Name: Helen Marie Talisman
Age: 61
Hometown: Harbor Beach
Funeral Date: March 29, 2023
Date of Birth: February 27, 1962
Date of Passing: March 24, 2023
Funeral Home: MacAlpine Funeral Home
A visitation will be held on Wednesday March 29, 2023 at the MacAlpine Funeral Home, Mac Chapel in Bad Axe from 2:00-8:00 PM. Memorials may be offered to the family discretionary fund c/o Scott Jenkins. Condolences may be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com
Helen is survived by Scott; sons David Talisman, Danniel Talisman, Dalton Talisman; granddaughter Valentina Talisman; sisters Nancy Bartley, Lisa (Bill) Rohlik, Tammy Pomranky, Holli Germain, Valerie (Chris) Balfe, Tina Tremblay, Kelcy (Sean) Beck; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by brothers in law Scott Bartley, Elliot Pomranky and Richard Germain.
Helen was born on February 27, 1962 to the late Richard and Bonnie (Boynton) Rochefort. Helen and Scott Jenkins have been partners for 10 years. Her greatest joy in life was being a Grandmother to her granddaughter Valentina who called her GaGa T. She loved to spend hours with her every chance she could. Helen worked as a cook at the Port Hope Hotel, winning the Leroy burger of the year for 2022. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, gifting family with afghans and warm slippers. She also made cancer hats for those she knew. She took pride in her gardens and had beautiful flowers to share. Helen was a person full of life, a vibrant radiant person who lived life to the fullest. Her favorite motto was “Life is too short”.
Name: Patricia Marie Insana
Age: 89
Hometown: Harbor Beach
Funeral Date: March 28, 2023
Visitation will begin at 10 am on Tuesday March 28 at Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church in Harbor Beach, MI. Mass will begin at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations to ASPCA or the Humane Society will be appreciated. Arrangements are being handled by the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach. Memories can be shared at www.RamseyFH.com
She loved her brother Gene, and remained close to him for his entire life. She was named Patricia in celebration of her St. Patrick's Day birthday. Pat attended the University of Detroit before marrying Frank Insana, the love of her life, on January 23, 1954. Pat and Frank wanted a large family and were blessed with seven children, Michael, Glenn, Gary, Cindy, Kathy, Jeffrey, and David. They loved having family reunions to spend time with their twenty three grandchildren and twenty five great-grandchildren. From Weideman Street to Alliance Court to Harbor Beach, they have always built a strong community of neighbors and friends. Pat was a talented artist and seamstress. She made her children's clothes and crafted beautiful backyard parties. Most recently she built a business called Pat's Paintings, where she would host friends for an afternoon of painting and good food. She sold paintings at craft shows but mostly gave her artwork as gifts and donations. Pat was a very active member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Church and enjoyed attending special 3events with fellow parishioners. There was always room at Pat's dinner table to share homemade golumpki or spaghetti with meatballs. When she wasn't welcoming cherished friends and family into her home, she enjoyed quiet days with her husband and dog, gardening and listening to Frank Sinatra.
Patricia Marie Insana, 89, of Harbor Beach, MI, passed away on March 22, 2023. Pat was born on March 17, 1934 to Elizabeth and John Buckley in Detroit, MI.
Name: Alfredo Santos Sr
Age: 86
Hometown: Elkton
Funeral Date: March 27, 2023
Date of Birth: October 03, 1936
Date of Passing: March 22, 2023
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
A funeral mass will be 11:00am Monday, March 27th at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, Fr. George Amos presiding, with burial in Riverside Cemetery, Elkton. Visitation will be Noon to 6pm Sunday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Pigeon. There will be a rosary at 4pm Sunday. Memorials may be made to the family.
Fred is survived by his wife Georgina; children Alfredo Jr. (Lori) of Elkton, Josefina “Lily” Mason of Villarica, Georgia, Pedro (Janet) of Bay City, and Martha (Steve) Batts of Essexville; grandchildren Joshua, Chad (Sara) and Matthew Santos, Sarah (Graham) Watkins and Brett Lenda; great-grandchildren Amanda, Colton and Brady Santos and Wyatt Watkins; sisters Maria (David) Armbruster of Bay City, Anita (Greg) Harrant of Midland and Rosa (John) Klosowski of Elkton; and sister-in-law Wanda Santos of Cass City. He was preceded in death by his sister Esperanza Hernandez and brother Joe Santos.
