Laura Wessels

Funeral Information

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be offered to the Thumb Animal Shelter or the discretion of the family, in care of Donna Wessels. If you wish to offer your condolences to the Wessels family, please go to www.kaufmanfuneralhome.com

Family of the Deceased

Laura is survived by her partner and caregiver Matt Sanburn, her mother, Donna Wessels, her brother Erich (Nancy) Wessels, nieces Monica and Lauren and nephew Nick. She was preceded in death by her father, Erich Wessels.

Biography

Laura Jean Wessels, age 58 of Bay City, formerly of Bad Axe, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer. Laura was born on October 24, 1967 in Livonia to Erich and Donna Wessels. The family moved to Huron County in 1969, where she attended Church School in Lincoln Township and the Bad Axe High School, graduating in 1985. She was employed at the Huron Daily Tribune for over 28 years. Laura was a lifelong advocate for animals and had a genuine knack for connecting with cats and dogs.

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Lorna Baur

Funeral Information

Lorna’s funeral service will be on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Pigeon. The family will be present to receive visitors on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her service. Rev. Bea Graf will officiate with the burial at Caseville Twp. Cemetery. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Courtney Manor, A & D Hospice, and Schuerer Hospital for their compassionate and exceptional care they gave Lorna. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Hayes United Methodist Church, Scheuer Hospital, or the donor’s choice. 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

Lorna leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Randy; daughter Cheryl Baur and her husband, Alex Amaya and their children, Sydney and William, all of Grosse Pointe Farms; siblings, Dorothy Fischer and Martin Hyzer; sister-in-law, Sandy Hyzer; several nieces, nephews, and a few cats. In addition to her parents, Lorna was preceded in death by her sister, Janice Foster.

Biography

Lorna Diane Baur, age 79, of Bay Port, passed away on December 2, 2025, at Courtney Manor Nursing and Rehab in Bad Axe. She was born on May 6, 1946, the daughter of the late Robert and Frieda (Horton) Hyzer. A 1964 graduate of Lakers High School, Lorna married the love of her life, Randall Baur, on August 21, 1965, at Hayes United Methodist Church. Their sixty years together were filled with devotion, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Lorna loved being a mother, and she was deeply involved in her daughter Cheryl’s life. She served as Cheryl’s Girl Scout leader and took great pride in supporting her in every activity and endeavor. Over the years, Lorna held many roles, cleaning hospitals and homes, working as a cosmetologist, and, in the late 1980s, returning to school to pursue accounting. She graduated with honors from St. Clair Community College with her associate’s degree and went on to work as an accountant at Bay Shore Camp, where she remained until her retirement in 2012. Lorna’s Christian faith was central to her life. She was a devoted member of Hayes United Methodist Church, active in the United Methodist Women, a pianist, and a joyful voice in the church choir. She enjoyed baking bread for her family each month and was especially known for her delicious chocolate chip cookies. Lorna and Randy treasured their time camping and wintering in Las Olas, Florida, creating memories that will last for generations. Lorna had a gift for connecting with people; she loved visiting, talking, and simply being in the company of others. She was resourceful, organized, and a natural planner. Above all, Lorna loved her family. Her husband, daughter, and grandchildren were the lights of her life. She was a devoted grandmother and remained actively involved in her grandchildren’s lives. Her loving, caring, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

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Thomas Butch

Funeral Information

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 11:00 am. At St. Mary of Czestochova in Dwight Township, Kinde, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A rosary service will be offered at 6:30 PM Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Condolences may be shared at www.kaufmanfuneralhome.com.

Family of the Deceased

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 67 yrs. JoAnne. His Sons, Randal Buczkowski (Danitzia), Kevin (Barbara) Butch, Stephen (Corinna) Butch, and Daughter Suzanne (Dayle) Draher. Tom is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, Bradford Butch (Holly), Aaron and Kaitlin Butch, Joshua and Stephanie Butch, Jenni and Logan Welliver, Jill and Paul Kneffel, Stephanie Butch (Tom), Sarah and Jarred Dorman, Lindsay and Tim Czyzyk, Brandon and Katlyn Draher, Rachel and Bryce Eyre and 11 Great Grandchildren.  Tom is also predeceased by his parents, John and Monica Butch, son Gregory Butch and Grandson Adam Butch, as well as his brothers, Herb, Melvin, Willard, and Dennis and his sister Adeline..

