Carroll Edward "Jr." Clark

Carroll Edward Clark Jr., age 87, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on March 26, 2026 at Legacy Assisted Living Center in Jackson, MI.

He was born on March 29, 1938 in Chelsea, MI, the son of Carroll Sr. and Loretta (Slane) Clark. Known as "Jr" for all of his life, he lived in Chelsea and worked as a truck driver for the Chelsea Milling Company, retiring in 1998 after 28 years of service. He served in the United States Army during the Berlin Crisis in the 60's. He married Linda Lou (Howard) on June 24, 1960 in Chelsea, MI, and she survives. In 1993, they moved to Stockbridge. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing and hunting in his early days, as well as gardening. He and Linda also enjoyed traveling.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Linda Clark; a daughter, Judy (Steve) Shepherd of Grass Lake; two grandchildren, Lisa (Ryan) Fuqua, and Steven Shepherd; five great-grandchildren: Kara (Leif) Bragg, Haile (Nick) Ebbert, Alex (Amanda) Steinaway, Kevin Rindnerknecht, and Chloe Fuqua; and one great-great-grandchild, Barbara Ebbert; a brother, Myron (Ruby) Clark of Chelsea; and a sister-in-law, Gail Clark of Chelsea. He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Clark; two brothers, Virgil Clark and Fred Clark, and a sister, Donna Peoples.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Visitation will also take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Grass Lake Baptist Church from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Grass Lake Baptist Church, 939 E. Michigan Ave., Grass Lake, with Pastor Kevin Caldwell officiating. Burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grass Lake Baptist Church or the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Patricia "Pat" Wood

Florence Jane Patricia “Pat” Wood, age 98, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026 at Vista Grande Villa in Jackson, Michigan.

She was born on January 3, 1928 in County Derry, Ireland. She married Bill Robbins in 1945 when he was serving in the U.S. Navy. Bill’s ship returned to America that year. Pat followed in 1947 on the USNS Henry Gibbins, which was serving as a transport for Irish war brides.

Pat often spoke of the emotion she felt when the ship passed “Lady Liberty” as she arrived in America. When she moved to Chelsea to begin a life with her new husband, she was unfamiliar with American food and customs. The Robbins family and the entire Chelsea community embraced her with open arms and she became an American citizen in 1962.

Pat was a hard worker her entire life. In a generation when most women stayed home and raised their families, Pat always held a job outside the home. From running a restaurant to working in the kitchen at St. Louis School in Chelsea, Pat was never idle. Perhaps it was due to all the years she spent in food service that Pat’s love language was food. She had known hunger as a child and was determined that no one would leave her home without a meal.

A few years after Bill Robbins’ death in 1983, she met Clarence “Mac” Wood when he was researching his genealogical roots in Ireland. She was introduced as an expert in all things Ireland, and they became smitten with one another. They married in 1987 on her 59th birthday. They traveled extensively, both in Ireland and throughout the U.S. Together, they visited all 50 states.

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, her son, Michael Robbins, and her stepdaughter, Jane Wood.

Pat is survived by many stepchildren, in-laws, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, loved ones in Ireland, and countless dear friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E. Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

To view the service, please follow this Link.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Suzanne Lank

Suzanne Lank, age 90, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, at her home at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

Suzanne was born on October 29, 1935, in Waycross, Georgia, the daughter of Ray McClure and Essie Fry (Gibson) Fite. On January 19, 1957, she married Stanley E. Lank, and together they shared more than 59 years of marriage until his passing in 2016. They built a large and loving family, raising eight children.

Suzanne dedicated many years of her life to caring for others as a nurse. She and Stanley made their home in Livonia, and moved to the Silver Maples Retirement Community in 2015. There, she formed many friendships and remained actively engaged in the community she loved. Known for her positive spirit and warm outlook on life, Suzanne brought joy to those around her. She was an avid reader and always had a crossword puzzle in progress.

