Donald Dietzel

Funeral Information

Don’s funeral service will be on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Michigan Ave. Mennonite Church. The family will be present to receive visitors on Sunday at the Ransford Funeral Home in Pigeon from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Monday at the church at 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Michigan Ave. Mennonite Church and Gideons International. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon. Friends may share memories, thoughts, and prayers online at www.RansfordFuneralHome.com.

Family of the Deceased

Don leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters, Mischelle (Todd) Rozema of Hamilton and Melissa (David) Voelker of Tampa; grandchildren, Courtney (Dan) Lubbers, Tasha (Caleb) Malboeuf, Jordan (Ashleigh) Rozema, Taylor Rozema, Jacob Voelker, and Mitchell Voelker; great-grandchildren, Isaac, Gaberiel, Caleb, Nathaniel, Jairus, Trenton, Camden, Bryson, Koregan, and Jackson; sister, Eileen (John) Bedford of Greensburg, KY. In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Eldon (Joyce) Dietzel.

Biography

Donald K. Dietzel of Pigeon, age 90, passed away on the morning of Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Country Gardens Assisted Living. He was born November 18, 1934 in Bad Axe, the son of the late Alvin and Lucy (Faupel) Dietzel. Don graduated from Elkton High School with the class of 1953 and then completed the Agricultural Short Course at Michigan State. He came back home to Elkton and operated the family dairy farm on Geiger Rd. Don married the love of his life, the former Sharon Stalter, on October 13, 1962 at Michigan Ave. Mennonite Church in Pigeon. Their marriage was blessed with nearly fifty-nine years and countless memories. Sadly, Sharon passed on January 25, 2021. Don lived a life shaped by faith, family, and service. He and his wife often opened their home for dinners and shared many good years bowling, golfing, and serving with Gideons International. They were long-time members of Michigan Avenue Mennonite Church and volunteered together at the Relief Sale in Fairview and with Youth for Christ. Don was also active in a Farm Bureau group and was a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. He enjoyed sports of all kinds, both watching and playing. Don took part in softball and basketball, sang in the Men’s Community Choir and the church choir, and never turned down a chance to join a game. He loved putting puzzles together, playing Rummikub and teaching his grandchildren, and scored the game winning point in the corn hole tournament at Country Gardens. Don liked tending his garden, especially his sweet corn, and helped make maple nut twists each year. He was usually the first to sign up for activities and brought steady energy to everything he did. Don showed his love through actions. He listened well, helped where he was needed, and cared for others in quiet, consistent ways. His family and friends always knew how much they meant to him.

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Ethel Miller

Funeral Information

Mass of Christian burial will take place 12pm Saturday November 15, 2025 at St. Herbert Parish/Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Yesu Mulakaleti. Visitation will be 3pm-8pm Friday November 14, 2025 at MacAlpine Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will also be at the church 11am on Saturday November 15, 2025 until time of service. Memorial may be offered to the family c/o Mary Ridalls. Condolences can be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com

Family of the Deceased

Ethel is survived by: Her brother Irven Paul Miller her sister Mary (Miller) Ridalls her nieces and nephews; Michelle (Scott) Beltz, David Scott & Dr. Amy Miller, Five great nieces and nephews and one great - great nephew. She is preceded in death by; her parents Irven and Anna Miller, her sisters Michelle Marie Miller, Patricia Miller and Marcella Scott, her brother Corp. Robert Miller.

Biography

Ethel Marie Miller 75 of Bellville, Michigan formerly of Bad Axe passed away November 11, 2025 at Corewell Health, Wayne County. She was born in Bad Axe to the late Irven and Anna (Kladzyk) Miller on January 19, 1950. Ethel is a graduate of Central Florida University with a degree in computer science. Ethel enjoyed spending time on Tick Tock watching various animal antics and watching mysterious and crime shows especially, NCIS and Criminal minds. Ethel loved her favorite furry friend Bailey who has also passed away. Ethel worked for Comcast of Ann Arbor Michigan for 12 years. She had a great community of friends that she greatly enjoyed, her closet devoted friend was her cousin Garrett.

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Nathan Vogel

Funeral Information

Nate’s funeral service will be on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at the Caseville Methodist Church. Rev. Ryan Badgerow will officiate with the burial following at Caseville Cemetery. Nate’s family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his 12:00 p.m. funeral. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Laura Vogel, for Violet’s college fund. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon. Friends may share memories, thoughts, and prayers online at www.RansfordFuneralHome.com.

Family of the Deceased

Nate leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Violet Josephine Vogel and her mother, Ellery Gucwa; his parents, Jeremy and Laura Vogel; brothers, Nicholas (Emily) Vogel and Aaron Vogel; grandma, Beverly Lackie; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ralph Lackie and Dan & Millie Vogel.

