Joseph P. Marzec
Of Strawberry Lake, MI
Formerly of Chelsea, MI

Age 88, passed away June 24, 2008 at his home, with his wife, loving family, and his dog Molly at his bed side. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Loretta (Miller) Marzec, six sons, Christopher, Timothy (Mary), Jonathan (Kathy), Matthew, Damian (Mary), and Patrick (Darlene), and one daughter, Madonna (Denny Perkins). He was preceded in death by his parents and eight brothers and sisters. He was so proud of his 17 grandchildren, Christopher Marzec, Michael (TOA) Marzec, April (Patrick) Murphy, Joseph Marzec, Jeremy Marzec, Hayley Marzec, Jonathan Jr. Marzec., C.J., Levi, Daniel Perkins, Maria Perkins, Richard Perkins, John Marzec, Eric Marzec, Joshua Marzec, Aaron Marzec, Stephanie Marzec, and two great-grandchildren, Michael and Christopher. Joseph was in WW II in the Air Corp as B-29 pilot. He went to college on the GI bill and graduated from Michigan State College. Joseph loved sports and was an avid Spartan fan. Following his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church of Chelsea, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2008, with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. A private burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Jackson. Memorial contributions may be made to Livingston Co. St. Joseph Mercy Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Family visitation will be at the church 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Lisa A. England
Of Jackson, MI
Age 28 passed away at her home on June 23, 2008. She was born the daughter of Frank G. and Cynthia E. (Sturgill) England on October 26, 1979. Lisa enjoyed being with her friends, going to the beach, fishing, dancing and shopping. Most of all she loved talking to her mother and being with her family. She is survived by her mother and father, her brother John (Michelle) England of Jackson, MI, Nephew Eugene (Kaitlyn Hoskins) England, Stephanie England and Dominic England as well as her great-niece Aurora. Also surviving is her special friend Katrena Young. Funeral services will be Friday, June 27, 2008 from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Robert Castle officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family, and they will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m.
Frederick Stanley Clements
Of Chelsea, MI

Age 90, passed away at the Chelsea Retirement Community on June 23, 2008. He was born February 24, 1918 in Bardstown, Kentucky the son of William Boone and Susan Celeste (Burch) Clements. Stan had lived in the Chelsea area for the past nine years, moving from Kalamazoo. He was self employed as a modernization contractor in the Detroit area. He enjoyed woodworking as a hobby, as well as playing Scrabble. Stan served in the United States Army during World War II. On September 22, 1942 he married Juanita Tucker, and she preceded him in death in 1982. On October 3, 1992 married Ida Oates, and she survives; also surviving are his three children, William Clements of Bloomfield Hills, Margaret (John) McNeil of Paw Paw, and James (JoAnn) Clements of Livonia; six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; and one sister, Dorothy Crowe of Westland. In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and his eleven siblings. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Retirement Community Heritage Foundation.
Eleanor Margaret Breniser
Of Gregory, MI

Age 74, passed away at her home on June 23, 2008. She was born in Stockbridge, MI on July 13, 1933 the daughter of Norman S. and Margaret (Lamb) Topping. She had lived in the Gregory area her entire life and was a life member of Stockbridge Presbyterian Church. She loved living and working on the farm. She also loved her family, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids. She also enjoyed playing cards with close friends. On January 4, 1953, she married Elwin D. Breniser in Stockbridge, and he survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Mary (Jeff) Caskey of Stockbridge, and Diane (Michael) Johnson of Ann Arbor; four grandchildren, Brad (Angie) Caskey, Sarah Caskey and her special friend Josh McAlaster, Daniel Johnson and Angela Johnson; two great-grandchildren, Joslynn and Shane Caskey; also one sister, Hester C. Fillmore of Stockbridge, two sisters-in-law, Joanne Topping and Arlene McKim, both of Stockbridge. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Douglas McKim, and J. Gordon Topping, and one brother-in-law, Ronald Fillmore. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2008, 11:00 a.m., from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Shannon O’Leary and Heidi DeMott Shanes co-officiating. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge or Gregory Community Church. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m., and Wednesday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m.
Billie S. Baughman
Of Chelsea , MI

