Dorothy A. Reister

On June 15th, 2022, Dorothy A. Reister left this world for her new life in heaven. Born August 23rd, 1933, she was the daughter of Colin J.W. Rice and Ursulien E.M. Maurin, and grew up in Flint, MI when Flint was a flourishing city.

She had a happy childhood, although her father died when she was just four. Her mother and sister were her family, and they lived a simple but loving life. She went to the University of Michigan, the first person in her family to go to college. She graduated in Dental Hygiene and worked part time for more than 20 years. At the University, she met Russell Reister, who she married the day after he graduated in 1954. After two years in the army in El Paso, TX, they returned to Ann Arbor with their first child, and Russ began his career at the University which lasted 35 years.

During that time Dorothy was mom to three, Pamela, Kurt and Kathi. She was a Brownie leader when her daughters were in the Scouts, and Den mother when her son was a Cub Scout, and she totally enjoyed both. Her family was the joy of her life.

While Russ was in University work and had many community responsibilities, she was involved with the U of M Faculty Women's Club, where she served in several capacities, including President in 1979. In the early eighties she and Russ bought a second home in the Les Cheneaux Islands in the eastern Upper Peninsula. They had wonderful neighbors and loved entertaining them and their family at every opportunity. The pace in little Cedarville reminded them of their childhood lives of the 1930s and 40s.

In 1991, she and Russ moved from Ann Arbor to Chelsea and enjoyed a busy retirement. She enjoyed being a hostess, especially making homemade goodies including her signature white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies, good for every ill--emotional, physical, spiritual.

In addition to her children, her great pride and joy were her grandchildren, Guz and Erick, Griffin and Willa. She was a lifelong Lutheran but also dreamed that all Christian religions might join together.

A memorial service will be scheduled this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to University of Michigan Faculty Women's Club Endowment Fund, Zion Lutheran Church, 3050 S. Fletcher Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118, or the Salvation Army.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Daniel D. Rowe

Daniel D. Rowe, age 60, unexpectedly passed away in his home on June 19, 2022 . He was born April 17, 1962, to Joanne (Brown) and David Rowe. 

Dan developed a passion for working in the dirt early in life and spent his career doing what he loved with local companies including Klink Excavating, Taddy Construction, and Cribley Drilling. He truly enjoyed helping others and was usually the first to lend a hand to friends and family, never wanting or expecting anything in return. He also volunteered many hours to the community, including the Chelsea Fair, the construction of Timbertown, and the placement of the rock at Pierce Park. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words were kind and from the heart, so everyone listened. Dan’s favorite things were bonfires with family and friends, time at the racetracks and mud bogs, and backyard BBQs perfecting his smoking skills, which were legendary. If Dan was cooking, a crowd would gather.

Dan is survived by his wife, Sara Wild, and son, Daniel Rowe Jr. (Tori Hodges), and grandson, Jack. Dan was an influential father to many others as well, including Sarah (Chad) Obenauf, Jennifer (Michael) Ford, Chris (Sarah) Hague, Colton (Erica) Veal, Devin (Alissa) Wild, and Sean McGill; as well as a grandpa to Rania, Olivia, Xander, Claire, Bradley, Granger and Madelyn. He is also survived by brothers John, Darin (Gretchen), and Pat (Thaya) Rowe, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Dan was preceded in death by grandparents, Duane and Virginia (Burg) Rowe, and Howard and Alma (Donegan) Brown.

A celebration of Dan’s life will take place on Friday, July 1, 2022 at the Dexter American Legion Post 557, from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Great Day to be Alive, P.O. Box 357, Dexter, Michigan, 48130, a charity in which Dan was passionate about and supported for many years.

Bernard Ronald "Ron" Herrst, Jr.

Bernard Ronald “Ron” Herrst Jr., age 70, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on June 14, 2022 at his home under the care of hospice. Ron was born on March 26, 1952 in Ann Arbor, MI to Bernard, Sr. and Elizabeth (Zahn) Herrst.

The Herrst family moved to a farm on Freer Road in Chelsea in 1954, where Ron and his six siblings were raised. He attended Chelsea schools, graduating in 1970. He worked in lawn care for Ryer, as well as the WISD for 11 years. He was self employed, owning and operating Herrst Construction for over 30 years. One of his proudest jobs was building the baseball stands for the Chelsea School District. He also played softball, and he bowled at Chelsea Lanes for 50 years. He was also a member of the Ann Arbor Moose Lodge #1253.