Biography

R. Thomas Butch, age 89, of Elkton passed away on Sunday Nov. 30th, 2025 following a short illness at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Sept 4th 1936 in Parisville MI., son of the late John and Monica (Lubeski) Butch. Tom retired from Carmet Company in Bad Axe Mi. He enjoyed Polka Music and playing a good game of Euchre. He also enjoyed spending time with his family in his Pinnebog Woods. Tom served in the US Army (1955-1957). He is especially proud that He and his children built the home that He and his wife, JoAnne now reside in.  Tom will be missed by that all that have known and loved him. 

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Caroyln Morrison

Funeral Information

A funeral service to honor Carolyn's life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Salem Church in Pigeon, Michigan. Rev. Michael Sawicki will officiate with private burial at Caseville Twp. Cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Pigeon and again at church on Saturday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of her service. A dinner will be hosted by the church directly after the service. An additional opportunity to honor Carolyn will be arranged in mid-December in the Metro-Detroit area. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carolyn's memory to Scheurer Hospital in honor of her passion for helping others through quality healthcare, https://www.scheurer.org/foundation. 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

Carolyn is survived by her children, Scott (Christine) Morrison, Lynn Lonsway, Kathy (Kevin) Feldt, and Elizabeth (James) Shirey; her grandchildren, Stephen (Anna), Claire (Shane), Ryan, Daniel, Joshua, Megan, Emma, Noelle, and Caroline; and her great-grandchildren, Bernadette, Theodore, Frederick, and Samuel. She is preceded in death by her husband, Don Morrison; her brother, Jim Tribby; and her grandson, Justin Lonsway.

Biography

Carolyn Kay Morrison passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the age of 83. Born on January 31, 1942 in Rhodes, Iowa, Carolyn was a woman of quiet strength and tremendous kindness, both in her personal life and her extensive nursing career. Carolyn grew up in rural Iowa, graduated from Southeastern High School in Detroit in 1959 and then earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Carolyn married Don in 1963 and they spent the chapters of their lives in many communities around Michigan including: Detroit, Fenton, Beverley Hills, Rochester Hills, Pigeon, and Grosse Pointe Woods. Carolyn made an impact in every community she joined, and every room (and elevator!) she entered. She had a special ability to make people feel welcome, seen, and cared for in any situation. Her spirit lives on in the memories she created, the lives she shaped, and the love she poured into her family and friends. Carolyn’s positivity and strength came from faith, family, and friendships including the “Michigan girls” from the U of M Nursing Class of 1963, the quilting “Bernina sisters” from Pigeon, neighbors on Sand Pointe, members of Salem church, employees and patients at Crittenton Hospital and Scheurer Health Network, and the Country Bay and Sunrise senior living communities. Some of her happiest times were spent on Wildfowl Bay while hosting family and friends.

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Virginia Leisse

Funeral Information

Funeral Mass for Virginia will be Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11 am at Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church of the Holy Name of Mary Parish, with Fr. Kevin Wojciechowski officiating. Burial will follow in the OLLH Church Cemetery. Visitation for Virginia will be Sunday, from 2-8pm at the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach. Visitation on Monday, will be at the funeral home, from 10 am until 10:30 am. Memories can be shared at www.RamseyFH.com

Family of the Deceased

Virginia is survived by her children: Karen Wilsey of New York, Joan Arntz of Harbor Beach, Laura Goetze of Harbor Beach, Jenny (Steve) Kaufman of Harbor Beach, Daniel Leisse of Harbor Beach, Dena (William) Smith of Harbor Beach, grandchildren: Tammy (Mark), Becky, Candy, John, Dave (Elizabeth), Jessica (Kevin), Michael (Colleen), Holly (Pat), Tim (Nikki), Carleen, Nick, Craig (Caitlyn), Jordan, Mitchel (Katarzyna), several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry, parents Joseph and Frances Nowiski, sons-in-law: Don Wilsey, Richard Arntz, grandson Jason Arntz, granddaughter Kareniena, and siblings: Norman Nowiski, Clarence Nowiski, Marian Mausolf, Margaret Groll and Della Wolschleger.