Alfredo Santos Sr., 86, of Elkton, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at his home. Fred was born October 3, 1936 in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico to the late Jose and Paula (Cruz) Santos. His family moved to Elkton when he was 12 years old to work as migrant workers. On March 15, 1954 he married Georgina Ramos in Bad Axe, they just celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. Fred retired from the Wallace and Morley Grain Elevator in Elkton after 50 years. Fred lived a life of service to his adopted hometown serving in numerous capacities, including: Elkton Village Council, Oliver Twp Board of Trustees, Huron County Democratic Party, Oliver Twp Fire Department (Past Chief), Elkton Lions Club (Past President), Elkton Historical Society, Bay City Moose Lodge and president of the local union. A man of faith, he was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, a founding member of the Society for the Virgin of Guadalupe, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Name: Millie C Miracle
Age: 90
Hometown: Cass City
Funeral Date: March 28, 2023
Funeral services will be 1:00pm Tuesday, March 28th at the Champagne Funeral Chapel with Rev. Karen Bouverette officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Elkton. Visitation will begin at 11:00am Tuesday and continue until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to the family
Millie is survived by her husband Glen; children Glen "Mic" (Evelyn) of Florida, Wanda Santos of Cass City and Gail Mellendorf of Cass City; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by daughter Vickie Martinez, sons-in-law Joe Santos and Richard Martinez, granddaughter Savannah Santos, and all her siblings.
Millie C. "Nan" Miracle, 90, of Cass City, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at home. Millie was born July 3, 1932 in Redford to the late Rollie and Florence (Booker) Lee. She married Glen Miracle on November 4, 1949 in Northville. In 1964 the family moved from Farmington to the Thumb. She enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, playing BINGO, and jigsaw puzzles.
Name: Loretta Lynn Kula
Age: 43
Hometown: Elkton
Funeral Date: Not Available
Date of Birth: February 08, 1980
Date of Passing: March 20, 2023
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
No services are planned at this time. Champagne Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.
She is survived by her mother Cindy Brooks and stepfather Ronald of Clifford; her fiancé Ralph Dwyer; 2 children Sara M. (Laba) Rowley and her husband, Todd of Elkton and Robert A. Kula of Elkton; 5 siblings, Robert H. Woodruff and his wife, Mary Jo of Melvin, Roger D. Woodruff and his wife, Cheryl of Evart, Richard L. Woodruff and his wife, Brenda of Chase, Wanda A. Woodruff of North Carolina, David Friday and his wife Debra of Caro, Domonic Ford of Watertown and Desi?e of North Branch. Loretta was preceded in death by her father Robert L. Woodruff; 3 siblings Ida M. Woodruff, Edgar E. Woodruff and Jimmy A. Woodruff; and her ex-husband Jeffrey J. Laba.
Loretta Lynn Kula, 43, resident of Elkton, passed away Monday, March 20, 2023, at Covenant Cooper Medical Center in Saginaw. She was born on February 8, 1980, in Deckerville to Cindy M. (Friday) Brooks and the late Robert L. Woodruff. Loretta loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, and spending time with friends.
Name: John A. Gretch
Age: 74
Hometown: Owendale
Funeral Date: March 25, 2023
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11 am at Good Shepherd Parish – St. Columbkille Catholic Church of Sheridan Corner. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 from 3 – 8 pm at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe or Saturday at the church from 10 am until the service time at 11 am. Memorials may be offered to the American Cancer Society, Thumb Animal Shelter or the family discretionary fund.
Left to also cherish John’s memory are his children Christine (Claude) Kolar of Unionville and Michael J. Gretch (Jennifer Fox) of Davison; four grandchildren, Michael R. Gretch, Lauren Kolar, Camryn Kolar, and Brooke Kolar; sisters Mary (John) Dowling of Onsted and Eleanor Murphy of Albuquerque, NM, sisters-in-law Shirley Blome of Bad Axe, and Donna (Clare) Bechler of Pigeon; his godchildren Todd (Beth) Snay and Tammy Fritz; and his cuddly best buddy, his rescue dog, Teddy along with many nieces and nephews. Since he was not blessed with brothers, he acquired two special “brothers”, Michael Radomski and Don MacMillan who were always getting into mischief together. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by in-laws Clarence and Clara (Naffien) Kipfer, his sister and brother-in-law Lillian and Bill Snay, brothers-in-law Richard Sturgis and John Blome.
