Wanda "Sue" Wood

Wanda "Sue" Wood, of Chelsea, MI, age 82, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. Sue was born on February 28, 1940 in Salyersville, KY to Charles and Arizona (Castle) Patrick. She had lived in the Chelsea area most of her life, and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1959. On October 1, 1960, she married Don D. Wood, and he survives.

Sue loved gardening and was a charter member of the Evening Primrose Garden Club. She also enjoyed traveling as well as cooking and family get togethers, especially during the holidays. She also owned Especially Yours clothing store.

In addition to her husband, Don, she is survived by a daughter, Penny (Dave) Trinkle of Chelsea, a sister, Mary Casterline of Bellaire, and two brothers, Jack Patrick of Chelsea, and Chuck Patrick of Manchester; two grandchildren, Nichole and Kaitlyn, and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly Wood in 2018, and sister-in-law, Kathy Patrick.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to the UMRC Heritage Foundation-Towsley Village. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Karen E. Knauf

Karen E. (Crosser) Knauf, of Jackson, MI, died peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones on January 20, 2023 at the age of 72.

Karen is survived by husband of 24 years, Joseph Knauf; children: Billy (Laura) White, Suzzane (Keith) Kerr, and Sarah (Bob) McIntyre; adopted children: Michael Knauf, Tiffany Knauf, Dezziree Knauf, Megan Knauf, and Alyssa Knauf; step-children, Wesley (Whitney) Knauf; grandchildren: Randy White, Jessica (Luke) White, Coty White, Cougar Garey, Drake (Lauren) Garey, Katy (Gabriel) White, Jaeger Dennis, Allie (Destin) Meirs, Lillian McIntyre, Ezekiel McIntyre, Wyatt Knauf, and Wren Knauf; great-grandchildren: Carson White, Oliver Dennis, Sage Satterelli, Madison Anderson, Avery Garey, Bass Satterelli, and Levi Anderson; as well as special friends and extended family: Janis Sayles, Debbie Berlin, and Lennee Burmingham.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, William and Lillian Crosser; grandmother, Margaret Ferguson, uncle, John and Aunt Elizabeth Tate; son, Brian White, adopted/foster children: Scott, Tiffany Salter, David Knauf, and great-granddaughter, Jade Satterelli.

Karen was born on October 4, 1950 in Detroit, MI to William and Lillian Crosser. She was raised in Pinckney and graduated from Pinckney Community High School in 1968. Karen later moved to Stockbridge where she started her own business, Karen’s Family Hair Care. Karen enjoyed square dancing, bingo, sewing, collecting salt and pepper shakers, auctions, cooking, cleaning, gardening, canning, traveling in her motorhome to Yogi Bear, as well as going to Cedar Point and Disney World. She traveled the Caribbean on countless cruises. She was a long time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Karen had a very loving heart, fostering and adopting many children with special needs throughout her lifetime. She always helped those in need and gave to the community.

Please join us in celebrating Karen’s life in Stockbridge at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, where visitation will be held on Monday, January 30, 2023 from 5-8 p.m., and on Tuesday from 12-1 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Mary Barrett officiating. Interment will follow at North Stockbridge Cemetery, and a luncheon will be held at American Legion Post #324, 1190 Falahee Rd., Michigan Center, MI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Lyle A. Torrant or Kit Young Center.

Debbi F. Schaubman

Debbi F. Schaubman, age 63, passed away on January 21, 2023 at her home in Ann Arbor, MI. Debbi had lived in the Ann Arbor area for the past 22 years, moving from Lansing, MI, and previous to that, New Brunswick, and Edison, NJ.

Debbi was born on November 21, 1959 in the Bronx, New York to Gerald and Toby (Cohen) Schaubman. Debbi received her Master's Degree in Library Science from Rutgers University. She worked for MCLS (Midwest Collaborative for Library Services) for many years. Debbi loved reading, baking, traveling, and live music. She also enjoyed gardening and was a puppeteer. Debbi was an activist and supported progressive causes, especially those protecting women’s rights. She was a co-founding member of the Great Oak Co-Housing Community where she lived for over 20 years. She had a strong love for all animals, especially cats, and she volunteered for the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Debbi is survived by her sister, Averi (Bruce Stoebner) Schaubman of Salida, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents. Per her wishes, cremation has taken place and all services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, or the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI.

