George W. Lee

George W. Lee passed away peacefully with family members by his side in Live Oak, Florida on Saturday February 8, 2025.

A Detroit native, George moved near Gregory, Michigan during childhood and later attended school in Stockbridge. In high school, he played football and was president of his junior and senior classes, graduating in 1959.

After graduation, he joined the Army and served in Seoul, South Korea, working in Army intelligence as a crypt analytic specialist, returning home in 1962. George married his high-school sweetheart, Joan Anderson, just prior to starting his telephone career with the Rural Telephone Company in Stockbridge and the surrounding communities.

Throughout his telephone career, there were several promotions and moves, ending his career as Alltel President of Northern Florida, and retiring in 1995. George and Joan remained active in their local Methodist church, enjoying travel throughout the US and abroad, and frequent visits from their children, grandchild, and extended family members.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joan E. Lee of Live Oak, FL; sons: Dale M. Lee of Bangkok, Thailand, and Greg A. Lee (Christina) of Lakewood, OH; sister, Karen Koengeter of Massachusetts; brother, Frank S. Lee (Nancy) of Michigan; grandchild, Evan A. Lee of Lakewood, OH; sister-in-law, Connie Spadafore of Stockbridge, MI, and many nieces and nephews throughout Michigan and Florida.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA) or First Methodist Church, 311 Ohio Avenue S, Live Oak, FL 32064.

Donald R. Byrd

Donald R. Byrd, age 76, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on February 22, 2025, at his home. He was born on August 28, 1948, in Robbins, TN, to Hubert and Marie (Wright) Byrd.

Donald worked as a master electrician for many years. On August 28, 1987, he married Theresa M. (Lukenich) in Las Vegas. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was camping, fishing, golfing, or caring for his lawn. Donald also loved cooking, going to the casino, and had a special place in his heart for his dogs. For several years, he served as President of the Village of Stockbridge.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa, three children: Dustin (Sonya) Byrd, Shannon (James) Neate, and Kristi Misiak; eight grandchildren: Steven, Nathan, and Lindsey Byrd, Hayley, Gabby, and Lucas Neate, and Nikolaus Misiak; and his best friend and canine companion, Hank.

A private service will be held at a later date. Donations in Donald’s memory may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA).

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

James D. Chesney

James D. Chesney, of Dexter, Michigan and Deer Isle, Maine, age 82, died peacefully at his home in Dexter, Michigan on February 12, 2025, after a nearly year-long journey with pancreatic cancer.

He was born on January 26, 1943, in Albany, New York to J. Dukehart Chesney and Marjory H. Chesney. He graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan and received graduate degrees in Political Science from the University of Maryland (M.A.) and the University of Michigan (Ph.D.).

Jim’s life was lived with a blueprint of democratic values and a love for public policy and activism. From his college days to the recent past, his passion was focused on campaigns for elected office, formal policy initiatives, and local grassroots efforts for political, environmental, and social change. His early work in Public Health centered on the statute revisions of statewide health policy legislation in Michigan. While employed at Wayne State University and Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, he collaborated on the creation of a much-needed Federally-Qualified Health Center in Detroit to help give a voice to the underserved populations there. One of Jim’s longest and favorite volunteer efforts was his service on the Board of Directors of the Rapoport Foundation in Waco, Texas, a family foundation that enabled voting rights, electoral policy, and social justice nationally and locally.

After retirement, Jim remained active in Democratic politics, advocating for issues of governance and equality in the Ann Arbor area. When he and his wife Barbara moved west a few miles to Dexter, Michigan, he immediately fell in love with and advocated for the local park, trail, and creek initiatives that were underway right outside his doorstep. He had brought his brand of quiet, effective, and humorous activism to his new town nearly five years ago. Now that town recognizes him as part of their latest water pathways initiative.

But Jim’s passion bloomed in Maine as well as in Michigan. His parents and many relatives from Canada began coming to Deer Isle in the early 20 th century. Every summer would begin with a trip to Deer Isle after school let out in Albany, New York, and would end with a trip back just before school started again. Deer Isle on Dunham’s Point was summer. It would become his happy place on earth, his retirement home, and the template for his life. Sailing out of Sylvester’s Cove onto Penobscot Bay became the model for a life well lived, enjoyed, and cherished. He transferred that love of Deer Isle to his family including his wife Barbara, his son Carey and his wife Ilze, and especially to his three adored grandchildren: Luke, Brooke, and Fiona.

