Jerry D. Harris

Jerry Dean Harris, age 67, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Trinity Health–Ann Arbor Hospital.

He was born on April 22, 1958, in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, the son of Adrian and Maudie (Lafferty) Harris. Jerry moved to the Grass Lake area 38 years ago from Romulus, Michigan, where he had lived previously. He dedicated 30 years of service to GM Hydramatic in Ypsilanti, retiring in 2006. In his free time, Jerry loved hunting, fishing, boating on Lake Erie, riding his motorcycle, and most of all, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On May 14, 1982, Jerry married Alice Charlene (Watson) in Romulus, MI. Together, they shared nearly 43 years of marriage. Jerry is survived by his wife, Alice; his daughter, Krena (Sid) Seagraves of Michigan Center; his mother, Maudie Harris of Grass Lake; three grandchildren, Ryan (Jenna), Crystal (Mark), and Jacob; and seven great-grandchildren: Aaden, Landyn, Brysen, Zoella, Liam, Rylynn, and Brooklynn. He was preceded in death by his father, Adrian Harris.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Walker Harris and Pastor Greg Burkeen officiating. Burial will follow at Sharon Twp. Cemetery in Manchester, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Rifle Association.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Allen J. Louks

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Allen James Louks, who died on April 22, 2025, at the age of 76, after a long and difficult nine-year journey following a stroke. We take comfort in knowing he is finally free from pain and at peace. We like to imagine him once again able to enjoy the small joys of life.

Allen’s story began in Reed City, MI, born on February 21, 1949. He was the middle of three children—his older sister, Janice, and younger brother, Darrell. His father, Max, ran a pine tree farm and taught agricultural science, while his mother, Audrey, worked at Wolverine World Wide. They lived a simple life.

He was the embodiment of the American Dream. As the family story goes, with just $15 in his pocket and a bag of belongings, he left home at 18. He hitchhiked down Highway 131 to Grand Rapids in search of a better life. He started out in a union job building electrical towers and from there, made his way into retail, selling menswear. He had a successful career in print publishing, advertising, and real estate. A self-made man through and through, he had a sharp eye for style and always believed in putting your best foot forward.

He especially cherished his years in Traverse City, where he met his wife, Chris Foley. He enjoyed the outdoors—skiing, sailing, and hunting. He’d smile telling the story of the night he first saw her across the bar, asking a friend to set them up on a date. He was starstruck, and they were married just four months later! That ended his bachelor years, saying goodbye to his beloved party boat, Miss Behaving.

His passing during Easter time and the story of resurrection reminds us of the power of starting over—something Allen did more than once. He was always the guy who “made it happen.”

His big personality and devotion to his family will be missed beyond words. He is survived by his wife, Chris; twin children, Mary Elizabeth and Michael Allen; granddaughter, Eva; and many beloved family, friends, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Audrey Louks, infant twin brothers; sister, Janice Westenfeld and her husband, Dale Westenfeld; brother, Darrell and his husband, Brad Pierucki; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Foley and her husband, Dave Boner. Sadly Darrell died just three days before Allen.

We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating his life on Monday, April 28, 2025. With so many years unable to travel, he will be looking forward to seeing everyone all together.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 28, 2025, 1:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 12:00 noon until the time of service.

Burial will be private at Oak Grove East Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea, MI your local Conservation District, or the charity of your choice.

Patricia Ann "Pat" Parr

Patricia Ann "Pat" Parr, age 71, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on April 22, 2025 at Trinity Health-Ann Arbor Hospital. She was born on September 3, 1953, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, the daughter of Donald R. and Betty (Foust) Young.

Pat graduated from Chelsea High School in 1971. She graduated from St. Mary's School of Nursing (now U of D Mercy) and attended the University of New York as well. Pat loved her career as registered nurse, devoting 40 plus years of her career to Chelsea Hospital. She worked on the Rehab Unit as well as the Burn Unit, and she served as Director of Education at the hospital for many years. She was proud of her role at the hospital and had fond memories of her creativity in Nurse Education Day with her peers on the road to Chicago. She was a life-member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she was confirmed and married. She enjoyed spending time with people and served as a 4-H leader and a Girl Scout leader. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, and doing crafts.