Biography

Virginia L. Leisse, age 92 of Harbor Beach, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025 at Lakeview Extended Care and Rehab Center of the Harbor Beach Community Hospital. Virginia was born on March 19, 1933 in Harbor Beach to the late Joseph and Frances (Smielewski) Nowiski. She and Harry Leisse were united in marriage on May 7, 1949. He preceded her in death on July 15, 1996. She was a member of Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church. Virginia worked at the Harbor Beach Theater as the Popcorn Lady for 51 Years. She baked for many years, was a seamstress, was a loving mother and grandmother, and enjoyed tap dancing when she was younger.

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Eugene Ignash

Funeral Information

Memorial Service will be held on December 11, 2025 at St. Mary of Czestochowa Church (Annunciation of the Lord’s Parish) Dwight Township, Kinde, Michigan. Visitation will be before the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Eugene’s family would like to offer special thanks to Compassus Hospice and everyone at Covenant Glen of Frankenmuth for your compassionate support and care, and to the staff at Covenant Glen who went above and beyond their duties. Thank YOU. Memorials may be offered in name to St. Mary of Czestochowa Church (Annunciation of the Lord’s Parish). Condolences may be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com.

Family of the Deceased

Eugene is survived by his children; Dale Ignash, Rachel Ignash, and Kenneth (Fay) Ignash. Four grandchildren; Kellee (Forrest) Roth, Katie (Eric) Wissner, Eric (Heather) Ignash, and Justin Ignash; 3 great grandchildren Everlee, Wilder, Grant; and one sister Joann Kalka. In addition to his wife Virginia, Eugene is predeceased by his siblings, Edna (Fred) Weiss, Theresa (Ernie) Duda, Viola (Floyd) Brzezinski brothers, Carl, George (Louise), and Donald, Benjamin (Virginia), Ervin (Audrey), Arnold (Delphine) Ignash; and numerous nieces and nephews that are left to cherish his memories. Per Eugene’s wishes, cremation has taken place. He will be buried with his wife Virginia at St. Mary’s Cemetery, in Dwight Township, at a later date.

Biography

Eugene (Butch) Ignash 94, of Filion passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, at Covenant Glen of Frankenmuth, Michigan. He was born on May 13, 1931, in Kinde to Louis and Agnes (Matelski) Ignash, one of 11 children. He married Virginia Wisneski on October 21st, 1950, and she preceded him in death on October 19th, 2020, just two days short of their 70th anniversary. Eugene was a hardworking, compassionate farmer his entire life, starting at the age of 4 milking cows; and taking over the family farm at the age of 13. He loved his Wintergreen tobacco, flannel shirts, honey, blueberries and Archway gingersnap cookies, and loved when someone stopped by to visit. He loved his John Deere tractors, working horses; Tom and Nel, and farming God’s land. During retirement, he lent a hand to the Richmond brothers: Mike, Ken, and Glenn, with their farm operations.

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Linda Krohn

Funeral Information

Funeral service will be held Monday, December 1, 2025, at Ransford Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Pigeon at 7:00 p.m. with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be offered to the family discretionary fund c/o Robin Elliott. 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

Linda is survived by her mother, Anna Marie (Schubach) Krohn; siblings, Richard (Nancy) Krohn, Sally Kain, and Robin (Jonathan) Elliott; sister-in-law, Lorie Krohn; special friends, Dianne Schafer and Al Baker; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Along with her father, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ray Krohn, sister-in- law, Carol Stokan Krohn, and brother-in-law, Ricky Kain.