Betty A. Geistler

Betty A. (Stiers) Geistler, of Dexter Twp., MI, age 97, passed away on January 9, 2023 at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

Betty was born on September 27, 1925 in Dearborn, MI to Edward and Elizabeth (Pohl) Stiers. She graduated from Redford High School in 1943. On June 30, 1944, she married Ralph H. Geistler in Detroit, MI. They lived in Redford Twp. for many years, where they raised their four children, Cyndi, Linda, Ralph, and Jan.

She cherished her home at North Lake, which her parents had purchased in1928. The lake was always a special place, and she had many happy memories there. She was a life-long Presbyterian, and a life-member of Inverness Golf Club, where she participated in the Ladies League. She also loved playing cards, games and reading.

After retirement, Betty and Ralph spent their winters in Hobe Sound, FL, and their summers at North Lake. They enjoyed traveling with family and friends, traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Betty also loved painting as a hobby, something she picked up in her 80’s, and was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization of women helping women through scholarships and grants.

Most of all, Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished the time spent at the cottage surrounded by family.

Betty is survived by her children, Cyndi (Jack) Secrist of Whitmore Lake, Linda (Charlie) Hahn of Brighton, Ralph (Kathie) Geistler of Howell, and Jan (Mike) Kalil of Highland; eight grandchildren and 14 great- grandchildren. Ralph preceded her in death on January 31, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Bernard (at age 16), as well as brother, Larry, and sister-in-law, Elaine Stiers.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, 12:00 p.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Kimberly Secrist Ashby (her granddaughter) officiating, with a luncheon to follow.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Those wishing to make a donation in Betty's memory may do so to the Inverness Country Club or P.E.O. Foundation, P.E.O. Executive Office, Treasurer’s Dept., 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Donald J. Plumb

Donald J. Plumb, age 86, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away at his home on January 9, 2023 surrounded by his family.

He was born the son of Edward and Isabel (Roy) Plumb on December 21, 1936 in Monroe, Michigan. On November 1, 1969 he married Marjorie (Robards) at Zion Lutheran Church, and she survives. He was a long-time active member of Zion Lutheran Church. Don was an avid golfer and enjoyed the outdoors, ice fishing, and gardening. He was a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and proud to be a Huron. He enjoyed attending all of the grandchildren’s sporting events.

Most of all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. In addition to his wife, Marjorie, he is survived by his children, Ken (Margery) Schiller, and Lynette (Jeffery) Powell; grandchildren, Valerie (Andrew) Christofferson, Brian (Christine) Schiller, Trisha Terns, Travis Terns, William (Regina) Powell, Jason (Kimberly Powell; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Benjamin, Daniel Layla, Stella and Lucy. Also surviving are his brothers, Richard (Edie) Plumb, and Bill (Linda) Plumb.

A funeral service will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will follow at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, January 15, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and again at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

Arlene M. Riba

Arlene M. Riba, of Chelsea, MI, age 89, passed away on January 9, 2023 in Brighton, MI. Arlene was born on September 5, 1933 in Lima Township, MI to Erwin and Ethel (Bruestle) Haist.

Arlene was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. On April 19, 1952, she married Bruce Bycraft, and he preceded her in death in 1985. She then married Erwin Riba on April 5, 1986, and he preceded her in death in 2002, and stepson, Ferris Riba, preceded her in death in 2010.

Arlene loved her family. She enjoyed farming and all the activities that went along with it, including attending her children and grandchildren's sheep and cattle showing at the Chelsea Community Fair. She also enjoyed RV camping in Arizona with Erwin. She enjoyed helping and cooking for others; a specialty was her German pretzels.

She is survived by children: Duane (Karmel) Bycraft, Denise (Robert) Walter, Diane (James) Parisho, Lori (Gary) Wiltse, Anita (John) Walker, nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; stepchildren: Priscilla (Mike) Horton, Phyllis (Pete) Gibney, Esther (Gary) Schmidt, Annette (Ed) Garcia, Regi (Patricia) Riba, 18 step-grandchildren, 15 step-great-grandchildren, nine step-great-great grandchildren, and special companion, Ray Niles.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as at the church on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

Karen S. Simpson

Karen Sue Simpson, of Fowlerville, MI, age 69, passed away on January 4, 2023 in East Lansing, MI.

Karen was born on June 6, 1953 in Biloxi, Mississippi to Tolley and Vivian (Powell) Nettles. She had worked as an LPN for many years. Karen was a swimmer and enjoyed sports of all kinds. She also enjoyed music and played the saxophone in her younger years.