Ron is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathleen (Pidd) Herrst, daughter, Holly (Ronald) Hoepfner of Westland, Heidi Herrst of Chelsea, Ronald “Ronnie” Herrst (Ashley Long) of Grass Lake; six grandchildren: Madison Hoepfner, Akiera Long, Traeton Long, Khloe Herrst, Kenzie Herrst, and Brody Herrst; three brothers, Kenneth (Annette) Herrst of Chelsea, Robert (Sandra) Herrst of Chelsea, Erwin Herrst of Manchester; and one sister, Susan Cervera of Ann Arbor, and one brother-in-law, Steve Daniels; also many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son, Scott Koscielniak, his parents, Bernard Herrst, Sr. and Elizabeth Herrst, and two sisters, Rose Ann Daniels and Elizabeth Herrst.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, June 23, 2022, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Mark Hendricks officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Herrst Family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Promedica Heartland Hospice for their superior care. They would also like to express their gratitude to the many friends who offered their kindness and support in a time of great need.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

James L. "Jamie" Bollinger

James L. "Jamie" Bollinger, age 62, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on June 13, 2022 at his home. He was born on March 22, 1960 in Ann Arbor, MI to Paul and Beverly (Fielder) Bollinger.

Jamie was a life-long resident of Chelsea, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1978 where he played football. After high school, he joined his father and brothers in the family business, Bollinger Sanitation and Excavating, and became Co-Owner of the business, retiring in 2020.

Jamie was highly involved and passionate about supporting his community. He served on the Chelsea Village Council and was a member of the Chelsea Fire Authority. He was a Chelsea Fair Board member and a member of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. He served on the Whitetails Unlimited Board, organizing the Whitetails Unlimited Fundraiser in Chelsea, setting fundraising records back to back. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, collecting antique Waterloo Boy tractors, snowmobiling, and truck pulling with his Ram truck "Twister." He also helped excavate the Wooly Mammoth that was found in 2015 in a farmer's field in Washtenaw County. He enjoyed traveling, taking many trips with his wife and friends, whether it was snowmobiling, camping, or going on cruises.

On July 24, 1999, he married Terri D. (Jones), and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Heidi (Chris) Traugott, and Kimberly (Jorge Rosario), all of Chelsea; two brothers, Richard (Marcy) Bollinger, and Donald (Michelle) Bollinger all of Chelsea; brother-in-law, Ben Capaldi of Florida, and his best friend, Tom Bareis of Chelsea; three grandchildren, Lidia, Braylon, and Gibson; as well as nephews, Donald (Jayma) Bollinger, Jr., Derik (Jennifer) Bollinger, Grant Bollinger, all of Chelsea, and Jake (Megan) Bollinger of Grass Lake. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister, Sharon Capaldi, and nephew, Kevin Bollinger.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 15,2022, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

A Community Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the James Bollinger Memorial Scholarship.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Michael M. Valentine

Michael Matthew Valentine, age 69, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away at this home on June 12, 2022. He was born the son of Calvin and Vivian (Hammons) Valentine on March 24, 1953. On September 21, 1994, he married Penny L. (Brown), and she survives.

Mike was a simple man who enjoyed working on his yard and cheering his Green Bay Packers on Sunday and the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday. He was known for many sayings, but his most favorite was, "Don't put on the potatoes. We are not staying for dinner.” Most of all he loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Penny, Mike is survived by his son, Ryan Denison, grandchildren, Emmalee Denison, Jolie Bradshaw, Chase Denison, and Leland Hill. Mike is also survived by his siblings, Kathy (Mike) Durfee, Calvin (Michelle) Valentine, Bobby Valentine, Debbie Nowka, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Calvin and Vivian, Mike was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Skylar Denison and Timothy Denison; sister, Joyce Aho, and stepfather, Stan Borowski.

A gathering of friends and family will take place at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, June 20, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Burial will take place Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at Great Lakes National Cemetery.

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

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Deborah G. Marshall

Deborah L. Marshall, age 72, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 14th, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. From her birth in Stockbridge, Michigan on December 12th, 1949 to her death on Tuesday, she was a strong presence offering an engaging conversation, a gregarious laugh, and a big hug.

