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Obituaries

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William Carl Rosentreter
of Indianapolis, Indiana, formerly of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 60, died Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Community Hospital East in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He was born January 4, 1964, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of John and Irla M. (Scripter) Rosentreter.

Will was a maintenance worker at Hillside Terrace in Ann Arbor and Indiana.

Will graduated from Chelsea High School in 1982. He enjoyed online gaming and loved debating. Will was a great friend who looked out for people.

Will is survived by his brother, John Rosentreter of Chelsea, his “sister,” Michelle Dye of Adrian; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Daniel Rosentreter and Robert Rosentreter.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Christy Shaw officiating. The family will receive friends before the service from 1 – 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community MD Anderson Cancer Center – North, 7979 N. Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46250, or to a cancer or diabetes organization of your choice. 


Bobbie Jeffers Ralph
formerly of Norman, Oklahoma

Died February 21, 2024, in her apartment at Chelsea Retirement Community in Chelsea, Michigan. She was 98.

Bobbie was born in Pineville, Missouri in 1925. She was the only daughter, with two older brothers, Edward (d.) and Joe (d.), and one younger brother in her family. The family lived in several southwest Missouri towns before she first attended Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, for one year. She then took a teaching appointment in a two-room school for a year, to help support her family.

She resumed her studies at Drury for a second year before transferring to Oklahoma State University where she completed her bachelor’s degree in music. There she met Damon Ralph (d.) whom she married in 1949. The couple had three children, daughters Alice and Nancy, and son Gary.

As the children grew, Bobbie continued playing piano and organ for church services, singing and directing young choirs. When the family moved to Norman, Oklahoma, she resumed classroom teaching in grade schools. She spent summers and evenings studying for a master’s degree and, ultimately, received her Doctor of Music Education degree from Oklahoma University in 1970. These achievements led to an appointment at the University of Central Oklahoma as a professor of music.

Upon retirement, Bobbie traveled extensively and developed new interests in Tai Chi, Yoga and writing. In 2013, she moved, with her grand piano, to Chelsea, Michigan, near her daughter Alice.

A vibrant and generous spirit, a talented musician and mother of three, Bobbie was fearless in her observations, loved a good laugh and had a bold fashion sense. All who knew her loved her smile. She sparkled.

She will be remembered for her enjoyment of life, her spontaneity, her deep understanding of music, and her appreciation of beauty. She was remarkable in her ability to play piano and in the quality of her soprano singing voice well into her nineties. Bobbie had a rich inner life, yet she was able to be the life of the party; dancing solo was both a joy and a reflection of her personality.

Bobbie is survived by her children, her brother Hugh, his wife Dorothy and their daughter Margaret, and many nieces and nephews across the country.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a secular non-profit of your choice are encouraged.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Gary Lee Bice
of Waterloo, MI

Age 79, died unexpectedly Saturday, March 2, 2024 at his home in Waterloo. He was born February 8, 1945 in Cullman, Alabama, the son of Wilburn and Sarah (Giles) Bice.  

Gary attended high school in Lincoln Park, and then was drafted into the US Army, serving from 1965 to 1967. After returning from the Army, they moved to Waterloo where they raised their children. Gary owned American International Rental Car agency until 1991. He worked as a real estate appraiser after that. He loved being on the water, and was an avid Lions fan.

On Feb. 4, 1967, he married Diane Lawrence, and she survives. Other survivors include three children, Michael Bice of Waterloo, Jennifer (Brian) Bohnsack of Perrysburg, OH; Erica (Scott) Outhwaite of Waterloo; 14 grandchildren, Michael, Megan, Logan, Gavin, Luke, Jude, Sarah, Milan, Blake, Olivia, Savanna, Dylan, Justin, Amanda; 6 great-grandchildren, Lilly, Kai, Laurissa, Leo, Ella, Ian; his siblings, Ray (Sue) Bice, Vicky (Tim) Baynes, Jan (Gary) Toporek, Tammi (John) Scott, Tony (Courtney) Byers; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Doug Becker in 2021, and a brother Joe.

A public viewing will be held at Cole Funeral Chapel Wednesday, March 6, from 2-4 & 6-8 pm. A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 9, at Noon, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Waterloo. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Isaiah117house.com (please put “in memory of Gary” in the comment box).


Bethel Ann White
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Plymouth

Age 92, died Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Chelsea Hospital. She was born July 3, 1931, in Garden City, Michigan, the daughter of Guy William and Alma (Steinhauer) White, Sr.  

Bethel graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn. She worked at Williams Department Store in Garden City, and in a nursing home in Plymouth. She was a member of the Plymouth Church of the Nazarene and the Chelsea Church of the Nazarene. Bethel never drove anywhere; she walked and was very independent.

