Ransford Funeral Home - Pigeon

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.

Cailyn Ann Ruth of Pigeon, age 13, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Scheurer Health in Pigeon....
02/04/2026

Cailyn Ann Ruth of Pigeon, age 13, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Scheurer Health in Pigeon. She was born on April 26, 2012, in Bad Axe, the daughter of Cory and Rebecca (Cameron) Ruth and was an eighth grader at Laker Schools. Cailyn was a kind and loving soul who lit up any room she entered. She was never home, instead always out with her many friends making Tik Tok videos and sending Snapchats of all her activities, especially her greatest passion of softball. She also relished what she and Caitlin called “Rachel Sushi Night.” Cailyn had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease her family and tell jokes, touching the hearts of people all across the state. She was a great kid who loved her beautiful family and will be missed by every person who ever got to know her.

Left to cherish Cailyn’s memory are her parents, Cory and Rebecca Ruth; siblings, Leah (Keydan Reinke) Gothro, Corbin (Paige Roth) Ruth, Connor Ruth, and Callie Ruth; grandparents, Jim (Linda Luttman) Ruth, Cindy (Mike Chaplinski) Ruth, and Martha Grifka; great grandma, Jeanette “Busha” Talaski; and special aunt, Caitlin (Troy Tolbert) Ruth who was like a big sister to Cailyn. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, other family members, and countless friends who lovingly knew her as “Squirt.”

Cailyn was preceded in death by her grandpa, Leonard Talaski; and grandparents, Francis and Lucy Ruth.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Cailyn will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at St. Hubert Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 311 Whitelam Street, Bad Axe, Michigan 48413, with Rev. Yesu Mulakaleti presiding. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon, 7356 Michigan Avenue, Pigeon, Michigan 48755, and from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday. Committal will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Bad Axe. Memorial contributions may be made wishes of the family, c/o Cory Ruth.

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Daniel “Dan” Scott Bouverette, 43, of Bad Axe passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Dan was born on Marc...
02/03/2026

Daniel “Dan” Scott Bouverette, 43, of Bad Axe passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Dan was born on March 29, 1982, in Bad Axe, Michigan to Debra (VanEpps) Bouverette and the late Randy Bouverette and was a 2000 graduate of Laker High School. He worked as a mechanic and truck driver for W.A. Herford & Sons Farms. Dan was a hard worker but liked to make people smile and have a good time.

Dan is survived by mother, Debra Bouverette; and brothers, Jacob Bouverette and Branden (Becca) Bouverette; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Dan was preceded in death by father, Randy Bouverette.

A memorial service for Dan will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Community Wesleyan Church of Elkton, 5171 Whalen St, Elkton, MI 48731, with Pastor Ean Green presiding. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6 at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the family discretionary fund c/o Debra Bouverette.

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Judy J. Fleming of Caseville, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Covenant Health Care in S...
02/02/2026

Judy J. Fleming of Caseville, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Covenant Health Care in Saginaw. Judy was born in Pigeon on December 7, 1954, to the late James and Mildred (Osborne) Fleming and was a 1973 graduate of Laker High School.

She spent over twenty years with the Pigeon Telephone Company and was an officer with the Caseville Fraternal Order of Eagles #3690 until her passing. Judy was active with her community, previously serving as a member of the planning committee for the Pigeon Farmer’s Festival and as a line dancing teacher during Cheeseburger Festival. She loved all of Caseville’s festivals and she took part in the Witches’ Walk, Rib Fest, and Cheeseburger every year. Judy was the life of the party and loved to laugh. She loved music and dancing and cherished the time she spent with her beloved friends and family.

Judy is survived by her children, James (Kelly) Niebel and Jaime Niebel; granddaughter, Lindsey Pobanz; step-mother, Angela Krauth; brothers, Daniel Fleming and Jim (Candy) Fleming; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, countless friends, and her beloved grand-dog Bandit.

In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by three siblings, Jane Patterson, Patti Wolfe, and William Fleming.

A funeral service for Judy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon with Pastor Karen Bouverette presiding. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Monday, February 9, 2026 and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Caseville Fraternal Order of Eagles #3690 or the American Heart Association.