Suzanne is survived by her children: Suzanne (Mike) Bailey of Virginia; Kathy (Greg) Quinlan of Webster Township; Stanley (Pam) Lank of Kentucky; John (Sylvia) Lank of Seattle, Washington; Michael (JoAnn) Lank of Livonia; Stephen (Dorothy) Lank of Washington, DC; Anne Marie Lank of Pinckney; and Sarah (Joseph) Baumann of Park Ridge, IL. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and her sister, Judy (Larry) Adams of Georgia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; a grandson, Jacob Lank; and her siblings, Ray McClure Fite Jr. and Flewellan “Flewgy” Burcher.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Suzanne will be laid to rest beside her husband at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Silver Maples Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Jean Klapfish

Phyllis "Jean" Klapfish, age 82, of Munith, MI, passed away on March 20, 2026 at Chelsea Hospital in Chelsea, MI.

Jean was born on July 7, 1943 in Ashland, Kentucky, the daughter of Clarence and Myrtle (Damron) Ray.

She had lived in the Munith area for the past 20 years, moving from Toledo. Always full of life, Jean was a fun and loving person. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping and horseback riding. She also enjoyed cooking and knitting. On August 12, 1987, she married Michael L. Klapfish, and they enjoyed over 37 years of marriage.

Surviving are her husband, Michael Klapfish of Munith; son, Denny (Connie) Kanfield of Ohio; step-son, Jason Klapfish of Munith; seven grandchildren; and a sister, Bea Earhart. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Dawn and Kimberly Kanfield; and a brother, Clarence "Adam" Ray.

A graveside service will take place at Fitchburg Cemetery in Bunkerhill Twp., MI, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Jerry Hammerschmidt Sr.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the peaceful passing of Gerard “Jerry” Lee Hammerschmid Sr. , a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, on March 20, 2026, in Venice, Florida.

Born on July 31, 1934, in Detroit, MI, and spending the majority of his years in the close-knit community of Chelsea, MI, Jerry was known for his warm smile, kind spirit, and the joy he brought to those around him. He was deeply involved in both his church and community, generously sharing his charitable spirit through his work with St. Louis Center and the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Grand Knight and contributed as an active board member for many years.

Jerry was the pillar of his family, a devoted husband to his loving wife, Cindy, with whom he shared an enduring love story spanning 60 remarkable years since their marriage on June 12, 1965.

He was a guiding light to his children, Jerry Jr. (Lesli), Anton (Sarah), Peggy (Tim), and Alex (Christine), whose accomplishments and adventures were his greatest pride.

He leaves behind an infield of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Chelsea (Konstantine), Claudia (Jack), Lee, Conner (Dani), Ander, Ansley, Reese, Ruhn, Cadence, Casey, Sammy, and Laken.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth, also held dear by his siblings and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, his son, Todd, and his daughter-in-law who paved the way for him to join them in eternal rest.

Jerry’s zest for life was evident in his numerous interests and hobbies. The echoes of laughter from family gatherings where he played Euchre, Bocci, and Horseshoes will resonate with his loved ones forever. He thoroughly enjoyed the “Lake Life” captaining the Pontoon around with a drink in one hand and close friends and family nearby. He was a fierce competitor, loving all Detroit Sports Teams, and even in games, he taught the values of both sportsmanship and unity. Jerry’s grandchildren were the apple of his eye, and he never missed an opportunity to be present in their lives, cheering them on at every game, recital, and milestone.

As we bid farewell to Jerry Hammerschmidt Sr., we celebrate a life rich in love, laughter, and memories. He will forever be etched in the hearts of those he leaves behind, not just as a man who loved life, but as one who made life lovely for all who had the privilege of knowing him. Jerry’s legacy is a blueprint for a well-lived life, and he will be remembered with every ”loner” hand and with every family gathering that sparkles just a little less brightly in his absence.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with Vigil Services at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at St. Mary Catholic Church on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request any donations be made in Jerry’s name to the St. Louis Center, Chelsea.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

To view the service please follow this LINK.

Charlene R. Chrisman

Charlene Ruth Chrisman, age 81, of Munith, MI, passed away on March 18, 2026, at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home in Jackson, MI. She was born on March 14, 1945, in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Archie and Mary (Dickinson) Shew.

Charlene graduated from Stockbridge High School and attended Eastern Michigan University. Right out of college she began her career with Michigan Seat Co., where she worked for many years, starting as a laborer and retiring as a supervisor.