John A. Gretch of Owendale, age 74, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at home with his loving wife by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. John was born December 4, 1948, the son of the late John C. and Augustina (Masa) Gretch. He graduated from Bad Axe High School with the class of 1967. He married the love of his life, Betty Kipfer, in 1968. They could often be seen holding hands like young love throughout their 54 years of marriage. John worked in several trades throughout his career such as a welder, die setter and millwright with his last job retiring from the Cooperative Elevator. John took great pride in everything he did and was known for his enormous garden he planted every year for the joy of watching it grow and sharing its bounty. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to casinos with friends and spoiling his grandchildren.
Name: Cory Michael McCain
Age: 40
Hometown: Pigeon, MI
Funeral Date: March 25, 2023
Date of Birth: August 01, 1982
Date of Passing: March 20, 2023
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
A funeral service will be 11:00am Saturday, March 25th at the Champagne Funeral Chapel with Rev. Ryan Badgerow officiating. Visitation will be 2-8 Friday. Memorials may be made to the family. www.ChampagneFuneralChapel.com
Cory is survived by his parents Michael and Jennie of Pigeon; sisters Doreen (Eric) Ford of Mississippi, Cally McCain of Hazel Park; nieces and nephews Dorothy, Xavier, Sabrina, Francisco, Timothy, James and Samuel.
Cory Michael McCain, 40, of Pigeon, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2023 at McLaren Bay Region Hospital in Bay City. Cory was born August 1, 1982 in Pigeon to Michael and Jennie (Dunn) McCain. He graduated from Laker High School in 2002. He enjoyed Michigan State Athletics and Laker Athletics. Cory was learning to walk again having had his leg amputated above the knee. He loved his dogs Lexi, Bailey and Sophie.
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Name: Dorothy (Kitty) Jean Rogers
Age: 89
Hometown: Bad Axe
Funeral Date: March 23, 2023
Date of Birth: January 28, 1934
Date of Passing: March 19, 2023
Funeral Home: MacAlpine Funeral Home
Visitation for Kitty will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at St. Hubert’s Catholic Church in Bad Axe from 10:00-12:00. A Memorial Mass will follow at 12:00 at the church with Fr. T.J. Fleming and Fr. Donald Eppenbrock officiating. Per Kitty’s wishes, cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest you donate to the Shared Blessings Food Pantry c/o St. Hubert’s Parish. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com
Kitty is survived by her son Jim Rogers, daughter Katie Batzer: grandchildren Victoria (Kelly) Durr, Benjamin Rogers, Jeremy Rogers and Clare Batzer; twin brother Fr. Donald Eppenbrock; sister Janie Shuart; brother in law Joe Schramski, and several nieces and nephews. Kitty was preceded in death by her daughter in law Renee Rogers, son in law Dave Batzer, infant daughter Mary, daughter Julie; brothers Henry Eppenbrock, William Eppenbrock; sisters Ruth Schramski, Margaret Carpenter and Judy Reimann.
Kitty was born on January 28, 1934 to the late William and Margaret (Hessling) Eppenbrock. Kitty worked for many years in the Huron County Office of Superintendents, Huron County Friend of the Court and Sacred Heart Parish. Kitty was always willing to help when she could, donating her time, talents and food. She never refused a trip to a casino, or a game of cards with family or friends. She looked forward to meeting and visiting friends for lunch and family dinners on Sunday. Her faith in God was very strong, which helped her through any challenges she faced.
Name: Joyce A. Christner
Age: 84
Hometown: Pigeon
Funeral Date: March 21, 2023
Date of Birth: September 18, 1938
Date of Passing: March 17, 2023
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
A funeral service will be 11:00am Tuesday, March 21st at the Pigeon First United Methodist Church with Rev. David Leineke officiating. Burial will be in Grand Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 pm Monday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. The family would like to thank the staff at Country Gardens and A&D Hospice for their compassionate care. Memorials may be made to the Pigeon First United Methodist Church or Gideon’s International.
She is survived by her husband Dale; children Kent (Karen) of Pigeon, Karrie (Gregory) Foy of Pigeon, Debby (Michael) Johnson of South Lyon, and Norman (Melissa) of Cottontown, Tennessee; grandchildren Scott, Steven, Breanna, Brooklyn, Hannah, Allison, Makiya, Drew, Logan, Brynn, Ashton, and Teagan; great-grandchildren Felicity, Derek, and Hudson; sisters Rhea Miller of Caseville and Mae Standen of Alpena. She was preceded in death by brother Lawrence Roestel and infant daughter Michele.
