Donna J. Lukenich

Donna Jean Lukenich, age 98, of Jackson, MI, passed away on January 21, 2024. Donna was born on March 16, 1925 in Fitchburg, MI, the daughter of John and Wilma (Parman) Huffine. Donna had lived in the Jackson area all of her life. She was a member of Sts. and Cornelius Cyprian Catholic Church in Bunkerhill Twp. She worked at Variety Die and Stamping in Dexter for many years, retiring in 1987.

Donna enjoyed spending time outdoors and found joy in gardening, fishing, and camping. She also enjoyed bowling, and throughout the years she traveled throughout the country, exploring various destinations. One of her favorite places to travel was Alaska. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandkids.

On March 14, 1944, she married Paul S. Lukenich, and he preceded her in death in 1981. She is survived by a daughter, Theresa (Donald) Byrd of Stockbridge, and a son, Michael (Marlene) Lukenich of Bear Lake; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Kathleen Frey of Georgia. In addition to her husband, Paul, she was preceded in death by a son, Paul Stephen Lukenich Jr. in 1948, a daughter, Carol Ann Lukenich in 2000, a grandson, Jeffrey Paul Lukenich in 2020, two brothers, Boyd Huffine and Beryl Huffine, and her special companion, Berwin Seitz in 2021.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church in Bunkerhill Twp., with Fr. Robert Irish presiding. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery. The family will also receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Glenn A. Williams

Glenn Alan Williams, of Chelsea, MI, age 64, passed away on January 19, 2024. He was born on November 9, 1959, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Leslie and Olivia Williams.

Growing up in Chelsea, Glenn graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977. Glenn worked as a construction electrician for IBEW Local 252 for over thirty years.

Glenn was a hardworking man his entire life. He designed and built his family's home. He loved the outdoors, spending much of his time gardening, planting fruit trees, and caring for his many acres. He also enjoyed antique tractors, reading, and was knowledgeable about so many things. Most of all, he loved his family. He was a dedicated husband, loving father, son, and brother. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Glenn is survived by his loving wife of thirty-four years, Tammy Williams. Also surviving are two daughters, Jessica Williams and Rachel (Andrew) Stempien; a sister, Susan (Michael) Bowen; his father, Leslie Williams; an uncle, Larry (Theresa) Williams, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Cliff Williams, and mother, Olivia Williams.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Eric Stricklin and Brian Mullins officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Michelle L. Eder

Michelle Lynn Eder, of Chelsea, MI, age 64, passed away on January 19, 2024 at her home in Chelsea, MI. Michelle was born on April 14, 1959 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Willard R., II and Sharon (Peck) Ziegler.

Michelle had lived in Chelsea her entire life. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977, and she worked for many years as a bartender at Seitz's Tavern. On March 20, 1980, she married Danny K. Eder, and they enjoyed nearly 44 years of marriage. Michelle loved spending time outdoors and camping along the Grand River in Portland. She was a craft maker, and she enjoyed making jewelry.

Surviving are her husband, Dan Eder of Chelsea, her mother, Sharon Ziegler of Virginia, a brother, Raymond Ziegler III of Gladwin, and sister, Deb Rose of Virginia, a step-daughter, Denise Eder of Alabama, and two step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren; a niece, Misty, and nephew, Dustin; as well as one great-niece and one great-nephew. She was preceded in death by her father, Willard R. Ziegler II, and step-daughter, Lynn A. Eder.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Michelle's name may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Cathy L. (Prentice) Lobdell

Cathy Lynne Lobdell, of Chelsea, MI, age 56, passed away on January 17, 2024. Cathy was born on February 19, 1967 in Ann Arbor, MI the daughter of Paul and Janet (Bollinger) Prentice. She grew up in Chelsea, and she graduated from Chelsea High School in 1985.

Cathy was a kind and loving person. She loved animals of all kinds, especially her dog, Ruger, and her cat, Oreo. She was a U of M fan, and she worked for Michigan Medicine Hospital as a scheduling clerk for many years.