Biography

Nathan Daniel Vogel of Bad Axe, age 35, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 8, 2025. He was born June 23, 1990, in Bad Axe, the son of Jeremy and Laura (Lackie) Vogel. He graduated from Caseville High School with the Class of 2008, where he enjoyed playing baseball and performing trombone in the school band. Nate was a member of the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Nate had a lifelong love of sports, collecting baseball cards, cheering on his favorite football teams, and listening to music. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, always eager for his next trip outdoors. Some of his happiest memories were family camping trips and canoeing adventures down the Au Sable River. Nate also had a deep appreciation for animals; they seemed to gravitate toward him. He was known to feed the squirrels and rabbits before himself, often getting distracted by them. Quiet, kind, and big-hearted, Nate cared deeply about everything and everyone around him. He was loyal to those he loved and found joy in the simple things; gardening with his dad, enjoying natural foods, and tending to his own garden, which he proudly grew this year. A lifelong member of Caseville Methodist Church, Nate was baptized and confirmed there. His faith was steadfast, and he always knew Christ. He worked various jobs, with his dad installing gutters, on a dairy farm milking cows, and harvesting. Above all, Nate’s world revolved around his beloved daughter and best friend, Violet. She was the light of his life, and their bond was unbreakable. They shared endless laughter, playful sword fights, and a love that filled every corner of his heart.

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Leona Warner

Funeral Information

In accordance with Leona’s wishes, cremation is to take place, with a memorial service celebrating Leona’s life to be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 123 W Irwin St, Bad Axe, MI 48413, with Rev. Andrew Simpson presiding. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00am until the time of service. Memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or Relay for Life of Huron County. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Funeral Home - Pigeon. Friends may share memories, thoughts, and prayers online at www.RansfordFuneralHome.com.

Family of the Deceased

Leona is survived by children Billy Warner, John (Nicci) Warner, Muriel (Todd) Dutcher, and Guy (Debbie) Warner; grandchildren Danyell Warner, Haley Dutcher, and Jack (Rachel) Dutcher; 5 step-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Nila Soule; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, and her beloved dog JD. Leona was preceded in death by her husband Wallace, brother Robert Soule, and sister Fanny Nieschulz. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of the CVICU at Covenant HealthCare for their kind and compassionate care of Leona.

Biography

Leona Muriel (Soule) Warner, 87, of Elkton passed away unexpectedly surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Leona was born in Ubly, Michigan, on September 20, 1938, to the late Guy and Muriel (Haggard) Soule and was a 1956 graduate of Ubly High School. Leona met Wallace Warner through family and the pair married on October 27, 1956. He preceded her in death on December 2, 2023, after 67 years of marriage. Leona worked sewing seat belts for Hamill Manufacturing until its closing, but her primary calling was as a caregiver, parent, and grandparent to her beloved family. She was deeply invested in the lives of her grandchildren and never missed a sporting event or school activity. Leona cared deeply for her family and community, generously giving her time and affection to numerous fundraisers, church outings, and other events, especially Relay for Life. After marrying Wallace, she became a devoted member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe. Leona was an amateur photographer, always seen with a camera in her hand, and loved playing cards with her friends and family.

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Geraldine Siemen

Funeral Information

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 11 am at St. Hubert Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe, Michigan. A private burial will be held at a later date in St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Helena. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 2 – 8 pm at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe or Wednesday at the church from 10 am until the service time at 11 am. A Rosary service will be offered on Tuesday evening at 7 pm at the funeral home. The family wishes to share a special thanks to Dr. Khan and the great staff at the Huron County Medical Care Facility for the excellent care she received. Memorials may be offered to St. Hubert Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the Huron County Medical Care Facility. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.kaufmanfuneralhome.com