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Larry Allen Werner, 90, of Sand Point passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with his loving family by his side. Larry...
02/02/2026

Larry Allen Werner, 90, of Sand Point passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with his loving family by his side. Larry was born August 1, 1935, in Pewamo, MI, to the late Irvine and Elaine (Wagle) Werner. He graduated from Pigeon High School in 1954, where he was awarded Athlete of the Year. Larry married his high school sweetheart Joyce McCormick on June 25, 1955, at Pigeon United Methodist Church. Together they enjoyed 65 wonder years. She preceded him in death on September 8, 2020. Larry owned and operated Larry’s Country Market in Bay Port for many years with his wife Joyce. In 1964 he began a career in management with several major companies until his retirement in 1994. After retirement, he and Joyce worked together in Real Estate sales with Real Estate One.

Larry is survived by his son, Steve (Julie) Werner of Elkton; five grandchildren, Tera (Robert), Kayla (AJ), Ryan (Meriah), Austin (Lacey), and Garett (Shelby); ten great grandchildren, Daniel, Mya, Richard, Olivia, Jacob, Easton, Brinley, Carson, Paxton, and Riley; sisters, Patsy Reiter and Bonnie (Eric) Smith; and sister-in-law Cozette McCormick; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Along with his parents and wife, Larry was preceded in death by his daughter, Sherri Werner; sister, Peggy Malone; mother and father-in-law, Dudley and Ethel McCormick; brothers-in-law, James McCormick, Dr. Edward Behr, Thomas Maolne, Melvin Reitepr, and Doug Behr; nephews, Jeffery Malone and Doug Gordon; and Nieces, Lainey Gilliam and Abagail Gilliam.

Larry's family would like to thank the staff of Courney Manor for loving our Dad and Grandpa as family, and for the love and support given to his family during the time it was needed most.

In accordance with Larry’s wishes, cremation is to take place, and the family is planning a memorial service celebrating his life at a later date. Because of his lifelong commitment to mental healthcare for his community, memorials may be made to Huron Behavioral Health.

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Clifford (Butch) John Pobanz Jr., 80, of Pigeon went to be with his beloved wife Jane in heaven on Friday, January 30, 2...
01/31/2026

Clifford (Butch) John Pobanz Jr., 80, of Pigeon went to be with his beloved wife Jane in heaven on Friday, January 30, 2026. Cliff was born August 12, 1945, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to the late Leona J. (Severson) Pobanz and Clifford J. Pobanz Sr.

The oldest of six children, he grew up in Bay Port, sharing an extremely close bond with his siblings. Cliff could often be found giving of his time to the community, whether it be helping at the local food pantry, making popcorn at the Laker concession stand, helping at the annual YFC auction, mowing a neighbor’s lawn, or plowing their driveway. He graduated from Laker High School in 1964. Cliff was an extremely proud U.S. Army veteran, having served in Vietnam from 1965 until his honorable discharge in 1967.

He was a member of the American Legion in Caseville and a lifetime member of the VFW. On December 28, 1965, he married his high-school sweetheart Jane M. Damm at the Kilmanagh E.U.B. Church. Jane was the love of Cliff’s life. She preceded him in death on December 28, 2022, which was also their 57th wedding anniversary. Cliff worked hard his entire life. In 1972 he started at the Pigeon division of the Huron County Road Commission where he worked as a grader operator, and later as the Pigeon division foreman until his retirement in 1999.

Left to cherish Cliff’s memory are two sons, Scott (Vicky) Pobanz and Chad (Dawn Ives) Pobanz, and special daughter, Rhonda (Tim) Hackett. He is also survived by his grandchildren who he loved more than anything else in this world, Michael (Abby) Pobanz, Nathan Pobanz, Lindsey Pobanz, and Olivia Pobanz; as well as sisters, Diane (Joel) Caverly, Beckie (Eric) Miller, and Pennie (Bob Bouchaert) Horton; sisters-in-law, Dawn Pobanz and Janet Henne; and brother-in-law, Chuck Anderson; as well as many nieces and nephews who were all very special to him, his morning coffee drinking buddies, and the many friends that he has made along the way.

He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Jane; mother, Leona; father, Clifford Sr.; sister Sharon Allen; brother, Bob Pobanz; mother-in-law, Mildred Rosenthal; father-in-law, Walter Rosenthal; sister-in-law, Jill Anderson; and brother-in-law, Dennis Henne.

Our family would like to express our extreme gratitude to the staff of Covenant Hospital and Bay Shores Senior Care for taking such wonderful care of our loved one during his final weeks.