Bethel is survived by her nieces, Marcia White of Chelsea, and Deborah Mohl of Morganton, North Carolina; her great-niece, Shana Fisher; great-nephew, Kevin Radcliffe; and great-great-nephews, Trevor Kipfmiller, Christopher and Justin Mohl, Jack and Blake Radcliffe, and Sophia and Corrine Fisher. Bethel was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Guy White, Jr.; sister, Ruth Peabody; and niece, Pam Radcliffe.

A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Plymouth, Michigan at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 389, Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Frederick C. “Fred” Petsch
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 86, died Sunday, March 3, 2024, at his home. He was born December 15, 1937, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Adolph Ronald and Ruth Dolly (Leffler) Petsch.

Fred worked at Hilltop Plumbing when he was young as well as in landscaping. He worked 22 years as a Superintendent for Public Works in Chelsea, and retired from Johnson Control in 2001. Fred enjoyed crafts, woodworking, and masonry work. He built furniture and was a Master Clockmaker, repairing cuckoo clocks and grandfather clocks.

On February 16, 1957, he married Georgette E. “Marie” Cavadas, and she preceded him in death on December 28, 2016. Survivors include his children, Denise Jordane of Tecumseh, Dennis (Linda) Petsch of Stockbridge, Dale Petsch of Ann Arbor, Dede Wampler of Adrian; 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and one on the way, three brothers, Roy of Ann Arbor, David of Brooklyn, and Ellsworth of Chelsea; one sister, Marilyn Denhart of Grass Lake; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Adolph Jr., Donald, William, and Jimmy; one sister, Mildred Fish; and a daughter, Deanna Petsch.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 7, 2024, 4:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Tom Humphreys officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.


Jean Kay (Begole) Satterthwaite
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 83, died Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Legacy Assisted Living.

She was born April 13, 1940, in Saline, Michigan, the daughter of Newland Henry and Neola Catherine (Bachman) Begole.

Jean graduated from Saline High School, class of ’58. She received a one year secretarial certificate from Central Michigan University. She worked as a secretary at U of M in Ann Arbor, Fortune Industries in Chelsea, and 22 years at the Washtenaw Intermediate School in Ann Arbor. Jean was a member of the First Congregational Church in Chelsea. She loved garage sales, Taco Bell, word searches, casinos, and baking pretzels with Ron.

On October 6, 1962, she married Ronald Satterthwaite and he survives. Other survivors include three sons, Rodney (Julia) Satterthwaite of Palo Alto, California, Curtis (Emily) Satterthwaite of Howard City, and Lance (Amy) Satterthwaite of Grass Lake; sister, Barb Roble of Plymouth; many good friends; niece, Erin Crisp; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jean adored her grandchildren, Hunter, Jordan, Henry, Liam, Maggie, Micah, Jonah, and Ryli. She was preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Joan Rendel; brothers-in-law, Raymond Roble and Harland Rendel; and grandson, Richie.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. Barbara Edema officiating.  Burial will follow at Vermont Cemetery, Chelsea, Michigan. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, with checks made to Chelsea Senior Center, 512 Washington St., Chelsea, MI 48118, Heartland Hospice, 1300 Eisenhower Place, Ste. 1390, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, or to For the Boys – CO Awareness https://fortheboysdkr.com.


Larry Grant Foster
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 82, passed away on February 25, 2024, at St. Joseph Hospital in Ypsilanti, Michigan, with his wife and son by his side.

He was born in Marion, Ohio, on December 28, 1941, to Elizabeth (Stubs Dyer Stewart) and Harlan Foster.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Rotha Foster, of Chelsea, Michigan; his son, Stephen Foster, and daughter-in-law, Heather Sayer; grandchildren, Alex Foster, and Samantha Foster, all residing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Wilma (Charles “Chip”) Winans of Chelsea, Michigan, and Sharon Fitzpatrick of Albuquerque, New Mexico; brother-in-law, Paul (Helen) Fitzpatrick of Munith, Michigan; and nephews, Adam Winans of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Robert Dieter of Tecumseh, Michigan.

Surviving siblings include Ronald Wren of Del Ray, Florida, Jan (Joyce) Wren of Ocala, Florida, and Elizabeth (Nick) Foster Kopsolias of Clinton, Michigan. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Robert Wren, and Harold “Bill” Wren.

Larry dedicated many years of his life to a successful career in Executive Management with Polymer Development and Processing, retiring in 2001. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication.

In accordance with Larry’s wishes, there will be no public services.

Larry Grant Foster will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Michigan.


Elaine Marie (Killey) Winton passed peacefully into our good Lord’s hands on February 23, 2024.

She was 83 years old. She loved deeply, and she was truly loved.

Elaine’s smiling presence was legendary. It lit up anyone who paused to notice, and it drew them back to her just to see it again. And if you were lucky, that smile would melt into an indelible ‘I love you’, which were the enduring words she shared openly to everyone near her in her final days.

Her love was imbued by calm, abiding, and graceful presence. She loved nurturing and giving tours of her beautiful gardens. She made the best Christmas sugar cookies on the planet. She delighted in traveling all over the world with her loving husband, and she savored boat cruising as the ultimate first mate.

