Neighbors – ĚÇĐÄĘÓƵ reflecting the community of Manchester since 2013 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 03:07:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.1 59026294 Obituary: Charlotte M. Major /2026/09/14/obituary-charlotte-m-major/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:34:48 +0000 /?p=109920

Charlotte M. Major (February 6, 1947 – September 11, 2026)

Charlotte M. Major of Manchester, Mich., passed away at Optalis Health in Ann Arbor, Mich., on September 11, 2026. She was born February 6, 1947, in Detroit to Charles and Catherine (Finney) Bickes of Lincoln Park, Mich.

Charlotte graduated from Holy Redeemer High School in Detroit. She attended Mercy College of Detroit, on the Ann Arbor campus, earning her Associate of Science in Nursing, spring of 1968. Years later, Char attended Madonna College, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Charlotte married the love of her life, Lewis C. Major Jr., July 12, 1968. Lew and Char celebrated 58 years of marriage this summer.

Charlotte served and volunteered in and around her community throughout her life, including her love of the library as director of the Manchester Library board. Charlotte was pivotal in the transition of the Manchester Library from a township to district library organization in 2000. Charlotte also enjoyed her days serving as a board member and several committee chair member roles for her church, Emanuel United Church of Christ. In the early days of Lew and Char move to Manchester, she enjoyed working at the Manchester Flower Garden. Shortly thereafter she joined Dr. Okey & Dr. Johnson newly formed family practice in Manchester, which then expanded to Clinton, Mich. Char and Dr. Okey spent decades working alongside each other delivering babies at home and in area hospitals, building the family practice by caring for generations of patients, campers at a local summer camp, and taking care of her fellow community members. Char career made its final chapter at the Packard Community Clinic in Ann Arbor working alongside many wonderful staff members and caring for the community.

In the 1970s, Charlotte started walking for exercise, which morphed into jogging, then led to her finishing her first 5K, and from there she was hooked! After many “smaller” runs, Charlotte set her site on marathons and was off running, literally. Charlotte completed many Detroit Free Press marathons. She used one of her finish times from the Free Press as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon then qualified for the Moscow Marathon where she traveled with an American Peace Ambassador group, touring and running in Russia and Kiev. Charlotte also left a legacy in Manchester as an organizer for the Manchester Mill Run. Outside of Char passion for running, she loved crafting, knitting, crocheting, quilting, and sewing. Her legacy in these “labors of love” will live on in the endless quilts, booties, baby washcloths, and sweaters she gifted many loved ones during her lifetime.

Charlotte is survived by her dedicated and loving husband, Lewis C. Major Jr.; children, Lewis C. (Rachel) Major III of Tecumseh, Mich., Amy (Mark) Eberflus of Lexington, S.C., and Holly (Ed Boucher) Major of Manchester, Mich.; grandchildren, Ben (Amber) Major, James (Fallon) Major, Alyssa (William) Lewis, Faith (Drew) Eberflus, Aidan Majorprice, Maran (Matthew Krey) Major, Chloe Majorprice, and Caelin Major. Char is also a great-grandmother of six great-grandchildren with another baby due on her birthday next year. Char will be publicly honored with visitation Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 3pm to 8pm, at Eineder Funeral Home, 207 E Duncan St, Manchester, Mich. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11am, at Emanuel United Church of Christ, 324 W Main St, Manchester, Mich.; interment will take place immediately following at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester, Mich. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions given in Charlotte name to the Manchester District Library.

The family would like to thank the many staff at Trinity Health of Ann Arbor, Arbor Hospice, and Optalis Health and Rehabilitation Center for all the great, comprehensive, and outstanding care given to our wife/mother during her final journey.

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Obituary: Andrea (Feese) Murillo /2026/09/14/obituary-andrea-feese-murillo/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:33:48 +0000 /?p=109828

Andrea Murillo (February 11, 1939 – July 21, 2026)

Andrea Murillo passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, in north Texas at the age of 87. She was born on February 11, 1939, in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Andrea was the proud mother of five and is survived by her children, Jeffery, Deanne, Charles (Bradley), Steven, and Jennifer; her sister, Rosemary; brother, Richard Feese; her grandchildren, Jayson, Jesse, Tara, Shawn, Blane, and Alais; and great-grandchildren, Tristan, Mila, Myles, Aria, and Alexander. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mable Feese, and brother, Jim Feese. She loved every one of them dearly.