She was born in Rowe Memorial Hospital in Stockbridge, Michigan to Ralph Duane (Buck) and Beverly Elaine (Miner) Glenn and was the oldest of four children.

Debbie grew up on her family’s dairy farm just north of town. Debbie attended Stockbridge High School and graduated in 1968. She attended nursing school and received her LPN and was a practicing nurse for over five years.

Debbie later obtained her Real Estate and Broker’s License and practiced real estate for over 40 years as the owner of Glenn-Brooke Realty, Ltd. Many will remember the historic home that she converted into an office on West Main Street.

Family meant everything to Debbie, and she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt. She married her first husband, Robert Henry Mitteer III, on April 15th, 1970. After some time living in Arizona, Oklahoma, and Idaho, Debbie returned to Stockbridge with her family after Rob’s death in 1976. On January 27th, 1979, she married her husband, Jack Marshall. They raised four daughters. She was a powerful force in her family and continued to be an involved and engaged mom and grandma for many years.

Debbie also had deep roots in the Stockbridge community and cared greatly for the people and the area. She was a visionary regarding development and would stand strong in her convictions to better the Stockbridge Community. She was a founding member of the Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority. Her work in the DDA helped start the Stockbridge Industrial Park, as well as many of the beautification projects around the downtown area.

In Debbie’s spare time, she enjoyed cooking, gardening, and sewing. She was a welcoming hostess and would always make room at the table for a cup of coffee, a meal, or a chat.

Left to honor Debbie and remember her love are her husband of 42 years, Jack, four daughters: Jennifer (Neal) Bookspan, Kate (Abe) Kohler, Amanda (Liberty) Van Hine and Meghan (Aaron) Gerisch; 11 grandchildren: Jakob, Asher, Ava, Ayla, Caleb, Khyla, Judah, Evan, Leo, Ruby and Wyatt; parents, Beverly and Duane Glenn, brother, Nate, sisters, Kris (Mark) Hartsuff and Anne (Mark) Elias: sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jill (Stan) Cross, Mary Jane Mitteer Swartout, Jack (Susan) Mitteer, Patty Mitteer, and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and extended family and friends.

Debbie was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Henry Mitteer III, grandson, Aric Urban Kohler, mothers-in-law, Helen Bullis Mitteer and Reba Louise Marshall, father-in-law, H. Edgar Marshall, sister-in-law, Polly Joyce Mitteer, brother-in-law, George Kimball Mitteer and nephew, Nathan Christopher Glenn.

Debbie will be remembered as a beacon of strength and light in her family and within the Stockbridge Community.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at the Stockbridge American Legion Post #510.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Debbie’s name to the Stockbridge Lions Club, P.O. Box 327, Stockbridge, MI, 49285.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

James W. Zeitz

James W. Zeitz went to be with the Lord quietly in his sleep Saturday, June 11, 2022. He was born July 4, 1923, son of Frank and Genevieve (Gruesbeck) Zeitz.

He grew up and attended school in Lansing, graduating from Eastern High School in January 1943. He married Edith Klink on January 15, 1944. In 1951 they purchased a farm in Bunkerhill Township where they raised their four children and continued to reside until a month before his death. Jim worked off and on as a hot roofer for several companies over the years, but his true passion was farming. His son, Hank, and grandson, Ryan, continue to operate the family farm.

He is survived by his wife of 78 years, Edith, his daughters, Audrey Martini and Peggy (Greg) McCann, and son Henry (Carol) Zeitz. His third daughter, Nancy (John) Gutierrez, predeceased him. He also leaves numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. His wish to be cremated with only a small family service at a later date will be honored.

The family suggests donations to a food bank or hospice organization of your choice in lieu of flowers.

Alan D. Stump

Alan Douglas Stump, of Jackson, MI, age 79, passed away at home on June 8, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Pricilla “Pat” Stump (nee Lennox), sister, Ardis Schneider; daughter, Kelly (Stump) Ostroski (Bob); son, Jeffrey Stump (Tina); step-son, Creag Guernsey (Tina); step-daughter, Michelle Johnson (Tobias); step-daughter, Danielle Guernsey; 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Al grew up in the Ann Arbor area and spent his formative years in St. Ignace, MI. He served his country in the US Army. He worked for the University of Michigan for 18 years and retired after many years of service from Federal Screw Works. He helped coach the Chelsea Girls Softball Team in the late 80’s. He and Pat loved line dancing. Even in retirement, he couldn't stay still and worked at Arbor Hills Golf Course. He loved old Westerns, sports, and telling stories. However, his pride and joy was his family.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Dr. Barbara Edema. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, June 12, 2022 from 2-5 p.m., and Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Marie Hackworth

Marie Hackworth of Stockbridge, Michigan, age 93, passed away on June 5, 2022 at her son's home in Harriman, TN.