And above all, she loved our Creator very deeply and unfailingly. She is now smiling and dancing in heaven, making a place for anyone to join her.

Elaine is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, W. Patrick Winton, her son Brian (Vicki) Winton, her son Craig (Susan) Winton, her daughter Deanna (Steve) Hoffman, and 7 grandchildren, Patrick, Jared, Wade, Mackenzie, Zachary, Audrey (Hoffman), and Vivianna (Hoffman). 

All are welcome at a celebration of her life on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Huron River Methodist Church, 7643 Huron River Drive, Dexter, MI 48130. 10:00am Visiting / Open House, 11:00am Service, Lunch after the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to any of the following:

An interment will be planned at a later date in the Upper Peninsula’s Riverside Cemetery in Ontonagon, MI.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, Michigan

O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34 AMP


Helena Marie Robinovitz
of Chelsea and more recently of Glenview, IL

Age 79, died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on February 23rd, 2024.

A lover of wildlife, nature, gardening, and animals, she had recently moved from her home in the countryside in Michigan to be near family. As was her typical fashion, she had made several new and dear friends almost instantly.  

Helena was born in Riverside, CA, but spent most of her childhood in the Detroit metro region. She is survived by her brother Joel (Anne) Hodgson and her dear cousins Polly and Mary Ann.  

On February 6, 1976, she married her beloved husband, Stewart Henry Robinovitz, and he preceded her in death. Children Isaac (Annemarie) and Miriam (Victor) survive.

Helena was active in her many communities, and she had a gift of bringing people together.  For several years she was an educator at the Waterloo Recreation Center and later contributed to talent development in Chelsea Public Schools. She was the director of religious school for several years in Temple Beth Israel of Jackson, MI, and later was an active volunteer at the Back Door Food Pantry and Alpha House of Ann Arbor, MI. 

She also volunteered with Jackson Audubon Society, Haehnle Sanctuary, and the Waterloo Farm Museum. She was a recent congregant of Makom Solel Lakeside of Highland Park, IL, and was previously a member at Temple Beth Emeth and Congregation Beth Israel, both of Ann Arbor, MI.

Helena was a beloved friend to many. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. Her light, strength, and enthusiasm for life will be treasured always. 

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 1:00 pm at Congregation Beth Israel, 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Helena will be buried beside her husband, Stewart, in Arborcrest Memorial Park of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Rabbi Nadav Caine of Congregation Beth Israel will officiate. Shiva will be observed at the home of Harvey and Deborah Juster in Ann Arbor, MI.  

Donations in her memory can be made to Alpha House, Back Door Food Pantry, Congregation Beth Israel of Ann Arbor, Chelsea Cancer Center, Unity Hospice, and Haehnle Sanctuary. No flowers please. 


Mary Katherine “Kack” Powers

Age 72, passed away on February 6, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida.

She was born on August 11, 1951, in Darby, PA, to Mary and Robert Powers.

Kack, as she preferred to be called, was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother.

Kathy studied fashion merchandising at Michigan State University and enjoyed a successful career as a purchasing agent for Jordan Marsh in Miami, FL, and Winkleman’s in Ann Arbor and Detroit. She had a keen eye for fashion and creativity. She was known for her impeccable taste.

Kathy’s passion for communication, planning and organization was evident in the many ways she was willing to listen, take charge, and help others.

Kathy was a principled person and had a strong sense of duty to the obligations of her family and career. She was also very compassionate and outspoken on social issues.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Stacy Delmar (Christopher), and her cherished grandson, Fitz. Kathy is also survived by her siblings: Robert (Jane), Mike (Mary), Dave (Deborah), Janice, Jim, Judy, Patrick, and Phil (Carla). She held a special place in the hearts of her family and will be deeply missed by all.

A memorial service will be held in Chelsea, MI, in the summer of 2024 to honor and celebrate Kathy’s life. The details of the service will be announced closer to the date.

Mary Katherine Powers was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.


Dianne Kelley-Sanchez
of Chelsea, Michigan

Age 76, died Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the Chelsea Retirement Community in Towsley Village. She was born May 22, 1947, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Bill and Eva (Smith) Kelley.

Dianne attended the University of Michigan where she earned her Masters Degree in Education. She taught for 30+ years as an Elementary Teacher in the Ann Arbor School District, mostly at Logan Elementary and High Point School. She loved all animals, particularly horses and cats, hiking, and adventure. Dianne also enjoyed crafts, basket making, painting, quilting, and traveling. She was a member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church.

Dianne is survived by her sons, Kevin (Jae Gerhart) Sanchez of Manchester, and Joshua Sanchez of Butte, Montana; her brother, Bill Kelley of Harbor Beach; her sisters, Patricia Bancroft of Tecumseh, and Nancy Chew of Discovery Bay, California; grandchildren, Huemac and Kyrian; five nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; her cats Toby and Merlin; and her dog, Penny. She was preceded in death by her parents. Dianne loved her family very much.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea. The family will receive friends from 10 – 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Green Cemetery in Howell.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, www.hshv.org or Starry Skies Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, www.starryskiesequinerescueandsanctuary.com.