Those who knew her knew she measured a good day by the people she loved, the animals she could help, and whether the Wolverines won on Saturday.

Family was the center of her life, and she was the glue that kept everyone connected. She hosted countless holiday gatherings and football parties, bringing family and friends together. Later in life, her phone calls and texts kept us updated on the goings-on of family and friends.

After working as a secretary at the University of Michigan Hospital, she became a stay-at-home mom raising her five children. She went on to own and run two businesses, U-Do-It Rentals and Applause Video, both in Ann Arbor. She had sincere friendships with her employees and her clients, most of whom she knew by name

After moving to Texas, she made a career in secretarial work at a bank and a vehicle leasing company. She enjoyed her work and was a dedicated employee. At each of her jobs, she made new and lifelong friends.

Being a business owner and a busy mother in all respects, she still made time to attend all her son football games, Deanne volleyball games, and Jennifer and Deanne horse-show competitions. You would always find Mom in the stands supporting and cheering on her kids.

When her son, Brad, suffered paralysis in a car accident, she was the first family member to learn about his condition and take on the task of caring for him. She would wake early to get him ready for school before getting herself ready to head out to work, which at times ran late into the night, hunting down U-Haul trucks and trailers.

Andrea was a caring, thoughtful, and giving person throughout her life. She had a special place in her heart for animals. She loved her dogs, Jake and Molly, dearly. She devoted countless hours helping her daughter, Deanne, with her dog-and-puppy rescue mission. She was always willing to give her time and energy to help animals in need and found joy in caring for and nursing them back to health. She loved caring for the family horses and donkeys as well. When her own health made those tasks difficult, she continued to help.

After her passing, a small window into her kindness opened: While looking through her checkbook register, it was found to be full of contributions, page after page, to a variety of charities that supported animal rescue, the elderly, veterans, and many other causes important to her. She didn’t have a lot of money, but that didn’t stop her from giving. She sent her donations faithfully, month after month and year after year. She gave from the kindness, love, and faith in her heart. None of us knew about that quiet act of giving, but finding that filled our hearts with even more love, admiration, and pride for our mom. She never forgot her humble beginnings and the charity her family received from the local community when she was a child. In part, that generosity made her the giving person she was, and was another reason it was important to her to continue that same charitable spirit throughout her life.

Her quiet generosity showed in other ways. She purchased an insurance policy to ensure she wouldn’t burden her children with retirement home expenses, even though it meant sacrificing her own comfort. She saved enough to cover her final expenses and more—most of which will support the charities she championed, continuing her legacy of compassion and giving.

After moving to Texas, she visited Michigan whenever she could to spend time with family and friends. As the nucleus of our family, her presence conjured many family get-togethers, cookouts, celebrations, and casual evenings at restaurants, often bringing together family and friends who had not seen or spoken for years. She tried with all her heart to see everyone she knew and was truly disappointed when, due to time constraints or other obligations, she couldn’t visit them all.

Andrea was a big sports fan. First and foremost were her beloved Michigan Wolverines, and she was also a die-hard Lions fan. She enjoyed watching good football games, and if the U of M and Detroit teams were in the playoffs in other sports, she enjoyed watching and cheering them on as well. She reminisced about the many games she attended with friends. From sunny spring games to cold and rainy November games, she reminisced about being there in the Big House, cheering on her Wolverines. She was always happy when she found fellow Michigan fans at The Oxford Grand, where she lived for the last four years. We will never forget how family celebrations and casual phone conversations would often end with her trademark words: “Go, Blue!” It became her signature send-off and one that will forever bring smiles to those who knew and loved her.

She was an avid reader. She enjoyed reading books, newspapers, and magazines, but her favorite, the Bible, was always within arm reach. She read it every day, and she could be found sleeping in her chair, her Bible resting on her chest. Her next favorite was Reader Digest. She read them cover to cover, inevitably bursting into laughter at the funny and quirky stories she enjoyed so much. And she enjoyed sharing the funny and interesting stories with whoever was nearby.

