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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.

Antonius "Tom" Vandervoort

of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025. He was 92 years young, born on April 13, 1933, in Sassenheim, Netherlands.

Known to all as Tom, he lived life to the fullest, living by the motto "work hard, play hard." Tom's passion for hockey was a lifelong affair, and he continued to play himself well into his 70s. He was the life of the party, a natural entertainer who loved to dance and had an uncanny ability to make people laugh. Tom's warm and engaging personality meant he was cherished by many, and there wasn't a person who didn't enjoy his company.

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Jean Schmidt

Our mom calmly passed away on Tuesday, May 13, with an independent personality that continued until her final day.

She was born January 8, 1929, to Lynn William and Viola Marie (Nellis) Eisenbeiser in Jackson, Michigan, and was raised in the country near North Lake. She attended a one room country school - ‘Pumpkin College’ and graduated from Chelsea High School with the class of 1946. She was a 1950 grad of Michigan State Normal College with a degree in special education and taught hearing-impaired children at the Upjohn School in Kalamazoo. After raising her children, she returned to teaching fourth grade in the Chelsea Public Schools, retiring in 1985.

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Craig "Tim" Ortbring

 

“If you are a chef, no matter how good a chef you are, it's not good cooking for yourself; the joy is in cooking for others”… Will-i-am
 
That was how Tim Ortbring lived his life – for others. Craig Timothy “Chef” Ortbring passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30th at his home. Cancer claimed Tim’s life but not his legacy.
 
Tim was one of “Those St. Mary’s school kids” in Chelsea up until middle school where he was able to take advantage of his stocky build. Tim was a battering ram style of fullback and had a strong kicking leg that was received by then new CHS Football Coach, Phil Baries. Tim was a rare 4-year varsity letter winner and old #32 made many a game-winning kick during his career at CHS.
 

John “Jack” Edward Simpson

of Jackson, Michigan, formerly of Chelsea, age 87, passed quickly Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson, Michigan. He was born June 15, 1937, in Yreka, California, the son of Franklin Arnold and Grace Elizabeth (Paul) Simpson.
 
Jack moved to Whitmore Lake, from Oakland, California, when he was 9 years old. He attended high school in Ann Arbor, before joining the workforce. Jack worked many jobs, including Heydlauff Appliances and maintenance and repair work at Central Fiber in Chelsea, before moving east where he worked in Lake Placid. He then moved on to become Head Facilities Operator at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. Jack was a 32nd Degree Mason and Past Master. He belonged to the Rescue Lodge #772 in Crown Point, New York, and Mount Defiance Lodge #794 in Ticonderoga, NY. Jack loved to play cribbage and could often be seen playing at Seitz’s Tavern.

Sue Ellen Perry

of Columbus, Ohio, age 76, passed away peacefully after a long hard battle on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Regency at Bluffs Park in Ann Arbor, surrounded by her family. She was born August 27, 1948, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Robert Gerald & Patricia Jean (Navarre) Cassidy.

Sue graduated from Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus, OH, and served with the Air Force Reserves for two years. She worked for Big Bear Corporation, and retired from Giant Eagle after 32 years. Sue was a devout Catholic her whole life. She was an avid bowler and bowled in leagues for over 30 years. Sue loved watching British mystery shows and Korean dramas, having a good tea, and enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and creating fairy gardens.

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