Age 82, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on June 19, 2008. He was born the son of John W. and Pearl L. (Luke) Baughman on March 10, 1926 in Preston, Mississippi . On March 1, 2006 in Chelsea, MI, he married Annie S. Baughman, and she survives. Billie was a life member of the Masonic Lodge in Ypsilanti, MI. He was the founder of the Men's Club at the North Lake United Methodist Church, where he was a member. He was an avid emailer to all his children and grandchildren. Faith and family were most important to Billie. In addition to his wife, Billie is survived by his biological children, Anna Heater of Ypsilanti , Jene (Leonora) Baughman of Commerce, MI and Annette (Gary) Weeks of Chelsea. Also surviving are his grandchildren William Baughman, Richard Heater Jr., Wesley & Adrianne Baughman, Shannon Kent; and great-grandchild, Madison Kent, as well as 17 step-grandchildren and 16 step-great-grandchildren. Billie is also survived by his stepchildren, Roger (Carolyn) Olds, Rhonda (Roger) Colthorp, Randall (Penelope) Olds, all of Milan, and Roblee (Carol) Olds of Cappell, TX, Wayne (Kathy) Luke, Charles (Wanda) Luke, all of Preston, MS, Frankie (Sarah) Luke and Lesia (Olen) Boswell, all of Philadelphia, MS. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Margie (Luke) Baughman, his second wife, Marilyn (Olds) Baughman, as well as a granddaughter, Teresa Heater. Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 21, 2008 from the North Lake United Methodist Church with the Rev. Alice Sheffield officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the North Lake United Methodist Church . The family wil receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Joanne Lydia Wallace
Of Chelsea


Age 77, passed away at the Angela Hospice Care Center in Livonia on June 21, 2008. She was born the daughter of Joseph and Amanda (Lambarth) Wallace on March 27, 1931 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Joanne loved art, animals, politics, and games that challenged her mind. She is survived by her sister Rosemary Peitz of Bingham Farms, MI, nephews David Peitz of Montana, Donald (Cynthia) Peitz of Fenton, MI along with her grandnephews Earl, Tristan, Trevor, Travis Peitz and her grandniece Chelsea Peitz. Also surviving are her good friend, Patty Durham, and her faithful dog, Boomer. A celebration of her life will take place on Friday, June 27, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Doris Sparks officiating. A private burial will take place at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Hospice organization of your choice.
Willah M. Weddon
of Stockbridge, MI

Willah M. Weddon, writer and historian, age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family in her daughter’s home in Fowlerville, June 21, 2008. She was born September 1, 1922, in Oakland County to Clifford and Helen (Jones) Skinner and preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Kathleen and Alice, and grandson Nathan Weddon. Willah was the loving wife of Edward R. Weddon, MD and mother of five children: sons Todd (Carol) of Vicksburg, MI, Bradley (Kim) of Huntington Beach, CA, Alex (Colleen) of Chelsea, MI, and two daughters Patrice (James) Johnson of Dansville, MI, and Amy (Terry) Tomlin of Fowlerville, and numerous grand and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Captain, USN (Ret) Clifford A. Skinner of Honolulu, Hawaii. Willah, a long-time resident of Stockbridge, was valedictorian of her Comstock high school class and graduated from Western Michigan University with a teaching degree. She founded and for ten years operated the Women’s News Bureau with offices at the state capital and interviewed Ronald Reagan, Robert Kennedy, Pat Nixon, every Michigan governor seated since the late 1940’s and many other heads of state, public officials and personalities. Willah won more than 82 first place state awards and 13 national awards for her writing. She was author of seven books and twice named the Michigan Press Woman of Achievement. In 1994 the Michigan State Legislature adopted a Joint Resolution recommending that all Michiganians read her books. She loved her farmhouse, woods and lake where she spent many wonderful afternoons with family gatherings. She will be remembered for her gentle nature, optimism and love for her family. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 25 at 11:00 a.m. at the Stockbridge United Methodist Church with The Rev. Larry Rubingh officiating. Burial will follow at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 24 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the White Lake Historical Society.
Virginia Perry
Of Dexter, MI