Family of the Deceased

Geraldine is survived by her children: Diane Curran and her husband Gerry of Bad Axe, Cindy Shaw and her husband Glenn of Elkton, Linda Birchfield and her husband Ron of Kinde, daughter-in-law Tina Siemen of Harbor Beach, Richard Siemen of Tennessee, Lori McPhail and her husband Sully of Mississippi, Beverly Sell and her husband Tom of Riga, Dale Siemen of Howell, Jeanette Falk and her husband Steven of Brighton. Geraldine has 28 grandchildren: Renee (Craig) Cole, Rhonda (Rick) Fineis, Rob Curran, Brian (Lisa) Shaw, Kami (Nathanial) Schulze, Doug (Significant other Kirsten) Birchfield, Steven (Sarah) Birchfield, Matthew Birchfield, Sarah Siemen, David Siemen, Nicholas (Shaila) Siemen, Melissa (Richie) Frederick, Merissa (Frank) Myers, Cody Siemen, Lisa (Jason) Sambueso, Randy (Kealee) Armstead, Joshua (Danielle) Campbell, Ryan (Maureen) Burkhard, Dawn (Bryce) VanViliet, Derek Burkhard, Curtis (significant other Maddie) Burkhard, Evan (Katie) Siemen, Alayna (Karter) Maki, Valerie (Logan) Vollmar, Allison Falk, Paige Falk. She also has 23 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Mary Yaroch, her husband Robert, her son Duane, her infant granddaughter, Alexandria Burkhard and her grandson, Timothy Siemen, her sisters, include Regina Yaroch, Irene (Raymond) Jaworski, Florence (Edward) Teper, Berniece (Don Bean/Al Hewett) Bean, her brothers Casmer (Louise) Yaroch, and Roman (Leona) Yaroch.

Biography

Geraldine Clara Siemen, age 91 of Bad Axe, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025 at McLaren Thumb Regional Hospital. She was born on December 7, 1933 in Port Austin to late Leo and Mary (Waldikowski) Yaroch. Geraldine and Robert Siemen were united in marriage on November 10, 1951at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Port Austin. Robert preceded her in death on December 23, 2002. Geraldine was the epitome of love and kindness along with an unwavering faith in God. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Helena for many years, and after relocating to Bad Axe, she became a member of St. Huberts Catholic Church. She and her husband Robert devoted a life of hard work and compassion as partners and parents to family life on the farm. Their love for their families and friends ran deep. Geraldine loved to dance and would never refuse a good card game. She was the best homemaker, spending selfless hours of canning and preparing food for her children and loved ones. Although her physical presence may no longer grace our lives, we hope her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew and loved her.

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Terry and Mary Ann Hanson

Funeral Information

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in their name to the Thumb Animal Shelter, 2260 S. Elkton Rd. Elkton, MI 48731. A celebration of their lives will take place on November 22, 2025. A graveside service will take place at Verona Township Cemetery at 11:30. A luncheon will immediately follow at the FOP Lodge located at 1976 N.Verona Rd, in Rapson. Flannel attire is requested.

Family of the Deceased

They are survived by their children, Bob Papke of Bad Axe and Lana (Bill) Watkoski of Traverse City. Grandchildren, Paul Watkoski of New Port News, VA, Robert Watkoski of Tampa, FL, Lindsay Watkoski of Traverse City, Ashlyn (Nathan) Peterson of Kinde, Abbi Drews of Grayling; two great-granddaughters, Georgia and Maisie Peterson of Kinde; his brother Gene (Linda) Hanson of Cass City; Sister-in-laws Sharon Hanson of Ubly, Shirley Papke of Kingston, and Brother-in-law Jack Wisneski of Kinde; and many nieces and nephews and their faithful dog Ruby. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dale Hanson, Jay (Alice) Hanson, and Ross Hanson; and sisters Dawn Wisneski and Joy (Elmer) Linner. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Charles (Shirley Ellis) Papke, Shelbie (Ted) Ripperdan, Ellen (James) Bush, and Harry Carl Papke Jr. The family extends heart- felt thanks to all the staff on Elm at The Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City for their wonderful care of mom for the last six months and to all the staff at McLaren Thumb Region in Bad Axe for their wonderful care of both of them over the past several years, and to all of their Verona neighbors for "keeping an eye on them". Your kind gestures over the years have not gone unnoticed. Everything from plowing their driveway, getting the mail, groceries, bringing meals, baking pies, mowing the lawn, or helping with their pets. Thank you!

Biography

Terry Kay Hanson, 83, and Mary Ann Hanson, 81, of Verona, a devoted couple for 55 years, both passed away on September 27th, 2025. Terry passed away peacefully at McLaren in Bad Axe. Mary Ann passed away one hour and fifty-three minutes later at Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City. Terry's love, devotion, and patience were beyond evident while caring for Mary Ann, who had dementia. Terry was born in Verona, MI, on March 12th, 1942, to the late Glenn and Glendora (Avery) Hanson. Terry honorably served in the US Army from 1960-62. We thank him for his service to our country. He retired from Nutreina in Ubly. Terry enjoyed hunting in the UP and ice fishing as Lake Simcoe. His yearly vegetable garden was second to none, and he took great pride in it. He was very generous with his harvest, especially his berries and peaches. He enjoyed cooking and canning of all types. Most people know that he had a big booming voice, and if you ever heard him say "STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY RIGHT", you knew you were in trouble! Mary Ann was born in North Branch, MI on May 7, 1944, to the late Harry and Beulah (King) Papke. Mary Ann enjoyed bingo and a winning scratch-off ticket! We will all miss her famous grilled cheese made on Bad Axe bread (Murphy's white, homemade, uncut). She was known for being a hard worker and passed that quality on to her children. Mary Ann retired from Thumb Plastics in Bad Axe. Mary Ann enjoyed growing flowers and would help with any project after she had a smoke and a coffee break. She was an animal lover, especially strays and rescues, and she liked riding horses. She was a faithful walker in the Ron Foster Benefit Dog Walk in Elkton. They listened to WLEW on the radio every day, all day, with the ladies' line being a highlight. They enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre. Sunday morning coffee hour was hosted by them, and you learned a lot about neighborhood news.

