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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.

John Cecil Hollenbeck

of Dexter, Michigan, age 77 passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Brightside Assisted Living in Jackson. He was born May 18, 1947, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Clifford Myron and Ellen Cecillia (Lobdell) Hollenbeck.  Growing up, John was an Altar Boy for 7 years at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter. In 1966, John enlisted in the Marines and served in Vietnam. John worked as a Machinist and Tool Maker at the King-Seeley Plant, which Chrysler bought out, then GT Products, and Eaton Co., when it closed. John then worked for Dapco Industries until he retired in 2009 after 41 years in the industry.

John was a VFW Member. He was a member of the American Legion Post 557 for 54 years and the Sons of the American Legion for 31 years. He sponsored and worked the Make-a-Wish and Child Welfare Charity Golf Outing for 25 years, which helped support the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the American Legion's Child Welfare Foundation. John worked with wonderful friends at the Annual Ann Arbor Salvation Army's Silent Auction and volunteered with the Dexter-Ann Arbor Annual 5k Run for 25 years. He served in the Honor Guard for the American Legion and carried the American Flag during the Memorial Day parades. John enjoyed fishing and golfing and would do so in any weather.

Elizabeth Rose Weise

 

of Ann Arbor, MI, left this world on Friday, January 10, 2025.  Elizabeth Rose Gougeon was born to William George “Bill” Gougeon and Clara Elizabeth (Varga) Gougeon in Wyandotte, Michigan, on July 15, 1939. Her father was of French-Canadian descent, her mother a native of Zádorfalva, Hungary. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Weise; their children, John Weise (Stephanie Bentley), Heidi Weise (Kortney Briske), and Bridget Weise Knyal (Stephen Kinnard); survived also by her beloved grandchildren, Samuel Weise, Chloe Weise, Talia Briske, Alexandra Margraves (Nick Margraves), Wade Knyal, and Violet Knyal. She is also survived by many additional beloved members of the Weise, Gougeon, and Knurek families.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving sister Mary Lou (Gougeon) Knurek.

Elizabeth (Liz) graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Wyandotte Michigan, where she was a cheerleader and always ready for a good laugh. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Art and Education at Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan.  Elizabeth taught high school art and kindergarten for many years, primarily in Hillsdale County, Michigan. She particularly enjoyed the funny sayings of her kindergarten students, one of whom called her “Mrs. Boogity” for fun. She was also a Hillsdale County vision technician and worked for the University of Michigan later in life.

Stewart Elliott

Stewart Spencer Elliott born in Ottawa, Canada to Edward Procter and Eleanor Roosevelt Elliott, passed away on January 15, 2025, at his home of 39 years in Chelsea, Michigan. He was 82 years old.

Stewart studied architecture, art and sociology in college that lead to a lifelong career in building, design, teaching and writing. His professional journey began with the renovation of historic New England timber frame homes, eventually expanding to the construction of new, energy efficient structures. His work, driven by a love for sustainable design became his passion.

John Richard Outhwaite

of Grass Lake, Michigan, age 88, died Sunday, January 19, 2025, at home under hospice care. He was born February 21, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of John Richard and Loretta M. (Stephenson) Outhwaite.

John grew up in Detroit. He was a mechanic for a while and then worked as a self-employed carpet layer from 1970 - 2010, including subcontracting with Merkel’s. John was known around town as “Johnny O, the carpet guy.” John made a lot of friends at Stiver’s and enjoyed kayaking, camping in the U.P., and fly fishing.

Carolyn Ann Shepherd

of Dexter, Michigan, formerly of Ypsilanti

Age 82, died Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. She was born February 12, 1942, in Briceville, Tennessee, the daughter of Clay Abner and Mary Helen (White)  Braden.  Carolyn graduated from Willow Run High School in 1960. She then went to cosmetology school and owned her own hair salon for many years before working for IBA Beauty School where she became an instructor and manager. Carolyn's whole life revolved around her daughter and grandchildren.  In earlier years she enjoyed sewing and also loved making porcelain dolls with her sister, Betty.