A funeral service for Cliff will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Salem Church, 23 Mabel St, Pigeon, MI 48755, with Rev. Michael Sawicki presiding. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon 7356 W. Michigan Ave, Pigeon, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Friday. Memorials may be made to the Pigeon Food Pantry.

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Donald “Don” Karle, 77, of Caseville passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Bay Shores Senior Care in Ba...
01/30/2026

Donald “Don” Karle, 77, of Caseville passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Bay Shores Senior Care in Bay City. Don was born on December 24, 1948, in Pigeon, Michigan to the late Peter Sr. and Mary (Canter) Karle and was a 1967 graduate of Laker High School. After graduation, Don volunteered for the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge as a Sergeant in 1969. After his time in the Army, Don went to work in the cement plant of Caseville Lumber where he learned masonry, then began working in carpentry and construction. He worked with his cousin Louie Karle, then with Mark Wolford, before retiring. Don married Kathryn Knaus on May 31, 1969, and the couple spent over 56 years together. She survives him. Don stayed active in his free time hunting, fishing and trapping. He played baseball in his younger years and enjoyed bowling, playing pool, Euchre, and club Keno, and loved jigsaw puzzles. Don is remembered as being ornery at times but fiercely proud of his family and giving with his time and skills. He loved his girls, sons-in-law, and grandkids, and thought raising his family was the best thing he ever did.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn Karle; children, Vicky (Scott) Pobanz and Wendy (Ryan) Donlan; grandchildren, Michael (Abby) Pobanz, Nathan Pobanz, Sean Donlan, and Katelyn Donlan; and siblings, Rose (Harry) Kelly, Pete (Ella) Karle, Jr., Edna Adams, and Norma Jaskowski; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, and his beloved cat T***s.

Don was preceded in death by sister, Marie Rachuba; and brothers-in-law, Patrick Adams, Theodore Jaskowski, and Barry Rachuba.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Heartland Hospice and Bay Shores Senior Care for their loving care of Don.

A funeral service for Don will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon 7356 West Michigan Ave, Pigeon, MI, with Pastor Karen Bouverette presiding. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, with burial to follow at St. Roch Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association in Michigan or the Wounded Warriors Project.

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Delphine Louise Wolschlager of Caseville, age 82, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Toni and Trish House in A...
01/26/2026

Delphine Louise Wolschlager of Caseville, age 82, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Toni and Trish House in Auburn. She was born August 20, 1943 in Bingham Twp., the daughter of the late Henry and Blanche (Skipinski) O’Parka. Del graduated from Ubly High School. She married the love of her life, Henry Wolschlager on August 17, 1963 at St. John Catholic Church in Ubly. Their marriage was blessed with sixty-two years and many cherished memories.

Del worked at the Secretary of State for over twenty-five years before her retirement in 1999. She and Henry wintered in Avon Park, Florida after retirement for over twenty-three years. Del was a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and a member of the Caseville Eagles Auxiliary. She was always up for a round of golf whether it was in Florida or Caseville, being out on the course was her favorite place to be. Del enjoyed playing cards and loved gardening. She was known for the love she had for her family and would do anything for them. Del will be missed dearly.

Delphine leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Henry; son & daughter-in-law, Brian & Carrie Wolschlager; grandchildren, Kelsey Wolschlager, Kevin Wolschlager, and Kaitlyn (Alex) Nurmikko; sister, Rose Labuhn; sister-in-law, Marian O’Parka; several nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, Del was preceded in death by her son, Robert Wolschlager; siblings, Julius, Margueritte, Ervin, and Leo; brother-in-law, William Labuhn.

Del’s funeral service will be on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, St. Roch Catholic Church in Caseville. The family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of her service. Burial will take place privately at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Ubly.

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Kenneth “Ken” P. Weiss, 89, of Capac, formerly of Ubly passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with his family by hi...
01/21/2026

Kenneth “Ken” P. Weiss, 89, of Capac, formerly of Ubly passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with his family by his side. Ken was born on February 14, 1936, in Port Hope, Michigan, to the late Herman and Amelia (Woodke) Weiss. He married the former Rosalie Stapleton on April 25, 1959, in Harbor Beach. She preceded him in death on October 24, 2023. Ken proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from his enlistment in 1959 until his retirement in 1979. He enjoyed quiet time at home watching TV and doing Sudoku puzzles and especially enjoyed a home cooked meal. The Farmer’s Tavern was his favorite place to go when he wanted to get out of the house, and he loved to play Kino there.

