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Ransford Funeral Home - Pigeon

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Pigeon, MI
Ransford Funeral Home - Pigeon

Providing funeral, cremation and shipping services to the surrounding areas in a modern facility. He holds two Bachelor’s degrees and a Master’s Degree.

Why Choose Champagne
For almost 50 years, Champagne Funeral Chapel has been privately owned and operated. From our three locations in Caseville, Elkton and Pigeon, they have proudly served the Western Thumb, successfully consolidating in 2019 into a modern new building in downtown Pigeon. The funeral directors and staff are personally involved in serving the communities in which they live and work

. The current funeral director is James Childs, who in 2004 purchased the Caseville funeral home, then merged the funeral homes in Elkton and Pigeon in 2017. He has worked in the funeral industry since 1996 and is a graduate of Wayne State University Mortuary School. He has the expertise and experience to guide you throughout this emotional time. He plans and conducts all types of funeral and memorial services which will honor your loved one and comfort your family and friends. Transparency and advising on appropriate service solutions suited to the individual situation are aspects of his which will make a client’s experience easier and better. His professional skills as an embalmer and stylist along with his deep knowledge of funeral customs, options, laws, and pre-arrangement plans have earned him a respected spot in the funeral profession and in the community. Along with an office staff to manage arrangements, funeral assistants and removal staff, they assist and guide clients through difficult times. They understand how difficult it is to lose someone and the staff works hard to accommodate the individual needs of each family. The funeral home strives to make a bad situation better.

08/24/2026

Katherine Jean Lenz

Katherine Jean Lenz of Pigeon passed away Monday, August 24, 2026 at Courtney Manor. She was born September 22, 1926. The beloved wife of the late Gerald C Lenz and dear mother of Gerald Lenz and dearest mother-in-law of Brenda Lenz. Grandmother to Robert Christina and David Nader and great-grandma to Steven Nader. She leaves behind several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. And many special friends she loved to be with. It was Katherine Jean‘s wish that we celebrate her life and she did not request a funeral. Her cremated remains will be buried next to her husband’s at the St. Roch Cemetery in Caseville.

View Katherine Jean Lenz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/17/2026

Jeffrey “Jeff” Dewayne Daniels of Elkton, Age 53, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Jeff was born in Lebanon, Indiana, on March 27, 1973, to Myrna (Rose) Daniels and the late Earl Daniels, and was a 1991 graduate of Laker High School. Jeff’s life revolved around the Hitching Post Inn where he became a staple amongst the community, running and owning the bar for over a decade. Jeff was an outgoing man who always made his opinion known and was constantly the center of attention. He could often be found watching sports and talking with the many patrons at the bar who became his close friends. Additionally, Jeff loved spending time camping and telling stories around the campfire with his loved ones. Jeff is survived by sons, Derek Daniels and Zachary Daniels; mother, Myrna Daniels, and siblings, Bill (Vickie) App, Teresa McPeak, Chad (Michelle) Daniels, and Michael (Nikki) Daniels; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and countless friends.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Earl Daniels.

In accordance with Jeff’s wishes, cremation is to take place. A memorial service celebrating Jeff’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon, 7356 West Michigan Avenue, Pigeon, MI 48755, with Pastor David Leineke officiating. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the wishes of the family, with checks payable to Derek Daniels.

View Jeffrey "Jeff" Daniels's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/10/2026

Roger Paul Stanton

Roger Paul Stanton of Elkton, age 74, passed away while surrounded by his family on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Covenant Cooper in Saginaw. He was born on November 29, 1951, in Bad Axe, the son of the late Carl and Mildred (Williams) Stanton. Roger grew up in Bad Axe and attended Bad Axe High School before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Army, including time in Vietnam. He was a proud member of Elkton Memorial Post 8175. On August 11, 1990, Roger married the love of his life, Carrie Champagne, at Community Wesleyan Church of Elkton.

After returning home, Roger worked on several farms throughout the county and at Beadle Bay Marina before beginning a dedicated career at Tower Automotive in Elkton. He spent more than thirty years there, building lasting friendships and taking pride in his work, before retiring in 2015.

