Virginia A. Visel, age 98, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on August 25, 2022 in Grand Rapids, MI. She lovingly wrote her own obituary as follows:

In this way I want to say goodbye to my family and friends. I was born in Pontiac, MI July 30, 1924 to Merle Standish Barr, Sr. and Lucile McDaid Barr. When I was six months old we moved back home to Chelsea. I say, "back home," because my great-grandfather came from Vermont, took up a large tract of land which is now called the City of Chelsea.

I attended Chelsea schools, graduating with the class of 1942. I have been a member of First Congregational Church most of my life.

In 1945, I married my high school sweetheart, Edward Visel, and we had 71 good years together. I was a stay at home mom with my two children and spent time with my hobbie making birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends. I also taught cake decorating classes for the high school's continuing education classes. Later I was hired by the school as secretary to the principal in the student office, retiring in 1986.

I sadly leave behind my sister, Diana (Dick) Lubic of Plainwell, son, Barry Visel of Schoolcraft, and daughter, Lynn (Brian) Cox of The Villages, FL; four grandchildren: Benjamin (Trisha) Visel of Alto, Peter Visel of Kalamazoo, Allison (Naomi Turbidy) Cox of Boston, MA, and Amanda Cox of Seattle, WA; six great-grandchildren: Jake, Joe, Lexi, and Addie Visel, and Lucy and Simon Cox; and many nieces and nephews. I love you all and will miss you.

I am going to join my parents, my husband, Edward, brother, Merle S. Barr, Jr., sister-in-law, Arline Barr, daughter-in-law, Nancy Visel, and grandson, Gregory Visel. I will be happy to be with them again.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea with Rev. Barbara Edema officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Chelsea.