Obituaries

Phyllis Joan Kalmbach

of Chelsea, MI, aged 91, died peacefully in her sleep, after a short illness, Tuesday, January 24, 2023. She was born July 18, 1931 in Ann Arbor Michigan, the daughter of Walter A. and Elsie M. Heydlauff Kalmbach.

Phyllis graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1955 with a degree in education, and went on to earn a Masters Degree from the University of Michigan. She taught elementary school, mainly second grade, in Jackson until she retired in 1989.  She was also an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for many years. Phyllis was the organist for Salem Grove Methodist Church for over fifty years. She also served as the church treasurer, taught vacation Bible school many summers, and helped with the Christmas tree/Craft Sale every December.

Peter J. Severn

Of Chelsea, Michigan, age 94, died Sunday, January 22, 2023, at his home. He was born December 2, 1928, in Elkton, Michigan, the son of Nelson & Mary Ann (Higgs) Severn.

Hailing from Elkton, a tiny town in the “thumb” of Michigan, Pete was first a state park ranger, and then owner-operator of a service station, before arriving at the U-M in 1960. Pete was one of a handful of master glassblowers maintained on staff by major teaching institutions across the country. During his tenure, Pete created and manufactured glass objects integral to research through the U-M community. His work also provided items used in the world’s first artificial heart transplant as well as in NASA explorations. Pete retired January 31,1991. After retirement, Pete established his own business, a consultancy to various research and development concerns. He loved golf and put together a little series of golf outings for his department at U-M every summer. Pete also enjoyed playing the guitar and was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Lois Ellena Thurston

Of Grass Lake, Michigan, age 86, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born April 25, 1936 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Lewis & Rita (Tice) Elsifor.

Rodney Worden

Age 74, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor. He was born December 22, 1948, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of R.V. and Doris K. (Lehman) Worden. Rodney was the older of twin brothers. He lived his first year at his grandparent’s home in Munith, before moving to Chelsea with his family in the 1950's. At the age of 14, he was injured in a sledding accident, leaving him disabled in his right shoulder and arm. Rodney graduated from Chelsea High School in 1967. His disability did not keep him from working over 30 years in janitorial maintenance at Beach Middle School in Chelsea. Rodney spent the last four years at an assisted living facility. He overcame several health issues, but could not overcome a severe infection.