Joyce A. Christner, 84, of Pigeon, passed away Friday, March 17, 2023 at Country Gardens Assisted Living in Pigeon. Joyce was born September 18, 1938 in Chandler Twp to the late Walter and Lillian (Moore) Roestel. In 1957 she graduated from Pigeon High School. She married Dale Christner on October 4, 1958 at the Pigeon Methodist Church. Joyce was a lifelong member of Pigeon First United Methodist Church where she participated with Women in Faith, Michigan Farm Bureau, Huron County 4-H, and the Gideon’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, traveling and a dedicated farm wife. She enjoyed spending winters in Chandler, Arizona and the friendship she made there. Her passion was time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Name: Donald Evans Roberts
Age: 93
Hometown: Caseville
Funeral Date: May 06, 2023
Date of Birth: October 14, 2023
Date of Passing: March 14, 2023
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
A Memorial service will be at 1:00pm Saturday, May 6th at Champagne Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in Novesta Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00am Saturday until the time of the service. www.ChampagneFuneralChapel.com
He is survived by his children Brenda (Joe) Gillette, Craig (Cathy) Roberts, Diane (Jim) Floch, and Kevin (Lisa) Roberts; grandchildren Donald (Chelsea) Gillette, Jessica Gillette, Dean Roberts, Jenna Fallon, and Jack Greenshields; great-granddaughter Jocelyn Gillette; his siblings Karen (Marv) Hollenbeck, Glenda (Pat) White, Roseanne (Ron) Kopacz, and Bruce (Barb) Roberts; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandson Joey Gillette and siblings Hazen Roberts, Alan Roberts, Richard Roberts, Erma Lawson, Marilyn Eckenswiller, and Lavonne Roberts.
Donald was born October 14, 1929 in Snover, Michigan to the late Glen and Ada (Robison) Roberts. He proudly served in the US Army. He married Lois Little in November of 1953; she preceded him in death on July 5, 2015. He was employed at Chrysler for many years as a toolroom supervisor. He lived in Mio, Michigan until the death of his wife. They enjoyed snowmobiling, pontooning on the river, camping, and their Florida winter home. He relocated to Caseville to be closer to his two daughters. He was a member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge, and the Eagles Club. He was someone who was always willing to help anytime that he could.
Name: Louise A. McIlhargie
Age: 85
Hometown: Caseville
Funeral Date: March 20, 2023
A memorial service will be at 1:00pm Monday, March 20th at the Champagne Funeral Chapel with Rev. Karen Bouverette officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00am and continue until the time of the service.
Louise is survived by her children Peggy (Kevin) Forster of Caseville, Carrie (Ric) Geilhart of Caseville, Lauree (Carl) Ryan of Caseville, Mike of Caseville and Penny Woelfert of Mt. Pleasant; 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; and sisters Marion Yax of Caseville and Rita (Sam) Tibbits of Kinde. She was preceded in death by her siblings Vernetta King, David Gosselin, and Joseph Gosselin.
Louise was born June 13, 1937 in Detroit to the late David and Marion (Clos) Gosselin. She grew up in Detroit and spent summers at the family cottage in Oak Beach. She graduated from Annunciation High School, Detroit in 1955. On September 14, 1957 she married Richard McIlhargie; he preceded her in death April 16, 2020.
Name: Mason James Soper
Age: 19
Hometown: Harbor Beach
Funeral Date: March 21, 2023
Date of Birth: February 22, 2004
Date of Passing: March 13, 2023
Funeral Home: MacAlpine Funeral Home
Visitation for Mason will be held on Monday March 20, 2023 from 2-8 PM at MacAlpine Funeral Home, Bad Axe. Funeral services will be Tuesday March 21, 2023 at Bad Axe Free Methodist Church, Bad Axe. Visitation will also be on Tuesday at the church from 10 AM until time of service at 11AM. Mason will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery, Port Hope. There will be a memorial luncheon at the Harbor Beach High School following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mason’s family, in care of his mother Dorreen Furness, Thumb Animal Shelter or a special fund set up for the CAD program at the Huron Area Technical Center. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com
He is survived by; mother Dorreen Furness, father Clarence Soper, step father Ray Furness, brother Preston Soper, special friend Nicole Osantowski of Ruth, sister Tia Soper of Saginaw, special friend Jeremiah Clennan, step sister Cassie Vance (Scott) of Cass City, step brother Trevor Furness of Harbor Beach. His Aunts & Uncles; Duane & Lisa Pleiness, Port Hope, Karen & Bill Jurgess, Harbor Beach; Cathy and Dan Abraham, Argyle, Jerry & Janet Soper, Parisville, James Soper, Harbor Beach, Rose Soper, Bad Axe; and his close friends Vincent, Jalen, Sam, Quiten, & Dylan. Welcoming him home with open arms are his grandparents Harold & Joyce Pleiness, James & Greta Soper, his Aunt Peggy Arntz, Uncles; Pete Soper and Sam Soper.
