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Ochalek Funeral Service, 218 E. Main Street, Milan, MI (2026)

10/14/2026

Rumpsza, Andrea
Jackson, MI
Formerly of Ann Arbor and Milan

Age 84, died Wednesday morning, October 14, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospice Home, Jackson, Michigan. She was born on November 14, 1941, in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Andrew and Mary (Bolle) Rumps.

Andrea was a graduate of Milan High School, received her BA in English from the University of Michigan in 1963, and continued her education earning a MA in Library Science in 1965, also from U of M.

She had a successful career as a librarian, where she was employed at Adrian (Mich.) Public Library from 1965-67, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio from 1967-1975, and as the Director of the Milan Public Library from 1979-1988, where she directed two building enlargement projects, established the Friends of the Milan Public Library, had the library’s catalog system automated, and directed the publication of several local writer’s anthologies.

She was a member of several associations in Milan throughout the years, including the Milan Women’s Club, Milan Music Study club, Milan Area Historical Society, and the Kiwanis Club. She was also a member of Chapter H, P.C.O. Sisterhood, Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice, and the Association for Research & Enlightenment.

Andrea’s main passions have included music, reading, writing, especially writing poetry, religious studies and contemporary spiritual practices, interfaith communication and outreach, and working for peace and justice. She has accompanied several choirs on piano, as well as serving as church organist at various churches throughout the years. She was an active member and organist of The Bridge (Marble Memorial United Methodist Church) in Milan for many years.

Andrea lived in Milan for most of her life, except from 1965-1975, until moving to Lurie Terrace Senior Community in Ann Arbor in October of 2013, later relocating into an assisted living in Jackson, MI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Mary Rumps, and a brother, Paul Hudson Drake. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Patty Drake, Patty’s sons Daniel Jaynes and Ronald (Amanda) Jaynes, several cousins, and many friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at Ochalek Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 28th at 11:00 am., with visitation beginning at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Marble Park Cemetery. Milan.

10/13/2026

Gary Koepfer
Milan, MI

Age 70, passed away Monday morning, October 12, 2026 at his home. He was born on August 12, 1956 in Toledo, Ohio to Joseph and Ann (Gries) Koepfer. On September 5, 2016, he married Amy Zigulis, in Saline, Michigan and she survives.

Gary was a proud 1974 graduate of Rogers High School in Toledo, Ohio, where he played football. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business at the University of Toledo, and completed his education with an Associate’s Degree in Robotics at Owens College. He was a UPS driver for over 25 years, along with driving for other transportation services.

In his free time, Gary enjoyed playing sports especially volleyball. He played for many volleyball leagues in the Toledo, Ohio area, and loved teaching the kids all about how to play volleyball and how to be a good sport about it. He was a member of Hope Baptist Church in Toledo, before moving to Milan, where he attended York Baptist Church.

In addition to his loving wife, Amy, he is survived by two children: Eric Koepfer, and Reneé (Calvin) Blackmore; four step-children, Kristian (Jen) Zigulis, Hilary Zigulis, Stefan (Kim) Zigulis, and Audrey (Bret) Zigulis-Niewiecki; six grandchildren: Nadia, Chloe, Lukas, Cyrus, Gionni, and Oliver; three brothers: Paul (Karen) Koepfer, Kevin (Karen) Koepfer, Ken (Peg) Koepfer, a sister-in-law, Marilyn, Koepfer, 15 nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Joseph.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at York Baptist Church, with a date to be determined. The family would like to thank Amy for her outstanding and dedicated care she has provided for him over the years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation directly to Amy.

www.ochalekfuneral.com

10/07/2026

Kevin W. Armbruster
Milan, Michigan

Age 73, passed away on Tuesday morning, October 6, 2026, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. He was born on September 16, 1953, in Saline, Michigan, to Elvin and Eunice (Boettger) Armbruster. On January 17, 1986, he married Sally Collar in Toledo, Ohio, and she survives.

Kevin was a graduate of Saline High School. He had a lifelong passion for cars, especially his beloved 1967 Camaro. A skilled auto repairman, he had a natural talent for working on vehicles and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others. Kevin worked for Car Quest as an automotive parts salesman for the last few years before retirement.

In his free time, Kevin enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with the people he loved. He especially enjoyed golfing, camping, and playing games with family and friends. A very proud father and grandfather, Kevin treasured the time he spent with his family. He will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor and for being a silly jokester who always knew how to bring a smile and a laugh to those around him.

In addition to his wife, Sally, he is survived by three children: Tacey (Cathy Jo) Armbruster, Katie (Jordan) Harris, and Samantha Armbruster, three grandchildren: Hannah, Rosie, and Rory, four siblings: Gary Armbruster, Gail Woods, Lynn Armbruster, and Lee Armbruster; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Keith Armbruster.

Visitation will be held at Ochalek Funeral Home, Milan on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM where a Celebration of Life will begin at 4:00 PM. Contributions may be made to the Michigan Alzheimer’s Association.