She was an active member of the Munith Lions Club and dedicated her time to raising dogs for Leader Dogs for the Blind, traveling extensively in support of the organization. She also enjoyed camping and was an avid reader.

On June 15, 1974, she married Robert J. Chrisman at St. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church, and they shared 52 years of marriage.

She is survived by her husband, Robert J. Chrisman Sr. of Munith; and their son, Robert J. Chrisman II of Parma. She was loved by  many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Joyce (Shew) Shelton; and her brother, Howard Shew.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A private burial will take place at Munith Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the  Lions Club of Stockbridge or Jackson.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Lester H. Wahl

Lester Howard Wahl, age 89, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on March 19, 2026.

Lester was born on May 20, 1936 in Waterloo Twp., MI, the son of Howard and Ruth (Greene) Wahl. He married Glenda Lee (Hardt) in Waterloo Twp. on April 22, 1956, and they enjoyed 68 years of marriage before her passing in 2024.

Lester worked as a machinist for Boos Manufacturing in Gregory for many years. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He also enjoyed square dancing, shuffle board, and was an avid Detroit Tigers and U of M fan. He and Glenda enjoyed spending time at their cottage up north near Eagle Lake in Mancelona, and spending their winters in Avon Park, Florida.

Lester is survived by three children: Deborah Winnie of Stockbridge, MI, Sherri (Ronald) Hammon of Brooklyn, MI, and Michael (Sara) Wahl of Worthville, KY; four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Linda. He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda; son-in-law, Larry Winnie; two brothers, Jason and Hasen, and step-siblings, Donnie and Hope.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Duane G. Hopkins

Duane G. Hopkins, age 52, of New Hudson, MI, passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2026.

Duane was born on August 19, 1973, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Hurschel and Linda (Tobias) Hopkins. He had lived in the South Lyon area for the past 25 years, but grew up in Manchester, MI. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1991. He earned his master's degree from Eastern Michigan University in Information Assurance.

Duane worked as a cyber security professional and educator and served as an adjunct professor at Lawrence Technological University and Eastern Michigan University. Most recently he worked as the head of cyber security at Carhartt. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He also coached baseball for 15 years in the Wixom/Novi area. He was a beloved University of Michigan football fan and loved to golf.

Duane was best known for his leadership and seeing the potential in others. As a leader and coach in the business world and sports, he worked with many others to help them see their full potential in themselves, projects, forward thinking, and was always good for guidance and advice. He had a big heart, calm nature, a great sense of humor, and could talk to anybody. His family meant the world to him, and he meant everything to them.

On July 8, 2000, he married his high school sweetheart, Marci J. (Sloat) in Ann Arbor, MI. They enjoyed over 25 years of marriage and raised their three children, Owen, Lauren, and Brayden in South Lyon. Also surviving are his father and step-mother, Hurschel (Linda) Hopkins of Manchester; mother, Linda Hopkins of Manchester; sister, Carmen (Steve) Halliwill of Tecumseh; step-sister, Amy (John) Kempher, step-brother, Chris Maitland (Michelle); mother-in-law, Diana Sloat; sisters-in-law, Lisa (Pat) Ridenour, and Shannon (Matt) Romanoski; and brother-in-law, Jamie Sloat; as well as several nieces and nephews. He loved his English Bulldogs, Lexie, Mac and Coco. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, James Sloat; and his beloved Labs, Riley, and Murphy.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at the Manchester United Methodist Church with Chaplain Tina Zimmerman officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Manchester United Methodist Church 501 Ann Arbor St. Manchester, MI 48158

Memorial contributions may be made to Marci Hopkins and will be used towards an education fund for their children.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Roland G. Kibler

Roland Kibler passed away this month with his wife at his side after a valiant battle with cancer.

He was born in Toledo, OH, in 1949. Roland was born to Melvin and Mae Kibler and spent his youth on the farm in Sand Creek, MI. He graduated from GMI in 1972, and earned graduate degrees from both Michigan State University in 1975, with an MS in Electrical Engineering, and from University of Michigan in 1993, with his MBA.