Robert Glenn Dunlap
of Munith, Michigan

Age 59, died unexpectedly on Friday, February 16, 2024.

Bob is survived by his wife, Amy, who he lovingly referred to as his “little one”. He and Amy had been inseparable since 1982 when they were officially “going together”, and married June 22, 1985.

Bob is also survived by his two children, Jessica Lynae (Cody Wayne) Deladurantaye of Stockbridge; Nathan Andrew Dunlap of Kalamazoo; two amazing grandchildren, Aiden Layne and Melody Lynn; sister-in-law, Kathy Lynn and Charles Douglas Mullins; brother-in-law William Randal and Maureen Sword; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, William and Norma Sword; and the people who treated him like a son, Allyn and Lois Thurston. His family meant everything to him.

Bob worked briefly at Guardian Alarm, followed by NSK, where he was awarded a steamfitter/pipefitter apprenticeship. Prior to NSK closing, Bob moved to Ford Visteon before moving to the University of Michigan Hospital for over 12 years.

He also obtained his plumbing license and worked at the U of M campus, where he has worked ever since. His work buddies were like a second family to him, along with several salt water tank customers, especially Mike Kinnaird, Phil Duncan, and Jeff Gallatin.

Bob was an incredibly loving and devoted husband, father, and papaw. His generosity was second to none, and his work ethic, high morals, and love of God were evident to all who met or knew him.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 22, 4:00 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, MI, with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.


Larry Ledebur (1940-2024)

Larry Ledebur was a quiet man with a strong sense of community and a passion for righting social injustice. Educated as an economist, his professional strength was thought leadership in policies and strategies for regional economic collaboration.  However, his greatest personal strength was his ability to recognize potential in people – students, young colleagues, grandchildren – and then help them nurture that potential. He was a beloved friend, grandfather, father, husband, colleague, educator, and mentor. He approached life with kindness, humor, and generosity.

Larry was born in Big Spring, Texas, and was raised in Midland and San Antonio.  He graduated from Austin College, in Sherman, Texas, and earned a master’s and doctorate in Economics from Florida State University. He began his career as Assistant Professor at Denison University. In 1970 he became Dean of Students.

Throughout his forty-year career he applied analytical tools to address urban and economic development issues.  His research sought solutions for discord and inequality, and promoted equity. The formative events of the 60s and 70s inspired articles and books with his colleague and mentor, Bill Henderson: Economic Disparity: Problems and Strategies for Black America and Urban Economics: Processes and Problems.

He had a significant impact on national urban policy as Visiting Scholar for the U.S. Economic Development Association’s Office of Economic Research, and as Senior Economist and Associate Director of Research of President Carter’s White House Conference on Balanced National Growth and Economic Development. Strategies for regional collaboration and development evolved from his research.  His work emphasized regional cooperation as an effective economic development strategy – a concept unheard of at that time.

His work at The Urban Institute as a Senior Research Associate and Director of its Economic Development Program continued to address national issues through entrepreneurial research and guiding state and local governments to implement effective economic development programs. During this time as a consultant he met Bill Barnes, Research Director at the National League of Cities.  For three decades, they co-authored groundbreaking research on regional economies  and about the interdependency of the welfare of cities and suburbs. Their contributions catalyzed the vision of the United States as a national system of economic regions.

As professor and Director of the Center for Urban Studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and as professor and Director of The Urban Center at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio. Larry was a strong proponent of building partnerships and collaborations among public, private, and nonprofit community sectors, and was frequently a key speaker – locally, regionally, and nationally.

At Cleveland State University’s Urban Center from 1995 until his retirement in 2010, Larry and colleagues researched and wrote prolifically, with a special focus on the adaptive reuse of sacred landmarks. Larry’s efforts to develop human capital within the Levin College and Urban Center had enduring impact. He had an uncanny ability to identify undergraduate and Ph.D. students with promise and help them achieve their goals. Many now hold leadership roles in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.  

He served as Editor of Economic Development Quarterly (EDQ) for 10 years overseeing a substantial transition of the journal from a manual publication to an online format.

After his retirement he and his wife, Susan, moved to Chelsea, Michigan.  He enjoyed visiting his children and grandchildren, fishing, and touring baseball fields with his brothers-in-law.  He served his local community by chairing the Chelsea Planning Commission. 

Larry died peacefully at home on February 5, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Susan Whitelaw, his daughters, Kathryn Ledebur, of Cochabamba, Bolivia, and Lara Sprenger (Steven), of Islamorada, Florida, and his stepchildren, Guy Downs (Shonnie Becker) of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Shelley Brenner (David) of Chelsea and by eight grandchildren:  Elisa Meruvia, Nicholas Radley, Gabriel Downs, Christopher Radley, Sebastian Reinicke, Mia Brenner, Eva Brenner, and Amelia Downs.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Willard Ledebur and Dencey Alice Noxon Ledebur, and by his sister, Jill Ledebur Mills. 

