of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Manchester, age 97, died Sunday, March 7, 2010 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born June 30, 1912 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Charles and Minnie Kuschel Kouba.  On June 28, 1935, he married Hazel E. Huntley in Romulus, MI, and she preceded him in death on June 20, 2003. Survivors include a daughter, Karen (John) Dames of Ann Arbor; a son, Larry (OrLynn) Kouba of Manchester; 2 grandchildren, Michael (Renee) Kouba and Thomas Dames; 4 great-grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Marisa Kouba and Kyla Dames. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, and 2 grandchildren, Mark, who died as an infant, and Beth Kouba who died in 1987.  A private burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Retirement Community, 801 W. Middle St, Chelsea, MI 48118.  Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

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of Chelsea, MI, formerly of East Lansing, Dexter, Glen Lake, Michigan and Arizona, age 89, died Sunday, February 28, 2010 at Chelsea Retirement Community.  She was born February 25, 1921 in Sheridan, MI, the daughter of Edgar F. and Frances E. (McLean) Pearce. Marian attended Glen Lake Reformed Church in summers, and was a former member of Dexter United Methodist Church. She was a nurse, working with hospice and retirement homes, including Chelsea Retirement Community. On August 6, 1944, she married Edward Paschall Darlington in East Lansing, and he preceded her in death on Sept. 23, 2009. Survivors include three daughters, Linda Darlington of Ann Arbor, Barbara Darlington of Lake Havasu, AZ, and Nancy (Todd) Hillaker of Dexter; 3 grandchildren, Allen, Jeffrey, and Faith Hillaker. Funeral services were held Friday, March 5, 10:30 a.m. at Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel, with Rev. Mike Frison officiating. Burial took place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Lansing. The family received friends on Thursday, 7-9 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel and Friday, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Chelsea Retirement Community. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Retirement Community's Heritage Foundation, 805 W. Middle St, Chelsea, MI 48118. 

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of Gas City, IN, formerly of Westville, IL, Detroit, MI, South Lyon, MI, Manchester, MI.  Age 99, died Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Twin Cities Nursing Home in Gas City, Indiana. She was born April 15, 1910 in Westville, Illinois, the daughter of Frank & Silonge (Notar) Blass.  Josephine worked at the Children's Museum in Detroit and the Ann Arbor Pubic Schools. She was a former member of North Sharon Baptist Church and was currently a member of Eastgate Community Church in Marion, IN.  On June 6, 1936, she married Joseph Lutchka in Detroit and he preceded her in death on May 1, 1985. Survivors include a daughter, Martha Jo (Lewis) Miller of Gas City, IN; a son, David (Joan) Lutchka of Grass Lake; 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Matestic and Annie Coles.  Funeral services were held Thursday, March 4th, at noon at the Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, Michigan.  Burial  followed at East Grass Lake Cemetery, Grass Lake, Michigan. The family received friends Thursday from 10 am - noon.  Memorial contributions may be made to Youth Haven Ranch, P.O. Box 97 Rives Junction, MI 49277.

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of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Pinckney and Dexter, age 36, died Monday, February 22, 2010 at her home, due to natural causes. She was born May 29, 1973 in Cadillac, Michigan, the daughter of Charles E. & Mary J. (Odbert) Root. Christine graduated from Pinckney High School in 1991. She was currently attending Washtenaw Community College. Christine was self-employed as a house cleaner. She enjoyed her children's activities, which included football, water polo, swimming, and orchestra. She also enjoyed skiing and horses. Survivors include her parents of Dexter; her children, Jessica, Noah, and Zachariah of Chelsea; their father, Michael of Chelsea; her brothers, Edward of Dexter and Brian (Jennifer) of Grass Lake; and one niece and one nephew. Funeral services were held Monday, March 1, 1:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Pastor John Grosser and Dr. John Vaprezsan officiating. Burial  followed at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor. The family received friends Saturday 6-9 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to her family (checks to "Michael Hinderer").

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of Chelsea, age 103, died Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Chelsea Retirement Community. The 8^th of 9 children, she was born February 17, 1907 in Flojstrup, Denmark, the daughter of Larrs Christian & Johanne (Rasmussen) Sorensen.  Sigrid and her husband came to the United States in 1931, and settled in Detroit near other Danish friends.  She has resided in Chelsea since 1987.  Sigrid was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, MI , and a long time volunteer at Faith in Action.  On January 4, 1931, she married Carl Jorgensen in Bregninge, Denmark . He preceded her in death in September, 1968.   Survivors include her son, David (Judy) Jorgensen of Chelsea; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces & nephews in Denmark and the United States . She was preceded in death by her daughter, Esther, in 1970. She was also preceded in death by her eight siblings. Funeral Services were held Monday, February 22, 10:30 a.m. at Chelsea Retirement Community, Towsley Chapel.  The family received friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Sunday, February 21, from 2-6 p.m. Burial took place on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1:00 pm at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, 603 S. Main, Chelsea, MI 48118 or the American Cancer Society, 2010 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