On December 28, 1974, she married Stanley James Parr, and they enjoyed 41 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on October 2, 2015. Pat is survived by her daughter, Emily McHale of Howell, two grandchildren, Aranka and Scarlett McHale; a brother, Thomas (Joan) Young of FL; in-laws: Douglas (Diana) Parr and Kenneth (Peggy) Parr; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Betty Young, a brother, Randy Young, and her in-laws, Floyd and Florence Parr.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 2-5 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, 1:00 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, MI, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens and Pastor Dave Bucholtz officiating.

A private burial will take place at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Hospital Infusion Center. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Ileen M. Crawford

Ileen Marie Crawford, age 102, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, at Linden Square Assisted Living Center in Saline, Michigan.

Ileen was born on December 6, 1922, in Cohoctah Township, Michigan, to George and Lillian Marie (Dickerson) Gehringer. Ileen spent her early years in Cohoctah Township and graduated from Howell High School in 1940. On August 23, 1941, she married William Henry Crawford, who preceded her in death in 1993.

In 1947, Ileen and William moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they built a life and home, and she remained there until 2020. Ileen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She cherished her family above all else.

She is survived by her children, Sharon M. Crawford of Manchester and Gerald Crawford of Chelsea; and many beloved great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lillian (Dickerson) Gehringer; her son, Gordon Crawford, and her grandson, Keith Crawford.

A private burial will take place at a later date.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

David H. Schroen

5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Houston, we have liftoff. David Harold Schroen has successfully returned to the Lord’s kingdom on February 28, 2025. He was 83.

While David was best known for being a happy, thoughtful, loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, little known is that he was a member of the Apollo Space Program team. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and earning a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California, David spent his early career helping America enter and win the race to the moon.

After the NASA program was retired, David returned to his home state of Michigan to spend the remainder of his brilliant engineering career with the Ford Motor Company. He was part of the team that developed the Ford Explorer years before the vehicle went into production in February of 1990. This revolutionary vehicle set the wheels in motion for a vehicle type dominance that continues more than 30 years later.

While his professional achievements were literally “out of this world,” Dave was best known for being a brother, husband, dad, and grandpa. He was the firstborn of Robert and Arlene Schroen of Chelsea, MI in February of 1942. Dave had three siblings: Duane, Sue, and Carol.

He married Myrna Kay Palmer in 1964 and raised three children: Jeff, Mark, and Tracy. Dave and Myrna’s marriage was considered by all to be an absolute rock. They loved their children and helped create a true family foundation. Their home was a refuge and a residence to celebrate life for all.

In 1996, Myrna started her battle with cancer, and with Dave by her side, she returned to the Lord’s kingdom in 1999. By the Lord's grace—and most likely some guidance from Myrna in heaven—Dave was able to meet Marie and once again spend another 25 years as a loving husband and stepfather.

Dave’s nature was optimistic and jovial. Every day, he proved the narrative false that nice guys finish last. His laugh will always be a part of the people who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory by going out of your way to make someone’s day. Hold your tongue and say something nice or kind when anger sets in. Play a round of golf—and regardless of your score, consider the day precious.

A Celebration of Life for David will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 14600 Old US-12, Chelsea, MI 48118. A luncheon will immediately follow.

Holly A. Steffey

Hollace "Holly" A. Steffey, age 73, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on April 17, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan.

Holly was born on November 28, 1951, to John “Jack” and Phyllis (Blanchard) Huston. She graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1970. Holly met Larry Steffey while attending classes at Michigan State University. They were married in 1973, making their home in Stockbridge where they owned and operated a centennial dairy farm.

Holly had a passion for baking bread, pies, and cookies, often filling her home with warmth and sweet aromas. She enjoyed crafting, sewing, crocheting, word puzzles, and playing cards and board games. As a devoted mother, she supported her three children in their many athletic, academic, and other pursuits. Later, she loved spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren. Holly was also a proud blood donor, like her mother.