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Sheila Clardie

Funeral Information

Sheila has been cremated. Her ashes (along with those from Dave) will be buried alongside of Kristen’s grave in Wisconsin. A service honoring Sheila’s life will be held on Friday, November 28th, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Nazarene Church, 1200 S Thomas Road, Bad Axe, MI. There will be visitation prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 pm. Special monetary tributes to honor Sheila may be offered to the building fund at Bad Axe Nazarene or to Cattaraugus Christian Camp in Cattaraugus, NY. Well Done, good and faithful servant. Enter into your Master’s Joy!! Condolences may be shared at www.kaufmanfuneralhome.com

Family of the Deceased

Sheila is survived by her daughter, Coleen, and son in law, Jerry Sutton. Also continuing are her four grandsons: William in Fleming Island, FL; Benjamin (Hannah) in Lachine, MI; Andrew (Danielle) of Bad Axe, MI; and Robert in Fleming Island, FL. Surviving as well are two brothers, Don (Edna) Fadden and Neil Fadden, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, David, by her daughter Kristen, her sister-in-law, Betty Fadden and her parents Wayne & Edna Fadden. Special thanks to Compassus hospice services, to the caring staff at the AGAPE home in Caro, and to the many friends and family who encouraged her in her final days.

Biography

Sheila Fadden Clardie of Bad Axe, MI was reunited with her husband of 59 years, David, and with her beloved daughter, Kristen, in glory on September 3rd, 2025 following a brief yet courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Morrison, IL to the late Elmer Wayne and Edna Lillian Fadden and grew up on the family farm there. Perhaps those early days equipped her with the life-long ability to store it up, make it work, thin it out, and use it up! In her late teenage years she met a handsome rascal named David Clardie. Little did she know that this meeting- and their ensuing marriage- would affect the lives of thousands in the years to come. Shortly after their wedding Dave’s life was totally transformed when he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Excited to share his newly found faith, he led his young wife Sheila into a relationship with Christ as well. Dave followed a calling to go into ministry with Sheila supporting him all the way. They pastored churches in Kissimmee, FL, Big Rapids, MI, Dwight, IL, Richland Center, WI, and Indianapolis, IN. It was at this point in life that Dave and Sheila decided to pursue a new and bold career as evangelists through the Free Methodist denomination. Dave quickly became known as a uniquely gifted communicator of the Gospel, and was a favorite preacher/speaker at camps, conferences, retreats, and churches nationwide. Sheila enjoyed teaching children, working at youth camps, serving in the church, and supporting Dave’s ministry in every way that she could. Through these ministries, and because of the relationships forged and nurtured by these faithful servants, hundreds came to personal faith in Christ, and thousands were inspired and challenged to grow and mature in their spiritual journey. Dave and Sheila are the proud parents of two daughters, Kristen and Coleen. They endured their greatest heartbreak when their dear Kristen was taken from them in a car accident while returning from her honeymoon. Later on, Coleen would help to fill that void by providing four handsome grandsons to “Papa & Nana.” They loved being totally immersed in the lives of their grandsons- vacations together, attending ball games and ceremonies, playing cards, singing silly songs, worshipping together, enjoying special holidays, and simply spending time and sharing meals together. Sheila especially enjoyed spending time on her porch (“porchin’”) with family and friends. Sheila was a long time member of the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church where she served for years as church librarian and helping to administer the food pantry. She always had a smile, willing to serve in supportive roles wherever and whenever needed. More recently (until declining health prevented it) she worshipped with the vibrant and growing congregation at the Bad Axe Nazarene Church. Whenever possible, she also loved watching streaming services with Dave’s brother, Bobby, at the Lost Lake Community Nazarene Church near Dixon, IL. She will be best remembered for her genuine care for people, as well as for her “gift of gab”- the ability to carry on a conversation with anyone, anywhere, about anything, at anytime. She also loved to read, keeping the local libraries and mail order companies quite busy!

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