Mom had a good sense of humor. She was quick to laugh and slow to anger. There was laughter in almost every conversation, at family gatherings, while watching America Funniest Home Videos, and she laughed at herself when her children would razz her about one thing or another.

Her faith in Jesus gave her comfort and hope. Getting to church became difficult, but she would attend whenever she could. She never missed a Bible Study with Mike, a volunteer at The Oxford Grand. We find comfort believing she is reunited with her mother, the many loved ones lost over the years, and with her beloved dogs, Molly and Jake, whose companionship brought her so much happiness throughout the years.

Mom was a happy and gregarious person. When life gave her challenges, she would handle the problem and return to her cheerful self. Anger was something she knew little of. People who knew her would remember expressions like “Oh, Sugarfoot” or “For crying out loud” when faced with challenges.

Andrea led a good and meaningful life. She contributed beautiful things to her children, to her family and friends, and to the world.

She was our mom, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, great-grandmother, and a sincere, caring friend to everyone she knew and loved.

Although she had to leave us, her love and kindness fill our hearts. Her passing has left voids that cannot be filled. Her presence at family gatherings, her laughter, phone calls, texts, holiday and birthday cards and calls, and so much more cannot be replaced, but they will always be remembered and cherished.

She will be remembered for her love of family, friends, and animals; her strength; her caring heart; her willingness to help others; her happy disposition; and the quiet example she set for all of us.

We will miss her deeply as we carry cherished memories with us always and be thankful for the time we were blessed to share with her.

She will be with us the rest of our days, just as she has been with us all our lives. She will continue to live in our hearts and memories till the day we join her.

May she rest in beautiful and abundant peace.

Thank you, Mom! You did great! And “Go, Blue!”

There will be a remembrance gathering for family and friends on Sunday, September 20, from 12pm to 4pm, at 9785 Clinton Rd, Manchester, Mich.

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Obituary: Mary Sue Moore /2026/08/31/obituary-mary-sue-moore/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:34:01 +0000 /?p=109475

Mary Sue Moore (Curry) (July 23, 1935 – September 1, 2026)

Mary Sue Moore (née Curry), age 91, of Manchester, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on September 1, 2026.

Mary Sue was born on July 23, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, to Melbourne and Jesse Dorothy (née Baker) Curry. She grew up a very happy tomboy and attended Edison Elementary and Redford High. It was during her high school years that she met her future husband, Joe Moore, on a blind date. They became high school sweethearts, beginning a love story and a life story that would span more than seven decades.

Mary Sue graduated from the University of Michigan and worked as a Med Tech at U-M before beginning her next adventure—raising a family. Mary Sue and Joe were blessed with five children, and their growing family soon outgrew their home on Faye Drive in Ann Arbor. Fifty-nine years ago, the family of seven moved to Pleasant Lake, where they made their home and created a lifetime of memories.

This year, Mary Sue and Joe celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, a remarkable milestone reflecting the love, partnership, and devotion that defined their life together.

Music was at the heart of Mary Sue life. She taught piano to 208 students and accompanied countless productions for theater groups, other community and school events and Solo & Ensemble competitions. At Bethel United Church of Christ, she devoted over fifty years to music ministry. Mary Sue served as the church organist, director of the Children Choir, Youth Choir Plus, and Senior Choir, as well as the Bethel Orchestra. Over the years her musical offerings included everything from weddings and funerals, caroling and cantatas to services at the Saline Evangelical Home as well as solos, duets and original compositions. Mary Sue also took great pride in playing and preserving the one-of-a-kind pump organ at Bethel Church.

Her dedication to her church and community extended far beyond music. She served on the Board of Manchester Family Service for almost 30 years and was a community organizer for events including the annual CROP Walk. Along with her family she welcomed exchange students from Mexico, The Netherlands and France, in addition to U of M visiting students. At Bethel UCC, she presided as president of the Church Board and helped organize beloved annual traditions such as the Ice Cream Social and Sauerkraut Supper. She seemed to know where everything was in the church—and, more importantly, she knew how to bring people together.

Mary Sue was also a member and officer of the Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild, sharing her love of music and supporting fellow teachers. To further her musical education Mary Sue obtained her Certificate of Piano Teacher from Schoolcraft College.