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of Dexter, formerly of Ann Arbor and Marion, MI, age 77, died suddenly Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He was born May 28, 1932 in Harrison, Michigan, the son of William Henry & Lucy Emroy (Cooper) Bergey. Amual graduated from Marion High School in 1952. He was a machinist for K & M Precision Products from 1965-1999. Amual attended Chelsea Free Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping, watching sports on TV, and spending time with his grandchildren. On July 16, 1955, he married Janice E. Marshall at Bethlehem U.C.C. in Ann Arbor, and she survives. Other survivors include his children, Beverly (Ron) Schlegelmilch of Chelsea, Walter (Luz) Bergey of Dexter, Denean (Charles) Feldkamp of Saline; 9 grandchildren, Tod, Rodney, Tanya, Amanda, Jana, Dana, Josh, Jarrod, Alexa; 3 great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Jacob, Landon; his brother, Theron (Norma) Bergey of Chase, MI, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four siblings, Eleanor Blackledge, Tillie Blosser, Alfred Bergey, and Thomas Bergey. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 20, 12:00 noon at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Larry Lyons officiating. Burial followed at Forest Lawn, Dexter. The family received friends Thursday, 6-8 p.m., Friday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Free Methodist Church Building Fund.

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of Chelsea, Michigan, age 77, died Saturday, February 13, 2010 at her home.  Born to Leon & Clarice (Wright) Clark on July 25, 1932, Nancy was raised on the Clark family farm in Lyndon Township. On August 18, 1948 she married the love of her life, George Merkel, who has two pictures in his mind-the day that he waited at the top of the stairway to get a closer look at the most beautiful girl to ever attend Chelsea High School, and the day he stood at the altar as she approached for their marriage, which was to last almost 62 years. Nancy battled Parkinson’s Disease valiantly for more than a quarter of a century, yet though her body gave out, her spirit never gave up her zest for life, friends, family, flowers and crafting. When most would have taken to bed and given up, Nancy continued to get dressed and keep going-always looking forward to the next chance to visit with friends, attend a party or shop. Many will remember her as the flower lady-selling her bedding plants and beautiful arrangements at Farmers’ Market in Ann Arbor, or from her backyard greenhouse in Chelsea. She was a member of the St. Mary Altar Society, the GBU and German Park. Her passing leaves a great void in the lives of her husband, George, son, Michael Merkel and five surviving daughters: Linda (Walt) Hahn, Ann (Rod) Salyer, Beth (Craig) Corwin, Theresa (Jim) Tietjen, Margaret (Bill) Stech. She also leaves 13 grandchildren and 1 great- granddaughter and two brothers, James and Robert Keezer. Nancy has now joined her first born daughter, Ellen, as well as her parents, her step-father, Dale Keezer, a sister and two brothers in a place where her spirit will celebrate forever.  The Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, February 17, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. The family received friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Monday 6-9 p.m., and Tuesday 2-4 and at St. Mary Catholic Church from 6-9 pm with a vigil at 8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis Center, 16195 Old U.S. 12, Chelsea, MI 48118, St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 Old US 12, Chelsea, MI 48118, or Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. 

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of Chelsea, Michigan, age 90, died Friday, February 12, 2010 at Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born March 15, 1919 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of John and Laura (Bond) White.  Howard grew up in Rocksboro, PA.  He lived in Livonia for the majority of his adult life and moved to Chelsea Retirement Community three years ago.  Howard was a WWII veteran, serving in the Army.  He worked at Burroughs as a mechanical engineer, retiring in 1982.  Howard enjoyed golfing his whole life.   He married Claire Van Horn in 1961 and she preceded him in death on March 27, 1991. He is survived by a son, Phil (Anita) White of Temecula, CA; two daughters, Lauriel (Enrique) Ralston-Pardo of Plymouth, Karen (Todd) Kauranen of Chelsea; two sisters, Ethel Strohm of PA, Bernice Alsop of PA; a sister in law Grace White of PA, 6 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, John and George, and sister, Ruth Collie.
   A memorial service was held at 10:30 am on Feb. 20th at Towsley Village Chapel at the Chelsea Retirement Community, with Pastor Dominic Aquilino officiating.   Burial was at Glen Eden Memorial Cemetery, Livonia, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heritage Foundation of Chelsea Retirement Community, 801 W. Middle St, Chelsea, MI 48118 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 310 North Main Street, Suite 100, Chelsea, MI 48118.  Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

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of Chelsea, age 81, died Friday, February 12, 2010 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born August 2, 1928 in Terra Haute, Indiana, the son of Archie and Ora Lena (Eldinger) Stevens. Charles graduated from Fontanet High School, class of 1945. He served in the Army from 1950-52. Charles worked for Trumbull Asphalt and Owens Corning in Detroit as plant manager and buyer. He was a member of the Eagles at Houghton Lake. He loved Houghton Lake and had a passion for golfing. On April 18, 1953 he married Pauline Ceravolo, and she survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Patricia (Dan) Slack of Jacksonville, FL; two sons, Charles (Shelly) Stevens of Whitmore Lake, Jack (Karen) Stevens of Trenton; his sister, Margaret McCosky; 9 grandchildren, Josh, Joel, Kristen, Chase, Lexi, Kacey, Stephanie, Allie, and John. He was preceded in death by his brother, Norman Stevens, and grandson, Jonathan Slack. A memorial service was held Tuesday, February 16, 11:00 a.m. at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel, with Deacon Thomas Franklin officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Support Network, 660 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 21, Naples, FL 34102. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

