Obituaries

James "Jim" Lyle Utsler

James (Jim) Lyle Utsler of Chelsea, MI, quietly passed away on Saturday, September 12, after a long- and well-lived life. Born in Dexter, MI, on July 9, 1931, to Lyle and Beulah (Betty) Utsler. He served along with his twin brother Jerry in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, retired from a management position at General Motors and subsequently became a real estate agent serving the Chelsea/Dexter area.

Jim never failed to find adventure in life, whether going on an African safari; zip-lining in Costa Rica; piloting planes and sailing boats; daring rickety train rides in Mexico (a trip he often ruefully joked about); exploring Europe with his wife; rebuilding his and Janet’s cottage on Joslin Lake; cycling on backroads; cutting up while playing euchre; barking out “Go Blue!” during U-M football games (and razzing his MSU family and friends when the Wolverines beat the Spartans); or sneaking off to a dive bar for a cold beer. It was moments such as these—both large and small—that he enjoyed so much.

Gene Louis Ahrens

of Grass Lake, MI, age 90, died Friday, September 11, 2020 at his home in Grass Lake. He was born September 16, 1929 in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Rudolph Henry & Edna Elinor (Hein) Ahrens.  Gene joined the US Army in September, 1947, and was a Medical Tech in the 8th Army, 24th Infantry, being stationed in Korea, Japan, Germany as well as Fort Knox, TN; Camp Kilmer, NJ; Fort Riley, KS and Fort Wayne in Detroit until 1953. Gene stayed in the Detroit area working for several different concrete companies. He was a medical tech at the Ford Rouge plant & head of production control at Hoskins Manufacturing Co. Gene and his family moved to Chelsea in 1969. He was a member of the Herbert J. McKune Post 31 of the American Legion. Gene was also a Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He coached little league in Chelsea for several years and was a Scoutmaster.

Barbara Kelly Kline

Barbara Kline passed away peacefully at her home in the Chelsea Retirement Community on August 14, 2020. She was born on August 5, 1929 to Clifford and Naomi Kelly in Frederick, MD. She married James D. Kline on November 23, 1950; he preceded her in death in 2003. She is survived by her daughter Andrea and son-in-law Paul Evanoff of Gregory, Michigan, her son Kelly of Baltimore MD, grandson Joseph Kline of Red Lion, PA, and several nieces and nephews.

Although she was an excellent student, Barbara’s father discouraged her interest in higher education since it would be “wasted on a housewife”. But, as soon as her children were old enough, Barbara began taking community college classes eventually earning Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education and Administration. She worked at the Milford Mill Church Child Development Center for 27 years where she eventually served as Executive Director. A scholarship fund was established upon her retirement in recognition of her service.

Geraldine (Geri) Mae White

Of Jackson, Michigan, formerly of Chelsea MI and Sarasota FL. Age 95, died September 5, 2020 at Hospice House in Jackson, MI, with her daughter by her side.  She now resides in the house of her Lord and Savior.  She was born April 8, 1925 in Buffalo, New York, the daughter of Harold & Elizabeth (Spangenburg) Roth.

Geri loved fashion and shopping. She was shy until she got to know someone. Geri enjoyed her years at Weber’s Restaurant as a cashier. She and Guy owned two motels in Sarasota FL. Geri engaged with her guests, many of whom became friends and returned every year. Sunshine and the beach were things she liked very much. Geri enjoyed the old hymns and scripture and attending church services with family and friends.