Above all, Mary Sue was devoted to her family. She will be deeply missed by her beloved husband, Joseph Moore; her five children, Catherine Moore of Manchester, Keith (Roberta) Moore of Newport Beach, CA, Julie (Joe) Roberts of Tecumseh, Martha Moore of Erie, CO and David (Jennifer) Moore of Milan; her nine grandchildren, Jeff (Lindsay), Matt, Emily (Mark), David, Colleen, Alex, Michelle, Jack, and Andrew; and her three great-granddaughters, Mackenzie, Charlotte, and Colette.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her in-laws, Earl and Florence Moore; her sister, Jane Dietz; and her sister-in-law, Judy Williams.

Mary Sue leaves behind a legacy of music, faith, service, family, and friendship. Through the many students she taught, the choirs and musicians she guided, the church and community she served, and—most of all—the family she cherished, her life touched countless others. Her joyful spirit, generous heart, and love of music will live on in all who knew her.

Rather than traditional black please join us in celebrating Mary Sue life by wearing flowery, colorful, cheerful clothing. Visitation will be held at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 3:00-7:00 p.m.

On Saturday, September 5th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. visitation will be at Bethel United Church of Christ, 10425 Bethel Church Road, Manchester. The Celebration of Mary Sue life will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon following, served by the Women of Bethel. A private burial service for the family will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel UCC, 10425 Bethel Church Road, Manchester, MI 48158 or Manchester Family Service, P.O. Box 471, Manchester, MI 48158.

The family extends their thanks to Martha Wilson, Arbor Hospice and Our Family Friend for the care provided.

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Obituary: Martha (Boutell) England /2026/08/17/obituary-martha-boutell-england/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:03:43 +0000 /?p=109274

Martha England (September 1, 1942 – May 24, 2026)

Martha (Boutell) England, a longtime resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away May 24, 2026.

Born in Perry, Michigan September 1, 1942, and raised in Manchester, Michigan, Martha was a proud graduate of Michigan State University. She dedicated several years of her life to teaching elementary school students, sharing her love of learning and helping shape young minds.

Martha was also a successful businesswoman, owning and operating Knitcetera I & II in West Bloomfield and Oxford, Michigan. Through her business and community involvement, she formed many lasting friendships and touched countless lives.

A woman of many interests and talents, Martha enjoyed golf, bridge, water aerobics, Bible study, book club, volunteer teaching, tap dancing, volleyball, and skiing. She was known for her remarkable ability to organize anything she set her mind to and for her enthusiasm in all that she pursued.

Above all, Martha cherished her family. She shared a loving marriage with her husband John England for 60 years, a relationship that was the cornerstone of her life. She treasured time spent with family and friends and will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Daniel J. Boutell.She is survived by her beloved husband; her brother, David and his wife Heide Boutell and brothers-in-law Larry and his wife Torky England; Ralph and his wife Joan England; and sister-in-law Orlynn Kouba; her special niece, Katchen Denning; special friends Stephanie Parker and JoAnn Jensen; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends whom she truly loved.

A Celebration of Life for Martha will be held at Eineder Funeral Homes – Manchester Chapel (207 E. Duncan St., Manchester, MI 48158), on Monday, August 31, 2026. Family and friends will gather at the Funeral Home at 11:30am. Graveside service will be held at noon at St. Mary Cemetery in Manchester. Family and friends are invited to join Martha family at the Funeral Home for food and fellowship.

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Obituary: Tim David Armentrout /2026/08/17/obituary-tim-david-armentrout/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:02:32 +0000 /?p=109102

Tim David Armentrout (April 18, 1949 – August 18, 2026)

Tim David Armentrout, 77, of Manchester, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Tim family will hold a private graveside service with military honors at Oak Grove Cemetery, Manchester.

He was born on April 18, 1949, in Tecumseh, Michigan, to Robert and Jacqueline (Knauss) Armentrout. Tim married the love of his life, Joyce Ursum, on May 4, 1974, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. As a child, Tim was in the Boy Scouts of America, where he achieved the Scouts highest honor, becoming an Eagle Scout. He was a 1967 graduate of Manchester High School and went on to attend Washtenaw Community College, where he graduated with an Associates in Architecture. Tim was in the Navy where he served in the Vietnam War, receiving a Bronze Star.Ěý He worked at the University of Michigan Hospital for 21 years, retiring in 2012. Tim attended Life House Ministries in Tipton, Michigan. Tim and Joyce are founding members of the Washtenaw Co. VVA #310.