Jim also found a venue for his continued activism on Deer Isle. He served as member and later as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries in Stonington, Maine. This was where his life-long love of Deer Isle came to intersect with his intellectual and political ideals. He loved being lucky enough to be a part of the summer community, and appreciated the Deer Isle lobstering industry and its local fishermen. To be able to contribute to a place he had loved forever was of immense value to Jim.

Jim was predeceased by his sister, Susan Chesney Wakelin and his brothers-in-law Bruce Paul (BP) Vander Mel, James Henry Wakelin, and Kirk Cullen Kingman. In addition to his beloved grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara Kingman Chesney; his son Carey Kingman Chesney and wife Ilze Amelia Chesney; his twin brother Alan Parker Chesney and wife Barbara Haack Chesney; his sister Lucy Chesney Vander Mel; and sister-in-law Susan Kingman Herman and her partner Denny Whipp.

Jim will be missed at home in Michigan and in Maine. Comfort comes to his family and friends from the fact that he was able to serve, to influence, to enjoy, and to love in his full and dedicated life.

There will be a memorial celebration for Jim on August 6, 2025, at the Deer Isle-Sunset Congregational Church with a Zoom link for those who cannot attend in person.

Contributions in Jim’s honor may be made to: Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative, 339 E. Liberty Ste. 320, Ann Arbor MI 48104 (Memo line: Team Chesney Bridge the B2B) Link to Give Online: https://www.classy.org/team/640395; Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, P.O. Box 27 Stonington, ME 04681; Deer Isle-Sunset Congregational Church, P.O. Box 292, Deer Isle, ME 04627.

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

Gary DeWayne Weeks

Gary DeWayne Weeks, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away at Trinity Health Ann Arbor on February 21, 2025. He was born the son of Billy W. Weeks and Juliette S. Weeks (Argiero) on April 12, 1961 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Theresa Lynn Weeks.

Gary grew up in Ann Arbor and attended Abbott Elementary, Forsythe Middle School, and graduated from Pioneer High School in 1979. Gary met Annette working at the Sears cafeteria in Briarwood Mall. He married Annette Marie Baughman in Ypsilanti, MI on April 1, 1981. Sears has now since closed, so Gary and Annette would fondly joke that their warranty expired, and they could no longer return each other! They loved spending time with family, taking motorcycle trips, and spending time on the boat.

Throughout his childhood, he made many lifelong friends. Friends and family were incredibly important to Gary. His favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, and working on projects in the garage. There was never a time when he wasn’t willing to lend a hand or give advice when asked. Gary always had the tools or the knowledge on how to get something fixed so you were never left in a bind. His heart was so big. A simple phone call had him showing up on your doorstep with every tool possible that was needed to finish the project that you were in the middle of.

His grand”babies” were especially special to him. He loved taking them fishing on the big boat and the little boat that used to be his dad’s. Gary and Annette went to every possible softball game and school event that they could. He enjoyed the simple things, like letting them drive him around on the golf cart all day picking up sticks in the yard.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Annette, his daughter, Shannon (Richard) Wade, and beloved grandchildren, Madison and Reagan Wade. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis (Larry) Cole, and his Aunt Mary Argiero, and many other aunts, an uncle, and nieces and nephews.

A funeral will take place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with the Rev. Joy Barrett officiating.

Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 6-8 p.m., and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the funeral.

Following the graveside service there will be a lunch at North Lake United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Chelsea First United Methodist Church, Children's and Youth Ministry. 

Jason E. Zimmerman

Jason Edward Zimmerman, age 52, of Parma, MI, formerly of Jackson, MI, passed away on February 16, 2025. He was born on July 6, 1972, in Jackson, MI, the son of Allen "Rocky" and Vonda Lee (Mullins) Zimmerman.

Jason was an outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He worked as a machinist at Melling Industries for 23 years and enjoyed working on cars in his spare time. He was a member of Page Avenue Baptist Church. Jason cherished time spent with his entire family. He had an amazing bond with his in-laws, Gene and Sallianne Gardner, both of Jonesville, MI. Jason had a deep love and respect for his parents, Rocky and Vonda Zimmerman, both of Jackson, MI, and he went out of his way to make sure his three children and 10 grandchildren knew they were loved. He absolutely adored being around each one of them!