Mason James Soper, 19, of Harbor Beach, our beloved son, brother, nephew and friend passed away into the arms of our Lord suddenly on Monday March 13, 2023. We never really know the impact we have on people's lives. Mason never wanted anyone to be put out for his sake. Although he left us way too soon he had such a kind heart and touched so many lives that he left this world a better place. He was a very compassionate person and loved his dogs Zoey and Chico. Among some of his interests was watching anime, his favorite being One Piece. He loved gaming online with his friends. He was employed at Little Caesars in Harbor Beach. He was born February 22, 2004 to Dorreen (Pleiness) Furness and Clarence Soper at Huron Memorial Hospital in Bad Axe. Mason attended Zion Lutheran in grade school, then Adams Country school up to the 8th grade. He was attending Harbor Beach Community School where he academically achieved top 10 in his senior class. Mason was a fantastic all around student. He took challenging courses and always excelled. Mason was a straight A student, and enrolled in multiple dual classes and multiple AP classes, even pre-calc, and several programming classes. Mason excelled in everything he did. All of the staff, students and administration will miss him. He was universally liked. He was excited and proud (although he wouldn’t admit it) to be in the CAD program at the Huron Area Technical Center. Mason planned to attend SVSU in the fall for Mechanical Engineering.
Name: Jack Eugene Jensen
Age: 92
Hometown: Pigeon, MI
Funeral Date: April 22, 2023
Jack Eugene Jensen, 92, of Pigeon, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Huron County Medical Care Facility surrounded by his family. Jack was born July 26, 1930 in New Richland, Minnesota to the late Agnes “Tiny” Loveland. His family moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota where Jack spent his summers swimming in Fountain Lake, his oasis and favorite place on Earth. Later Jack moved to Detroit to live with his mother and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1949. Swimming was his passion and he held many records for the swim team. He briefly attended Ohio State University on a swim scholarship, but ultimately joined the Army and served in the Signal Supply on Okinawa, Japan. He credited the Army for giving him a firm foundation and the Army flag proudly flew on his flagpole. He also learned the Japanese language and his favorite expression of thank you was “Arigato.” Jack joined the Detroit Police Department upon returning to the States. He proudly served as Aide to Commissioner George Edwards. He completed his career in Detroit serving on the Youth Bureau. He had an active role in the Lieutenants and Sergeants Association and was proud of the accomplishments they were able to obtain for their membership. A fiercely loyal man, with a personality that matched his stature, Jack always wanted to leave his mark on whatever he touched. Jack started his family while in Detroit. He married Dolores “Dee” Sadler on January 23, 1954, and together they raised seven children: Karen of Utah, Kurt of Virginia, the late Kevin, Krista Nugent of Bay City, Jeff of Caseville, Frantz (Kitty) of Cass City and Liz (Jay) of California. Jack retired from the Detroit Police Department in 1980. Dee passed away shortly after they moved to Caseville, and her passing left a huge hole in Jack’s heart. He then served as Chief of Police in Caseville. He loved the people and community of Caseville; they were his people. Together he and John Gunsell proudly patrolled the streets of Caseville and had fun while doing so. While in Caseville Jack raised three grandchildren, Erica, Anthony and August, and he often credited them for saving his life after losing Dee. Jack completed his career by serving as Huron County District Court Bailiff. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there, and retired at the age of 80. To Jack age was merely a number, and he lived life completely and passionately. Music was a passion for Jack, and he enjoyed collecting vinyl records with his cohort in crime, Paul Lanuzza, whom he loved like a brother. On September 17, 1994 Jack married Karen Roberts in Harbor Beach. They were able to celebrate 28 years of marriage. He told Karen their life would be an adventure when they married, and it was. He also told her life would never be dull around him. It wasn’t. Jack is survived by his grandchildren: Erica (Jeff) Steadman, Anthony (Connie) Cardillo, the late August, Timothy Martinez, the late Victoria Martinez, Laura (Shawn) Brown, Diana (Karl) Robbins, Alex Darow, Luke Darow, John Nugent, Jamie Nugent, Nicole (Mike) Jensen, Ben Wilburn