James Walker Lester, Jr.

formerly of Silver Maples in Chelsea and Ann Arbor, age 87, died Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. He was born Sept. 18, 1929 in Bristol, VA, the son of James Walker & Estelle (Pippen) Lester, Sr.  Jim was born and raised in Bristol, Virginia, but lived most of his adult life in the Ann Arbor area after coming to the U of M in 1953.  He received a degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1949, and an MBA from the University of Michigan in 1958.  Jim worked for a number of engineering/technology firms over the years including General Electric, Bendix, Conductron, KMS Industries, and Kaiser Optical Systems (where he spent the last 17 years of his career, retiring in 1997).  All were in the Ann Arbor area except for General Electric.

Julie Lynnette Gillen

of Manchester, formerly of Ann Arbor and Chelsea, age 67, died Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson. She was born November 3, 1949 in Ann Arbor, the daughter of Charles & Margret Louise (Hurley) Shankland.  Julie graduated from Pioneer High School.  She worked at Michigan Orthopedics as an X-ray tech and medical assistant, and later worked at Chelsea Community Hospital. Julie was a member at Emanuel Church of Christ in Manchester. She enjoyed water aerobics at the Chelsea Wellness Center, walking around Manchester, traveling, and basket making. Julie was a preceptor for Gamma Delta, a chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.  She was a great mom, and enjoyed helping her kids with their activities, including Brownies, 4-H, and the Equestrian Team.

Joseph Gerard Zielinski

of Chelsea, Michigan. At the young age of 62,  Joe passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 18, 2016. He was born June 15, 1954 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the son of Joseph and Verna (Hudak) Zielinski.  Joe worked at Chelsea Tool for many years. He was a handyman who could fix anything, he always loved a challenge. He enjoyed working on cars and fishing, but Joe’s biggest hobby was being with his family. He had a saying “you only live once”  and he lived life to the fullest for as long as he could. He also had an unforgettable sense of humor who could brighten anyone’s day.  Joe loved his family, and words cannot describe how much they loved him.

Barbara Jean (Dent) Kampas

of Chelsea, MI, age 84, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, November 5, 2016 in her home. She was born March 1, 1932 in Ionia, Michigan, the daughter of Leo M. & Eva (Bemis) Dent.

Barbara graduated from Lansing High School, and retired from U of M as the “vault keeper”.  She enjoyed bowling in several leagues for 32 years, and also playing bingo.  Barbara moved from Ann Arbor to Chelsea in 1989.