Marie was born on April 2, 1929 in Salyersville, KY to Miles and Martha (Watkins) Barnett.

Marie loved the Lord and her family above everything. She was a pastor for 30 plus years for the Murray Road Pentecostal Church in Bunkerhill Twp.

She enjoyed talking to people and being with them, and would pray night and day.

She is survived by her children, Darrell (Patricia) Hackworth, Dallas (Karen) Hackworth, Donnie (Susan) Hackworth; sister, Betty Hedglen; nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. Marie was preceded in death by her son, Delmer Hackworth, and two great-grandchildren, Amelia Rosa and Brandon Charlie.

Visitation will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 11:00 am, at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Gary Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery.

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

Rev. John R. Morris

Rev. John R. Morris, servant of the Lord, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in the Chelsea Retirement Community on Saturday, June 4th, 2022.

He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on October 13, 1935, son of the late Fred and Frances (Kupferer) Morris.  He was preceded in death by his brother, William, and sister-in-law, Irmgard Morris.  He graduated from Wiley High School (Terre Haute, IN) in 1953, Capital University, Columbus, OH in 1957, and Trinity Seminary, Columbus, OH in 1961.  While at Capital, he met the love of his life, Karol Marie Thumm, and they were married August 16, 1958 in Lakewood, Ohio. 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karol, son, David (Lisa) Morris, daughter, Kathleen (Doug) Campbell, and daughter, Debbie (Brian) Colesa. He cherished his five grandchildren: Ben Morris, Hannah Campbell, Bradley Campbell, Katie Colesa, and Jacob Colesa; nephews, Mark (Sarah) Morris, Derrick Morris, and great-nephews, Andrew and Daniel Morris.

While studying at Trinity Seminary, he honed his ministerial skills at Zion Lutheran Church, Obetz, OH; his Internship at Grace Lutheran Church, Saginaw MI, and ended his final year in seminary at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Columbus, OH.  He was ordained at his home church, Christ Lutheran Church, Terre Haute, IN on July 2, 1961.  Upon graduation from Trinity Seminary, he was called to minister to the people of Grace Lutheran Church, Elmore, OH, and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Graytown, OH (a two-point parish) for six years; Zion Lutheran Church,  Chelsea, MI for 20 years; St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Herron, MI for nine years; Living Hope Lutheran Church, Farwell, MI for five years. Upon his “retirement” John served wherever he was needed and God’s people needed to hear the Word preached joyously and with a boisterous voice, including Immanuel Lutheran Church, Jackson, MI; Good Hope Lutheran Church, Garden City, MI; St. James Episcopal Church, Albion, MI; Christ Episcopal Church, Pleasant Lake, MI; St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Michigan Center, MI, and Emanuel United Church of Christ, Manchester, MI.  His singing led the congregations to truly respond more vigorously with their voices.  His Christian witness was engaging, meaningful and always sprinkled with humor.  He considered himself a blessed man to be able to spend his life in service to the Lord.  In all the congregations, he was privileged to share their lives, bring the message of His Word and officiate at the Lord’s table. His three children and wife, Karol, provided him with a home life that allowed him support and energy to be the shepherd that God called him to be.

Besides loving his family, he loved music. He sang with many choirs in high school, Chapel Choir in college, and to wherever he was called, ending with singing bass in the Jackson Michigan Chorale. During his stay in Chelsea, he was also the Voice of the Chelsea Marching Band for nine years, Kiwanis president, and he was very involved in the community.

Upon retirement to their home in Napoleon, MI he took up his favorite hobby: model trains. He became a member of the Lionel Operating Train Society (LOTS). He and his wife, Karol, developed at large model train layout in their home basement, having open houses for Habitat for Humanity and Jackson Michigan Chorale. They were affectionately known as the “Train people.”

We wish to thank Pastor Kurt Hutchens, Arbor Hospice, and our extended church and community families for their loving support. 

A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, June 9, from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 10, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and on Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.