Chad Trinkle

Chad Trinkle, age 47, passed away peacefully on May 4th, 2025, in his home in Dexter, MI. Chad was born on June 13, 1977, in Ann Arbor MI  to Doug and Penny Trinkle.  

Chad was a hard working, fun-having, larger than life person. He had a gentle soul that cared for animals and a tremendous heart that loved his family, friends, and community. Chad was one of the most giving and helpful people you could ever be lucky enough to meet. His chuckle and smile were famous for being contagious and would never be the only smile or laugh left in the room. Even strangers fell victim to Chad’s warm laughter.

Chad was the husband to Carrie (Vargo) and the father of three beautiful children. Married on December 7th, 2002, Chad and Carrie built their family on a foundation of selfless love. As a team, Chad and Carrie struggled and thrived through life’s ups and downs knowing they always had each other’s back.

As a young man, Chad worked at a number of local businesses including Chelsea Grain Elevator and Chelsea Lumber. He would later go on to work for the Washtenaw County Road Commission for over 20 years. Chad was very active in the community, volunteering countless hours at the Chelsea Fairgrounds. For over two decades Chad served on the Chelsea Fair Board, further devoting his time and effort to maintaining and improving the fairgrounds and surrounding community.

Chad was a lifelong farmer. Growing up, Chad’s love for farming was instilled in him by his dad, who he would spend countless hours with working in the barn or out in the field. If Chad was missing, the first place to look was always the farm, and he’d probably be there. Chad passed this love of farming and raising livestock down to his own children. It was often teased that Chad’s favorite holiday was fair week, but it was true. He loved watching his kids show animals at the fair and would always be proud of their hard work and time spent preparing for the fair. One of his proudest moments in life was when his son, Josh, got back in the ring and showed pigs after many years of not doing so. Josh has muscular dystrophy, a very challenging and restrictive disease. With Chad’s encouragement, Josh returned to showing his animals at the fair. Chad told Josh, “No matter what challenge you face, you can always find a way to make it possible.”

Chad enjoyed watching WWE, football, and many other TV shows with his family. Chad loved going places with Josh, especially football games. Wherever he went, a can of Grizzly and a Pepsi went too.

He loved spending time with his granddaughter, Maya, when she traveled for long visits. He wanted her to call him “Gramps,” but she renamed him “PawPaw.” He would take her down to the farm to see the cows and on tractor rides whenever he could. Caroline, his new granddaughter, was born just a few days before he passed. Although he wasn’t able to meet her, stories about the man her Paw Paw was will be told for all her life.

Chad is survived by his parents, Doug and Penny Trinkle; his wife, Carrie (Vargo); two siblings, Tammie (Kevin) Christian and Tony (Julie) Trinkle; his three beautiful children, Sam (Kyle) Gorny, Emily Trinkle, and Josh Trinkle; two granddaughters, Maya and Caroline Gorny; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends and family will gather at the Chelsea Community Fair Grounds to celebrate Chad’s life.

Visitation will be held at the Chelsea Fairgrounds Sports Barn on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 1-2 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at the Chelsea Fairgrounds Sports Barn on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. A funeral luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the family to assist with the care of his beloved family. Carrie, Samantha, Emily, and Josh.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.