Roger enjoyed the simple things in life and all the things that made him who he was. He would spend hours cutting wood, hunting, fishing, and smoking meat, something his family and friends always looked forward to. He had a lifelong love of racing and enjoyed drag racing when he was younger. Roger believed that just about anything could be improved with a motor. If it didn’t have one, he’d find a way to put one in it and then, naturally, see how fast it could go.

As life went on and his family grew, Roger found a special kind of joy in being a grandpa. He spent countless hours playing with his grandchildren, taking them for slushies, and making memories they will cherish for years to come. He also had a soft spot for dogs and never hesitated to show them a little extra love. These simple joys, along with the time he spent with the people and animals he loved, were what made Roger happiest.

Left to cherish Roger’s memory are his wife of nearly thirty-six years, Carrie Stanton; sons, Brandon (Lisa), Wesley (Tracey), Justin (Tara), Matthew (Sarah), and Ryan (Alysyn); grandchildren, Tobyn, Emma, Brady, Ryleigh, Hunter, Presley, Owen, and Raelynn; siblings, Robert (Sue) Stanton, Kathleen (Dick) Schenk, and Dale (Suzanne) Stanton; and parents-in-law, Valeria and Herbert (Paul) Smith. In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his siblings, Karen Scott, Larry Stanton, and Dennis Stanton.

Roger’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Ransford Funeral Home in Pigeon. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of his service. Cremation will follow, with inurnment at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. A celebration of Roger’s life is being planned for a later date.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Carrie Stanton.

View Roger Paul Stanton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/09/2026

Robert L. Rowe, Jr.

Robert L. Rowe, Jr., age 68, of Caseville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. A proud father of three children and Papa to ten grandchildren, family was Bob’s greatest achievement. He lived a life full of love, laughter, family, and friends.

Bob proudly served in the United States Navy, an experience that helped form the foundation of his strength, character, and commitment, qualities he carried with him throughout his life.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Bob enjoyed the sport almost as much as the storytelling afterward. He could often be found with a grandchild or two in tow, fishing pole in hand, along the canal banks of Wild Fowl Bay. He was a proud member of the Rod & Gun Club, as well as the Caseville Fraternal Order of Eagles.

With his wife, Cheryl, by his side, Bob owned The Pumpkin Shop. Together, they handcrafted all of their items and took them to local markets. Bob loved visiting with people and sharing a cup of coffee with all he met.

Bob had an especially deep love for Christmas and all the family traditions the holiday held. He and Cheryl were married on Christmas Eve, making the season even more magical. He treasured being together with his family and creating precious memories and traditions that they will carry with them throughout their lives.

Bob also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino with Cheryl at his side, always truly believing he was going to hit the big one.

Bob is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and their children, Kathleen (Robert) Fibranz of Frasier, Robert “Bucky” (Heather) Rowe of Alma, and Angela Bublitz of Essexville. He was a loving Papa to Breanna, Brady, Hayley, Cole, Sophia, Ella, Evan, Marley, Emilia, and Jordyn. He is also survived by many nieces, brothers, sisters, cherished in-laws, and friends.

Bob’s sense of family was broad and defined by love, not by blood. Gone before him, but never forgotten, was his beloved son, Andrew, whom we know welcomed him to his final home. We can only imagine the two of them together again, sharing all the best fishing holes.

Bob’s Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ransford Funeral Home in Pigeon, with Rev. Karen Bouverrette officiating. The service will conclude with military honors. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Bob’s family invites those who wish to share a memory during the service and to join them for a luncheon immediately following at the Caseville Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Bob’s favorite team was the Detroit Lions, and he never missed a game. He truly believed they were headed to the Super Bowl. In honor of Bob, please wear your Lions shirt to his Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or the Caseville Food Bank.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Compassus Hospice for the compassionate care and support they gave Bob and his family.

View Robert L. Rowe, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/03/2026

Carol Jean Chiotti of Caseville passed unexpectedly on July 31, 2026, at the Toni & Trish House in Auburn, Michigan due to complications from a fall. Carol was 83 years old.

