Obituaries

DEERFIELD — Robert “Rob” Mueller, age 91, of Deerfield, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.

He was born October 24, 1928, to Henry and Amelia (Schantz) Mueller.

Celebrating almost 70 years together, he married the love of his life Alice Tiede in Deerfield on December 2, 1950.

Rob served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He was a member of Light of Christ Catholic Parish-Deerfield, served on the St. Alphonsus Cemetery Committee, served on the Deerfield Village Council, and a member of the Deerfield American Legion Post 392.

He also served as a Director for Society Bank from 1973-1993. Rob had been self-employed as a farmer.

He enjoyed the great outdoors, especially hunting with his family and friends at the family camp in Gibbs City. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their sporting events.

In addition to his wife, Alice, he is survived by his children, Roger (Jan) Mueller of Deerfield, Keith (Carol) Mueller of Deerfield, Susan (Todd) Andries of Deerfield, Heidi (Brian) Mueller-Vallie of Adrian and Jim (Darlene) Mueller of Deerfield; 14 grandchildren – Greg (Vicky) Mueller, Neil Mueller, Jaime (Shawn) Worline, Ryan (Dana) Mueller, Andrew Mueller, Scott Mueller, Ben (Kaitlyn) Andries, Matthew Mueller, Mallory Mueller, and Mason Mueller; 2 step-grandchildren – Abigail Vallie and Josiah Vallie; 4 great-grandchildren – Brock Mueller, Amelia and Viviana Mueller, Parker Mueller and 2 more on the way; 3 sisters, Rita (David) Woods of Britton, Carol Bischoff of Ottawa Lake, and Arlene Mueller of Saline; as well as many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter at birth; 4 brothers – Walt, Francis, Oliver and Lester; and 6 sisters – Frances, LaVerge, Rose, Valerie, Bonnie, and Janet.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the family will have a private viewing and prayer service at Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield with Fr. Jeffery Poll as officiant. However, a celebration of Rob’s life will be held at a later date. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions in memory of Rob, may be given to the Deerfield American Legion Post #392, Deerfield Firefighters Association or to the St. Alphonsus Cemetery Committee. Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

Lewis J. (“Lewie”) Beagle, 78, of Blissfield, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at Ebeid Hospice Center in Sylvania, Ohio.

He was born at Bixby Hospital in Adrian, on August 15, 1941, to Daniel C. and Lucille (Demusky) Beagle.

He graduated from Blissfield High School in 1959 and began his life long career as a farmer in Riga and Ogden Townships.

On June 22, 1963, he married Judy Robertson, who survives.

He is also survived by his son, Mike (Regina) Beagle of Blissfield and daughter, Cheryl Mahoney of Fenton; four grandchildren, Phil Mahoney and Luke, Noah and Leah Beagle; brother, Richard (Deborah) Beagle, and sister, Germaine (Fred) Binns both of Blissfield.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Daniel E. Beagle and Raymond Beagle, and sister, Alma Page.

Lewie enjoyed playing his accordion, driving his Gator, camping, playing with his grandchildren, and relaxing by his farm pond. He was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Riga.

Due to the current isolation policies, there will be a private committal service. A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Riga at a later date to be determined. Please check St. John’s website for further information at www.stjohnsriga.net. Memorial donations may be given to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church or to the Hospice organization of one’s choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield, where memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Marilyn “Jean” Vandenbusche, age 87, of Blissfield, Michigan, entered into eternal life, Friday morning, March 27, 2020, at Lenawee Medical Center, under the care of Hospice.  She was born, September 18, 1932 in Adrian, Michigan to George and Edna (Greenwald) Baldwin.  Jean was a 1950 graduate of Adrian High School, and on December 27, 1952, she married Henry B. Vandenbushe.  He preceded her in death on November 2, 2018.

Jean was a member of Light of Christ Parish in Blissfield, Michigan.  She was a very supportive housewife and helped Henry manage the family farm.  Known as a exceptional cook, she kept the hired hands and family well fed.  She spent long hours tending to her large garden and the canning of vegetables that all went along with it.  Jean was an avid reader, and she looked forward to spending many winters with her husband Henry in Seminole, Florida, and together they enjoyed boating and fishing.

Jean will be greatly missed by her daughters, Deb (Dan) Bailey, Darlene (Steve) McClain and Lori (Mote) McDonnell; grandchildren, Steven (Amanda) Burgermeister, Brian McClain (Michelle Brockway), Jennifer (Jason) Root, Emily McDonnell, and Lucas McDonnell; step-grandchildren, Holly Bailey-Deeds and Jolie Bailey; great-grandchildren, Kenley and Braxton Burgermeister and Blake and Lillian Root; as well as her sisters and brothers-in-law, Lillian Loeffler, Rose Vandenbusche, Norman (Patricia) Vandenbusche, Jane Gillen and Larry Vandenbusche; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband of 66 years, Henry, Jean was preceded in death by her parents; step-granddaughter, Lyndi Bailey; and her siblings and their spouses, Evelyn (Paul) Kast, Elwood (Arlene) Baldwin, Richard (Myrna) Baldwin, George (Ida) Baldwin and Patricia (Bob) Miller.

