George Thomas "Tom" Whetter

George Thomas “Tom” Whetter

5/4/1936 - 3/2/2026

Tom Whetter passed away peacefully in his room in Chelsea, Michigan on March 2, 2026.

Tom was a dreamer who loved telling stories, jokes, and being the center of attention. He enjoyed fishing, camping, art, and writing. He was talented with a pencil, paint, and woodburning tools. Many who knew him have pieces of his work in their homes. In later life, Tom loved writing his stories. He prided himself on being able to come up with a story out of three words given to him. Tom also loved singing. He sang in church choirs and was a proud member of S.P.E.B.S.Q.U.A., singing barbershop for much of his adult life.

Tom was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 4, 1936 to George and Verna Whetter. The family called him Tommy, and he liked to say he was in school before he knew his first name was George. Tom’s father passed away when he was 16 which had a profound effect on him. He graduated from Cooley High School and went on to attend several colleges, including Olivet College. He was drafted in the US Army in 1959 and spent two years in San Antonio, Texas, at Fort Sam Houston as a clerk.

Prior to going into the service, he married Kay Whitney, who survives. They later moved to Kalamazoo and had two children. They later divorced, but remained friends. Tom married Sandye Matznick, and they were married for over 30 years, before she succumbed to Alzheimer’s. At that time Tom moved to Chelsea, Michigan to be closer to his daughter. He settled into Dancey House at Chelsea Retirement Community. He loved the sense of community and joined several groups and took advantage of the many activities available.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pat; and son, Brent. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (Tim) Lomax; grandchildren, Katrina Whetter, Jason Lomax, Rachel Lomax, and Sabrina Lomax.

The family is not currently planning a service, but may have a visitation at a later date.

He will be interred in Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benevolent Care Fund (East) at the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, which supports eligible residents who have outlived their financial resources.

Mary L. Kennedy

Mary L. Kennedy, age 90, passed away on March 1, 2026, in Chelsea, Michigan. She was born on January 20, 1936, in Paducah, Kentucky, to Kenneth and Charlotte (Hogan) Medley.

Mary lived in Munith, Michigan, for over sixty years. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and cooking. She worked as a school bus driver for the Stockbridge School District and took pride in caring for the children she transported each day. The most meaningful part of Mary’s 90 years of life was loving her family and friends. She always made sure everyone had everything they needed — along with a snack. She was one of seven children (six girls and one boy) born in Paducah, Kentucky. She graduated from Jackson High School with honors in science.

Mary met her husband Arlyn Kennedy on a blind date through a friend, and they married six months later. They were together for 54 years. During their 22 years in the Navy, they traveled to the East Coast, West Coast, and Hawaii before eventually settling in Michigan to be close to family.

Mary and her husband were blessed with three children. Through her children's marriages they welcomed three more children. She was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She especially loved family taco dinners and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. Her love, care, and passion for her family will never be forgotten. Mary lived a long, wonderful, and full life with many experiences, loving family members, and very close friends. She was an example of kindness, grace, compassion, and gratitude throughout her life.

She is survived by her children: Tom and Mary Kennedy of Leslie, Michigan, Rod and Dawn Kennedy of Arizona, and Jodi and Brian Stanfield (Kennedy) of Gregory, Michigan. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Emily and Bryan Martin, Adam and Jill Small, Ella, Claire, Austin, Justin, Kyle and Christine Kennedy, and Katelyn Easley. Her great-grandchildren include William, Alexander, Sebastian, Hazel, Cash, Maezy, and Teagan. She is also survived by her sisters: Linda Moody of Arizona, Dorothy Allen of Jackson, Michigan, and Jean Kipp of East Lansing, Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arlyn Kennedy; her parents, Kenneth and Charlotte Medley; and three of her siblings, Joyce Carson (Medley), Dale Medley, and Doris Worden (Medley).

A private burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority ( SAESA).

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Nancy Jo McCormack

Nancy Jo McCormack, age 79, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on February 26, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born on April 13, 1946, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the daughter of Luther and Eliza (Robertson) Vaught.

On January 26, 1968, she married Gerald L. McCormack, and they shared 58 years of marriage. They lived in Dexter for many years before moving to Chelsea in 2005. Nancy worked as a paraprofessional and teacher’s aide with the Ann Arbor School District. She grew up in the Baptist faith and attended Main Street Church in Chelsea. She enjoyed gardening, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and spending time on the water, whether it was small lakes in the area or visiting the beaches of Lake Michigan.

In addition to her husband, Gerald, Nancy is survived by three children: Jason (Tammy) McCormack of Gettysburg, PA, Hollie (Kit) Wise of Cedar Springs, MI, and Michael (Amanda) McCormack of Grass Lake, MI; three grandchildren: Alyssa, Ashley, and Kyle; and two brothers, Gary Vaught of Wayne and David (Carol) Vaught of Arizona. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Don Vaught.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 5–7 p.m., and on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 10–11 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with luncheon and private burial to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action or Hospice of Lenawee.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

David Avery Cowan

David Avery Cowan, age 94, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, in Naples, Florida. He was born on June 26, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to Glen Parker Cowan and Grace Avery Cowan.

Growing up, David spent time in Michigan, Florida, and Cleveland—places he would continue to call home throughout his life. He graduated from University School in Shaker Heights in 1949, where he served as class president.