10/05/2026

Good morning,

We are working with Google to remove the faulty website at the top of the google search. The website that is wrong is ochalekstark.com, this will not work. The correct and active website for the funeral home is ochalekfuneral.com

Thank you,

Ochalek Funeral and Cremation Service

09/14/2026

Arden Jean Tomecek
Milan, Michigan
Age 90, passed away peacefully Friday morning, September 11, 2026, at Hampton Manor in Dundee, Michigan. She was born on August 1, 1936, in Milan, Michigan, to Stanley and Irene (Wanty) Dennison.
Arden was a lifelong member of the Milan community and a 1954 graduate of Milan High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Joseph Tomecek. They were married on August 11, 1956, at Marble Memorial United Methodist Church in Milan and shared 68 years together before his passing on November 30, 2024. Joe and Arden were both raised in Milan and continued to make their home there while raising their family.
Arden was deeply devoted to Job’s Daughters and was an active member for more than 70 years. Throughout her years of service, she mentored many young women, sharing valuable life lessons while holding numerous positions and serving on various committees at the local, state, national, and international levels. She was elected as the first Honored Queen of Milan Bethel #44, I.O.J.D., and later in life served as Grand Guardian of the Grand Guardian Council of Michigan from 1989-1990 and again as Interim Grand Guardian from 1997-1998. She was also a lifetime member of Milan Ruth Chapter #106, Order of the Eastern Star, where she held various offices and served on numerous local and state committees, including serving as Worthy Matron multiple times. In addition to her involvement with Job’s Daughters and Eastern Star, Arden was an active member of Marble Memorial United Methodist Church.
She worked as a proofreader for several years at NBD in Milan before becoming a bookkeeper for the State of Michigan, retiring in the mid-1990s.
Arden and Joe shared a love of travel and visited 45 states, as well as Australia and Canada. They especially enjoyed cruising and traveling with their close friends, Bob and Joan Van Orman and Ken and Marilee Smiley. They also enjoyed spending time at their retirement home in Sun City, Arizona. In her free time, Arden enjoyed knitting, cross-stitching, working puzzles, bowling, and reading.
Arden was a devoted wife and loving mother, but her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. She will be lovingly remembered by her four children, Cynthia (Edward) Swope of Dundee, Gregory (Anna) Tomecek of Ypsilanti, Bradley (Pamela) Tomecek of Goshen, Indiana, and Matthew (Kristi) Tomecek of Milan; five grandchildren, Jordan (Daniel) Eichorst, Travis (Nicole) Tomecek, Allison (Jay) Drus, Olivia Tomecek, and Gavin Tomecek; ten great-grandchildren, Sophia, Riley, Malcolm, Eloise, Harper, Lucy, Zola, Miller, Dallas, Ezra and Malakai; along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph, in 2024, following 68 years of marriage; her parents; four brothers, William, Gerald, Lauren, and Dale Dennison; and two sisters-in-law, Arliss and Irene.
Visitation will be held at Ochalek Funeral Home, Milan, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with an Eastern Star Memorial Service at 7:00 PM. All are welcome to attend. Her funeral service will be held at The Bridge Church, formerly Marble Memorial United Methodist Church, 8 Park Lane, Milan, on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. A church luncheon will follow the service.
Private burial at Marble Park Cemetery, Milan, will take place at a later date. Those desiring may make contributions to The Bridge United Methodist Church.

08/31/2026

Joan Van Orman
Chelsea, MI
(formerly of Milan, MI and Surprise, AZ)

Age 90, passed away Monday, August 31, 2026, at Chelsea Retirement Community in Chelsea, Michigan. She was born on April 13, 1936, in Washtenaw Co., Michigan, to Arthur and Eleanor (Churchill) Cox. On February 19, 1955, she married Robert A. Van Orman, and he preceded her in death on December 24, 2024.
Joan worked for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District as a Hospital Homebound Teacher for many years. She enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends and family and cherished the time spent traveling with her husband of 69 years, Robert, as well as with her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, daughter, Kimberly Rock, of Goodyear, Arizona, and son, Kevin (Debra) Van Orman, of Chelsea; grandchildren, Brandon (Rafaella) Clark of Spokane, Washington, Jeremy (Kaitlin) Van Orman of Chelsea, Gregory (Kelly Jo) Van Orman of Chelsea, Jason (Alicia) Stetson of Fenton, and Tracy (Jeffrey) Kelly of Pueblo, Colorado; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother, Warner Cox.
Besides her husband, Robert, she was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Richard Cox.
Visitation will be held at Ochalek Funeral Home in Milan on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Burial will take place at Marble Park Cemetery in Milan.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Joan’s name be made to Arbor Hospice.

08/20/2026

Yvonne Leckie

Yvonne Leckie, age 67, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 17, 2026. She was born on April 9, 1959, in Tecumseh, Michigan, to Melvin and Evelyn (Betz) Schroeder.

Yvonne was deeply devoted to her family, and family was everything to her. She especially cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and lived for the joy they brought into her life. In her free time, she loved gardening and traveling the world.

She is survived by her partner, Larry Dzendzel; her children, Cory (Kendrick) Bales and Andrew (Chelsea) John; her 4 grandchildren, Kinley, Maverick, Remi, and Jackson; her siblings, Linda (Bob) Haines and Diana Tucker; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband David Leckie.