Tim will be missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Joyce; and his children, Joelle (Eric) Cottrell; he is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Tod Armentrout

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Manchester Historical Society – the Black Smith Shop. Please leave a message of comfort for Tim family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

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Obituary: Bruce Arthur Clark /2026/08/17/obituary-bruce-arthur-clark/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:01:13 +0000 /?p=109067

Bruce Arthur Clark (March 2, 1935 – July 13, 2026)

Bruce Arthur Clark, 91, passed away on July 13, 2026. Bruce family and friends will gather from 10am to 11am, Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Eineder Funeral Homes — Manchester Chapel. His funeral service will be held at 11am, Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Eineder Funeral Homes — Manchester Chapel.

He was born on March 2, 1935, in Wayne, Mich., to Roy and Florence (Grice) Clark. Bruce married Grace Genevieve Liedel on July 7, 1956, in Maybee, Mich. He went on to be a tool-and-die worker for over 30 years in the machine tool industry. Bruce will be remembered as an avid enthusiast of Civil War–era guns, a member of the North-South Skirmish Association, NRA, Michigan Antique Arms Collectors, Washtenaw Sportsman Club, and the Manistee Clan Muzzle Loading Club. He was a constant tinkerer, always finding a way to make something work better. Bruce enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting, working in his machine shop, and being outdoors.

Bruce will be missed by his loving wife of 70 years, Grace; his children, Greg (Mary), Liz (Tom) Allen, and Lance (Heather); brother James; grandchildren, Joshua (Travis), Levi (Amelia), Andrew (Logan), Dylan (Erika), Kelly (Jeff), Neal, Morgan (Daniel), and Erin (Josie); and great-grandchildren, Tabitha, Abraham, Ebenezer, Zebulon, and Jude. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Flory; and brothers Wesley and Don.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Optimal Care Hospice Benevolent Fund, 801 Rosehill Rd, Jackson, MI 49202, or may be given to the family for future designation.ĚýPlease leave a message of comfort for Bruce family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

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Financial advisor Colleen Newton of Edward Jones receives Certified Exit Planning Advisor® designation /2026/08/17/financial-advisor-colleen-newton-of-edward-jones-receives-certified-exit-planning-advisor-designation/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:01:04 +0000 /?p=108978

Colleen Newton. Courtesy photo.

by Sara Swanson

Financial advisor Colleen Newton of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Manchester has received the Certified Exit Planning Advisor®, or CEPA®, designation through the Exit Planning Institute(TM). This designation provides specific education on how to help business owners have a successful exit by discussing business readiness, strengthening personal financial strategies, and aligning them to personal goals.

“Business owners have a unique set of needs and opportunities, and I believe it important to tailor my advice and guidance to each of them individually,” Newton said. “This course of study has provided me a more in-depth understanding of successful exit planning.”

Colleen andĚýĚýbranch office administrators Tammy James and Mackenzie James can be reached at 734-786-8277. You may also visit Newton website at .

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Reno Feldkamp turns 101! /2026/08/10/reno-feldkamp-turns-101/ Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:00:58 +0000 /?p=108767

Nancy and Reno Feldkamp. Photo courtesy of Kathleen Graddy.

by Colleen A. McKenney

Reno Feldkamp celebrated his 101st birthday on Wednesday, July 29, with family and friends. Last year, the family threw a large party, with over 100 guests, to celebrate his 100th birthday. This year they asked for cards to be sent. He shared they had received over 101 cards already and more continue to come in!

