Name: Wilma Catherine Kovach
Age: 102
Hometown: Owendale
Funeral Date: June 12, 2026
Date of Birth: June 06, 1924
Date of Passing: June 08, 2026
Funeral Home: Ransford Funeral Home - Pigeon
A funeral service for Wilma will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church – Linkville, 7292 Kilmanagh Rd, Pigeon, MI 48755, with Pastor Chris Suggitt presiding. Visitation will take place from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon, 7356 West Michigan Avenue, Pigeon, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Friday. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church – Linkville. 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. Wilma lived a long life full of many treasured memories and was grateful for the love she was able to share with the countless people whose lives she touched. It is said that a grateful heart is closest to the riches of the universe.
Wilma is survived by daughters, Carolyn Bilunes of Holt and Kathleen (Erwin Burkle) Kovach of Farmington Hills; sons, Alex (Helen) Kovach Jr. of Sebewaing and Jeffrey Kovach of Owendale; grandchildren, Matthew (Charlene) Belunas, Ty Bilunes, Sara Barker, Kevin (Kristin) Kovach, Erin (Nick Grygiel) Kovach, and Amanda Robinson; great grandchildren, Ariana, Preston, Benjamin, Desmond, Jack, and Hanna; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her darling husband, Alex; infant son, William; son-in-law, Paul Bilunes; daughter-in-law, Diane Kovach; sisters, Mildred Damm and Gladys Schuette; brother, William Voss; and step great-grandchild, Gage Neal-Belunes.
Wilma Catherine Kovach of Owendale, age 102, passed away Monday, June 8, 2026, at her home following a long life well lived. She was born in Pigeon, Michigan, on June 6, 1924, to the late William and Emma (Stueck) Voss. She attended school at the Weiss one room schoolhouse. On April 19, 1947, she was united in marriage to Alex Kovach at the St. Paul Lutheran church in Linkville where she was a lifelong and devoted member. Alex preceded her in death on April 15, 2001. Wilma worked on the family farm throughout her childhood before going on something of an adventure. As she told it, “I finished working in the beets on Wednesday, hitched a ride with the egg man to Detroit on Thursday, and found a job on Friday.” Wilma was employed in an airplane factory for several years, leading to her becoming a member of the Michigan Rosie the Riveter Association. She attended St. Paul Lutheran Church her whole life and was active within the church community. She took part in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, as well as serving as a member of all St. Paul organizations. Wilma supplied flowers and produce to the church and provided many beautifully crocheted doilies to the church bazaar. In her free time, Wilma was an avid bowler who spent over 50 years with her friends at the bowling alley. She also loved playing euchre and pinochle with her family and friends. In her more solitary moments, she worked on cryptograms and wrote poetry to commemorate special occasions.
Name: Norman F Maeder
Age: 86
Hometown: Bad Axe
Funeral Date: Not Available
A Celebration of Life for Norman Maeder will be held at a later date. Memorials may be offered in Norman’s name to the Free Methodist Church of Bad Axe, or Thumb Animal Shelter in Elkton. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com
Norman is survived by his sons Curtis (Alice) Maeder of Akron, Michigan and Peter (Sheena) Maeder of Shepherd, Michigan. Norman was one of five children including; Jeanne Tomoson, Joan Maeder, Lana Lyons and Cheryl VanCoverden.
Norman F. Maeder 86 years old of Bad Axe, passed away on Saturday June 6, 2026. Norman was born on May 23, 1940 in Roseville, Michigan. Norman married the love of his life Sandra (Jacobs) in 1963 and they were married for 62 years before she passed away in 2025. Together they raised their family of two sons. Norman was a State Sergeant and served for 32 years mostly in the Bad Axe State Police Post. Norman was a member of the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church and the McDonald’s coffee club, never missing a chance to meet with his “drinking buddies”. He was an all around great guy and an excellent woodworker. He had a strong faith in God and lived his life that way. Norman had great respect for people and never judged people for who they were. He religiously attended Bible Studies using that knowledge to continue to share God’s message of Love with others. His sons enjoyed talking and spending time with him and all the days of coon and rabbit hunting trips they took together. Norman was a great animal lover and had many dogs over his lifetime.
Name: Edward Paul Pionk
Age: 65
Hometown: Port Hope
Funeral Date: June 12, 2026
A viewing will be held on Friday June 12th 2026 from 1pm-4pm at Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach, MI 48441.