Carol was born on July 8, 1943, in Muskegon, Michigan, the daughter of the late Shirley Walsh-Chiotti and Lavern Chiotti, Sr. In June 1958 her family moved from Michigan to Rockford, Illinois where she graduated from East High School in 1961. Carol began her work life in data processing at Sundstrand Corporation, a manufacturer of aerospace and industrial products. She was a computer keypunch operator, which was very cutting edge in the early ‘60s. She continued in data processing throughout her professional career. She moved to Bay City, Michigan in 1976 to be closer to her family and to Pigeon several years later.

Left to mourn the loss of Carol is her loving sister, Jennie Botterbusch of Montgomery, AL; brother, John (Donna) Chiotti of Caseville, MI, and niece, Juli Chiotti in Dallas, TX.

In addition to her mother and father, Carol was also preceded in death by her nephew, Micah Chiotti.

In observance of Carol’s wishes, she is being cremated with inurnment in New Bay Port Cemetery in Bay Port, Michigan. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Toni & Trish House, 4699 Eleven Mile Road, Auburn, Michigan, 48612.

View Carol Jean Chiotti's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/02/2026

Jean Ann Kish (Rolka) of Elkton, age 83, passed away unexpectedly with her family by her side on Friday, July 31, 2026. Jean was born in Caro, Michigan, on May 17, 1943, to the late Frank and Nell (Michela) Rolka and was a 1961 graduate of Caro High School. To say that animals were her life would be an understatement! Jean worked as a dog groomer with the Bad Axe Animal Clinic until her retirement and looked forward to the Thumb Animal Shelter Walk-A-Thon every year. She found a great deal of entertainment feeding and watching the birds in her yard and loved watching animal shows on TV, especially if they showed pet rescue. In addition to her passion for animals, Jean loved learning every chance she had and had a knack for geography and history. She had a great memory and could recall memories and stories from her long life that was full of kindness and caring for others. Jean is remembered as being a loving, if sassy, woman who was the funniest person you could ever meet. She was sarcastic at times, and even a bit stubborn, but her love and compassion flowed through every living being that was blessed to have her in their life.

Jean is survived by children, Cindie (Mike) Dubs, Andrew (Dena) Kish, and Christian (Melissa) Kish; grandchildren, Rebecca Dubs (Favorite Grandchild), Kayla (Chantry) Linseman, Nick (Jasmin) Dubs, Shawn (Marc’l) Kish, Bailey (Cody) Clarke, and Brett Kish; great grandchildren, Ava Kish, Donny Clarke, and Elliott Clarke; and brothers, Jim Rolka and Gary Rolka; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, and her beloved dog, Cadence.

In accordance with Jean’s wishes, cremation is to take place. To honor her lifelong commitment to animals, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Thumb Animal Shelter, 2260 South Elkton Road, Elkton, MI 48731.

View Jean Ann Kish's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/21/2026

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Sandra "Sandie" Lyne Bezel, of Roseville, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 while at her family cottage in Caseville. She was born on July 16, 1971, the daughter of the late Donald and Monica (Wygocki) Bezel. She attended Lake Shore High School and graduated with the class of 1989.

In her younger years, Sandie played softball in middle school. One of her favorite memories was hearing her dad cheer her on, especially when she stepped up to bat to the sound of his joyful call of, "Hubba Hubba!" Sandie was also very active in choir, where her dedication and spirit were recognized with an award during her senior year. Her love of singing remained with her throughout her life and would be a trait many people enjoyed about her.

Sandie was a true poet and could often be found writing poetry, telling wonderful stories, or spending time with her coloring books. These simple joys reflected her imagination, humor, and the thoughtful way she expressed herself, even though she hated hugs. Whether celebrating a wedding, honoring a loved one at a funeral, or simply reminding someone how much they meant to her, Sandie had a remarkable gift for putting her admiration and love into words.

Her first job was at a daycare, where her natural gift for caring for children quickly became evident. Children were drawn to Sandie, and she loved them wholeheartedly. She had endless patience, a nurturing spirit, and a way of making every child feel important, loved, and believed in. Caring for children wasn't just something she did; it was who she was.

Later in life, Sandie worked in Port Austin as a bartender at The Landing. Her customers adored her, and many made a point to stop whenever they knew she was working. She also worked as a cook at the Lighthouse Restaurant and at Walt's Meats.