The family will hold a memorial later.  Memorial contributions can be sent to Planned Parenthood of America, the League of Women Voters, and the Scholarship Fund at the Silver Maples Retirement Community of Chelsea, Michigan.


Sally Morley Dickinson, a resident of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away surrounded by family on February 1, 2024 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti.

Born in Saginaw, Michigan on April 30, 1939, Sally was the oldest daughter of Simon and Wilda (Simonton) Fisher. Sally grew up in Bay City and graduated from Bay City Central High School. After graduation, she attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio before transferring to Wayne State University to complete her bachelor’s degree in business administration.

After college, Sally worked as an event planner for the McGregor Memorial Conference Center at Wayne State before deciding to stay at home to raise her sons, Scott and Tim. In later years, Sally worked in fund development for Saginaw General Hospital and Saginaw Valley State University. She also converted her love for cooking, sewing, and knitting into a couple of small businesses in Saginaw.

Sally was an avid quilter who created numerous wall hangings and quilts for her family and for charitable causes. She was also a tremendous cook and enjoyed preparing healthy meals and teaching others how to cook. More than anything, she loved her family and family gatherings, especially at Christmas. Her family will miss her dearly.

Sally was preceded in death by her first husband, Scott and Tim’s father, Leonard See, Jr.; her second husband, Edward (Ted) Morley, Jr.; and her parents, Simon and Wilda Fisher.

Sally is survived by her beloved husband, Fred Dickinson, of Chelsea; her sisters, Barbara Fisher of Bay City and Nancy Fisher of Madison, Wisconsin; her sons Scott (Deborah) See of Houghton and Timothy (Katherine) See of Ann Arbor; niece, Amy Miles of Bay City; and her grandchildren, Russell, Christine, Sam, Ellen, Cameron, Lauren and Cassidy.

The family will hold a private memorial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sally’s name to the Chelsea Senior Center or the Chelsea District Library.


Suzanne Evelyn Tracy
of Manchester, Michigan

Age 84, passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024. She was born June 30, 1939, in Lambertville, Michigan, the daughter of Harry Frederick and Anna Margaret (Kwiatkowski) Hetzel.

Suzanne graduated from Bedford High School, in Lambertville. Suzanne worked for Automatic Sprinkler and Chrysler Corporation. She was a member of the Rug Hookers and Red Hatters. She had a passion for sewing and baking. Suzanne was a member at St. Mary Catholic Church of Manchester for 40 years. She then attended St. Mary Catholic Church of Chelsea, for 15 years.

In 1961, she married Clifford Albert Tracy, he has passed (2018). Survivors include her sons, Clifford Anthony (Hope) Tracy of Ann Arbor, and Patrick Andrew (Lesley) Tracy of Ann Arbor; her grandchildren, Victoria Alese Tracy, Clifford Ashton Tracy, Bernice Louise Tracy, Jakob Donald Tracy, and her bother D.P. Hetzel of Taylor. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers, R.L. Hetzel and H.W. Hetzel.

A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, February 8, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Manchester. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Manchester this summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Roman Catholic Church of Manchester.

Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.


Barbara Wrobleski
Of Grass Lake, MI

Age 75, died peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Chelsea Hospital.

She was born March 10, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of David Owen and Lela (Kroh) Hughes.

Barb worked as a legal secretary for Plunkett & Clooney Law Firm in Detroit, and for the University of Michigan. She attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Jackson, and was active in their quilting group. Barb was President of the Women’s Guild, and was a Stephen Minister. She was always positive and was very social. Barb loved deeply and family was everything to her.

On July 10, 1970, she married Nicholas Wrobleski in Trenton, MI, and he survives. She is also survived by her daughter, Kim (Kelley) Munn of Saline; her son, Kyle (Tracy) Wrobleski of Lincoln Park; a sister, Pam Dillon of CT; 5 grandchildren, Matthew, Courtney and Amanda Wrobleski, Ellie and Grace Munn; and 3 great-grandchildren, Shilo, Shelbie, and Penelope.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 9, 2024, at 11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jackson, with Rev. Derek Riddle officiating. Burial will take place at Michigan Memorial Park, Flat Rock.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cascade Animal Shelter in Jackson. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.


David (Dave) Staebler

Age 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

He was born June 9, 1937, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of William and Lenora (Staebler) Staebler.

Dave spent his early years working with horses and cattle, which led him to a career on ranches in several states. Upon returning to Michigan, he worked at Halliburton, Chrysler Proving Grounds. Finally, he retired from the University of Michigan after 22 years in various roles such as trucking, campus courier, and working directly with the President. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Chelsea. 

