Obituaries

Barbara Ann Hochrein of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Dexter, age 91, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Chelsea Retirement Community in the Kresge Rehabilitation Center. She was born March 11, 1934, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Emanuel Carl & Elsie Barbara (Bernthel) Seitz.

Barbara was a Charter Member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, where she planned funeral dinners, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was the president of the Phoebe Guild, and Silver Streak. Barbara was a member of Lambda Chi Omega Professional Women's Organization and the Ann Arbor Lionesses. She worked at the University of Michigan School of Social Work & School of Public Health. Barbara enjoyed spending time at their family cabin, attended all the sporting activities of her sons, and enjoyed being with her grandchildren.

Barbara married Erwin George Hochrein, Jr., on June 16, 1956, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. He preceded her in death on May 20, 2015. She is survived by her sons, Bruce Hochrein of Dexter, Brian (Laurie) Hochrein of Milan, and Bradley (Michelle)Hochrein of Dexter; and 8 grandchildren, Isaac, Daniel, Nicholas, Aidan, Brennan, Tyler, James, and Katherine; and her great-granddaughter. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Daniel Pezzica officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor. The family will receive friends Thursday, January 8, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, and Friday, at the church, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church.

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