Although Sandie never had children of her own, she loved countless children as if they were. She was the kind of aunt every child dream of having. She was always present, always encouraging, and always ready with unconditional love and support. She believed in each of her nieces and nephews, constantly building their confidence and inspiring them to become the very best versions of themselves.

Her love extended far beyond her own family. Every child who crossed Sandie's path was made to feel special. She had an incredible ability to connect with children, make them laugh, comfort them, and remind them they mattered. The love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of the many children whose lives were forever brighter because she was a part of them.

Left to cherish Sandie's memory are her siblings, Michele, Sue, Don, Lori, Rick, and Sharon; nieces and nephews, Jason (Jennie) Rogers, Julie (Rex) Copeland, Brad (Cassie) Bezel, Matthew Vawter, Jacob, Zachery, Eric, Sara, Monica, Brittany, Angela, and Amanda; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Jea, Morgan, Jordan, Austen, Emma, Summer, Joshua, Evalyn, Ethan, Blake, Parker, Jacob, Winnie, and Jameson. Jameson held an especially special place in Sandie's heart. He was her best friend, and she helped raise him from infancy with deep love and devotion. Sandie also cherished her "besties," all the children from Park Street in Roseville, whose lives she touched with kindness, humor, and unwavering care. She also leaves behind her lifelong friend of forty-two years, Kelly Winn, and her dear friend, Mindy Osantoski. In addition to her parents, Sandie was preceded in death by her nephew, Donald Bezel III.

Sandie's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Triumph Cross Lutheran Church, 22360 13 Mile Road, St. Claire Shores, MI, 48082.

View Sandra Lyne Bezel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/19/2026

Frank Phillip Talaski Jr., age 87, of Bad Axe/Caseville passed away peacefully Friday, July 17, 2026 surrounded by family. Frank lived a life full of motion, laughter, and the simple joys that made every day meaningful. A proud father of five, he poured his heart into his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family was his greatest pride, and he loved nothing more than seeing them gather, grow, and enjoy life together.

Frank served his country with honor in the United States Army(1957-1959) carrying the values of dedication, discipline, and loyalty with him throughout his life.

He embraced the outdoors with enthusiasm. He loved camping, boating, snowmobiling, fishing, golfing, and always had a great story to tell — hobbies that shaped countless memories with family and friends. At age 81, he achieved every golfer’s dream: a hole-in-one, a moment he carried with pride and joy. He enjoyed euchre nights, tending to his garden, and growing pumpkins that became a yearly tradition.

Frank also had a special love for Christmas. Every year, he proudly chose and cut down an over-the-top Christmas tree with his grandchildren, turning the holiday into a joyful tradition his family will always remember with a smile.

He was famous for his chili — a recipe that wasn’t just food, but a memory. Friends and family looked forward to it, talked about it, and bragged about it. His chili was part of who he was, and sharing it brought him genuine happiness.

He enjoyed visiting the casino here and there, just enough to add a little excitement and fun to his days. He spent his working years as a truck driver, a job that suited his independence and grit. Long ago, he took over Talaski Building Movers, carrying on the legacy of his father-in-law, Ed Lemanski. He ran the business with pride and skill, eventually turning it over to his son Todd, ensuring the family tradition continued into the next generation. Even after retiring from trucking, Frank didn’t slow down — he went right back to driving, hauling sugar beets and staying connected to the work and people he enjoyed.

Florida became his winter home for the past 25 years, a place where he could relax, golf, and enjoy euchre with his friends. Those months meant a lot to him — a slower pace that let him enjoy life exactly the way he liked it.