Reno Feldkamp was born and raised in Sharon Township and grew up along old Manchester/Chelsea Road (M-52). His mother unfortunately passed away when he was 13 and he was then raised by his father with help from his aunts. He was an only child, after the death of his older sister, and exempted from the draft to carry on and assist with the family farm. He graduated from Manchester High School class of 1943 and married Nancy (Every) Feldkamp (born in Lansing and graduate of Tecumseh High School) on June 22, 1947. The couple settled at a farm they purchased in Sharon Township in 1950 and have lived there ever since. They recently celebrated their 79th anniversary of marriage. Nancy will be celebrating her 100th birthday this coming spring as well. They shared that they met each other at a Wamplers Lake dance at the pavilion. They shared that it used to be a popular activity to attend dances and see live bands there. Nancy said that famous bands, like the Dorsey Brothers, would often play local rural dances on their trips between Chicago and Detroit.Ěý

Mr. Feldkamp attributes his longevity to “Luck, and a good marriage!” He also attributed his long life to staying physically and mentally active. Their daughter Kathleen shared that they always ate fresh, clean food from the farm and were dedicated gardeners. The Feldkamps raised five children, have eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren with one more on the way. Mr. Feldkamp spoke highly of their family and their children, joking that he never did have to bail out any of his kids from jail! He also mentioned they were all successful and college graduates, and four had obtained master degrees.Ěý

Mr. Feldkamp worked for over 25 years for Pioneer Hybrids, beginning in 1990, while also working their family farm. He also has served in many volunteer roles throughout the Manchester area, including serving in elected and appointed roles with Sharon Township, serving the Sharon Church, the MCS School Board, and the MAHS board (President) and calendar committee, among other roles. Mr. Feldkamp wanted to also express gratitude for the work and service at MAHS of Ray Berg as well as all leadership at MAHS over the years. Nancy was also very actively involved in the Manchester area by volunteering with Sharon Church, serving as their organist, pianist, choir director, and children choir director, and as a piano teacher. She is also an accomplished painter. Both were also longtime members of the Michigan Farm Bureau and the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau. He also worked with, and was active with, the Chicken Broil for many years. He shared that he and Nancy have visited all 50 states, mostly in their motorhome, and were avid cross-country skiers. He often hunted and played golf, too.Ěý

When asked about significant changes to our community and society during his life, he stated that it was quite a change when Manchester became a city recently. He also recalled when he was a small boy and they first got electricity at his childhood home. He described a light bulb hanging from a wire above his kitchen table and it turning on for the first time. He also described the changes over his lifetime to farming technology. He shared that when he was growing up, they farmed with teams of horses. He and Nancy also described how much the advent and spread of television made significant changes in their lifetimes. Nancy shared that for all the criticisms of television, it is now something they depend on more and more for news and updates. Reno made sure to include TV role in him keeping up with the Detroit Tigers and University of Michigan football and basketball games.

The Feldkamps are outstanding and valued members of the Manchester community. Happy birthday, Reno, and congratulations, Reno and Nancy, on 79 years of marriage!

Reno and Nancy selected this as their up-to-date photo even if it is a few years out of date. Photo from MAHS calendar.

Reno and Nancy Feldkamp wedding photo. Photo courtesy of Kathleen Graddy.

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Obituary: Marsha Lynne (Johnson) Chartrand /2026/08/10/obituary-marsha-lynne-johnson-chartrand/ Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:51:11 +0000 /?p=108720

Marsha Lynne (Johnson) Chartrand (August 24, 1954 – August 4, 2026)

Marsha Lynne (Johnson) Chartrand, age 71, passed away on August 4, 2026, surrounded by her family. Marsha was born August 24, 1954, in Dearborn, Mich., to Margaret (Nicholson) and E. Thomas Johnson. Marsha grew up in Farmington, Mich., until 1962, when the family moved to New Jersey, and then to Indiana in 1966. They returned to the Ann Arbor area in 1968, where Marsha graduated from Chelsea High School in 1972. Afterward, she worked part-time at Union Savings Bank of Manchester between semesters at Hope and Hillsdale colleges. Upon graduation, she married David and worked full-time at the bank, ultimately as secretary to the vice-president.

In 1980, she resigned to become a full-time mother to her four children, Alyssa, Arianne, Ian, and Stuart. During these years, she volunteered at school, the library, and at church. In 1993, Marsha began working at the Manchester Enterprise for Emory Garlick, who became a close friend of the family. Always a writer, Marsha found out she was really enjoying her journalism career—from feature writing to hard news and even sports. She remained at the Enterprise when it was purchased by Heritage Newspapers in 1999, and continued learning new ways of self-expression, becoming the editor, a position from which she “retired” in 2006, and spent 10 more years working for Dr. Julie Marvin at Manchester Eye Care. In 2013, an upstart group in the community invited Marsha to join them in developing the Manchester Mirror, and she once again had the joy of writing in her life.

