Audrey Snyder

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 90, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, July 29, 2009. She was born on May 3, 1919 in St. Ives, Cornwall, England, the daughter of Ernest and Elfreda (Thompson) Kernick. She left England at age three with her parents to immigrate to Detroit. After high school, Audrey worked at Sanders. She married Ralph Snyder on September 27, 1940, and they shared almost 52 years together. He preceded her in death on May 25, 1992. Audrey leaves her dear son, Thomas J. (Claudette) Snyder, and three dear grandchildren, Cynthia Silveri, Steven Snyder, and Brant Snyder. She is also survived by four beloved great-grandchildren, Anacarolina and Marisol Silveri, and Olivia and Brandon Snyder; dear brother and sister, Richard (Shirley) Kernick and Jean (Floyd) Barnes; and many nieces and nephews. Her brother, Donald Kernick, preceded her in death in February 2007. Audrey was a devoted wife and mother and was employed at Crowley's Department Store in Livonia for several years. After moving to Chelsea from Livonia in 1979, she joined the First United Methodist Church in Chelsea and the Senior Citizens group. She and her husband enjoyed great times with Seniors, bowling, playing cards, doing crafts, and helping with projects around the Center. An avid knitter and crocheter, Audrey used her skills to make afghans, baby blankets, sweaters, and lap robes for hospital patients and others in need. She also crocheted the Lord's Prayer wall hanging which she donated to her church. Christmas was one of her favorite times of year. She loved her grandchildren dearly and enjoyed shopping for and playing games with them. Her cooking was unsurpassed and Cornish pasties were favorites with everyone. Being members of an RV camping group for many years, she and her husband enjoyed the outdoors with friends and family. In recent years Audrey lived happily at The Pines, was a fan of Tiger baseball, and enjoyed family holidays and resident birthday parties. In Chelsea, the company of many dear friends warmed her heart. In 2007 she resided at Spring Arbor Assisted Living where she enjoyed fellowship with residents and kind caregivers there for almost two years. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with the Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Private burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, the Epilepsy Foundation, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Frances M. Runciman

Frances M. Runciman was born June 24, 1913 to Walter and Eliza (Zincke) Kantlehner in Chelsea, Michigan, and passed away on July 28, 2009 at the Chelsea Retirement Community in the care of Arbor Hospice, with her family at her side. Frances was a graduate of Chelsea High School and Michigan State College and worked briefly in Social Services in the Bay City area during the 1930's. On October 21, 1936 she married Kenneth C. Runciman of Stockbridge and for many of their 72 years together she was the Office Manager for her husband's business, K.C. Runciman, Landscape Architects. Surviving, in addition to her husband, are her daughter, Kay (John) Suffron, and granddaughter, Heather Suffron. She was pre-deceased by her son, David Runciman, in 1971. A much beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Frances was known for her wit, quick smile, and devotion to her family, the community of Chelsea, and the game of Bridge. A gathering of family and friends will be held Sunday, August 2, 2009 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. A private committal service and burial at Oak Grove Cemetery will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the First Congregational Church of Chelsea or the Salvation Army.

Margaret J. Tucker

of Pinckney, Michigan, age 75, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at Arbor Hospice in Ann Arbor with her family by her side. She was born on February 4, 1934 in Gunnison, Colorado, the daughter of Eldon and Drusilla (Darling) Buffalow. Margaret moved to Michigan from Colorado when she was a teenager. On November 11, 1951 she married Walter E. Tucker in Whitmore Lake, and he survives. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, camping, and she especially loved to cook for and take care of her family. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, David Tucker and Tammie Tucker, and her grandchildren, Walter Czopek and Megan Rose Czopek, all of Pinckney. She is also survived by her brother, Robert (Doris) Lindsay of Gregory. The family would like to thank the staff at Arbor Hospice for their wonderful support and care. Private burial will take place at Washtenong Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Arbor Hospice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Doris Douglas

