Obituaries

ImaJean "Jean" Walton Minnick

of Chelsea, Michigan (formerly  South Carolina), passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Arbor Manor Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Spring Arbor, Michigan.

Jean was born October 26, 1934 in Sumter, South Carolina, the daughter of Johnny and Ruby Walton and was one of six children. She married Lawrence Garrett “Gary” Minnick on July 28, 1950 and they raised three sons, Michael of Myrtle Beach, SC, Patrick (Lori) of Chelsea, MI, and Daniel (Miki) of Aliso Viejo, CA.

Lambert "Bert" Dexter Davenport

of Dexter, Michigan passed away at Birchwood Retreat in Chelsea, Michigan on June 23, 2019. He was 87 years old.

Bert was born on March 1, 1932 to Dexter and Eleanor (Lambert) Davenport in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Bert graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1949.  Upon graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Korean Conflict Era from 1950 to 1954.  Bert served on the U.S.S. Coates (DE-685), and U.S.S Robert L. Wilson (DDE-847) as a Boiler Technician working in the boiler room, firing the engines.  Bert was very proud of his service in the Navy and remained in contact with his former shipmates for many years.

After he was honorably discharged in the Spring of 1954, Bert began working at the University of Michigan Power Plant as a boiler, fireman and crane operator.  While on the roof of the plant, he saw a lovely red-headed woman walking down the street. He was determined to meet this woman and with the help of a waitress at a neighboring coffee shop, he did. Bert and Betty Mae Elliott were married on July 14, 1956 at Bethlehem U.C.C. Church in Ann Arbor and moved to Dexter.

LaVerne "Jake" Chester Leonard

age 96, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born August 8, 1922 in Saline, Michigan, the son of Chester & Marie (Vedder) Leonard.  LaVerne was a farmer most of his life.  He loved fishing, playing horseshoes, and making stained glass.

On March 21, 1945, he married Mary J Zurlinden, and she preceded him in death on Jan. 15, 2000. Survivors include three children, Gary (Linda) Leonard of Grass Lake, Judy (Dennis) Chambers of Grand Coulee, WA, Terry (Belinda) Leonard of Gladwyne, PA; 6 grandchildren, Craig (Lisa) Leonard, Kevin (Jen) Chambers, Kristi (Jolene Smyth) Chambers, Brianne (Michael) Grubbs, Neal Leonard, Chelsea Leonard; 8 great-grandchildren, Olivia Leonard, Mikaila Leonard, Emma Leonard, Jasmine Smitko, Landon Smitko, Maximus Smitko, Nolan Leonard, Tyson Smyth-Chambers.  He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, and special friend, Dorothy Gray.

Donald E. Schleede

of Ann Arbor, age 88, died Friday, June 21, 2019 at home with his family at his side. He was born January 19, 1931 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Ernest and Marie (Redies) Schleede. On August 16, 1958, he married Marjorie Stolp and she preceded him in death November 3, 1970. On August 7, 1971 he married Jeannette Lamb, and she survives.

Don attended Ann Arbor High School. Don and his identical twin brother, Doug, were top notch athletes, playing four years of American Legion Junior baseball. He was captain of the cross country team in 1947, and he played baseball, track and basketball. Don was affiliated with the Michigami Womens Track team. Don and his brother joined the US Air Force in 1948 and spent 4 years at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas during the Korean conflict. He was a 67-year Life Member of the American Legion Post 46. He was also a Life Member of the Michigan Bow Hunters. Don was an avid hunter, fisherman, trapper, golfer, bowler, and University of Michigan basketball and football fan. Don retired from the American Broach Tool of Ann Arbor as a machinist broach maker. He spent many summers and falls at Black River, Michigan, a special place on Lake Huron.