He is survived by his loving wife and true soul-mate, Bonnie Lynn Gardner; his parents, Allen "Rocky" Zimmerman and Vonda Lee Zimmerman of Jackson; his in-laws, Gene and Sallianne Gardner of Jonesville, MI; his three children, Ashlee (Andrew) Smith of Jackson, Alexis Zimmerman (Brandon Hamilton) of Pleasant Lake, and Daniel Gardner (Krystal Chapman) of Parma, 10 grandchildren: Valeira, AJ, Gena, Roselynn, Scarlette, Jeremiah, Austin, Ethan, Alyvia, and William; two brothers, Adam (Lyn) Zimmerman and Shaynne (Christie) Zimmerman, both of Jackson; and four nephews, Kaleb, Kameron, Damian (Amanda), and Matt; two nieces, Kaley (Adrian) and Heather (John); one great-nephew, Adrian Jr.; and one great-niece, Kennedy.

Visitation will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 5-8 p.m., and on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 10-11 a.m.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Phil Draffen officiating. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery. A Celebration of Life/Memorial Luncheon will immediately follow the burial at Page Avenue Baptist Church, 5023 Page Avenue, Jackson, MI 49201.

Donations to help for final costs of Jason Zimmerman and future living expenses may be made to: Bonnie Gardner.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Jack LeRoy Joseph

Jack LeRoy Joseph, of Mason, Michigan, passed away on February 18, 2025 at his home.

He was born the son of Walter and Frances (Fauser) Joseph on April 16, 1940. He worked as a custodian for Kinko's for many years. He enjoyed the simple things in life like going for walks, drawing, travelling, being with family and friends, and "doing different activities."

Jack is survived by his siblings: Michael (Barb) Joseph, David Joseph, Larry (Janine) Joseph, Mary Ward, Denise (Bob) Stull, Terry Joseph, and Dennis Joseph. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Judy and Sue Joseph. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ken, Jerry, James, and Richard Joseph; sisters, Betty Easterday, Babe Howard; sisters-in-law, Bobbie, Donna, and Mary Lou Joseph; and brother-in-law, James Ward.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to the time of service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Bernice M. Gileczek

Bernice Marie (Dueweke) Gileczek

Bernice Gileczek, beloved matriarch, peacefully passed away on February 14, 2025. She was born on July 23, 1927 in Detroit, MI to Jerome and Mae (Johannes) Dueweke. Bernice’s greatest joy was her love of family and devotion to her many friends and her Catholic faith.

To her grandchildren, she was the epitome of unconditional love and support. Despite being the eldest of five, all of her siblings passed away much younger, and Bernice continued to love her nieces and nephews as their cherished “Aunt Bunny.”

Bernice attended St David’s High School and Nazareth College, where she graduated as valedictorian of both classes. Initially she was a social worker, but then Bernice’s most rewarding and impactful years were spent as “Mrs. G,” a 4th grade teacher at Sacred Heart in Dearborn. Bernice eventually joined her husband, Harold, in the family insurance agency. In retirement she spent many years volunteering at Chelsea Hospital.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Harold, and all her siblings: Jerry, Owen, Lois, Yvonne, and Shirley. She is survived by her son, Al; adored daughter-in-law, Marilyn; and their children A.J., Brian, and Jenna.

Bernice also left behind eight nieces and 12 nephews.

A funeral Mass and celebration of life to honor Bernice will be scheduled this summer. To pay tribute to Bernice’s legacy, any donations should be directed to Ele’s Place Center for Grieving Children in Ann Arbor.

John Lozon

John Alexander Lozon, 66, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away peacefully at his home on February 8, 2025. He was born in Detroit, MI, on April 29, 1958, the son of George T. and Priscilla (Sielka) Lozon.

John proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1975 to 1979. After completing his service, he worked as a boiler operations engineer with Ford Motor Company. On January 24, 1980, he married Veronica May (Hollars) in Detroit. Together, they enjoyed 45 years of marriage.

John was known to be a very hard worker. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed all Detroit sports, especially his favorite team, the Detroit Red Wings. Above all, he was a devoted family man. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and cherished time spent with his family.

