eric (Jennifer) Barden, and Dustin (Elissa) Atwood, as well as several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and an infant twin sister, Sharon.

A Memorial Service will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Missy Noll officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Munith. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Gary Lee Newman

Gary Lee Newman, age 87, passed away on February 12, 2026, at his home in Webberville, Michigan. He was born July 5, 1938, in Perry, Michigan, the son of Maurice and Zelona (Locke) Newman.

On June 28, 1958, he married Sonja G. (Petersen) in Durand, Michigan. They shared more than 67 years of marriage and made their home in Webberville for the past 50 years. Gary worked for many years as a truck driver hauling sand and gravel. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time outdoors, whether fishing, mowing his property, or working on his Farmall A tractor.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sonja; three children, Kevin (Beth) Newman of Fowlerville, Karla (Ed) Hague of Webberville, and Kirk (Deanna Mitchell) Newman of Lansing; five grandchildren, Rachel (Bob), Jordan, Blake (Sierra), Molly, and Cody; two great-grandchildren, Riley and Joey; and two siblings, David Newman of Gaines and Bernita Newman of Flint.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Maurice Newman; and a sister, Mary Lou Newman.

A private service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to NIESA Fire/Rescue (Northeast Ingham Emergency Services Authority).

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

A. William "Bill" Widmayer

A. William “Bill” Widmayer passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 94. He was born on August 4, 1931 to the late Edgar and Ruth (Taylor) Widmayer in Ann Arbor. He lived in the Dexter/Pinckney area his entire life.

Bill graduated from Dexter High School in 1949. He served his country in the Korean War from 1952-1954. After completing trade school in Chicago, he began work as a mechanic restoring and maintaining John Deere tractors and farm equipment for Huron Farm Supply in Dexter. He was an avid farmer who grew corn, wheat, and soybeans, and he was a prolific gardener whose main crop was sweet corn. He was known by many as “Bill the Corn Guy.”

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janice (Harvey) Widmayer; his daughter, Sandra Rowland of Chicago (Mark); his granddaughter, Grace; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Britt from Whitmore Lake, and his brother, John Widmayer (Phyllis) of Dexter. Two nephews also preceded him in death: Andrew William Esch of Stockbridge and John Paul Widmayer of Dexter.

A graveside service will be held at St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Dexter, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the service a Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at the Dexter Legion – all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Dexter Historical Society, DAHS 3443 Inverness St, Dexter, MI 48130.

He will be missed by his family and friends.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Jason M. Maihofer

Jason Matthew Maihofer, age 53, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on February 6, 2026. He was born on January 5, 1973, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Robert and Diane (Drabczyk) Maihofer.

Jason grew up in Olivet, Michigan, and graduated from Olivet High School. On March 25, 2000, he married Melinda J. (Osborne), and they were married for more than 25 years. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and the outdoors.

Jason is survived by his wife, Melinda; four children, Katie Harris of Olivet, Jacie (David) Velez of Manchester, Ariel (Bryan) Bentz of Howell, and Chase Maihofer of Chelsea; and his eight grandchildren, Layluh, Logan, Addalyn, Maverick, Reagan, Isabelle, Weston, and Baker. He is also survived by his mother, Diane Maihofer of Olivet; and his brother, Robert II (Chad) Maihofer of Chicago.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Maihofer, and his in-laws, John and Deborah Osborne.

Jason was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time outdoors, running his side by side and off-roading. He owned and operated his own excavating company, M & J Dirtworks.

He was deeply loved by his family and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 2:00–6:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Danny Adams officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gift of Life.

Sandra A. "Sandie" Kay

Sandra Alice Kay was born September 1st, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan, to Evelyn and Ronald Kay, followed by her younger sister, Jeanne. She dedicated her life to public service and was a social butterfly, deeply ingrained in the Stockbridge community.

Sandie served as editor and reporter for the local newspaper, The Town Crier, through the 90’s and early 2000’s. She also served as an EMT with the Stockbridge Ambulance Service. Later in her career, she served as the school nurse and office administration for Stockbridge Community Schools. Sandie volunteered in every aspect of the Stockbridge community, including organizing the community Thanksgiving dinners, and assisting in the Christmas Toy drives at the local Community Outreach Center. She was even awarded the State of Michigan Volunteer of the Year Certificate by the Michigan Governor.

Sandie was a book worm, known to read several books per week, and she loved music, dancing, and singing. She especially loved singing “Happy Birthday” in her very own special manner. An unforgettable serenade for those who were lucky enough to experience the performance live. A loving and generous soul, Sandie played a motherly role to many youths growing up in Stockbridge and impacted countless lives in a positive manner. 

Sandie loved her friends, her family, and “her man” Larry. Sandie is survived by her son, John and wife Camila, her son, Sam and Winter, and her grand dogs, Prescott and Fiji.

She was a friend to everyone, a stranger to none, and loved her Stockbridge community members. She could be found on Sundays at the Crossroads Community Church, even as her health declined, she never wanted to miss Sunday service.

Sandie will be missed by all, and the Village of Stockbridge lost a community pillar with her passing.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post #510 in Stockbridge. Visitation will be from 5-6 p.m., with brief service and time of sharing at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner catered by Smokehouse 52 BBQ.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

James C. Asquith

James Carson Asquith, age 71, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing.

James was born on January 5, 1954, in Jackson, Michigan, to Elwin and Natalie (Moeckel) Asquith. He spent most of his life in Stockbridge and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1972. During his high school years, James proudly served as captain of the golf team. After completing the Business program at Michigan State University in 1976, he went on to manage restaurants throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Inspired by a tradition of summer family travels, James enjoyed road trips in retirement throughout the United States, with a keen interest in Yellowstone National Park and historical sites. He patiently researched the family genealogy while caring for the gravesites of seven generations in the Stockbridge-Munith-Waterloo area.

James is survived by his sister, Grace (John) Fuerst of Grand Junction, Colorado, and his nephew, Jacob Fuerst of Ventura, California, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elwin and Natalie Asquith.

A private burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in James’ memory to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority or the Stockbridge Library.

Arrangements were handled by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.