Private services for the family will be held at Weigel Funeral Home in Metamora, Ohio, with Father Jeffrey Poll presiding.  Interment will follow at Amboy Township Cemetery.  A public memorial gathering will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian, MI 49221 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made at

www.weigelfuneralhomes.com

DEERFIELD — William “Bill” E. Zilke, age 72 of Deerfield passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at his home.

He was born on August 13, 1947, to Stacy and Thelma (Teal) Zilke in Deerfield, Michigan. Bill was a graduate of Deerfield High School and went on to serve his country with the United States Navy and was stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Bill retired from farming several years ago.

He is survived by brothers, Tim Zilke of Leesburg, VA and Tom (Vicki) Zilke of Milan, MI; sisters, Nancy Malecki of Suttons Bay, MI and Gwen (Gary) Straughan of Lake Park FL; nephews, Scott, Terry, and Ben Zilke; nieces, Karen Gardner, Diane Luxhoj, Shannon Ellis, and Kate Zilke and several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Stacy and Thelma; brother, David, niece, Jennifer and his “namesake”, Grandpa Bill Zilke.

Cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of Bill’s life at a later date. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.

Harley Peter Betz, Jr., 68, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 26, 1951, in Adrian, Mich., son of the late Harley Peter Betz, Sr. and Melva Jean Koester.
Harley proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He retired from Exterior Expressions as a Construction Superintendent. Quiet by nature, Harley was always ready with a quick one liner to put a smile on your face. He enjoyed yardwork and was an avid NASCAR fan. A loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, he took great pride in his family and taking care of them. He will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karen M. Betz; son, Michael T. Betz (Jennifer Smith) of Charlotte, NC; step-mother, Shirley Betz of Barberton, OH; sisters, Bonnie Shumacher of NY, Wanda Chandler and husband, Mark of OH, Linda Shumacher and husband, Harold of OH and Judy Santiago of TX; brothers, James Betz of MI and Dean Betz of NY; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved fur-babies, Ellie, Marley and Buddy.
Due to the safety and health concerns of the family, friends and all of those who would like to attend services, the family has decided to postpone services until a later date. They will be held at Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill with military honors and those times will be announced when arrangements have been finalized.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Harley’s memory to: the National Kidney Association by mail to: National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 or online at: https://www.kidney.org/support.Online condolences may be directed to: www.palmettofh.com.
Palmetto Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Mill, SC (803.802.7788) is assisting the family.

ADRIAN—Barbara Prielipp, 82 of Deerfield, passed away peacefully at Lenawee Medical Care Facility on Friday, March 13, 2020, with her loving family present.
On October 25, 1980, she married Marvin Prielipp at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palmyra; they celebrated 39 years of marriage. Barbara worked at Faraday for many years and retired from there as well. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, enjoyed camping and was a NCHA member; enjoyed crafting and knitting and most of all, loved spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great- great grandchild.
In addition to her husband, Marvin, she is survived by her daughter, Susan (Richard) Allen; grandchildren, Heather (Thomas) Bass, Ashliegh (Evan) Bruneau, Cameron Allen, Collin Allen; great-grandchildren, Travis Marsh, Gauge Bass and Nicolette Bruneau; and a great, great grandchild, Dax Marsh.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Robert Marsh; a son, Michael Marsh; a daughter, Cheryl and brothers, Chuck, Jack and twin brother, Robert.
Funeral services for Barbara were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Palmyra with Pastor Gary Leking officiating. Burial followed at Lenawee Hills Memorial Park, Adrian. Visitation was on Monday at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and also on Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Online condolences and words of comfort may be sent to www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Dwight Noah Kastel, age 59, of Blissfield, Michigan, passed away March 13, 2020, at his home in Blissfield. Dwight was born December 16, 1960 in Adrian, Michigan to Dale and Bonnie (Anteau) Kastel. Dwight enjoyed making potholders, loved the holidays and family get-togethers.

Dwight is survived by his mother, Phyllis Kastel; two brothers; Steven (Judy) Kastel of Blissfield, Kevin Kastel of Blissfield; two sisters; Debra (John) Shields of Blissfield, Karen (Chuck) Tessaro of Jos, Nigeria; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Dwight is preceded in death his parents Dale and Bonnie Kastel; grandparents; Ernie and Marcella Kastel, Eligius Anteau, Dorothy McClellan and Edward and Edith McMullin; one brother; Darrel Kastel; and a nephew Joshua Gates.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 16, 2020, from 1-7 p.m. at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home in Blissfield, with a service beginning at 7 p.m. with Pastor William VanValkenburg officiating. Burial will be private in Riga Cemetery.