Age 85 passed away at home surrounded by her family on June 18, 2008. She was born the daughter of Peter and Luella (Hampton) Folts on February 18, 1923 in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. On March 9, 1943 she married Van L. Perry and he preceded her in death on April 29, 1987.Faith family and friends were most important to Virginia. She also loved to travel, cook large meals for the entire family and spend time with her grandchildren. Virginia is survived by her children Bernard (Linda) Perry of Coral Springs, FL, Louis Perry of Torrence, CA, Penny (Doug) Trinkle of Dexter, Violet (Ken) Johnston of Chelsea, Mary Perry-Wilkerson of Dexter, Connie (John) Brigham of Mesa, Arizona, Lenny (Gary) Kircher of Dexter, Joe (Paula) Perry of Chelsea and Carol (Ron) Josephson of Dexter. Also surviving are 32 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren as well as her brother Donald (Norma) Folts of South Lyon, many nieces and nephews and special friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter Kathy Perry, son-in-law Richard Boff and her eight brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be Monday June 23 at 11:00 a.m. from the Shekinah Christian Church on Scio Church road with Pastor Barbara Yoder officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made at the funeral home. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home on Sunday June 22, 2008 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
James Richard Coleman, Jr.
Of Chelsea , MI

Age 60 passed away at the Chelsea Community Hospital on June 16, 2008 after his courageous battle with renal cell cancer. He was born the son of James Richard Sr. and Myrtie (Pullen) Coleman on April 15, 1948 in Watertown , NY . He is survived by Julie Ann (Umlor), whom he married on September 27, 1987. Jim liked the outdoors and enjoyed deer hunting, bird hunting with friends and boating. He also enjoyed building RC airplanes and being a Scout Leader for his boys. But most of all, Jim cherished time with his wife and three children. In addition to his wife and mother he is survived by his two sons Zackary and James R. Coleman III and his daughter Danielle Coleman all of Chelsea. Also surviving are his sisters Alice C.(John Beekon) Paine of Seattle, WA and Anne (Ted) Kielts of New Port Richey, FL as well as Julie’s Parents Gene and Dorie Umlor of Port Huron along with several other family members. Funeral services will be Thursday June 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Chelsea First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family and they will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home on Wednesday, June 18 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Wm. Ray Porter
Of Manchester


Age 87, passed away at this home surrounded by his family on June 10, 2008. Ray Porter was born July 2, 1920 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada the son of William and Mary (Hannah) Porter. Ray served during World War II in the US Army and the Canadian Air Force. He married Shirley Marsh on November 27, 1942 in Ann Arbor. He worked as an Operating Engineer for 30 years. He was a very active member of Webster United Church of Christ in Dexter for over 50 years. Ray loved fishing, hunting and trailering with his friends and family. Ray is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 65 years, and his two children Jacqueline (Ronald) Lee of Vassar, and Wm. John (Holly) Porter of Manchester. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Laura, (Daniel) Stone of Frankenmuth, Matthew (Brooke) Lee of Fenton, Justin (Kate) Porter of Manchester, Jessica (Matthew) Doletzky of Grass Lake, and Julie Porter (Bill McCullough) of Lima, Ohio, as well as eight great-grandchildren, Danny, Nathan, Jon, Stephanie, Anna, Zachary, Jacob and Jordyn. Also surviving are his two sisters, Gertrude Eisele of Ann Arbor, Connie (Ed) Wright of Pinckney, and one brother Tom Porter of Gregory, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by five sisters and one brother. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2008, 11:00 a.m., at the Webster United Church of Christ in Dexter, with the Rev. LaVerne M. Gill and Bill Stuart officiating. Friends may call at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Friday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family has requested those planning on expressions of sympathy may wish to consider Webster Church or St. Joseph Hospice of Ann Arbor.
Laurence J. Watko
Of Chelsea, MI

Age 51 passed away at home with his family by his side on May 31, 2008. He was born the son of Laurence P. and Mary (Dietzel) Watko on October 9, 1956 in Washington D.C. On August 9, 1986 in Stockbridge he married Karin Lindquist and she survives. Laurence loved the outdoors especially deer hunting with his sons and going to the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. Family and friends were most important to him. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two sons Joshua and Jeffery both of Chelsea as well as his mother of Englewood, Florida, his brother Michael Watko of Englewood, Florida, and his sisters Debra (John) Watson of California and Jennifer (Scott) Davis of Ramona, California along with many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club on June 14, 2008 from 1-4 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Joshua and Jeffrey Watko College fund via Flag Star bank. Arrangements are by the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home.

