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Obituaries

These obituaries are listed in order from newest to oldest.  If you want to look for a specific obituary, just type the last name in the search bar (at the top of this article).  You can click here to sign up to receive obituaries by e-mail.

Julie Ann Deppner

of Kalamazoo, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, age 57, passed away after an accident on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Corewell Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born on September 11, 1968, in Pontiac, Michigan, the daughter of Albert Floyd & Gari June (Foster) Monroe. 

Julie grew up in Clarkston, MI where she developed a love for music and theater.  She played trumpet in the high school jazz band and starred in many musicals, including Oklahoma!, where she played Aunt Eller.  After graduating from Clarkston High School, Julie went to Central Michigan to become a math teacher.  She began her career at Holly Middle School, then went to Chelsea School District as a high school math teacher. She later became an assistant principal at Beach Middle School and then principal at Chelsea High School followed by assistant superintendent from 2012 - 2016.  In 2016, Julie retired from the Chelsea School District and became the CEO of Silver Maples in Chelsea, serving there until 2024, when she became President/CEO of Heritage Community of Kalamazoo.

Richard “Andy” Joseph Hasenkamp

Of Chelsea, Michigan,  age 77, died Friday, December 12, 2025 at Pleasant Manor in Jackson. He was born July 28, 1948 in Hudson, Michigan.  He attended Adrian High School, then joined the US Army serving during the Viet Nam war as a mechanic.   He married Christine Kelley on Dec. 28, 1972, and she survives. He was preceded in death by his step-son, Matthew Underhill. 

Stanley Carl Chrapek

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN SERVICES AS OF DEC 18, 2025

Stanley Carl Chrapek of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Green Valley, Arizona, age 86, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. He was born May 16, 1939, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Stanley Edward and Cecilia Theresa (Rand) Chrapek.

Stan worked in accounting for Ford for 13 years, plus other auto related businesses. He also worked for Zantop International Airlines, and Freighter Airlines at Willow Run Airport.

David Duane “Turk” Layher

David Duane “Turk” Layher of Chelsea, Michigan, age 70, passed away Friday, December 12, 2025, at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. He was born June 20, 1955, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Duane Earl and Shirley Ann (Toney) Layher.

Turk graduated from Chelsea High School in 1973. He worked at Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea, and bought Smith's Towing in 1982, which he owned until 2020. Turk was a member of the Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, the Chelsea Rod & Gun Club, and volunteered with the Chelsea Fair. He loved going up north to his cabin, hunting, fishing and enjoyed making maple syrup. Turk was stubborn and grouchy, but had a good heart.

Howard Eugene Griffis

Howard Eugene Griffis of Jackson, Michigan, formerly of Hanover, and Horton, age 81, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at his home. He was born July 6, 1944, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Raymond Franklin and Helen Mary (Ayres) Griffis.

Howard worked in sales and formerly owned Griff's Party Store in Horton. He coached basketball for Hanover-Horton schools, was the Hanover Township Supervisor in the 70's, and was a member of the Concord United Methodist Church. Howard was a lifelong fan, and season ticket holder, of the University of Michigan sports and was proud that 3 of his grandchildren were U of M graduates. He liked to hunt, fish, play golf, be active on the water, and enjoyed family trips to the casino. Howard was a quiet, kind, and caring man.