After GMI, he worked for GM, including five years in Tokyo when his division became Delphi. He retired from Delphi in 2005 and worked for NEXT ENERGY from 2006-2016, where he evaluated alternative energy proposals that would reduce carbon emissions and was passionate about learning all he could to effectively evaluate the proposals. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University in 2022, and he acted on what he learned, buying an electric car, installing the charger, putting solar panels on the roof of the house, making sure it was energy efficient and currently selling power back to DTE many days.

Roland is survived by his wife, Jeanette, married in 1990, with 35 wonderful years together; his children: Nathan (Jill) Kibler, Rebekah (Eric) Kibler-Marshall, and David (Nicole) Kibler; three grandchildren Rebekah’s daughter, Lizzie age 9; two step-grandchildren, Kyla age 18, and Ethan age 16; and David’s daughter, Olivia age 15, and son, Everett age 8. He is also survived by his sister, Janyce Kibler of Tallahassee, FL, and brother, Gerald Kibler of Richfield, OH.

Rol loved sailing, running, and brewing beer, passions shared with Nathan. Rol and Nathan sailed across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin in our 25 ft sailboat. Rol qualified for Boston when he ran his second marathon when he was 52, and ran his 10th marathon on 10/10/2010 in Chicago, and many more races. He had amazing fine-motor skills and enjoyed working on models, including a huge sailing ship, a gift from David, which he built plank by plank during late night conference calls when we were living in Japan.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, 1432 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Parking is available in the Forest Street parking structure, a short walk from the church, it is free on Sundays.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Cass Community Social Services or First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Peter J. "Pete" Mulliner

October 12, 1954 – March 5, 2026

Peter “Pete” Mulliner, 71, passed away on March 5, 2026, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was born on October 12, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Pete lived a life defined by curiosity, craftsmanship, mentorship, and a deep love for aviation and family. A graduate of the Class of 1972 from Huron High School, Pete went on to attend Northwestern Michigan University’s Aviation program, graduating in 1975. Flying quickly became both his profession and his passion. Over the course of more than 30 years as a flight instructor, Pete trained and mentored countless pilots, teaching and flying across Texas, Washington, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, South Carolina, and even Mexico. His career also included several years in corporate aviation, but it was teaching that truly captured his heart. He took great pride in seeing his students succeed and carried their achievements with him long after they left the cockpit. Pete was an active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan Flyers, communities where he shared his love of flight and camaraderie with fellow aviators.

Outside the cockpit, Pete was a quiet and thoughtful man who loved working through the details of the many projects that filled his workshop and home. Whether tinkering, fixing, or building, he approached each task with patience and curiosity. Yet among friends and family, that quiet thoughtfulness often gave way to his booming laugh and wide smile—especially when surrounded by the people he loved most. In recent years, Pete became a dedicated volunteer and mentor within the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) community. Living with the disease himself, he worked to raise awareness and walk alongside others facing the same diagnosis, offering encouragement, perspective, and understanding. Pete shared 42 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Bonnie Augustine Mulliner. Together they built a life centered on family, resilience, and shared adventure.

He is survived by his daughter, Lindsay Mulliner Lebrun and her husband, Caliph Lebrun; his stepdaughters, Rachel Gordenier Kulesa and her husband, James Kulesa, and Andrea Gordenier. Pete was a proud and devoted grandad to Madison Kierst Gary and her husband, Drew Gary; Timothy Clark and Tori Houston (fiancé); Rosemary Clark Vaught and her husband, Jonathan Vaught; Odin and Marley; Foster Kulesa; Lizzy Beth Kulesa; Kelycera Lebrun; Linkon Lebrun; Leia Lebrun; and Malcolm Lebrun, all of whom he absolutely adored. He is also survived by his siblings, Mully Todd and Deb Harrington, Gayle Mulliner Adler and Gary Adler, and his “adopted” brother, Jerry Banks and Kelly Banks.

Pete answered to “Pete” for most of his life unless, of course, he was in trouble. Those who knew him will remember a man who loved to fly, loved to teach, loved to build and tinker, and above all loved his wife, daughter, and grandchildren deeply. His legacy lives on in the many pilots he trained, the lives he encouraged, and the family who carry his memory forward.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.