Visitation will be held at Ochalek Funeral Home in Milan, Michigan, on Friday, August 28 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m.

Contributions can be made in Yvonne’s honor to Hidden Lake Gardens.

Donation link:

https://ipf.msu.edu/hidden-lake-gardens/donate

08/20/2026

David Patten
Clinton, Michigan

Age 65, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, at ProMedica Hospital, Toledo, Ohio. He was born on September 4, 1960, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Paul and Patricia (Merchand) Patten. He married Connie Gable on August 13, 1988 at Milan Baptist Church, and she survives.

David was a 1978 graduate of Tecumseh High School.

He loved God most of all, his wife, Connie, his family and friends, and would do anything for them if he were able. He had a passion for music and cars, especially 70’s rock and roll. He enjoyed going up north, and being silly with those who knew him best.

In addition to his wife, Connie, Dave is survived by his parents, Paul and Patricia Patten, sisters, Debra (Phillip) Bonam, Pam (Dan) Weasel, Kathy Serrato, and Kris Patten, his mother-and father-in-law, Robert and Judith Gable, brother-in-law, Brian, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, and the sister of his heart, Lori.

Visitation will be held at Ochalek Funeral Home, Milan on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 5:00 – 6: 00 pm with a Celebration of Life for family and friends to pay tribute beginning at 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice of Lenawee in David’s name.

www.ochalekfuneral.com

08/14/2026

Carolyn D. Holcomb
Ann Arbor, MI

Age 83, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026, at Hillside Terrace in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was born on July 12, 1943, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Harold and Genevieve (Gilbert) Holcomb.

Carolyn was a 1962 graduate of Milan High School and went on to graduate from Cleary College in 1964 with an Associate’s Degree in Business and Accounting. She worked at the University of Michigan Medical School as an administrative assistant and accounting assistant from 1980 until 1987. She then worked as a bookkeeper for CBES (Curtis Bailey Exelby Sposito) until 1995. From 1997 until 2013, Carolyn worked at the University of Michigan Molecular Behavioral Neuroscience Institute as a Senior Administrative Assistant.

After retiring, Carolyn continued to give back to her community by volunteering at the University of Michigan and Catholic Social Services. In her free time, she enjoyed watching Detroit Tigers baseball and University of Michigan football.

She is survived by her brothers, Dale Holcomb, Frank (Glenda) Holcomb and Harold Holcomb.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Richard Holcomb.

Visitation will be held at Ochalek Funeral Home, Milan, on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Marble Park Cemetery in Milan. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

07/28/2026

Maxine Irene Layton
Maybee, Michigan

Age 88, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Hospice of Lenawee in Adrian, Michigan. She was born on August 24, 1937 in Salyersville, Kentucky to Luther and Viola Rowe. Maxine was one of eleven children growing up in London Township. She graduated from Dundee High School. On February 10, 1957 she married the love of her life, Bobby Layton in Dundee, Michigan. Bobby preceded her in death on October 27, 1990.

Maxine was a devout Christian and regularly attended the London United Methodist Church. She surrounded herself with the loving company of her children, grands, great grands, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and many cousins. She was loved by many and loved others even more. Called Grandma Maxi by her grandkids and any child she met, she was a warm landing, strong embrace, and a daily example to others of resilience through Christ. When not deep in rich conversation, you could find her tending to her lush garden, baking up recipes with love, soaking in the sun on the golf course and catching a good sale. All of her favorite hobbies she rejoiced in sharing with her children and grands. Maxine enjoyed the simple pleasures that life had to offer and valued her relationship with her family with every ounce of her being.

She is survived by her two sons: Robbie (Cindy) Layton and Rodney (Kelly) Layton, Son-in-law: Bobby Gruden, grandchildren: David (Danielle) Gruden, Rebecca Gruden, Jessie (Nichole) Layton, Luke Gruden, Kelsie (Jay) Sroufe, Olivia (Cary) Chall, Taylor (Caleb) Krueger, Jarrod Layton, Julia Layton, Ethan Layton and her eleven great grandkids. She has three remaining siblings: Karl Rowe, Ray (Carolyn) Rowe and Danny (Gail) Clark. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive, including Jean Helton who was thought of like a sister.

Besides her husband Bobby Layton, she was preceded in death by her parents, daughter: Barbara Gruden, two grandsons: Lance Gruden and Chandler Layton, along with seven siblings: Pauline Thompson, Lois Mayfield, Mary “Faye” Werstein, Paul “Johnny” Rowe, Kile “Dee” Rowe, Bob “Bub” Rowe and Goldie “Mick” Lefler.

Visitation will be held at Ochalek Funeral Home, Milan, Michigan on Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 3:00pm – 8:00pm, and Friday, July 31, 2026 from 10:00am – until time of Funeral Service beginning at 11:00am. Burial will be at the London Township Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the London United Methodist Church in the basement banquet hall. Contributions may be made to the London Community United Methodist Church.

Ochalek Funeral Service

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