Most of all, she loved her family. She was very close with her mother, and she loved spending time with her daughter, Danielle. The three of them were a trio. She had many special memories of concerts she attended with her brother, Jeff. She enjoyed being outside and working in her garden and planting flowers. She was always smiling, had a full heart, and was one of those people who looked at life with a glass half full. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Cathy is survived by her daughter, Danielle Lobdell of Chelsea, her mother, Janet Prentice of Chelsea, a brother, Jeffrey Prentice of Chelsea; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins, including special cousins, Becky (Dave) Johnson, and their children, Aaron and Amanda Johnson. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Prentice, in 2003.

Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 5-7 p.m., as well as on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating.

A private burial will be held at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mikey & Me Dog Rescue, or the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Verlin Jane Cook

Verlin Jane Cook, formerly of Mason, MI, age 90, passed away on January 14, 2024 at Elder Ridge Manor in Stockbridge, MI.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Mason, MI.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Earl "John" Love

Earl "John" Love, of Stockbridge, MI, age 82, passed away on January 15, 2024 at home. John was born on March 13, 1941 in Jackson, MI, the son of William H. and Luella M. (Wirick) Love.

John lived in the Stockbridge area most of his life, graduating from Stockbridge High School in 1959. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1959-1963 and then transferred to the Reserves. He worked for DANA Corporation for 30 years, retiring in 1995. He was very active in the Stockbridge Community. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge and the Stockbridge American Legion Mackinder-Glenn Post 510. John enjoyed the many friendships he made over the years playing golf, attending various sporting events, and morning coffee at McDonalds.

On April 18, 1964, he married Ella Louise (Howard) in Vandercook Lake, MI, and they enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage. Surviving are his wife, Ella, two children, Tony (Lois) Love of Ann Arbor, and Tammy (Aileen Longfellow) Love of Reno, NV; two grandchildren, Elizabeth (Andrew) Blanchard, and Anna Love; a sister-in-law, Lena Howard of Stockbridge, and brother-in-law, Larry Howard of Richmond, VA.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow the service at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge or Stockbridge Community Outreach. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Donald "DJ" J. Hart

Donald "DJ" J. Hart, age 59, passed away on January 16, 2024 at his home in Jackson, Michigan surrounded by his family.

Donald was born on July 16, 1964 in Howell, Michigan. DJ proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1984 to 1988. On July 23, 2016 he married Julie (Gill), and she survives.

DJ loved sports, especially University of Michigan sports. He followed Tom Brady wherever he went. He was very happy for the Detroit Lions this season and was ok rooting for them after Tom Brady retired. He was a very giving man and enjoyed paying it forward whenever he could. DJ was a very hard worker who enjoyed problem solving and was always available to help family and friends. Most of all he was a loving son, brother, husband, uncle, step-dad, and step-grandad.

In addition to his wife, Julie Hart, and his parents, Ray and Elida Hart, he is survived by his step-daughters, Chelsea (Codie) Serrato, Brooke Preciado; and Mateo Serrato, a step-grandson. Also surviving are his siblings, Dawn (Bob) Holbert, and Maria Hart; niece, Taylor; nephews, Haedyn Holbert, and Gavyne Holbert.

DJ was preceded in death by a sister, Kari Hart, in 2021, and his grandparents, Beatriz and Gregorio Pena.

DJ has been cremated and a private service and burial will take place at a later date.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Merlin B. Batdorff

Merlin Batdorff, of Stockbridge, MI, age 91, passed away on January 9, 2024 in Jackson, MI. Merlin was born on September 11, 1932 in Stockbridge, MI to Irving Smith and Vida (Holland) Batdorff.

Merlin was born, raised, farmed, raised his family, and lived in Stockbridge, MI all his life. He married Kaye M. Poxson on January 3, 1953 in Bunker Hill, MI. Merlin was a farmer and always a hard worker. You could usually find him outdoors working in the fields picking up rocks, pulling weeds, and planting the crops. He was a proud member of the FFA organization. Merlin was a John Deere man. He loved his John Deere tractors. He had a few hobbies that took his interest off of work. One was flying, a hobby he loved, the other was snow skiing on Blind Lake.