You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial donations can be given to Hospice of Lenawee. Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

ADRIAN – Robert D. Ogden, age 70, of Adrian, passed away on December 16, 2018. He was born on September 8, 1948, in Adrian to Richard and Jeanette (Brown) Ogden. He married Cindy Liechty and she preceded him in death on October 16, 2017. He worked for Kuhlman’s Concrete Company as a truck driver for over 30 years retiring in 2013. Robert enjoyed anything farm related and watching cowboy shows. He especially enjoyed socializing with friends over a cup of coffee.
Robert is survived by his sister, Deborah (Robert) Pooley of Blissfield; step children, Mike (Tracy) Erchler of Tenn. and Margo Miller of Adrian; half-brother, James (Laura) Marsh of Toledo, Ohio; and half-sister, Jacqueline O’Neill of Sarasota, Fla. In addition to his wife, Cindy, he was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no public services. Condolences may ben sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be given to D.A.V. Adrian Chapter, 141 E. Albert St., Adrian, MI 49221. Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.

JASPER- Fern Louise McMunn , age 90, of Jasper, passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2018, at the Hospice of Lenawee Home with her family by her side.
Fern was born on September 4, 1928, to William and Dorothy (O’Haver) Thompson at the family home in Riga Township.   She graduated from Blissfield High School and beauty school.   On February 22, 1947, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blissfield, Fern married Vernon McMunn. Over the next 69 years they created many memories by working on the family farm and raising a family.
Fern was a lifelong member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blissfield, and was involved with the Deborah Circle.  Vern and Fern spent many years volunteering with Meals on Wheels and the Red Cross along with donating blood.  Family was a priority to Fern and it showed in all that she did in life. One to appreciate nature, Fern took great pleasure in the changing of the seasons through the trees, watching the beautiful sunsets or cultivating the fields. Once the weather started to get cold, Fern and Vern would head south to Florida where they were snowbirds.  Whether in Michigan or Florida, Fern enjoyed playing cards with family and friends.  Dancing was a big part of Fern and Vern’s life whether they were the last couple dancing at a wedding reception or just dancing around in the kitchen, their love for each other was always shining through.
Fern is survived by her daughters, Eugenie (Gregory) Hillard, Debra (Kevin) Keller and Cheryl (Troy) Brown, all of Jasper; grandchildren, Jeff, Marci, Shelly, Kristie, Matt, Mark, David, Amy, Amanda, Andrea, Erin, Andrew, Abbey and Alex; 23 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild; and siblings, Gladys (Don) Dickerson, Doris (Bill) Vollmar, Nick (Millie) Thompson; brother-in-law, Darrel Pifer and daughter-in-law, Margaret Hukill.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Vernon, sons Gary and David; and sisters, Opal (Elmer) Kunkle and Eleanor Pifer.
Memorial Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, December 21, 2018, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blissfield.  Burial will be private.  Wagley Funeral Home Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield, has been entrusted with arrangements.   In lieu of flowers,  memorial contributions in Fern’s honor may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blissfield.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wagleyfuneralhome.com.

ADRIAN – Earl Dean Kelley, age 93 of Adrian, died Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Brookdale of Adrian under the care of Hospice. He was born on November 24, 1925, in Waldron, Michigan to Leland and Emily (Ford) Kelley. Earl was a graduate of Adrian High School in 1943. On March 28, 1948, Earl married Virginia Kodelman in Riga, Michigan. Earl was owner of Twin Curves Dairy Farm for 60 years. Earl was also an auctioneer for many years with Mitchell and Kelley. He enjoyed pulling tractors and operated “My Last Excuse” super farm tractor. He was past member of the National Tractor Pulling Association and Wolverine Pullers Association. He served on the Agricultural Society of Lenawee County for 47 years and President for 10 years. He exhibited livestock at the Lenawee County Fair for 80 years and served on many fair committees throughout the years. Earl also served on the Lenawee County Holstein Dairymen’s board for 45 years. He judged dairy animals at numerous county fairs and was past 4-H dairy leader. Earl was an active member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church.
Surviving Earl are three daughters, Cherryl Jackson of Tecumseh, Karyl (John) Diersen of Caledonia, MN and Shanon (David) Whelan of Tipton; seven grandchildren, Jamie (Bart) Hoover, Jayson (Natalie) Diersen, Joshua (Alissa) Diersen, Chad (Kelly) Whelan, Tori (David) Racine, Joel (Stacia) Whelan, and Kyle (Becky) Whelan; 18 great grandchildren; two sisters, Mariam (Gerald) Ganun of Minnesota and Nancy Eardly of Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. In addition to his wife, Virginia, of 55 years, he was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Venona Wegner, Ileen Abling, and Carolyn Gentz; brothers-in-law, Herb Kodelman, Don Gentz, Don Abling, Ed Wegner, and Mike Eardly; son-in-law, Rick Jackson, and a great grandson.
Visitation for Earl will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, from 2-8 p.m. at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian. The committal service and burial will be on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at Riga Cemetery. Earl’s memorial service will be held on Wednesday, following the burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Adrian with Pastor Brian Keller officiating to be followed by a luncheon at the church. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Lenawee County Agricultural Society, Lenawee Dairyman’s Association (Frosty Cow), or Hospice of Lenawee. Envelopes are available at Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.