of Plymouth, Michigan, age 92, died on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born on March 11, 1917 in Calumet, Michigan, the daughter of William J. and Loveday (Keast) Ivey. On October 11, 1953 she married William M. Douglas in Detroit and he survives. Doris loved going to plays, reading, canning, and gardening. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Livonia. In addition to her husband she is survived by two brothers, William (Sue) Ivey of Dexter and Sam Ivey of Eagle Creek, OR; seven nephews, James Ivey, Michael (Jan) Ivey, Jay (Susan) Ivey, Paul Ivey, Matthew Ivey, Jim (Laura) Fuller, and Ralph (Thelma) Douglas; and one niece, Jennifer (Andy) Clarke. A memorial service will be held Monday, August 3, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the main chapel at the Chelsea Retirement Community with Pastor Geoffrey Kieta officiating. Interment will take place at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley or to the church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Thomas J. Hawley

of Jackson, Michigan, age 23, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2009. He was born on January 2, 1986 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Richard Jordan and Mitzi Hawley. He is survived by his mother and father, of Jackson; three brothers, Travis, Troy, and Anthony Hawley, all of Jackson; grandmothers, Mary Lou Heath of Kentucky and Linda Devore of White Cloud; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Kenneth Hawley and George Jordan, Jr. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge. Burial will follow at Munith Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Hawley family.

Miriam G. Schultz

of Kalamazoo, Michigan, formerly of Tamarac, Florida, age 86, passed away Friday night, July 24, 2009 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born on May 21, 1923 in New York City, the daughter of Bernard and Yetta (Neuman) Frankel. She enjoyed reading, traveling, and for 15 years was the co-owner and operator of a hearing aid business with her late husband. Surviving are two children, Bruce (Christine Kvarnberg) Schultz of Kalamazoo and Susan (Michael) Shahnamian of Long Island, New York; one sister, Helen Cantor of Florida; and three grandchildren, Eretia, Paige, and Jacob Schultz. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip R. Schultz, in 1990. Graveside services were held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Valhalla, New York. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Heritage Community Foundation of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, Michigan. www.mitchellfuneral.com

Jason A. Burtch

of Jackson, Michigan, age 32, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2009 at the Jackson County Medical Care Facility in Jackson. He was born on July 26, 1976 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Mike and Lora Burtch. On November 5, 2005 he married Marsha R. (Risner) in Michigan Center and she survives. Jason loved to watch sports, especially basketball and football. In high school he was involved with cross country, track, and wrestling. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and he loved kids. He is also survived by his son, Brian Burtch; special nieces and nephews, Abby, Austin, Dean, Shane, and Billy; Marsha's parents, Marvin and Lena Risner of Jackson; siblings, Andy (Miranda) Burtch of Brooklyn, Steve (Susan) Dankert of Pewaukee, WI, Ben (Miranda) Dankert of Lake Orion, Matt (Stephanie) Burtch of Hammond, IN, and Marie (Chris) Chanavier of Brighton; sister-in-law, Tina Hayes of Jackson; brother-in-law, Ronald (Vickie) Risner of Salyersville, KY; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who cared for him. He was preceded in death by his aunts Nancy and Susan, and brother-in-law, Gary Risner. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 24, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with the Rev. Larry Smock officiating. Burial will follow at North Waterloo Cemetery. The Risner family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service. The Burtch family will gather separately. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

Lois W. Oleszkiewicz

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 86, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2009 at the Chelsea Community Hospital. There will be a gathering of friends and family at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Louise Ritsema