Dave was a passionate individual who loved horses and cattle. He would often enjoy a cup of coffee and share some wild and crazy stories about his past, such as when he rode his horse into the V.I. in Grass Lake! Dave was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

He would have achieved 40 years of sobriety in June and knew the importance of AA meetings and mentorship. Dave was devoted to helping others in the program.

On Aug. 26, 1960, he married Judy Kay Crain in Ann Arbor, and she preceded him in death on February 20, 2014. Survivors include two sons, Adon (Laura) of Bonita Springs, FL, and Jeffrey (Robyn) of Munith; two sisters, Kathrine (Paul) Frisinger and MaryAnn (Rick) Rickerman; six grandchildren, Britt, Kali, Elsa, Andy, Garrett, and Mikayla; three great-grandchildren, Oliver, Elsie Kay and Carson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Paul Staebler, a granddaughter Gabrielle, and a brother-in-law Paul Frisinger.

A public visitation will be held at Cole Funeral Chapel on Tue, February 6th, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. A private memorial for family members only will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Washtenaw Alano Club in honor of David Staebler. 

Donations/memorial contributions can be made to:

Washtenaw Alano Club
995 N. Maple Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
*Memo line to include “David/Dave Staebler”

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel. 


Carol S. Mills
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Plymouth

A woman of immense love, wisdom, and compassion left this world on January 28, 2024, after 101 years of spreading her love and joy of life to everyone around her.

She was born November 11, 1922, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Albe and Ida Christine (Scholberg) Salmonson.

Carol graduated from Dearborn High School in 1940, acquiring a thirst for knowledge and learning that lead her to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Library Science in 1946 from Michigan State Normal College (now EMU) and a Master’s Degree in Reading at age 60!!

She worked as a Switchboard operator during WWII to pay for college, and after graduation worked as a librarian in Port Huron High School for 1 year. She was a librarian at Plymouth High Schools and the University of Michigan, and taught English as a Second Language as part of a Community Education Program.

She loved to travel with family and friends and was able to travel around the world including visiting 40 states here in the United States. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Dixboro, Plymouth, and Chelsea over the course of her life.

Hebrews 13:2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” was displayed at the entrance to all of her homes and was lived out by her actions throughout her life. A framed saying: “When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind” was displayed in her apartment as a reminder to all of us who loved her so dearly.

On August 23, 1947, Carol married Hoyt D. Mills in Dearborn, Michigan. He preceded her in death on May 8, 2003. She is survived by sons, Don (Sue) Mills of Madison, Mississippi, and Paul (Maribeth) Mills of Altoona, Pennsylvania; daughters, Maribeth (CJ Mantz) Mills of Afton, Virginia, Jane Mills of Palm Springs, California, and Susan (Michael) Gabler of San Jose, California; son-in-law, Tom Fahlstrom of Ypsilanti; sister, Sally Warner of Traverse City; 11 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Ann Fahlstrom; and brother, Keith Salmonson.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, 1:00 pm at the Chelsea Retirement Chapel, with Rev. Dr. Julie J. Kilmer officiating. The burial will be at Cadillac Memorial Gardens West, Westland, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the UMRC Foundation.


Walter Friedrich Hahn
Chelsea, Michigan

Walter was born March 17, 1937, in Stuttgart, Germany to Emma (Seyfert) and Fritz Hahn. 

His life’s journey came to an end on January 28th, 2024, as a result of a years’ long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

As a young man, Walter studied to be a mechanic, earning a master mechanic certificate from Porsche in Germany.  Seeking adventure, he secured a job in Thun, Switzerland, where he lived for five years.  Craving more adventure, applied for a job at a German auto dealer in Kenya in the mid-1960s.  Due to civil war there, his plans changed.  He arranged a job at a dealership in Flint, Michigan with the help of a friend, planning to spend a year experiencing America.  In 1985, he became a proud US citizen.

Many will remember him as the owner of Hahn’s Service Center in Ann Arbor. He never lost his love of his native country.  He and his wife, Linda, made many trips to Germany, as well as many trips to his beloved DeTour Village, Michigan.

Walt happily served many years as secretary of the Schwaben Verein in Ann Arbor. He was also an avid fan of Michigan Football and German Soccer. He thwarted Linda’s requests to get Internet in the home in the ‘90s until she mentioned she could get reports of the Stuttgart Kicker’s games minutes after they ended. He was also a very spiritual man and spent time reading religious themed books. He converted to Catholicism at the age of 52.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, his son, Michael Hahn of Adrian, his son, Christopher (Cathy) Hahn of Cheboygan, his two granddaughters, Christina and Gabriella Hahn of Cheboygan, a stepson, Christopher (Melody) Montgomery, as well his beloved Labradors, Abby and Mandy.

Special thanks to Katie Garvey and Lisa Klinkman and the staff at the Ease the Day program and Chat to Heal program.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 2nd, 11 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Chelsea, the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner presiding, with visitation at the church from 10 – 11 a.m. that morning. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to St. Mary Church, Chelsea or to the Ease the Day Program at the Chelsea Senior Center for the benefit of dementia patients and their caregivers.