Biography

Linda Luella Krohn, age 71, of Elkton, passed away Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Courtney Manor while under hospice care after a courageous 8½ year battle with cancer with her best friend Dianne lovingly by her side. Linda was born December 2, 1953, to Anna Marie (Schubach) Krohn and the late Donald Ray Krohn. She graduated from Laker High School in 1972. Her resilience and strength were a true reflection of who she was—brave, honest, and full of heart. Linda lived a life filled with hard work, generosity, laughter, and a spirited edge that made her unforgettable. She began working young on the family farm, driving tractor in the fields and caring for every animal and bird she could. Her love of nature lasted throughout her life—mowing lawns, feeding songbirds, and finding peace in the outdoors she cherished. Linda worked at Dutch Kettle and Seat Belt before building a long and respected career as a supervisor at Thumb Plastics, where she retired. Along the way, she touched countless lives. No matter where she went, Linda made a friend. She had a natural gift for reaching out, helping those in need, and giving freely from the heart. Linda embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. Linda coached the Thumb Tippers softball team and bowled at Ty’s Bar, traveling to regionals and nationals. She enjoyed trips to Texas to help Grandma and Grandpa Schubach with the grapefruit and orange trees, and to Arizona with Uncle Glenn and Aunt Esther—always fixing something, always lending a hand. Linda loved the excitement of Las Vegas—the clubs, the shows, and the slots—and the simple joys of the north: snowmobiling, four-wheeling, Shanty Days, Cheeseburger festivals, and evenings at the cabin with cookouts, cocktails, s’mores, and the beauty of nature. She especially treasured her own cabin, a place where she could relax, tinker with whatever needed fixing, and enjoy the world around her. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to all friends and loved ones for their support, prayers, and kindness. A special thank-you to the staff of Courtney Manor for their compassion and care. May her memory be eternal.

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Wayne Swartzendruber

Funeral Information

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Ransford Funeral Home in Pigeon. Wayne’s family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Thumb Breadbasket (PO Box 648, Pigeon, MI, United States, Michigan) or Faith in Action (https://faithinaction1.org/donate/). The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Funeral Home of Pigeon. Friends may share memories, thoughts, and prayers online at www.RansfordFuneralHome.com.

Family of the Deceased

Wayne is survived by his wife, Geraldine Swartzendruber of Chelsea; two children and their spouses, Brian & Tracy Swartzendruber of Hudson, Ohio, and Dawn & Chris Putnam of Chelsea; grandchildren, John Putnam, Grace Swartzendruber, Marah Putnam, and Henry Swartzendruber; and two brothers, John Swartzendruber of Heston, Kansas, and Rich Swartzendruber of Bad Axe.

Biography

Wayne J. Swartzendruber of Chelsea, formerly of Pigeon, age 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Wayne was born November 11, 1944 in Pigeon, the son of the late John and Alta (Maust) Swartzendruber. He grew up in a close-knit community and attended Laker High School, where he was proud to be a member of the school’s first graduating class in 1963. Following high school, he pursued higher education at Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, Virginia. On August 31, 1968, Wayne married the former Geraldine Dietzel. The couple cherished over fifty-seven years of marriage and raised two beloved children, building a life centered around faith and family together. He began his professional career as a physical therapy assistant at Scheurer Hospital, and later worked for Dietzel Electric, Shelter Plumbing, and eventually Standard Electric, where he served as a delivery driver until his well-earned retirement. Wayne was a longtime devoted member of the Pigeon River Mennonite Church, where he grew in his relationship with God and cherished the fellowship of his church family. After moving to Chelsea, Wayne joined the Silver Maples Retirement Community, where he found new friendships and enjoyed the peace of retirement. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading and working on his remote-controlled airplanes. He spent countless hours building, perfecting, and flying them, taking great satisfaction in the challenge and simple joy of watching them soar. Above all, Wayne will be remembered for his deep faith in the Lord and the boundless love he had for his family as a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather.

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