of Ann Arbor and the Chelsea Retirement Community, age 90, died Sunday, July 19, 2009 at the Chelsea Community Hospital. She was born on October 14, 1918 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of Claus and Mary (Post) Ritsema. She received her early education in Kalamazoo, and subsequently earned a B.S. degree from Western Michigan University and an M.A. from the University of Michigan. After teaching in elementary schools in South Haven and Ann Arbor for nearly a decade, she became an elementary school principal in Ann Arbor, her last service being at Haisley School from its opening until her retirement. Afterward, she developed resource units for the Ann Arbor Public Schools and served as a valued member of the visiting faculty in the Education Division of Piedmont College, Georgia. She was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education by that institution in 1988. She was a member of National Science Teachers, served on the Board of Michigan Science Teachers, the Board of Directors of the American Nature Study Society, and the Alumni Governing Board of the University of Michigan School of Education. She chaired the Advisor Board of Science and Children and the Curriculum Committee on Math and Science of the Michigan State Department of Education. Her many awards include the Michigan Science Teacher's Outstanding Science Education Award, the Distinguished Service Award from the American Nature Study Society, and the Distinguished Alumni Award of Western Michigan University. She had a lifelong concern for students and an untiring devotion to educational excellence. Her hobbies included travel, gardening, and birding. She was a long-time member of the Audubon Society. She enjoyed spending many winters in Gulf Shores, AL. She was a member of the Ann Arbor Presbyterian Church where she had served as Elder and Clerk of the Session. Louise is survived by several generations of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mary Koostra; her brothers, Peter Marvin, Edward, David, and Matthew; and her dear friend, Velma Coyne. A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the main chapel at the Chelsea Retirement Community with Rev. Beth Foster officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Haisley School Library. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Kimberly Dawn White

of Leslie, Michigan, age 41, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2009 at the East Lansing Health Care Center. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 from 2-5 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

Wannie Allen

of Stockbridge, Michigan, age 80, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at the Saline Evangelical Home. She was born on June 5, 1929 in Salyersville, Kentucky, the daughter of Rollie and Addie (Cooper) Collinsworth. Wannie had lived in the area since she was 19 years old. She graduated from Salyersville High School in 1948. For 27 years she worked for Rockwell International in Chelsea where she held several positions. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge for many years and she enjoyed puzzles, quilting, talking, and visiting with people. On April 1, 1949 she married Norman R. Allen and he preceded her in death on August 12, 2003. Surviving are two children, Joe (Jue) Allen of Stockbridge and Wendy (Roger) Thompson of Missouri; seven brothers and sisters, Thomas Collinsworth of Chelsea, Katherine (Eldean) Eisele of Chelsea, Harold (Barbara) Collinsworth of Kentucky, Clifford Collinsworth of Chelsea, Mary (Arnold) Higgins of Tennessee, Luke (Sue) Collinsworth of Chelsea, and Jean (Bob) Castle of Warsaw, Indiana; one granddaughter, Becky (Mike) Keeney; and two great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband she was also preceded in death by two brothers, Guy and Ben Roark, and one sister, Anna Borders. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge with the Rev. Shannon O'Leary officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the church.

Donald J. Gardner

of Springport, Michigan, age 82, passed away Monday, July 13, 2009 at Sparrow Health System in Lansing. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, John W. (Linda) Gardner, Timothy R. Gardner, Donna (Anthony) VonHatten, and Janet (Kirk) Bosser; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Russell (Joyce) Gardner. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 17, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with the Rev. John Metcalf officiating. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery in Unadilla Township. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

Shirley J. Basore

of Pompano Beach, Florida, formerly of Stockbridge, Michigan, age 72, passed away Friday, July 10, 2009 in Florida. Shirley is a past President of the East Side Alumni for Michigan State University. She received her Master's Degree in teaching and also a Specialist degree from MSU. Shirley taught Science and English for the Rochester Public Schools where she worked with the gifted and talented programs. She loved animals and was a supporter of the Michigan Humane Society. Upon retirement she moved to Florida. Shirley was a member of the Presbyterian church in Florida. Most of all she was a loving mother and grandmother. Surviving are three children, Causby A. (Karl Kudenschak) Lewis of Bedford, MA, James David (Peggy) Lewis of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Nan (Mark) Sabella of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Allyson Kudenschak, Haley Lewis, Jennifer Kudenschak, James Sabella, and Joseph Sabella. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Bob, Donny, and Tom. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge with the Rev. Shannon O'Leary officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Humane Society.