Frank is survived by Elaine Talaski; his children Trudy Gage, Tammy Wrobel, Todd (Dawn) Talaski, Tina (Danny) Burke, and Traci (Ted) Ens; his brothers Richard Talaski, Taco (Jean) Talaski, Eugene Talaski, and Fred (Julie) Talaski; his sister in laws Joyce Stirrett and Carol (Tim) Majeski; and his grandchildren Eric (Lauren) Teasdle, Adam (Baily) Teasdle, Heather Tolitsky, Hope Tolitsky, Abby (Shevin) Martin, Bryce Talaski, Preston Warren, JT Warren, Tiffany (Jason) Zurek, Erica Sweeny, and Andrew (Nicole) Messing. He also leaves behind sixteen great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Elanor Talaski; his in-laws, Phoebe and Ed Lemanski; sons-in-law, David Teasdle and Jim Wrobel; sisters-in-law, Til Talaski and Ilene Talaski; brother-in-law, Doug Stirrett; nephew, Troy Stirrett; and many aunts, uncles, and dear friends who welcomed him home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, St. Roch Catholic Church in Caseville. Frank’s family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday at the Ransford Funeral Home in Pigeon from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a time for sharing memories beginning at 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Caseville Food Bank ℅ Caseville Methodist Church, PO BOX 1027 Caseville, MI 48725.

View Frank Phillip Talaski Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/07/2026

Larry Lee Williams of Elkton, age 81, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe following a courageous battle with kidney disease. Larry was born November 22, 1944, in Springfield, Ohio, the son of the late Russell Sr. and Ione Williams. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was stationed in Port Austin at the now retired air base. While stationed there, he met the love of his life, Victoria Eden. They were united in marriage on September 23, 1967, at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Kinde. After their wedding they established their lives in Elkton and began their family, being blessed with two sons, Chris and Brian. Larry worked at Active Industries/Tower Automotive from 1967 until his retirement in 2005. He enjoyed traveling and spending time on the golf course with his wife and friends, going to local car shows, and watching Detroit Tigers games and any golf tournaments that were on television. But most importantly, he cherished his time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly fifty-nine years, Vicki; their two sons, Chris (Vicki) Williams and Brian (Janice) Williams; grandchildren, Camron, Allison, Nicole, Alex, Miranda (Lukas), Travis, and Gracie; brother and sister in-law Andy and Phyllis Woycik; and many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Russel Sr. and lone Williams; his only brother, Russell Williams Jr.; sister-in-law, Joyce Williams; and his parents-in-law, Gordan and Irene Eden.

The family would like to thank the many employees of Courtney Manor for their endless care, kindness, and compassion.

A funeral service for Larry will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon, 7356 West Michigan Avenue, Pigeon, MI 48755. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial is to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Elkton. Memorials may be made to Century Oaks Public Golf Course.

View Larry Lee Williams's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/03/2026

Barbara “Barb” Jean Lerchenfeld of Caseville, age 80, passed away at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper in Saginaw, Michigan, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, after an unexpected medical emergency. Barb was born on June 2, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Anthony and Genevieve (Kosikowski) Lipiec and was a 1964 graduate of Pershing High School. She met Denis “Duke” Lerchenfeld through her brother Tony, and the couple would soon become inseparable. They married and started the beloved family that would become her entire life. He preceded her in death. Barb always put others before herself, helping take care of her grandsons, volunteering with the Caseville Eagles, and making sure her friends and family always had the support they needed. In her free time, Barb enjoyed Bingo and taking senior trips with her friends to stay active and social. She was a deeply religious woman who lived her faith through her actions, giving her kindness and love to all those around her.

Barb is survived by children, Karl (Jodi) Lerchenfeld and Stacy (Donnie) Tye; grandchildren, Madison Meyer, Trevor Tye, Cade Lerchenfeld, Trince Tye, and Zegen Lerchenfeld; and sister, Gwen Ploe; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, and her best friend Joan Lester.

In addition to her parents, Barb is reunited in death with her loving husband Duke whom she missed every day; her brother, Tony Lipiec; and her niece, Kimberly Lipiec.

A funeral service for Barb will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon, 7356 Michigan Avenue, Pigeon, MI 48755. Visitation will take place on Tuesday at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. A graveside committal service will be held the following day, Wednesday, July 8, at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery 17100 Van D**e Avenue, Detroit, MI 48234. Memorial contributions may be made to the FRAXA Research Foundation or Down Syndrome Support Team.

View Barbara "Barb" Jean Lerchenfeld's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Address

7356 West Michigan Avenue
Pigeon, MI
48755

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4pm

Website

http://www.RansfordFuneralHome.com/

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