Paul was proceeded in death by his wife: Janetta Pionk. His mother Wanda Pionk, father Edward Pionk, and brother Terry Pionk and survived by his 3 siblings; Lynne Carpa, Vickie Moss, and Steve Pionk. His 3 daughters and their families; Geanie Kanaby (Matt) grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jacob Marks (Elizabeth) & David Kanaby. Danielle McNally (Andrew) grandchildren and great grandchildren: Morgan Pullen (Emet Smith), Alexandra McNally & Zane Kanyak (Xzavier & Hollyn), Jayla McNally, Douglas McNally. Cherie Munsterman (Jon) grandchildren and great grandchildren: Christian Munsterman (Makrae, Kayson & Kolten), Bryon & Ashley Munsterman (Esme), Andrew Libby, Victoria “Torie” Libby (Hayden), Noah Munsterman.
Edward Paul Pionk, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on June 6, 2026, at the age of 65 in Port Hope, Michigan. Born on October 22, 1960, Paul lived a full life filled with love, always surrounded by his family. Paul proudly served in the United States Navy, dedicating his life to serving his country and family. He had a passion for hunting and fishing, finding solace in the beauty of nature and the thrill of the hunt. Paul will be remembered for his loving heart, unwavering loyalty, and deep love for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Name: Elaine L Paul
Age: 81
Hometown: Bad Axe
Funeral Date: June 10, 2026
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 9, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at MacAlpine Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 10, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Bad Axe, with visitation beginning at the church at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Services at the church will be officiated by Reverend Timothy Callow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Bad Axe. Elaine’s family invites all who knew and loved her to join them in celebrating a life well lived and a woman who made the world a better place through her kindness, compassion, and unwavering love. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Lillian Ruehle, and her brothers, Aaron and Victor Ruehle. She is survived by her devoted husband, J. Kent Paul; her loving children, Michael Paul, Carrie Walsh, and Brian (Aimee) Paul; her cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Walsh, Emma (Daniel) Toner, Alexander Walsh, Jillian Paul, and Madelyn Paul; her sisters-in-law, Jane Ruehle and Pam Ruehle; and many extended family members and friends.
Elaine L. Paul, age 81, of Bad Axe, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 24, 1944, and raised in Flint, Michigan, Elaine lived a life defined by kindness, patience, and devotion to those she loved. She was a woman whose warm smile could brighten any room and whose gentle spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Elaine shared a beautiful marriage of 59 years with the love of her life, J. Kent Paul. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and enduring love.She was also joyfully anticipating the arrival of her great-grandchild, Baby Toner, who was on the way. Her family was the center of her life, and she took great pride in watching her children and grandchildren grow. Elaine was an avid quilter who created countless beautiful quilts. She enjoyed playing cards with friends and family and was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Women’s Group. Whether sharing a laugh around the card table, working on a quilt, or offering a listening ear, Elaine brought joy and comfort to those around her. Above all, Elaine will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother-to-be, dear friend, and a truly kind soul. Her patience was unmatched, her generosity endless, and her smile ever-present. The love she shared and the example she set will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Name: George W. Jackson
Age: 91
Hometown: Ubly
Funeral Date: June 10, 2026
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 123 W. Irwin St. Bad Axe, Michigan 48413, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. The Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. at church on Wednesday. At 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, family and friends will travel in procession from church to Valley Cemetery in Ubly, MI for Committal Prayers and Military Honors. Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United State Army and the Thumb Veterans Organization. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to “Wishes of the Family, in care of Ruth A. Panduren”. Arrangements have been entrusted to The MacAlpine Funeral Home, www.macalpinefuneralhome.com.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 59 years, Linda Jackson; children, Gigi Zaratzian, Ruth Panduren, Tracy Jackson, Brent Jackson, and Lavena Jackson; grandchildren, Mark Hofert, Jennifer Pasquale, Julie Swift, Brandon Luckadoo, Rachel Wortheren, Brittany Wortheren, and Derek Zaratzian; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous loving family and friends. George is happily reunited with his infant son, Scott Jackson; daughter, Leanna Kipper; granddaughter, Dana Zaratzian; parents, George and Elsie (Peter) Jackson; and brother, Donald Jackson.
