The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
OBITUARIES
PUBLISHED: February 8, 2007
Michael Neal Landwehr of Chelsea died at the VA hospital in Ann Arbor after a long illness on Feb. 3, 2007. He was 46.
Michael is a graduate of Chelsea High School in 1978 and served in the United States Army. He was known as a person who liked to work on cars, enjoyed carpentry and being handy at fixing things. He is survived by his daughters Jessica and Jasmine, his son Robert and two grandchildren. Also surviving are his parents Duane and Winona Landwerh, Brothers Dennis and Ronald and his uncle Thomas Franklin.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Staffan-Mitchell funeral home at 11 a.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Ann Arbor VA Hospital.
Donald Franklin Lange of Chelsea was born March 20, 1933, the only son, to Helen Sedlick and Arthur William Lange in Detroit. His life long love of family began to take root in his early years spent at his grandparent's farm. They, along with his uncles and aunts, showed him real love, warmth, integrity and stability. It continued to grow in the times he spent in fellowship with the Bush family who introduced him to Christ. His love of family blossomed in the laughter of the Corwin's; particularly, the love of his life, his "Sweetheart," Pauline.
As a young man, Mr. Lange showed interest and talent in art and music. His love of music and participation in his high school band led him naturally in his service with the United States Air Force in which he served for four years as a trombone player. He was a member of not only of the Air Force band, but also his own band, the "Men of Note."
In 1954, before leaving for Korea, he met Pauline on a blind date. A few weeks later, they were engaged. After finishing his tour, they were married on Jan. 15, 1955. Some of his fondest memories were of the events surrounding their lives in Florida at the Eglin Air Force Base. It was there, that their young love, their many friends and their first-born daughter Loretta, gave him happiness untold.
Upon returning to Michigan, Mr. Lange's artistic and technical abilities, particularly drawing, led him to pursue the necessary education allowing him his first real paycheck with Ford Motor Co. in 1957 as a Tool and Die Maker. By 1964 Don and Pauline's other three children Karen, Paul and David were born.
Most simply, Mr. Lange will be remembered as a loving husband, a wonderful father and a great provider. Many will remember him also as a fisherman and hunter, a gardener and a carpenter. All will recall his love of the outdoors, which he passed onto his sons and they to theirs. But of all the things that will be remembered of this man, may it be known, that he was a lover of family, friends, good times, good conversation and a man of Christ with a great big heart.
He died peacefully in his home on Feb. 2, 2007. A memorial service was held Feb. 5 at the Chelsea Free Methodist Church. Arrangements were handled by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
Virginia E. 'Ginny' Gillespie of Chelsea died Friday, Feb. 2, 2007 at Alterra Clare Bridge of Ann Arbor. She was 76.
She was born on Nov. 2, 1930 in Detroit, the daughter of Michael and Edwina Griffith. She had lived in the area since 1975. She loved teddy bears, garage sales, Longaberger baskets and being up north at Higgins Lake. On Aug. 23, 1952 she married John W. Gillespie in Detroit, and he preceded her in death on Nov. 19, 2005.
Surviving are one son, Michael (Cynthia) Gillespie of Chelsea, one brother David (Lynn) Griffith of Brighton, one sister-in-law, Mary Jo Griffith of Novi. Three grandchildren, Christina (Mark) Motsinger, Jessica Gillespie, and Timothy Gillespie; one grandson-in-law, Matthew Krakowiak and five great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews and cousins as well. She was also preceded in death by one son, Timothy Gillespie, her parents, two brothers, Richard and Michael Griffith and one grandaughter, Shawna Gillespie Krakowiak. Funeral services were Feb. 6, 2007 from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Dale Grimm officiating. Burial followed at North Lake Cemetery, Dexter Township. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Generations Together, or Alzheimer's Association.
Robert John Baumgartner of Dexter passed away Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007. He was 64.
Dear brother of Rosemary (Allen) Clague. Loving uncle of Emily (Kenneth) Page, Mark (Laura) Clague. Also survived by five nieces and nephews. Mr. Baumgartner was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Dexter. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and graduated from Dexter High School.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday. Interment followed at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery. Donations suggested to the St. Joseph's Catholic Church Building Fund.
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