She is survived by her husband, Larry; her three children, Lissa (Andrew) Avis, Amy Steffey, and Jakob Steffey, all of Stockbridge; and her grandchildren, Alexander, Rachel, Zeke, Ike, and Etty; brother, Steve (Nancy) Huston of DeWitt, her twin brother, Paul Huston of Grand Rapids, and her sister, Sydney (Gary) Day of Fruitport. Her parents preceded her in death.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge branch of the Capital Area District Library or the American Red Cross. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Audrey J. Price

Audrey J. Price, long-time resident of Stockbridge, passed away peacefully February 21, 2025 at age 97.

Born in Jackson County to Harry L. and Helen R. (Harwood) Burgess September 26, 1927, much of her youth was spent in Munith and Leslie. Audrey graduated Leslie High School in 1945, where she enjoyed supporting the athletic teams as a cheerleader. Her love of dancing led her to meet and marry her husband, and dance partner of 49 years, Robert (Bob) Price, on June 19, 1949. Together they raised three children in Stockbridge, and enjoyed square dancing, golf, euchre with friends, and travelling.

After her children had grown, Audrey began a second career with the Stockbridge School District working first as a cashier in the cafeteria of the high school, then as administrative secretary until her retirement.  Her other love was playing the piano at any opportunity. She is fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews for impromptu “concerts” during holiday gatherings, frequently accompanying her sisters’ singing talents. As a member of the Stockbridge Garden Club, Audrey enjoyed the comradery and the community projects. In later years she quipped of enjoying a “supervisory role”.

She enjoyed people and purpose. Her laugh, wit, and enjoyment of life made her “the life of the party”. She could often be found engaging in banter with the “coffee club” at Gordie’s Power Equipment in Gregory, or just having a phone chat with her many friends.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and two sisters, Bev Pixley and Judith May. She is survived by her three children, Robert (Christine) of California, Ben (Mary) of Stockbridge, and Edie (Nathan) Lindeburg of Colorado; and sister, Peg Scott of Pleasant Lake; in addition, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two nephews, and two nieces.

A celebration of life will be held this summer on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home,Stockbridge. A private internment will take place at that time at a later date.

Julie Clark

Julie Clark, age 70, of Mason, MI passed away on April 12, 2025 in Jackson, MI. She was born on November 7, 1954 in Stockbridge, MI, the daughter of Jack and Marion (Sommer) Clark.

She is survived by two of her siblings, Tim (Dawn) Clark and Sherry Weitlauf, both of Stockbridge. She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Lee Clark and Dave Clark.

Julie had lived in the Stockbridge area most of her life. She loved her cats, drinking a cold glass of Pepsi, reading, baking and watching Hallmark movies. Julie also enjoyed spending time with her many nieces and nephews.

Per her wishes, cremation and a private burial will take place.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

John Wesley Bishop Jr.

John Wesley Bishop, Jr., of Manchester, MI, age 78, passed April 10, 2025, at his home while surrounded by his loving family.

During the last two days of John’s life, numerous family members and friends were able to show their love by sharing memories. Out-of-state family sent text messages reminiscing about their childhood with John. These messages were read to him by his wife. Shortly before John’s passing, his niece, Michelle Krull, and her daughter, Ella Nelson, were with Wanda taking care of John’s medical needs.

John was born November 20, 1946, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor to John Wesley, Sr., and Vivian Mae (Curts) Bishop, who preceded him in death.

John attended many schools throughout his childhood, including Willow Run, St. John’s, Pinckney, and Dexter. As a young child, John would spend time with his Grandpop and Grandma Bishop, aunts and uncles, and cousins in Millville, New Jersey.

John’s family eventually moved to California, and, in 1965, he graduated from Helix High School in La Mesa, California. When John was not in school, you would find him working on cars. After graduating from high school, John achieved an award from “The World of Banking.” However, he soon realized that was not a career for him.