Alan Frederick Pfeiffer

of Stockbridge, formerly of Belleville, Michigan, age 61, died on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at his home. He was born on November 13, 1947 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the son of August F. and Isabelle (Barrie) Pfeiffer. Alan served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He had worked for Quality Plus in Wayne, Michigan for several years. He loved to spend time playing on his computer. He is survived by his wife, Vickie (Levinski); his son, Alan Pfeiffer of Belleville; and his sister, Jacqueline Bowdish of Gregory. Cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Joseph B. Ottoman

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 84, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2009 at his home. He was born on January 7, 1925 in Chelsea (Dexter Twp.), Michigan, the son of Hugo and Emillie (Hannescheler) Ottoman. On June 5, 1948 he married Dorothy Jane Spicer in Ann Arbor, Michigan and she survives. Joe was a life-long farmer who loved animals and taking care of his land. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Mary Catholic Church and life-long member of Washtenaw County Farm Bureau and was an active board member. Most of all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Joan (Alvin) Ernst of Ann Arbor, Roger (Marcia) Ottoman of Chelsea, Karen (John) Palmer of Chelsea, and Diane (Michael) Schaible of Manchester; his siblings, Walter J. Ottoman, Albert F. Ottoman, and Mary (Thomas) Kittel; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Rudolph Ottoman, Clarence Ottoman, Edward Ottoman; and his sisters-in-law, Bernice Ottoman, Kathleen Ottoman and Madeline Ottoman. Funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Mary Catholic Church with the Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.

John Harold Mackinder

of Munith, Michigan, age, 63, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 9, 2009. He was born on March 10, 1946 in Mason, Michigan, the son of Harold and Marie (Herrick) Mackinder. John had lived in the Munith area all of his life, graduating from Stockbridge High School in 1965. He worked for Rockwell International in Chelsea from 1965-81 and from 1982-2009 worked for Melling Tool Co. in Jackson. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1966-69 during the Korean conflict. On January 10, 1970 he married Mary Deborah Woodman, and she survives. Also surviving are his children, Craig (Pam) Mackinder of Munith and Kevin (Nicole) Mackinder of Springport, as well as his extended family, Donovan Brooks (Kristi Rulison) of Rives Junction and Tim (Amy) Kruithoff of Hudsonville; five grandchildren, Jenny, Jeremy, Colin, Megan and Gavin; brother, James Updike of Jackson; step-parents, Joseph and Mary Updike; step-siblings, Ken Warner, Cal Warner, and Susie (Doug Fletcher) Rosier; sister-in-law, Tressa (Woodman) Clariday, and family; and brother-in-law, Joe Forker, and family. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sister-in-law, Sally (Woodman) Forker. A memorial service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, July 13, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Parson Billy Allen officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the John Mackinder Memorial Scholarship.

Jerry Lee Asquith

of Stockbridge, Michigan, age 61, died on Monday, July 6, 2009 at his home. He was born on January 27, 1948 in Stockbridge, Michigan, the son of Vernon J. and Lavonda J. (Lawrence) Asquith. He served in the U.S. Army and after his honorable discharge in 1974 he was employed by Verizon North Inc., retiring in 2006. In retirement he enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding horses, leatherworking, and spending time with his friends and grandchildren. He sons wrote, "Dad's generosity and kind heart were an inspiration. He lived his life with integrity and bravery." He is survived by his sons, Lee C. Asquith and Roy D. Asquith; his daughter-in-law, Heather L. Asquith; his grandchildren, Chelsey Ann Asquith and Taylor Marie Asquith; and good friend, Tom Quinn and family, along with many other dear friends. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 10, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Parson Billy Allen officiating. Interment of ashes will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