Cremation has taken place. All services will be private. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Charlotte A. Larsen

Charlotte Ann Larsen, age 86, of Dexter, MI, passed away from complications related to COVID-19 on December 9, 2022.

Char was born on December 7, 1936 in Muskegon, MI, as the youngest child of Leslie and Marie Fonger.

She graduated from West Michigan Christian High School in 1954, and went on to graduate from Calvin College in 1958 with a degree in music education. She married her high school sweetheart, Timothy Larsen, in 1959, and began her lifelong work with children as an elementary school teacher in Muskegon area public schools.

Over the years, Char’s passion for music, worship, and children’s education led her to many different roles, serving as music director, church organist, choir director, piano teacher, and music leader of countless Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and other events. Her love for people and passion for ministry also led her to roles helping develop worship materials for the Christian Reformed Church and teaching others about children’s music.

Besides being an accomplished musician and educator, Char was also simply a kind and dedicated servant of the Lord. She used her incredible gifts of organization and hospitality to welcome countless people from around the world to her family’s home and table; she was passionate about sharing the Gospel and showing God’s love. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, and a supporter to countless missionaries, international students, neighbors, and friends. Even as her mobility was reduced later in life by MS, Char remained incredibly active planning events, keeping involved in various ministries, sending thoughtful notes and cards to friends and loved ones, and finding ways to be of service.

Char is survived by her husband, Tim Larsen of Dexter; three children, Kirk (Shirley) Larsen of Decorah, IA, Erik (Christy) Larsen of Chelsea, MI, and Kristin (Sean) Fry of Anchor Point, AK; ten grandchildren, Kelly (Jack) Organ, Karl (Erin) Larsen, Kendra Larsen, Sam Larsen, Katy Larsen, Jimmy Larsen, Maria Fry, Hunter Fry, Annika Fry, and Karina Fry; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Marie Fonger; and her siblings, Charles (Kate) Fonger, Johnny (Betty) Fonger, and Kathy (Bob) Niemeyer.

Visitation with the family will take place on Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Dexter United Methodist Church in Dexter, MI.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023 at Dexter United Methodist Church. To watch the event by Livestream, please follow this link.

Her body has been donated to the University of Michigan to support medical research; a burial service for her ashes will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Faith in Action or the UMRCPH Foundation Benevolent Care Fund.

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

Steven H. Trinkle

Steven H. Trinkle, of Dexter, Michigan, passed away at his home on December 30, 2022 at the age of 77. He was born the son of Harold W. and Lois G. (Parker) on October 7, 1945 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

On April 3, 1970 he married Carol Gordenier in Dexter, Michigan, who survives him. Steve loved farming and everything involved with agriculture. He enjoyed animals and milked cows for 40 years. He collected tractors of any and every color and enjoyed going to community fairs and tractor pulls. He loved visiting with neighbors and was always more than willing to help anyone. Steve adored his grandchildren and would take them for rides on his Gator, and he enjoyed attending their activities. Steve continued farming until his death.

In addition to his wife, Carol, he is survived by his children, Rita (Jeff) Messman, Michael (Deanna) Trinkle, and Julie (Brock) Jones. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Stephanie, Jacob, Elisabeth, Joseph, Brady, Tyler, Matthew, and Lauren. Also surviving are his siblings,  Doug (Penny) Trinkle, Dennis (Jeanne) Trinkle, Kathy (Dan) Grau, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the St. Joseph Village Church at 3430 Dover St., Dexter, on January 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also take place at the Village Church from 10:00 a.m. until Mass is celebrated.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Joseph Parish in Dexter, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or the charity of your choice.

Daniel J. Michalik

Daniel James Michalik, age 34, of Gregory, MI, passed away on November 10, 2022 at his home. Daniel was born on January 16, 1988 in Howell, MI to Tracy and Linda (Swank) Michalik.

Daniel had worked as Foreman where he was a loyal employee of Upper Cut Tree Service. He enjoyed working on cars, tinkering, and wrenching on stuff. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family and was always willing to help.

He is survived by his father, Tracy (Denise Rowell) Michalik, and mother, Linda (Mike) Williamson, sister, Rebecca Swank (Shawn Conkel), his uncles, Dane, Terry, and Russell, and aunts, Dawn and Clatina.

A Celebration of Life is being planned by his close friends and will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the Elks Lodge in Howell from 3-6 p.m.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.