John received his electrical apprenticeship from King Seeley in the early 1970s and eventually earned his Journeyman Electrician License. He worked for several local electrical contractors out of the IBEW 252 union hall. John hired in at the University of Michigan in the Skilled Trades division in 1986. While at the UofM, John served as Union Steward—a role he took very seriously. John was also part of the UofM Joint Apprenticeship Committee from 1996–2004, where he helped guide and direct the selection and education of about 40 Skilled Trades apprentices, including direct involvement in about two dozen selection committees. John was a proud member of IBEW 252 and received his 50-year pin in October 2023.

John met the love of his life, Wanda McGranahan, in 1979, and they were married in September 1986. In 1985, they bought a “fixer-upper”—a home that predates the Civil War. Because John’s family moved around so much, he vowed to never move again—and he didn’t. John made his journey into Heaven in the same home where his mother-in-law, Luella McGranahan, and his mother, Vivian, passed.

John retired in 2004 from the UofM. After retirement, John enjoyed tinkering in his shop with tractors, cars, and trucks. John also enjoyed riding motorcycles with his buddy, Jay.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Steven, who died in 1959 shortly after birth; step-mother, Helen Bishop; in-laws, Marley and Luella McGranahan; nephew, Seth Bishop; uncles, Kenny, Richard, and Paul Bishop, Ralph Curts, and Jimmy Perlongo; aunts, Lillian Bishop, Florence Bishop, Alma Curts, and Edie Perlongo; brother-in-law, Eddie McGranahan; and sisters-in-law, Darlene (Chuck) Kanagy and Denise (Steve) Edwards.

In addition to his wife, Wanda, John is survived by his brothers, Richard (Donna) and Mike Bishop, and Bob (Nancy) and Jack (Nancy) Warren; sons, Chuck (Janet) Beard and Rusty (Jennifer) Blackwell; grandchildren, Patrick Beard and Riley and Josephine Blackwell; and sisters-in-law, Rita (Randy) Bunch, Marcia Kipp, and Lori Krull. John was also blessed with many nieces and nephews and faithful friends.

In 2019, John was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout the many treatments that John endured, he remained positive and continued to live life! He would say, “life’s a dance”—please enjoy life with those you love. Be kind—your kindness may be exactly what someone needs.

John will be missed by many, however, the wonderful memories that we have been blessed with will remain in our hearts and minds forever.

The family would like to thank the medical team at the Chelsea Cancer Center, who treated John from 2019 until 2023, along with Arbor Hospice and the many nurses and doctors who provided excellent care since February 2024.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 2–4 and 6–8 p.m. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea with Pastor Daniel Pezzica officiating. The family will also receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial to immediately follow at Oak Grove East in Chelsea, with a luncheon afterward at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, Michigan, the Chelsea Hospital Cancer Center, the Dutchmen Firefighters Association, 275 South Macomb Street, Manchester, MI 48158, or Arbor Hospice .

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI.

Vicki L. Erskine

Vicki Lou Erskine, age 69, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on April 8, 2025 at Chelsea Hospital. Vicki was born on May 1, 1955 in Ann Arbor, MI the daughter of Charles and Louise (Risner) Fletcher.

She grew up in Chelsea and had lived in Stockbridge for the past 40 years. She married Michael R. Erskine, and he survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Rickelle (Jason) Tomshany of Pinckney; two grandchildren, Caitlyn (Jake Nelson) and Shelby; two sisters, Connie Musolf of Chelsea and Tootsie (Jim) Barth of Pinckney; a sister-in-law, Sandy (Dan) Miller; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three siblings: Bobby, Shirley, and Wanda.

Vicki enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and she cherished her time with her grandkids. There wasn't a sporting event that she missed. Her family was always the center of her life. She also found joy in walking, working on puzzles, connecting with her Facebook friends, and listening to music—especially anything by Elvis Presley.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, April 17, 2025, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Larry Lyons officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Waterloo Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.