David Anthony Bauchat

of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Pontiac, Lincoln Park, and Indian River, MI, died Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Chelsea Retirement Community at the age of 100. He was born March 15, 1924, in Hamburg, Michigan (Ore Lake) to George Andre & Virginia C. (Small) Bauchat.

Dave’s childhood, as the youngest of six children, was one of wild, rambunctious, and occasionally dangerous adventures with his brothers, coupled with the heavy burden of growing up during the Great Depression. From a young age, he and his brothers were tasked with contributing to the family coffers in any manner they could, from collecting monthly rents from his parents’ apartment tenants in Pontiac, to shooting bullfrogs in nearby creeks and selling the legs to earn cash. Dave also worked at a local grocery store throughout his high school years and fondly recalled the delicious sausages the owners would save for him at the end of the workday. Every penny Dave earned was given directly to his mother to help the family stay afloat. During his senior year of high school, Dave and his good friend Ron got permission to leave high school for a couple of weeks so they could drive to New York City and explore. In telling of this adventure, Dave always pointed out that the highlight of the trip was when the two boys managed to sneak into a burlesque show (and then later got into trouble for sharing far too many details of that experience with their high school classmates!)

David George Hager

January 29, 1939 – January 30, 2025

David George Hager, 86, passed away peacefully under hospice care on January 30, 2025, in Longview, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Ann Arbor on January 29, 1939, to George and Rolene Hager, David took great pride in being known as the last baby to be delivered at home by Dr. Carl Fry. A proud student of Ann Arbor High School Class of 1956, he carried a strong work ethic and deep loyalty to family, friends, and community throughout his life.

At age 17, David enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. From 1956 to 1959, he was stationed in the Hawaiian and Philippine Islands, forming lifelong bonds with fellow Marines and developing an enduring sense of discipline and commitment.

After returning home, David dedicated himself to a hardworking, blue-collar career that spanned 42 years. He took immense pride in providing for his family while also making time to coach baseball for his younger brothers and sons. His leadership and passion for the game left a lasting impression on many young athletes.

LaWanda “Wanda” Daphine Wright

of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Chelsea, Michigan, and Bonita Springs, Florida, age 90, died Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Ft. Myers. She was born February 18, 1934, in Pollard, Arkansas, the daughter of James Edward and Ruby Lara (Shreem) Davis.

LaWanda enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her children. They would take trips to Arkansas to visit her family and frequented the Chelsea Bakery. When her kids were still young, she worked for a bit in the lunchroom at Beach Middle School in Chelsea. She loved to spend time with her friends and family, and traveling to Northern Michigan with her grandchildren. LaWanda and Don moved to Florida in 2017, where she enjoyed the warm weather, palm trees, and watching the beautiful sunsets and thunderstorms. Seeing different animals, especially the dolphins and birds on their boat rides was a favorite of hers. She also enjoyed eating out with the variety of foods Florida has to offer and the outdoor atmosphere.

Daniel Henry Polens

of Dexter, Michigan, age 55, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Michigan Medicine. He was born May 12, 1970, in Mt. Clemens, MI, the son of Robert and Emilie (Otte) Polens.

Daniel graduated from Chelsea High School in 1993. He moved out on his own in his twenties, took the bus to Ann Arbor, and worked in fast food and was fairly independent for 25 years. Dan was a member of Common Chords Chimes group and Saturday Morning Challenger Bowling League at Chelsea Lanes for 30 years. He loved the Lord and attended Peace Lutheran Church, where he was an Usher and Reader.