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, George W. Jackson, passed away peacefully in the afternoon hours of Friday, June 5, 2026 at his residence in Ubly, Michigan. Age 91 years. George was born on August 26, 1934 in Ubly to the late George and Elsie (Peter) Jackson. He was a graduate of Ubly High School and a life-long resident of Ubly. Following high school, George went on to proudly serve his country as a member of the United States Army; being a mechanic was his specialty. He humbly talked about working on tanks and all kinds of other military equipment. When he returned home he went to work for General Motors as an Inspector; he retired in 1993 after 30 years of service with the company. On April 25, 1967, George married the absolute love of his life, Linda Leanna Junek, and she survives him. George was a devout Lutheran and a longtime member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe, Michigan. One of his absolute favorite pastimes was wrenching on lawn mowers, tractors, and cars. A skill he learned in the military became one of his favorite hobbies throughout his whole life. When he wasn’t tinkering on a vehicle, George could definitely be found in the woods deer hunting. George has many joys throughout his life, but nothing brought him more happiness than the time he was able to spend with his family.
Name: Dale J Volz
Age: 86
Hometown: Minden City
Funeral Date: June 13, 2026
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on June 13, in the chapel at the Community of Christ Campgrounds to which Dale devoted much time. Blue Water Campground, 7291 County Farm Rd., Lexington, MI 48450 Esther and family will be available for visiting, starting at 9:30 am at the campgrounds. A light lunch will be provided after the service. The family will be making their way to the Minden City Cemetery at 4 pm. For a committal service at 5 pm. We welcome any who would like to join us there. The cemetery is at the corner of Bay City Forestville Rd and Parisville Road. Arrangements were handled by the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach. Memories can be shared at www.RamseyFH.com
Dale was preceded in death by his parents Herb and Mary (Underhill) Volz, brothers Glen Volz, Fred and Jean (Klaus) Volz, and son Dan Volz. He is celebrated and will be missed by his wife Esther (Dexter) Volz, children: Sheila (Rick) Robbe, Brenda Volz, Todd (Smita) Volz, nephew Matt (Heather) Dexter, grandchildren: Michael (Sammey) Robbe, Josiah (Rebecca) Robbe, Travis (Amy) Volz, Caleb (Mariah) Robbe, Darcy (Ke'Vionne) Robbins, Rachel (Ben) Witzke, Erica (Kyle) Ronsberg, Leah Robbe, Hannah (Brennan) Dufrin, Faith Robbe, Aria Volz, Silas Robbe, Suvan Volz, great grandchildreN: Zayn Witzke, Ivory Witzke, Opal Robbins, and Foster Witzke.
Dale J Volz, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and steward of the land passed away peacefully April 16, 2026 in St. Johns, MI at Grace Haven Assisted Living Home at the age of 86. He was born August 20, 1939 and lived nearly his entire life at the heritage family farm homesteaded in 1857 in Minden City. Dale met Esther, the love of his life at a mutual friend's wedding. They were married June 19, 1965. They celebrated 60 years of marriage last year. Farming was his life. He often said he felt God blessed him so that he could bless others and feed the world. He enjoyed dairy and crop farming with his wife Esther, parents Herb and Mary, his brother and his wife Fred and Jean, and son Dan and Brenda and their families. Dale had a servant's heart. He was ready to help anyone in need for his entire life. He was active as a minister in the Community of Christ Church, giving time, messages and counsel to many. His service extended beyond his church to numerous community and farming organizations. Some of the committees he gave his time to were Farm Bureau, MMPA, Minden Cemetery Boards. He enjoyed sharing stories, teaching about food production and seeing faces light up when handing out cotton candy and dairy products at state and local fairs and at Project Red. Dale loved to share produce from his garden and orchard. He gave generously to neighbors and family, and loved the visiting that went along with bringing the gifts. His specialties were sweet corn, pears, rhubarb and apple cider pressed on the family cider press. He enjoyed travelling in the RV. For fifteen years Dale and Esther wintered near Troy, Alabama and made many dear friends. When travelling to Alabama became too much, they wintered in Montana where Dan and his family lived. He took his family camping, making milk can dinners to share. He also built many toys and games in his wood shop. Volunteering was as much a hobby as it was a service. He enjoyed helping to improve the church campgrounds that he and Esther visited every year.
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