Obituaries

George A. Kilbreath

of Ann Arbor, MI, formerly of Dexter, age 89, died Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at his home in Ann Arbor. He was born July 20, 1932 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Manley Ward and Ida B. (Helwich) Kilbreath.

As a child, his family were members at Zion Lutheran. In later life he was not a regular church goer, but maintained a generous spirit of Christian faith as a source of optimism in his life. George was a fireman for the City of Ann Arbor, later becoming a truck driver and excavator for many years. A born mechanic, he removed the door to his mother’s ice box with a screwdriver at age 3 or 4. She was so impressed with his doing this on the day she was hosting a church luncheon that it likely earned him a good spanking. He was a talented and capable individual, whose sense of time kept many of us waiting for extended periods. His humorous and generous nature earned forgiveness from most.

Jan Kathleen Nelson

Age 69, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021 at the University of Michigan hospital after a short battle with Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer.) She has embarked on a new adventure; one that is free of any additional pain and suffering. She was born on December 1, 1952, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the daughter of Richard Keith and Barbara Arlene (Mast) Nelson.

Jan graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1970. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in psychology from Michigan State University and was working on a Master's Degree from Central Michigan University. Jan worked as a Probation Officer for several years before becoming a supervisor of the Washtenaw County Probation Department. She spent a few years working in Lincoln Park towards the end of her career but the majority of her time was spent in Ann Arbor. After retirement, she picked up a job as a teaching assistant for a special needs child. She always believed in doing good for others.

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Eleanor G.  Maurer

of Gahanna, Ohio, formerly of Dover, Ohio; and Chelsea, Michigan, age 88, died Friday, April 30, 2021, in the St. Ann Hospital in Westerville, Ohio. She was born November 11, 1932, in Zanesvile, OH, the daughter of Raymond V. & Hester M. (Mason) Brock.

 

Eleanor attended the Ohio Institute of Business Training. She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Wooster, OH. Eleanor volunteered with the Chelsea Community Hospital and was a member of the Chelsea Senior Citizens. She was a loving and caring mother and grandmother who enjoyed family and crafting.

 

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Joseph W. Hachey Jr.

Of Pinckney, MI, age 85, died Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born October 25, 1936 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Joseph W. & Mary (Ross) Hachey.

Joe graduated from Pinckney High School in 1954. He was an over-the-road trucker, then worked as a concrete truck driver for Doan Construction, retiring in 2000. Joe's hobby was pulling mini-rod tractors. He was a 35 year member of the Tri-State Mini Pullers, and president of the club for the last 25 years. Joe loved spending time with the grand-kids and great-grand-daughters.