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea. 


G. Paul Frisinger II

Paul passed away Tuesday, Jan 23 at his home surrounded by family.  

He was born in Ann Arbor, the son of George Paul and Eloise Schrier Frisinger.  He married Kathrine (Staebler) in 1967 and she survives along with his sons Scott of Chelsea and Eric (Stacey) of Brighton; three grandchildren, Jackson, Luke and Ashley; and one brother Roger Frisinger of Albany, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother David, sister Sherry Lawton, and daughter-in-law Mary Berridge Frisinger.

Paul graduated from Chelsea High School and Michigan State University. He owned Frisinger Realty and was named Realtor of the Year by the Ann Arbor Board of Realtors in 2003 retiring in 2008.

He worked as the Lima Township Zoning Administrator for 7 years. Paul was active in his community serving as VP St Paul UCC, Saint Louis Center Citizens Advisory Board, Lima Township Planning Commission, Ann Arbor Board of Realtors, Chelsea Chamber of Commerce.  Paul was President of – Chelsea United Way, Chelsea Community Fair, Chelsea Downtown Development Authority, and the Chelsea Kiwanis Club.

Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. In his spare time, he was a farmer and also enjoyed gardening and woodworking projects for his friends and family. He was an avid “car guy” and was a member of the Livingston A and Spartan Horn Model A club and the NOMO Mini Club. Paul shared his love of cars and woodworking with his grandsons – teaching them to drive around the back field and how to use power tools while still in grade school. 

Ultimately, Paul would want to be remembered as a good person who was always there for his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday Feb 3 at 3:00 pm at St Paul United Church of Christ, with visitation from 2:00-3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to St. Louis CenterArbor Hospice, or a charity of your choice. 

Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.


 

Mildred “Micki” Crawford
Of Saline, Michigan,formerly of Freedom Township, Ypsilanti, Flushing, Ann Arbor

Age 96, died Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at Linden Square Assisted Living in Saline.
 
She was born July 4, 1927 in Freedom Township, Washtenaw County, MI, the daughter of Joseph L. and Amanda L. (Henes) Bersuder.

Micki was a member of Salem Lutheran Church where she was active with the Ladies’ Missionary Society and Salem Historical Committee. She was also a member of the Chelsea Senior Citizens. She retired from the Washtenaw County Clerk’s office after 36 years. Micki and Parky enjoyed traveling, being a vendor at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, spending time with and spoiling the grandchildren. She was an avid gardener and loved feeding the wildlife.

On September 12, 1947, she married Bernard J. “Parky” Crawford at Salem Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, MI and he preceded her in death on September 14, 2008. Survivors include a daughter, Donna (Daniel) Schmidt of Ann Arbor; a son-in-law, Michael Thornton of Milan; three grandchildren, Jason (Sheena) Schmidt, Joe (Sophia) Schmidt, Kresten (Breanna) Sakstrup; four great-grandchildren, Aedan, Emma, Tara, and Kol; and other extended family. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Judy Thornton; and a sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Arnold Naebeck.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 26, 11:00 am at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7474 Scio Church Rd, Ann Arbor, with Pastor Paul Jansen and Staff Minister Jason Petoskey officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Lutheran Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Thursday from 2 – 4 pm & 6 – 8 pm, and at the church Friday, from 10 – 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem Lutheran Church.


Darcy Stielstra

Our beloved Darcy Stielstra, 77, passed away on January 15th, 2024, surrounded by close family.

He loved the rivers and forests of Michigan and the mountains and waves of Alaska, especially Kodiak Island, where he watched the sun come up over his boat for twenty-eight years.

Darcy lives on in his wife, Marilyn Kreta; his daughter, Megan; his sons Tim, Greg, and Tom; and his grandchildren Caleb, Olive, Nico, Elijah, and Isabel. He counted himself lucky to be part of two large, close-knit families, and cherished his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Darcy was born on February 25, 1946, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to Peter and Marian Stielstra, and grew up in Hartford, Michigan, with his siblings Patricia, Mike, Sally, Chuck, and Scott. After graduating from Central Michigan University, he served his country as an officer in Germany and Vietnam before settling back in Michigan to raise his daughter, who remembers many weekends flipping over canoes on the Shiawassee River.

A lifelong educator, he taught sixth grade while earning a Master’s in public school administration and served for over a decade as the principal of Beach Middle School in Chelsea, a community he dearly loved.

After his daughter left for college, he packed up his truck and drove across the country to follow a longtime dream of living in Alaska. A hunter and fisherman since childhood, he scaled mountains for goats and tracked moose on the tundra with his brother and nephews, and built a 28-foot fishing boat with his friend Tom Emerson, all while continuing to support kids and their teachers as the principal of Peterson Elementary School.

After arriving on Kodiak, he fell in love with Marilyn and her sons, and their two unique families turned into one. After twelve years on Kodiak, he said that his life on the island was the longest he’d lived anywhere—he’d found his home—and he was a dedicated member of the community as an educator, fisherman, and storyteller (his performance as Daddy Warbucks in Annie earned the headline: “Kodiak Man Shaves 40-Year Moustache for Art”).