Ken is survived by his loving daughter, Carole (Steven) Lewthwaite; and granddaughters, Sarah Lewthwaite and Naomi (Luke) Tubia; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by two sons, Kenneth Jr. and Robert; two grandsons, Daniel and Timothy Lewthwaite; sisters, Jeanette Weiss, Janice Weiss, Shelva (Alvin) Finkle, Betty (Wilber) Eggert, Helen (Arnold) Schave, and Phyllis (Richard) Haggerty.

In accordance with Ken’s wishes, cremation is to take place.

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Calvin “Cal” James Kauffman, 86, of Elkton passed away peacefully in his home with his family by his side on Monday, Jan...
01/20/2026

Calvin “Cal” James Kauffman, 86, of Elkton passed away peacefully in his home with his family by his side on Monday, January 19, 2026. Cal was born in Clarksville, Michigan on May 27, 1939, to the late Norman and Irma (Birkey) Kauffman. He grew up on the family farm where he learned to be hard-working and dependable before going to work for the Keebler Company. Work brought him to the Thumb where he became a truck driver for Purina Feed in Sebewaing, then for Active Feed Company in Pigeon, retiring as a Feed Mill Operator in 2007. Cal married the former Nola Herford on October 21, 1967, and the couple spent over 58 years together. She survives him. He raised his children in the farming tradition, maintaining a pig farm for many years, and stayed active playing softball, golf, and bowling. Cal is remembered as a kind, loving, and good-hearted man with a humble personality but a big impact on those he loved, especially his family.

Cal is survived by his wife, Nola; children, Carleen (Patrick) Shinn, Steven Kauffman, and Cristina Markham; grandchildren, Corey (Ashley) Shinn, Mallory Shinn, William Shinn, Wyatt Markham, Josie Markham, and Travis Markham; great grandchildren, Cayson Shinn and Tyler Shinn; and siblings, Dale Kauffman, Donna (Ron) Sape, and Carol (Sam) King; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Cal was preceded in death by sisters, Marzella Zook and Pauline Kauffman.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at A&D Hospice for their wonderful end-of-life care of Cal.

A funeral service for Cal will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at St. Paul Methodist Church, 150 Main St, Elkton, MI 48731, with Pastor Bill Eberly presiding. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25 at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon, 7356 West Michigan Ave. Pigeon, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Monday. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Methodist Church or the A&D Charitable Foundation.

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Karen Marie Groves of Lake Orion, age 66, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Huron County Medical Center. She w...
01/20/2026

Karen Marie Groves of Lake Orion, age 66, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Huron County Medical Center. She was born on April 18, 1959, in Lowell, Massachusetts, the daughter of Arthur and Joan (Collins) Gendreau. Karen grew up in Massachusetts before later moving to Florida, where she graduated from Largo High School. After graduation, she worked as a waitress and later spent several years with Ameritech. She also worked as a medical office assistant and helped care for others in group homes. Karen ultimately retired after many years of dedicated service as a Nursing Assistant at Beaumont Troy Hospital.
Karen was a natural in the kitchen, and everything she made was delicious. She loved the beach and being near the water, whether at the lake or the ocean, it didn’t matter. Karen also enjoyed shopping, traveling, and spending time watching HGTV and the Hallmark Channel, especially Christmas movies. Karen adored her cats, loving them second only to her children. Above all, she absolutely loved her grandchildren and cherished every moment she could spend caring for them. Karen’s love and caring spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Karen leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Chris Groves (Cindy Goldwater) and Marie (Matt) Scott; grandchildren, Declan, Landon, and Cameron Scott; mother, Joan Gendreau; brothers, Russell Gendreau and Michael Gendreau; nephews, Tony Gendreau and Josh Gendreau; and the father of her children, Randy Groves. Karen was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Gendreau; brother, Billy Gendreau; and sister-in-law, Sue Gendreau.
Karen’s funeral service will be on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Pigeon. Rev. Karen Bouverette will officiate with the burial being held privately at Caseville Twp. Cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of Karen’s service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter.