and Emma Wilburn; several great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson Hudson Carpenter; sisters-in-law Kathy (Gary) Bauer and Kari (Ed) Tucker; brother-in-law Bernie (Shelly) Roberts; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful Corgi, Hero. Jack was preceded in death by his first wife Dee, son Kevin, grandson August, granddaughter Victoria, daughter-in-law Carol, mothers and fathers-in-law John and Margaret Sadler and Bernard and Doris Roberts, and his best friend Donald Hydorn. Jack would like to thank all the staff who touched his life with such care and compassion during the last months of his life. A special thank you to A Change of Seasons Hospice and Dr. Ali Khan. He would also like to thank all the neighbors who mowed the lawn and never let a leaf touch the yard. A special thank you to Fred and Cindi Herrin who took Hero in as their own. Jack loved you all. A memorial service will be 11:00am Saturday, April 22nd at the Champagne Funeral Chapel with Chaplain Ed Tucker officiating. Visitation will be 2-8pm Friday, April 21st. Memorials may be made to the Thumb Animal Shelter. Jack’s motto was never to kick a man when they are down. In honor of Jack, please perform an act of kindness for someone who could use a hand.
Name: Kevin M. Ruth
Age: 37
Hometown: Pigeon
Funeral Date: April 22, 2023
Date of Birth: August 21, 1985
Date of Passing: February 24, 2023
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
A celebration of life will be from 1:00pm to 6:00pm Saturday, April 22nd at 645 Second Street, Bay Port, MI 48720. Champagne Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.
Kevin is survived by his children Miah and Keegan; mother Lee Ann of Pigeon and father Dale Sr. of Otsego; siblings Dale Jr. (Tricia) of Bay Port, Jeremy of Bay Port, Sarah Gremel of Bay Port, Craig (Brenda) of Otsego and Christina (Adam) Gonzales of Pigeon; mothers of his children Kayleigh Champagne and Yvonne Carter; several nieces and nephews.
Kevin M. Ruth, 37, of Pigeon, passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 24, 2023 at Saganing Eagles Landing Casino in Standish. Kevin was born August 21, 1985 in Bad Axe to Dale and Lee Ann (Bieri) Ruth. He graduated in 2004 from Caseville High School. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He enjoyed scrapping, and playing jokes and pranks. Kevin had a big heart and wanted to help people however he could. Kevin enjoyed spending time with his children and nieces and nephews.
Name: Melissa Ann Taylor
Age: 52
Hometown: Bad Axe,MI
Funeral Date: March 25, 2023
Date of Birth: June 22, 1970
Date of Passing: February 17, 2023
Funeral Home: MacAlpine Funeral Home
A celebration of her Life will be held March 25, 2023 at the Bad Axe Expo Center, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Memorials may be offered to the family in care of Tim Taylor. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalinefuneralhome.com.
She is survived by her mother Sharon (Dick) Sobczak; husband Tim; daughter Amanda Hallock; sons Bret Peruski, Jonathan Taylor; brothers Ken Hallock Jr., Christopher Hallock, Rich Sobzcak; sisters Bridget Hallock-Nowiski, Dawn Hallock-Nowiski; grandson Benedict Hallock. Melissa was preceded in death by her father Ken Hallock. Melissa will be missed by so many people who knew and loved her.
Melissa Ann Taylor, 52 years old of Bad Axe, passed away on February 17, 2023 at her home surrounded in love by her family. Melissa was born on June 22, 1970 to Ken Hallock and Sharon Sobzcak. Melissa had her two children, Bret and Amanda when she got together with her husband Tim in 1995. Soon after they welcomed their baby boy Jonathan, and she and Tim were married in 2006 with family and friends by their side. Melissa loved her family, friends and all the times they spent together enjoying dinners, parties and the occasional concert. Melissa loved to bake and made the best 7 layered bars. In 2020 she got the news that she was going to be a grandma and she was so excited, she couldn’t wait. Her precious grandson Benedict was born later that year and he was the light that gave her strength through her final days. One thing Melissa was known for was her Haunted House that she designed and put together for 10 years with the help of her family. It became a reality from a goal her son had when he was no longer interested in trick-or-treating, but wanted to share the fun with the neighborhood. Even with all of the work, Melissa enjoyed sharing the excitement with everyone and handing out thousands of pieces of candy. Melissa worked for Detroit News, McDonald’s Food and Family, K-Mart, Walmart, and Thumb Industries. She enjoyed working with people.