David went on to attend Princeton University before marrying Lavonne Evans, with whom he shared 74 years of marriage. He graduated magna cum laude from Michigan State University as a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Scabbard & Blade honorary societies. He later received his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1957.

He served in the United States Army Artillery from 1953 to 1955 as a Battery Executive Officer and was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate.

David’s professional career was defined by principled leadership, creative thinking, and an entrepreneurial spirit. After early roles at Carling Brewing and F. D. Cummer & Sons, he spent nearly three decades as President and CEO of Electro-General Plastics (EGP, formerly General Plastics Manufacturing). In 1990, he transitioned to Chairman of the Board of Plastic Safety Systems (PSS). A pioneer and respected voice in the industry, he also served as Chairman of the Thermoforming Institute and held board positions with Mechtron, Baker-McMillan, and the Society of the Plastics Industry. He believed deeply in the value of hard work and dedicated his professional life to roadway safety.

Outside of work, he led a vivid and varied social life. He was a longtime member of the Cleveland Skating Club, where he served as President, and was also active at The Country Club of Cleveland, where he served as an admissions secretary. In later years, he was a member of Royal Poinciana Golf Club and Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples, Florida.

A man of sharp intellect and even sharper wit, “Papop,” as he was known to his family, was an “A+” restaurant connoisseur, superb meatball maker, historian, and avid reader whose understanding of the world was remarkably broad and deep. He credited his knowledge to travel, which he frequently cited as “the best education.” He and his family explored widely, creating memories that spanned continents and generations. But of all the places he visited, none meant more to him than The Farm—a place rooted in tradition, family, and the feeling of home.

David once wrote, “I don’t think there’s anything you could do in life that’s more important than raising good people.” He is survived by his beloved wife, Lavonne Cowan (Evans); his children, Christine (Robert) Smith, Glen Cowan (Michael Mate), David (Karen) Cowan, and Elizabeth (Michael) Sweeney; his grandchildren, Lela (Alex) Gascoigne, Clark (Darcy) Gascoigne, Benjamin (Suzanne) Gascoigne, Andrew Cowan, Grace Cowan, Thomas (Cheyenne) Sweeney, Ryan (Bailey) Sweeney, and Daniel Sweeney; and his great-grandchildren, Claire, Julia, Max, and Elise. He is also survived by James and Cynthia Gascoigne, who remain cherished members of his extended family. He just might be our favorite husband, father, father-in-law, ex-father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janet Cowan Bosse.

Burial will be private, and a memorial service will be held in Cleveland at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to University School or the National World War II Museum.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Delma Dixon

Delma Dixon, age 85, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on February 23, 2026 at Chelsea Hospital.

Delma was born on June 4, 1940 in Royalton, KY, the daughter of Cecil and Alice (Fletcher) Salyer. She married Vaughn W. Dixon in August 1957, and they enjoyed over 66 years of marriage until his passing on October 14, 2023.

Surviving are four children: Randall (Brenda) Dixon of Bear Lake, MI, Kathy Dixon of Tennessee, William Dixon of Stockbridge, and Douglas (Angela) Dixon of Mulliken, MI; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Leveda Yost of North Carolina, and brother, Luther Salyer of Nevada.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Sidney Dixon, in 1999; a brother, Lawrence Salyer, and sisters: Mildred Salyer, Rose Minix, Dorothy Fouty, Mary Roucha, and Nora Salyer.

A private burial was held at Munith Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA).

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Norma Jean Meacham

Norma Jean Meacham, age 96, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, of Mesa, Arizona and Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on February 18, 2026, at Chelsea Hospital. She was born May 25, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Joseph M. and Rosalie (Crouch) Babel.

Jean, as she liked to be called, was born in Detroit where she met and married the love of her life, David G. Meacham, on June 4, 1947. They were blessed with three children.

They raised their family in California and Michigan. When their children were in college they moved to Traverse City which they loved. Jean taught cosmetology at David Pressley School in Royal Oak, Michigan before opening her own salons in both Royal Oak and Traverse City Michigan.

They loved to travel and saw all of the United States in one of their many RV’s. They also enjoyed cruising abroad and even to China. Both fell in love with Arizona and made that their home in the eighties. Jean continued to travel after David’s death in 2008.

Jean was an avid gardener wherever she was. She transformed their many houses into homes and gardens with amazing order, energy, and creativity. She continued this with the move to her last home of twenty years, where she was always on the landscaping committee. Jean was very energetic, feisty, and enjoyed people. Always one to keep busy, and if there was a committee, she was sure to be part of it. Jean enjoyed crafts, pottery, sewing, cooking, and making baby clothing and blankets for the neonatal units.

Most of all, Jean loved her family. She was happiest entertaining when people visited.

Jean moved back to Michigan in 2025 to an independent living apartment at the Chelsea Retirement Center near family.

Jean was predeceased by a son, Charles. She is survived by her daughter, Christa (Alan) Fischer of Chelsea, Michigan, and her son, Paul Meacham of Ortonville, Michigan. She had four grandchildren, Matt (Abby) of Wellesley, MA; Brian (Lauren) of Waterford, MI; and Kevin and Hayley (Ashley), both of Dallas, Texas; She had four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Madeleine, Harlyn, and Harper. Jean is survived by her beloved sister, Joanne Johnson of Holly, and many nieces and nephews.

A part of us always until we meet again!

Per her wishes a celebration of her life will be held this summer with Jean and David’s ashes scattered in Maine.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

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.