John is survived by his wife, Veronica; their four children, Amy Lozon, John (Whitney) Lozon, Ashley (Jason) Argo, and Alexander (Deirdre) Lozon; and his treasured grandchildren: Patience, Gracie, Mason, Hadley, John, Ashton, Dylan, Allison, Lillian, and Maeva. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Haven and Henry; his siblings, Mike Lozon, Frank Lozon, and Karen Maddox; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Kathleen Kimmel

Kathleen (Stack) Kimmel, age 61, passed away on February 12, 2025, at her home in Grass Lake, Michigan. She was born on May 20, 1963, to Daniel and Virginia (Sinclair) Stack.

Kathleen had a heart for people and was deeply connected to the Stockbridge community. She loved spending time with her family and was passionate about teaching, golfing, sewing, and traveling. Kathleen loved exploring foreign countries, particularly Spain and Ireland. She also had a love for animals, especially her beloved French Brittany Spaniels, whom she bred with great care.

Kathleen is survived by her husband, Thomas Kimmel; her father, Dan Stack; her children, Daniel, Patrick, Thomas, John (Barbara), Michael (Laura), Steve (Jessica); and daughter-in-law, Christa Kimmel; her brothers, Kevin Stack and Andrew (Carmen) Stack; her grandchildren, Tom, Taylor, Madisen, Jack, Scarlett, and Chelsea; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Stack, and her son, Timothy Kimmel.

A funeral service will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions in Kathleen's memory may be made to the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Sharon M. Barber Ramseyer

Sharon Marie Barber Ramseyer, age 80, passed away at Hospice House in Carteret County, North Carolina on February 12, 2025 after a long battle with vascular dementia.

She was born February 18, 1944, to Roland and Muriel “Peg” (Cranna) Stoffer. She spent her childhood in Gregory, MI with her brothers, Kenny and David, and sisters, Linda and Debbie. They all loved having fun together, and she grew up knowing the importance of family. This molded Sharon into the beautiful, vivacious, and loving woman she became.

When Sharon was 17 years old, she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Barber. They were married in April 1962. The love they shared was undeniable, as you could easily see the sparkle in their eyes when they looked at one another.

Bill and Sharon have four wonderful sons, Bill, Tim, Ben, and John Barber, who all loved their mother greatly and were always referred to as “The Boys.” Sharon raised her boys well, teaching them the value of family and hard work.

Many in the area enjoyed a great pizza prepared by Sharon at The Pizza Shoppe in Stockbridge and Mr. B’s in Gregory, as she worked alongside her husband, Bill, and their boys, running the restaurants for many years. Sharon was known for her dedication to her family. She was full of love and compassion and worked long hours taking care of her children and working in the pizza business.

After a battle with cancer, Bill passed away in April 1992. In October 1995, Sharon married Robert Ramseyer. Sharon and Robert had a wonderful life together. She loved spending the spring and summer months at their home in Au Gres, MI on Lake Huron and the fall and winter months at their home in Winter Haven, FL. Sharon had a knack for decorating and maintained two beautiful homes that were a lovely reflection of her vibrant personality.

Sharon was blessed with three grandchildren, Will, Collin and Anna Mae. If you ever wanted to see her beam with pride and a beautiful glow, all you had to do was ask about her grandchildren. She was so proud and full of love for them. Her love for her grandchildren was evident through the beautiful and thoughtful scrapbooks she made. She would work to find the perfect quotes in magazines that matched each of the hundreds of pictures she collected of them, which she turned into amazing scrapbooks to treasure!

Sharon loved scrapbooking, flowers, nature, playing games, crafting, reminiscing and creating fun memories. She loved to socialize and always appreciated a good joke. She was a lover of life and always made even the littlest things seem so special. She was a bright light in the center of her family.

She is survived by her children, William Barber (Kathy) of Havelock, NC, Timothy Barber (Patz) of Winter Haven, FL, Benjamin Barber (Heidi) of Jackson, MI, and John Barber of Stockbridge, MI; a brother, Kenneth Stoffer (Ev) of East Lansing, MI, two sisters, Linda Collins (Steve) of Stockbridge, MI, Debbie Bogart (Scot) of Boyne City, MI, and three grandchildren. Sharon was preceded in death by her husbands, William Barber and Robert Ramseyer, her parents, Roland and Muriel “Peg” Stoffer, and her brother, David Stoffer.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

A funeral service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh, Newport, NC 28570.