William Lee "Bill" Brudon

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 87, died on Monday, July 6, 2009 at Silver Maples in Chelsea, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 13, 1921 in Chicago, IL, the son of Robert L. and Gertrude (Lund) Brudon. On September 25, 1971 he married Margaret M. (Croup) in Silver Springs, MD and she survives. Bill was a talented illustrator and painter for many years in many disciplines such as commercial art, research papers, science, anatomy and cell biology, dentistry, embryology, neuroanatomy, zoology, and botany. He was at the University of Gainsville (Florida) from 1941 to 1943 then served three years in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and as an artist with the Medical Department of the Professional Service Schools in Washington, D.C. Bill moved to Ann Arbor in 1948 and had been associated with the University of Michigan ever since, namely the Department of Anatomy, the Natural History Museum, and in the School of Art as Associate Professor. He retired in 1984 and was Associate Professor Emeritus of Medical and Biological Illustration in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine and Professor Emeritus of Art at the School of Art. Bill had been an active member of the Association of Medical Illustrators since 1963 and served on the Board of Governors twice and as President in 1981-82. He enjoyed volunteering at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, preparing murals for their annual flower show. He loved to be outdoors, going on photography trips, story-telling, books, giving to charity, and spending time with his friends and family. In addition to his wife Margaret he is survived by his children, Claudia L. (Bradley) Ewald of Eau Claire, WI, James R. (Luci) Brudon of St. James City, FL, and David W. (Lynne) Brudon of Chelsea; his grandchildren, David Ewald, Sarah Parsons, Nicholas Brudon, and Lindsey Morse; and his great-grandchildren, Samuel Parsons, Luke Parsons, and Anders Ewald. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris Elizabeth, in 1969. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Arbor Care Hospice and the Meadows at Silver Maples for the wonderful care they provide. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Maples Room at Silver Maples with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Burial will take place before the service at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery in Ann Arbor. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vesalius Trust, 20751 W. Chartwell Drive, Kildeer, IL 60047 (www.vesaliustrust.org) or in Bill's memory to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens at the University of Michigan, 1800 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg). Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Thelma Mae Schwieger

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 79, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2009. At Thelma's request, her body has been donated to the University of Michigan Medical School. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Ralph N. Guenther

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 78, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born on July 22, 1930 in Chelsea, the son of Ernest and Otilla (Fritz) Guenther. Ralph lived in Chelsea his entire life and owned a photography studio in Chelsea for 50 years, taking over Ray Knickerbocker's studio. He was an avid sportsman, gourmet cook, and member of the American Legion and the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. Ralph is survived by his two brothers, Earl (Patricia) Guenther of Jackson and Dean (Sheri) Guenther of Gregory; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Guenther of Chelsea and Gwen Guenther of Port Charlotte, FL; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Paul, Elton, and Roy; his sister, Ruth Ann Schantz; and two nephews, Ricky Guenther and Mark Schantz. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club.

Walter William Knebl

of Dexter, Michigan, age 63, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born on March 18, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Walter and Reona (Heintz) Knebl. On April 8, 1989 he married Betty Jean (Wesley) at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hamburg and she survives. He graduated from Chadsey High School in 1964 and then went on to graduate from Schoolcraft College. Walt had lived in the Dexter area for 20 years, coming from Detroit. Walt was a vocalist and saxophone and flute player with The Old Dogs Band that was very noted in the area. He enjoyed fishing, Tigers baseball, and being involved with his church. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Jeffery (Melissa) Revill of Manchester, Todd (Karen) Revill of Dexter, Troy (Karen) Revill of Manchester, Terri (Alan) Fratarcangeli of Brighton, and Will Lach of CA; his 13 grandchildren, Cori, Jessica, Christopher, Michael, Katelyn, Tyler, Nick, Travis, Logan, Mackenzie, Cameron, Madeline, and Ava; his brother, Donald (Dodie) Knebl of Lake Orion; sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis (Richard) Simon-Casto of Pinckney; and his father-in-law, Holland Wesley of Ann Arbor. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Gerald Simon, in November 2007; and his mother-in-law, Hazel Wesley. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Paul Lutheran Church, 7701 E. M-36, Hamburg, MI 48139, with Pastor Evan Gaertner officiating. Burial will take place at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor. The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Friday from 2-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center or to the church.