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of Chelsea, formerly of Dexter, age 75, died Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at St. Joseph Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born March 4, 1934 in Dexter, MI, the son of Arthur D. & Erma M. (Haarer) Stoll. Don lived in the Dexter area most of his life, coming to Chelsea in 2001. Don worked for Cloverleaf Dairy, and retired from Detroit Edison in 1994. He was a member of St. Andrew's U.C.C. On Oct. 1, 1955, he married Barbara Jean Sindlinger in St. Andrew's Church, and she preceded him in death on January 12, 1998. He married Janice Rose (Kaupp) Weiss on March 24, 2001, and she survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Brenda (Marc) Aagenas of Columbus, OH, Beth (Wally) Steinaway of Brighton, Karen (Charles) Mosher of Ann Arbor; two step-daughters, Julie (Jeremy) Zilkie of Afton, MS, Jodi (Kurt) Hendricks of Davidson, NC; daughter-in-law Judi Stoll of Chelsea; 2 brothers, Arthur Stoll of Chelsea, Norman L. (Deborah) Stoll of Ann Arbor; 11 grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Jeff, and sister-in-law, Pat Stoll. Funeral services were held Monday, February 15, 11 a.m. Chelsea First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Burial  followed at St. Andrew's Cemetery in Dexter. The family received friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Saturday 4-8 pm and Sunday 1-7 pm.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's United Church of Christ,7610 Ann Arbor St, Dexter, MI  48130. "I fought the good fight. I finished the race. I kept the faith."

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of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Paynesville, MN; Rochester, MN; Mason City, IA; Eyota, MN; White Bear Lake, MN; Hugo, MN; and Lake City, MN.  Age 96, died Friday, February 5, 2010 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born December 9, 1913 in Paynesville, Minnesota, the daughter of Albert George & Katherine (Hansen) Nixa.  On July 7, 1934, she married Donald G. Keller in Rochester, MN; he preceded her in death on Aug. 2, 1977. Survivors include a daughter, Susan J. (Mark) Obert of Ann Arbor, MI; three brothers, Bob Nixa of Tucson, AZ, Jerry Nixa of Macolm, IL, and George Nixa of Stillwater, MN; two sisters, Luella Tesoriero of Durham, NC, Judy Stellpflug of Rush, NY; 6 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, William; sister, Myrtle Fliescher; and brothers, Donald, Eugene, Arthur, Bill and Norbert Nixa.  Mrs. Keller was always active in her local Catholic church. She served as a choir director at St. Francis in Rochester, MN; and was later active in St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake City, MN.  A funeral service was held Saturday, March 6, 10:30 am at the Towsley Village Chapel of Chelsea Retirement Community, with Rev. Dr. William Turner officiating. A Funeral Mass was held Saturday, March 13, 11:00 am at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in MN, Lake City, MN with Father Richard Dernek officiating. Burial was at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Lake City, MN.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 310 North Main Street, Suite 100, Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.

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Age 83, died Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Chelsea Community Hospital. She was born February 22, 1926 in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.  Survivors include three sons, Richard (Jeanette), David (Jill) of Stockbridge, and Scott of Grayling; a brother, Albert Wilson; 6 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Collin, and a daughter, Heather Kabinski.  Only private services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to The Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

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Age 91, died Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan. She was born January 18, 1918 in Lee City, Kentucky, the daughter of Scott and Della (Vest) Nickell. She married Art White on April 5, 1969, and he preceded her in death on June 21, 1973.  Evelyn was a secretary at Rockwell International for 30 years, retiring in 1979. She lived in the Chelsea area since the 1950's, but shortly after her retirement, she moved to Punta Gorda, FL to be with her family. Evelyn worked at the Punta Gorda Hospital and as a newspaper typist for the Sun Herald during the 18 years she lived in Florida. In 1998, she moved to the Napoleon/Brooklyn area to be near her daughter.  Survivors include her daughter Teresa (James) Roberts of Brooklyn, MI; 5 grandchildren, Brittney and Carrie Roberts of MI, Stacy Carpenter and Kimberly Compton of SC, Jessica McDaniels of OH; several great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, William (Arlene) Nickell of Punta Gorda, FL, Cecil (Christine) Nickell of Middletown, OH; 2 sisters, Beulah "Jean" Sonner and Gwen Guenther, both of Port Charlotte, FL; and several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Philip L. McDaniels; 4 sisters, and 3 brothers.  A graveside service will be held in the spring at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea, MI.  Memorial contributions may be made to Ganton Countryside Care Center, 2140 Robinson Road, Jackson, MI  49203. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

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