Obituaries

Kathleen Ruth Smith-Klem

of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Trenton & Lincoln Park, MI, age 92, passed away suddenly Wednesday, December 2, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was born April 26, 1928 in Van Wert, Ohio, the daughter of Ralph & Nellie Ruth (Harrison) Armstrong.  Kathleen graduated from Lincoln Park High School, and earned her Bachelors and Masters in Education from Eastern Michigan University. She taught in the Lincoln Park School district in Elementary and for the learning disabled until 1985. Kathleen loved to golf at the Westshore Golf Club in Grosse Isle. She enjoyed Euchre, bridge, playing cards in general, and clothes shopping. Kathleen was complimented by all on her beautiful clothes. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends.

Richard L. "Dicky" Smith

Of Chelsea, Michigan, age 76, transitioned to Heaven on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea. He was born January 3, 1944 in Hillsdale, MI, the son of Richard Arthur and Ethel Marie (Sanders) Smith. He had two sisters, Diane Wieland who preceded him in death, and Janet Ward, who survives.

Dicky graduated from Jackson High School in 1962. During his working life, he had various jobs, but Dicky was most proud of his career at Chrysler Proving Grounds. Dicky started that career in 1972 at various positions until he landed at the wind tunnel team as driver/mechanic. He proudly honored that position until his retirement in 2002, with the knowledge of a job well done. He became a member of the First Congregational Church of Chelsea in 1999 and always had a smile and a handshake. He was most proud of his role as head of building and grounds. He loved working with the youth on mission trips, showing his talent, wisdom and teaching the value of hard work, always with a smile and a wink.

Donald L. Krieger

of Jackson, MI, age 86, died Friday, November 27, 2020 at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital in Jackson. He was born September 9, 1934 in Benton Township, MI , the son of William F. & Marion Louise (Garlanger) Krieger.  Don served in the US Army from 1957-1959. He was a member of New Living Covenant Church in Jackson. Don and Marlene were foster parents for many years.

On August 22, 1958 he married Sylvia “Marlene” Duncan, and she preceded him in death on Nov. 15, 2018. Survivors include two sons, Kevin Krieger of Portage Lake, Ed (Dianna) Krieger of California; and three daughters, La'Denia (Rodney) Lemmon of Florida, Dawn (Mike) Birchmeier of Lennon, Koreen Sage of Kansas; two sisters, Shirley Workman and Arlene (Ed) Arzar both of Florida; and several grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Kelley Krieger, and one granddaughter, Jennifer.

Michael Claude Gipson

Of Jackson, Michigan, age 56, died Tuesday, November 24, 2020, in Jackson. He was born February 27, 1964, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Claude J. Gipson and Mary Jo (Apel) Boyer.

Mike graduated from Chelsea High School in 1982, and worked at Terumo from 1988 until the time of his death. Mike enjoyed bowling at Chelsea Lanes and was an avid Playstation gamer.