Name: Nellie M. Dutcher
Age: 92
Hometown: Bay Port
Funeral Date: May 13, 2023
Date of Birth: August 14, 1930
Date of Passing: February 13, 2023
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
Nellie is survived by her daughter, Donna (Kevin) Wade of Sequim, WA; her son, David (Margaret) Dutcher of Mission Viejo, CA; grandchildren Aaron Wade of Ypsilanti, MI, Lindsay Wade of Bremerton, WA, and Michael Davis of Blacklick, OH; brother William Diachenko of Bay Port; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Shirley Dutcher of Clinton Twp, MI, and Edna Dutcher of Caseville; many nieces and nephews. Brothers and sister-in-law Melvin P. Dutcher and Duncan and Virginia McKenzie preceded her in death.
A memorial service to celebrate Nellie’s life will be 11:00am Saturday, May 13th at the Bay Port United Methodist Church with Rev. Heather Nowak officiating. Time for visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the service begins. Internment will be in the New Bay Port Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Bay Port United Methodist Church. www.ChampagneFuneralChapel.com
Nellie was born August 14, 1930 in Bay Port to the late Peter and Caroline (Meske) Diachenko. She graduated from Bay Port High School in 1949 where she was class president her senior year. On March 22, 1952 she married Charles (Chuck) Dutcher and they celebrated 61 years of marriage before he preceded her in death January 26, 2014. Nellie worked at the Bay Port State Bank and at Numismatic Investment Company in Bay Port. She was active in the Bay Port Women’s Club and the Bay Port United Methodist Church where she played the organ for over 25 years. She was an avid gardener, seamstress, crafter, quilter, and knitter. In her later years she knit hundreds of hats and mittens for the children in Huron County.
Name: James Owen Wurst
Age: 86
Hometown: Pigeon, MI
Funeral Date: April 05, 2023
Date of Birth: August 03, 1936
Date of Passing: February 11, 2023
Funeral Home: Champagne Funeral Chapel
The family wishes to thank the staff at Country Gardens in Pigeon for their stellar care of both Jim and Shirley. A memorial service will be 3:00pm Wednesday, April 5th at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Pigeon with Rev. David Leineke officiating. Interment will be in Caseville Twp. Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm and continue until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to Country Gardens.
He is survived by his daughter, Laurie Walker and son-in-law, Ray Quiel, daughter-in-law Rosemary Wurst, step-daughters and sons-in-law Michelle (Steve) Louwers and Melissa (Dirk) DeBoer; grandchildren Emily Koeller, Amanda (Sam) Graber, Chris Louwers, Chase Louwers, Dalton and Delaney DeBoer, Matt, Cris, and Brad Rinderknecht, and great-grandchildren Betty and Iris Graber. Brothers Leroy (Janice) and Duane Wurst, sisters Shirley (Ken) Kasserman and Lorna Bergman also survive. His wife Shirley, son Jeffrey James and brothers Keith and Robert predeceased him.
James Owen Wurst, 86, of Pigeon, died Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Country Gardens in Pigeon. The Lord and Shirley called him home. He arrived August 3, 1936, the first of seven children born to Aura Muriel and Adolph Frederick Ernest Wurst. Jim graduated from Pigeon Rural Agricultural High School in 1954, where he played baseball, football, ran track, and taught his classmates how to weld. From the time he was young Jim worked with his father in the family foundry. Among other things, they made steel boats, at least one of which - The Miss Port Sanilac - remains in the water to this day. In the early 1970s Jim established his own tile drainage business, JO Wurst Company, and was possibly the first contractor in North America to lay plastic drain tile. He was a member of the Land Improvement Contractor’s Association, the First United Methodist Church of Pigeon, and many bowling teams. On January 6, 1984 Jim wed the love of his life, Shirley Marie Mischung. They enjoyed boating, fishing, Dairy Queen, and their children, grands and great grandchildren. Jim was a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.
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