Above all, Marsha family was always most important to her, and she took great joy in being a mother and, later, “Mimi” to her beloved grandchildren, Chase, Peyton, and Charlie. Her love of mothering led to over 31 years as a dedicated Le Leche League Leader. She had a gift for writing and always aspired to write a book when not working on journalism projects, but also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, and card-making, but reading was always her favorite pastime. She estimated that she had read over a thousand books since age 5. Marsha was renowned as a singer and often sang for church and events in the Manchester area. She was always involved in church, as a member of ĚÇĐÄĘÓƵ in Chelsea for over 30 years, and a member of Clinton United Church of Christ since 2006, and was active in UCC of Michigan Covenant Association for many years. She had fought an autoimmune disease for many years, and her strength showed throughout that fight.

Marsha is survived by her husband of 50 years, David Chartrand; her children, Alyssa (Noah) Cope, Arianne (Ben Sullivan) Chartrand, Ian Chartrand, and Stuart (Jenelle Franklin) Chartrand; her grandchildren, Chase Chartrand, Peyton Chartrand, and Charlie Sullivan; and her brothers, Craig (Rose) Johnson and Keith (Kyle) Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter-in-law, Shelby Chartrand. Marsha wanted to be remembered for kindness, tolerance, peace, and love, which she gave to her family and the Manchester community.

A public gathering will be held at Eineder Funeral Home — Manchester Chapel, 207 E Duncan St, Manchester, Mich., from 4 to 6pm, on August 23, 2026. A Celebration of Marsha life will be held on her birthday, August 24, 2026, at 11am, at Clinton United Church of Christ, 300 Tecumseh Rd, Clinton, Mich. Visitation will begin at 10am, and luncheon will follow the service at the church.

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Obituary: Constance Mabel Susanna Achtenberg /2026/08/10/obituary-constance-mabel-susanna-achtenberg/ Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:50:18 +0000 /?p=108922

Constance Mabel Susanna Achtenberg (June 7, 1955 – August 9, 2026)

Constance Mabel Susanna Achtenberg, 71, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Connie family and friends will gather from 3pm to 6pm with Vigil Scripture service at 6pm, on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Eineder Funeral Homes — Manchester Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church at 10am, with Mass at 11am and burial following at St. Mary Roman Catholic Cemetery. Father Bosco Padamattummal will serve as celebrant.

Connie was born on June 7, 1955, in Farmington, Mich., to Lucas and Mabel (Miles) Millenbach. She graduated from Harrison High School and went on to attend and graduate from the University of Michigan (School of Natural Resources).

Connie married the love of her life, James Achtenberg, on November 9, 1984, in Brooklyn, Mich. She will be remembered as a loving wife and mother. Connie will also be remembered for her volunteer work in the office at St. Mary, where she also served many years as a lector. Connie loved camping and hiking, bird watching and listening to the wildlife with her family, and spending time with her dog, Agate. She loved Mackinac Island and was an ardent enthusiast of the state of Michigan, where she was able to make it to all 83 counties. Connie volunteered at Crisp Point Lighthouse, serving in whatever capacity needed. She was well known within the figure skating community where she announced events and was adored by the skaters and officials because of her support and calm demeanor. Connie held a sectional announcer appointment with U.S. Figure Skating and the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club. The Achtenberg family is very passionate about U of M athletics, as they traveled throughout the country attending Michigan football games, making many lifelong memories.Ěý

Connie will be greatly missed by her husband, James; her loving daughter, Constance Mabel Elizabeth; mother-in-law, Pat Achtenberg; and brothers-in-law, William, Thomas, and Ronald. She is preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law, Donn Achtenberg.

The family would like to thank Dr. Wahl and Dr. Clarke for their support and everything they have done for them. Ěý

Memorial contributions are suggested to Achtenberg Family Research Professorship in Radiation Oncology Fund (Expendable) 394304. Please leave a message of comfort for Connie family or sign her guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

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