Merlin will be missed by the love of his life, Kaye, and they were married for over 70 years; his children, Dawne (Carl) Salow of Pleasant Lake, Jamie Batdorff of Munith, Shane (Kim) Batdorff of Stockbridge; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren; his sister-n-law, Phyllis Batdorff of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his son, Steve; brothers, Rolland and Myron; sisters, Onalee Hartley, Charlotte Teachworth, and Monadden Bradbury.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to SAESA or Ingham Co. Meals on Wheels. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Priscilla "Tootsie" Hale

Priscilla R. "Tootsie" Hale, of Chelsea, MI, age 93, passed away on January 10, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at her home in Chelsea, MI.

Tootsie was born on September 2, 1930 in Saginaw, MI, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Brogan) Popovich. She had lived in the Chelsea area since she was four years old. She married AJ Hale Sr. on December 24, 1949 in Angola, IN, and they made Chelsea their home where they raised their family. She worked for many years at Chelsea Milling Company, and she was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester.

Tootsie was always known as a kind and gentle soul. She loved everyone and always had a smile. She was always up for doing something fun, and she loved going to the casino and playing Bingo. Most of all she loved her family. She was adored by her children, and she especially loved spoiling her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Tootsie is survived by her children, Dianna (David) Roberts of Manchester, AJ Jr. (Belinda) Hale of Oscoda, and Alan (Linda) Hale of Chelsea; son-in-law, Rick Westcott of Munith; 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Lynn Popovich of Chelsea, and a special niece, Anita (Mike) Spears, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; also special friends, Linda Shears, Betty Brayton, James Picklesimer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, AJ Hale Sr., two brothers, Charlie Popovich and John Popovich, a sister, Mary Jane Spikberg, a daughter, Linda Westcott, two grandsons, Andrew Roberts and Jay Robert Westcott, a great-grandson, Jonathan Westcott, and a nephew, Michael Spears.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary and brief Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manchester on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea, MI. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church of Manchester or the Manchester Wrestling Team in memory of Andrew Roberts.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Basil Jean Lance

Basil Jean Lance, age 88, passed away on January 2, 2024 at Legacy Assisted Living Center in Jackson, MI. Basil was born on October 11, 1935 in Dansville, MI to John and Vera (Lockwood) Lance.

Basil lived in Dansville and Chelsea for most of his life. After years apart, Basil and his high school sweetheart, Patty Grambau, reconnected in 1987 and spent the next 34 years together. They traveled, had weekly dinner dates, and were always known to love an ice cream sundae (but one for each of them-there was no sharing!) Basil was an enthusiastic Spartan fan, spending many of his days in intense moments of fellowship with Patty, an equally enthusiastic Michigan fan. Basil was a dedicated gardener for most of his adult life, spending hours on his crops, especially the tomatoes. He also loved to hunt and fish, finding peace in exploring. Basil’s greatest joy, however, was in spending time with his children and grandchildren, whom he was immensely proud of. It was a rare day that you wouldn’t hear stories about his children or grandchildren. Though quiet and unassuming by nature, Basil was a big teaser, and you knew he loved you if he was teasing you.

Basil will be deeply missed by his family, sons: Kurt (Margo Hoogstraten) Lance, Doug (Cindy) Lance, Mark (Sandy) Grambau, and Mike Grambau; daughter, Jenny (Robbie) Marshall; grandchildren: Nate Lance, Clayton (Kayla) Lance, Cassie (Josh) Watson, Barb (Misti) Lance, Isaac Lance, Kaedin Hoxey, Kai Hoxey, Joel (Jennifer) Grambau, Melissa (Mark) Garcia, Jake (Jessie) Grambau; great-grandchildren: Danika Lance, Melody Lance, Ezra Watson, Isabel Watson, Leigh Lance-Stevens, Miller Grambau, Tatum Grambau, Harper Grambau, Madden Grambau, Hazel Garcia, Josie Grambau, Jaclyn Grambau. He was preceded in death by his longtime love, Patricia Grambau.

Cremation has taken place and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.