He took on his battle with pancreatic cancer the same way he took on his life: fiercely and fully, with deep thought and reflection. The first present he gave his kids—the boys as teenagers, and Megan at age five—was a copy of Walden, and he strived to follow his favorite words of Thoreau: “Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of each.”

Breathe the air today.

Watch the sun come up.

A memorial service will take place at 4 pm AKST on January 24th at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, 421 Thorsheim Street, Kodiak.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Island Trails Network, which Darcy hiked three mornings a week. You could also consider a donation to your local public library or community arts organization in his honor.

Ruth Mary Ann Kummer
of Adrian

Age 93, passed away peacefully at Gaslight Village on Saturday, January 6, 2024. 

She was born in Wyandotte, Michigan on July 27, 1930, to the late Archibald J. and Anna L. (Copp) Lambrix. 

Ruth was a congregation member of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, as Sister Ann Clare, from 1947 until 1970. She later married Dr. Joseph T. Kummer, and he preceded her in death on June 27, 1997. 

Visitation for Ruth will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Saline, from 9:30 – 10:30 AM. Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 AM, with Father John Linden officiating.  Interment will follow at a later date in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Brownstown, Michigan.

Online condolences to the family may be offered at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be given to the Adrian Dominican Sisters in the name of Ruth Kummer (Sister Ann Clare). 

The Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian is handling arrangements.


Robert Douglas Race
of Chelsea, Michigan

Passed away at 93 on January 3, 2024 at his home in Chelsea, Michigan.

He was husband to Thressa Race for over 70 years, a mentor to many, and at the center of accomplished family of sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His family, friends and colleagues will miss Doug’s dry sense of humor and sage advice.

Accomplishments

Doug mentored thousands of students and athletes in his career at Jackson Community College (JCC) (1966-92), Farmington High School (1954-65), and Saline High School (1953-54). He loved football both as a player and a coach. Doug was an offensive guard on Grand Rapids Central’s 1947 state championship football team and later played for Grand Rapids Community College. He coached football in Saline and later was the head coach in Farmington before moving to Jackson to coach community college track, teach, and be the academic advisor for athletes. While in Jackson, he assisted Dave Driscoll at Jackson Parkside High School the offensive line coach and team scout.

Doug was head track coach in Farmington where he gained a state-wide notoriety as a pole vaulting and field-event coach. His Farmington team included Rex Cawley, 1964 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist in the 400M hurdles. The JCC Jets track team routinely finished in the top 10 community college teams in the U.S.

As a high school and community college athlete, he was known for his leg speed. Doug took up distance running in his 50s and became a national masters class runner and an aspiration for his daughter Carrie Schupbach (University of Illinois) and granddaughter Kristina Olsen (University of Alabama, Birmingham), both national-class distance runners.

Doug strived to improve his ability to help others. He graduated from University of Michigan in 1953 and went on the earn master’s degrees from University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University. He developed a well-known reading lab at JCC where students gained critical reading and communications skills, geared to their academic and professional goals. Here, Professor Race was a life coach and academic advisor to many student athletes and others, assisting them in selecting and applying for universities matching their professional aspirations.

Later Years

Doug retired from Jackson Community College in 1992. Thressa and Doug enjoyed living at Browns Lake, spending winters in Florida, and visiting grandchildren in California, Illinois, and Michigan. His 10 grandchildren could count on him to help with homework, for advice, and stories.

In 2018, Doug and Thressa moved to Silver Maples retirement community in Chelsea where they continued an active and engaging life into their 90s enjoying exchanging stories with other UM grads. At 79, Doug took up watercolors and sold and presented his work at juried shows in Jackson and Chelsea.

Family

Robert Douglas Race was born February 20, 1930 in East Grand Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents Buryl and Hazel (Neely) Race, and stepfather Peter Buursma; brother Dick Race and sister Susan Race. Doug is survived by his wife of 70 years, Thressa Rea Race (Switous); children Bruce Race (Vera) of Houston, TX, Tim Race (Maria) of Ann Arbor, Carrie Schupbach (Dave) of Jackson, and Meg Martin of Jackson; grandchildren Ryan Race (Danny Fleischer) of Oakland, CA, Grant Race of Richmond, CA, Kristina Olsen (Jurgen Runschke) of Traverse City, Hanna Boyd (Mike) of Leetsdale, PA, Sydney Martin of Kalamazoo, Erin Martin of Grand Rapids, Ian Race of Evanston, IL, and Julian Race (Jamie Gordon) of St. Louis, MO, and step grandchildren Austin Van Der Karr of Elmhurst, IL and Mitzi Van Der Karr of, Elmhurst, IL; great-grandchildren Aiden Fleischer of Oakland, CA, and August Boyd of Leetsdale, PA.

A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date.