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Darwin T. Stalter, 85, of Gagetown went to meet his Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at his home with his lo...
01/19/2026

Darwin T. Stalter, 85, of Gagetown went to meet his Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at his home with his loving wife at his side after a battle with cancer that began in 1996. Darwin was born on March 14, 1940, to the late Timothy and Daisy (Miller) Stalter and was a 1958 graduate of Laker high school. Darwin worked as a truck driver for Express Leasing. He married Harriet Slagstad on July 10, 1998. She survives him. In his free time, Darwin loved traveling with Harriet around the country, visiting light houses and camping in state parks. He was a craftsman at heart, spending time in his woodshop or working on his lawn and garden.

Darwin is survived by his beloved wife, Harriet Stalter; children, Pam (Brian) O’Niel of Jackson, Michigan, Rodney (Patty) Stalter of Owendale, Michigan, Paula (Bob) Tucker, Russell (Ayasha) Stalter of Bay City, Michigan, Elizabeth (Ron) Gardner of Averill Park, New York, and Rachel (Rob) Coryell of Bad Axe, Michigan; brother, Gary Stalter of Cowpen, South Carolina; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren who affectionately knew him as “Pee-wee”; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Darwin was preceded in death by brothers, Gaylen Stalter, Del Stalter, and Randy Stalter.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Kevin of McLaren Hospice for his compassionate care of Darwin, and to Shirley for her comfort and support of Harriet during these difficult times.

In accordance with Darwin’s wishes, cremation is to take place, with a memorial service honoring Darwin’s life to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Michigan Avenue Mennonite Church, 7004 Michigan Ave, Pigeon, MI 48755, with Rev. Scot Wilson presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to Michigan Avenue Mennonite Church.

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Patricia “Pat” Ann Winiecki, 92, of Bay Port passed away in her home surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday, January 1...
01/16/2026

Patricia “Pat” Ann Winiecki, 92, of Bay Port passed away in her home surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Pat was born on October 14, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Julian and Mary (Staszak) Banaszewski and was a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School. As a young girl she helped her father in the family’s bakery and then worked for the Packard Motor Car Company as a secretary until she left to follow her true calling as a mother. She married Thomas S. Winiecki on April 28, 1956, and the couple spent 39 years together until his passing on August 8, 1995. In her free time, Pat was giving of her time and affection, volunteering with the American Red Cross and spending time with her family. She ran Winky Enterprises and Winiecki’s Marina and was often found cooking breakfast for all the hunters that came through for duck camp. Pat loved playing card games with her grandkids and became quite the birdwatcher in her later years. She is remembered as being the nicest and kindest person you could ever meet, always putting others before herself. She was strong and resilient, acting as the patriarch of the family, and lived a life full of grace.

Pat is survived by children, Timothy (Diana) Winiecki, Pamela (Lance) Wood, Patrice (Terry) Thede, Thaddeus (Kimberly) Winiecki, and Patty Jo (Steven) Dutkiewicz; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and sister, Barbara Francis; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas and brother-in-law, Donald Francis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Saint Francis Borgia Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Rob Pare presiding. Visitation will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon, 7356 W. Michigan Ave. Pigeon, MI, and from 10:00 a.m. to the time of service at the church on Friday. Burial will be at Saint Francis Borgia Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.

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Address

7356 West Michigan Avenue
Pigeon, MI
48755

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

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Our Story

The Champagne Funeral Chapel was founded in 1975 by John Champagne in Elkton, Michigan when he purchased the funeral business from James Colgan which had been in operation at the same location in Elkton since 1960. In 1984 a second location in Caseville was added when the historic Crawford House was renovated into a funeral home. Through hard work and his generous spirit, he grew the business to become the largest in Huron County. In 2004 James Childs bought the funeral home in Caseville and together they continued improving the business. In 2017 Childs purchased the Elkton location from Champagne and also purchased the Meyersieck-Bussema Funeral Home in Pigeon, merging all three funeral homes into one business housed in a newly constructed funeral home in Pigeon which opened in 2019, closing all three of the old buildings. The new spacious and modern building stands ready to serve the community well into the future. The Champagne Funeral Chapel endeavors to be helpful to the community, to provide fine facilities, to be fair and skilled in its practice of the profession, to be accessible to everyone, and to be a good neighbor and corporate citizen. The funeral home’s motto is “Modern Traditions;” funeral traditions are steeped in ritual and time honored customs. We wish to honor, respect, and perpetuate those customs, but also make adaptations to ensure they are relevant and meaningful to our customers. If we can successfully deliver on these claims, then we will be able to honor the lives of those who have died and ease the burden on those who mourn.