Virginia Valdeen Dietle ’Ginny ’

Of Chelsea, MI

Age 83, passed away peacefully June 7, 2008 at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Towsley Village, with her loving family at her side. Ginny was born Virginia Valdeen Thayer on August 6, 1924, the daughter of Buell and Grace (Schenk) Thayer, in Ann Arbor, MI. She lived in Dearborn, graduating from Dearborn High in 1942, and then attended Eastern Michigan University. Ginny married Larry Dietle on August 5, 1944 in Chelsea, Michigan. They lived in Chelsea their entire married life except for two years during World War II. Ginny was a member of St. Paul ’s United Church of Christ and sang in the choir for 35 years. She was a Child Study Club Honorary and belonged to several bridge groups. Larry and Ginny started and operated MacDee, Inc. in Chelsea in 1964, retiring in 1988. Ginny was preceded in death by her mother in 1954, and her husband of 58 years, Lawrence Dietle, in 2002. She is survived by her son David (Teresa) Dietle, of Australia, Joan (Ron) Howell and Carole (Gary) Zenz, all of Chelsea. In addition, she has five loving grandchildren: Laurie Wolfe, Carrie Dietle, Paul, Jeff, and Sara Zenz, and three great-grandchildren: Elise, Carly and Trenton Wolfe. The family would like to thank the staff at both Towsley and Silver Maples for their compassionate care. Ginny was a loving and gentle wife, mother and grandmother. Her beauty and grace will be remembered and cherished by her family forever. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, where friends may call on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Paul ’s United Church of Christ, Chelsea, or Arbor Hospice.
Margaret Bernidene Visel
Of Chelsea, Michigan.

Age 89, passed away Friday, June 6, 2008 at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Towsley Village. She was born on November 25, 1918 in Chelsea, Michigan the daughter of William and Margaret (Null) Birch. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, also belonging to the Alter Society. Surviving are her sister-in-law, Harriet Birch, as well as many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, L. Frank Visel, three brothers, James, William, and Louis Birch, and two sisters, Cecilia Neal and Mary Ritter. Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. from St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. Expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M., with rosary at 7:30 P.M

Holton H. Knisely
Of Dexter, Michigan

Age 91, passed away Monday, June 2, 2008 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born on June 12, 1916 in Channing, Michigan the son of Holton and Myrtle (Hagerman) Knisely. Mr. Knisely had lived in the area since 1929. He was a member of North Lake United Methodist Church and owned and operated K and E Screw Products Company for 23 years. He truly enjoyed the out of doors, including bird watching, gardening and tree planting. He also enjoyed reading, playing the harmonica, and woodworking. His mission work in Ecuador in the maintenance shop gave him much gratification. For nearly 72 years he was married to Mildred E. Noah who preceded him in death just only seven days ago. May they both rest in peace. Surviving are four children, Lorna (James) Eberts of Tawas City, David (Janet) Knisely of Chelsea, Eric (Beth Ann) Knisely of Dexter and Beth Emilie (Michael) Folts of Grass Lake; eight grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Saralu (Gordon) Chamberlain of Lansing; and his loyal dog Twinkle. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Bertha Bachrach and Rhoda Knisely. A memorial service will be Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. at the Towsley Chapel, Chelsea Retirement Community, where friends may call from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Mr. Knisely’s funeral will be Friday, June 6, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the North Lake Methodist Church, with Rev. Alice Sheffield officiating. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Thursday from 6-8 P.M. Burial will be at North Lake Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the North Lake United Methodist Church Building Fund.