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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.

04/20/2026

Cynthia “Cindy” L. (Leinbach) Gioia of Farmington Hills, age 85, passed away in her home surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Cindy was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 13, 1940, to the late Etril and Velma (Lane) Leinbach and graduated with honors from Allen Park High School in 1958. After graduation she attended Wayne State University where she studied English Literature and Sociology, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1962. It was at Wayne State she met Vito Gioia and the couple would marry in 1965. Cindy served in the Detroit Police Department Women’s Division until motherhood called her to lovingly raise her two children. Once her children were off to high school, Cindy took business classes at Oakland County Community College before going to work as an administrative assistant and office manager for various automotive advertising organizations. She retired from Temple Israel in 2005. Cindy was a brilliant and witty writer, and was an avid reader who went through one book after another. She enjoyed playing mahjong with her friends and traveling with family, be it to Europe from time to time or Up North as often as she could. Cindy is remembered as being an effervescent and dramatic woman who was loving, loyal, and empathetic.

Cindy is survived by her children, Lisa Gioia and Bart Gioia; and siblings, Suzanne Arnost and Jim Leinbach; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

A private committal service will be held for Cindy at Grand Lawn Cemetery, and the family asks that friends and family gather to celebrate Cindy by sharing memories or raising a toast in her honor.

View Cynthia "Cindy" L. Gioia's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/20/2026

Charles "Charlie" Harry Pesha

Charles “Charlie” Harry Pesha age 68, of Pigeon, formerly of Centerline, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at McLaren Bay Region. Charlie was born on December 15, 1957, in Detroit, the son of the late Harry and Jacqueline (Aumann) Pesha.

Left to cherish Charlie’s memory are his siblings, Raymond of Pigeon, Kelly Thacker of Tennessee, Tracy of Warren, Andrew of Florida, and Jack of Warren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Charlie's wishes cremation has taken place.

View Charles "Charlie" Harry Pesha's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/20/2026

Deena Marie (Rohl) Schubach of Bad Axe, age 62, passed away peacefully after prolonged illness on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. Deena was born on November 7, 1963, in Traverse City, Michigan, to the late Donald and Barbara (Chase) Rohl and attended Traverse City High School. She served her community as a waitress all over the Thumb and after marrying Jack Schubach she continued her commitment to keeping her neighbors fed in Florida until his passing in 2016. Deena moved back to Michigan in 2022, where she spent her free time jamming out to Stevie Nicks and Boyz II Men, as well as spoiling her granddaughter with love and affection. She was always there for everybody and put a smile on the face of anyone she met.

Deena is survived by her cherished daughter, Brianna Davis; beloved granddaughter, Jessie-Marie Perez; sisters, Mary Jan Shields, Gaylene (Dan) Traylor, and Carol Heintz; stepson, Chad (Misty) Schubach; and step grandson, Matthew Schubach; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

In addition to her husband, Jack Schubach, Deena was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Pete Heintz.

In accordance with Deena’s wishes, cremation is to take place. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family, c/o Brianna Davis.

View Deena Marie Schubach's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/13/2026

Kaye Susan (Engel) Harrison of Warren, formerly of Harbor Beach, passed away peacefully in her son’s home in Warren surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the age of 85. Kaye was born on July 27, 1940, in Kinde, Michigan, to the late August “Barney” and Elvera (Herman) Engel and was a 1958 graduate of North Huron High School. Her greatest passion in life was her beloved family; she raised four children and treasured the time she was able to spend with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kaye married Jack Harrison in July of 1991 and the couple were inseparable. They were members of the Bad Axe Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #2358 and spent time together playing Euchre and traveling all around the Thumb. Jack preceded her in death in 2009. Kaye loved knitting and cooking, as well as spoiling her grandkids and great grandkids. She made friends everywhere she went and would often be found chatting away with strangers as she made the rounds at Walmart. Kaye had an almost indescribable nature and was full of love for the beautiful family she raised.

Kaye is survived by children, Brad (Dawn) Anderson, Sheri Sauro, Dave Anderson, and Frederick “Rick” (Becky) Anderson; ten grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren; as well as many other family members, friends, and countless cats that she kept the company of throughout the years.

In addition to her husband, Jack, Kaye was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Frank Sauro.

In accordance with Kaye’s wishes, cremation is to take place. A private family graveside service will be held at Colfax Township Cemetery where she will be inurned with Jack. Memorial contributions may be made to the Macomb County Humane Society.

View Kaye Susan Harrison's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/06/2026

Our beloved daughter, sister, mother, and friend, Lindsey Lynn Lupu-Miller of Elkton, age 40, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Lindsey was born on April 6, 1985, in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert Lupu and Lorri Carlisle. Her two biggest passions in life were family and music, and she thrived where the two passions met. She was raised by her mom on classic rock and even stole her brother’s Led Zeppelin t-shirt. Lindsey worked with her mom setting stages for a music production company and could often be found singing Shinedown or Lynyrd Skynyrd with her kids or attending concerts with her longtime boyfriend William. Those who knew her knew her to be a sassy, if at times stubborn, woman who was loving and greeted everyone with a hug. She always had a smile on her face and a funny attitude regardless of what life threw her way and the warmth of her presence will live on in those she loved.

Lindsey is survived by mother, Lorri (Ed) Carlisle; father, Robert Lupu; children, Brodie Good, Shea Miller, Asher Miller, and Kierra Miller; siblings, Jason (Jennifer) Freesland, Kevin (Becky) Lupu, Brandi (Jeremy) Sprague, Lauren (Bobby Erla) Freesland, Bobby Lupu, and Lillee Lupu; stepsisters, Tabitha Carlisle and Nikki Carlisle; grandfather, Eddie Freesland; and boyfriend of many years, William “Wink” Madison; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Lindsey was reunited in death with many loved ones, including her grandparents and many friends.

A time of gathering for Lindsey will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon, 7356 West Michigan Avenue, with music and memories being shared at 6:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family, with checks made to Lorri Carlisle.

View Lindsey Lynn Lupu-Miller's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/06/2026

Robert “Bob” John Bieri, Jr., 73, of Pigeon, Michigan, passed away on April 3, 2026, at Scheuer Health with his wife and children by his side.

Bob was born on July 2, 1952, in Pigeon, Michigan, to Bud and Lorraine Bieri. He spent his life rooted in the community he loved.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Deb; his son, Chad (Melissa) Bieri; and his daughter, Dana (Doug) Smith. He was a proud grandfather to Cierra Bieri, Willow Smith, and Summer Smith, and a great-grandfather to Aden Essenmacher, Jaxson Bieri, Casey Visscher, and Andre Visscher. Bob also leaves behind many siblings, nieces, and nephews who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Lorraine Bieri; his brother Ken Bieri; and his grandson Javen Krohn.

Bob was a husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many. He worked as an excavator his entire life and was known for his feisty personality, big heart, and genuine kindness. He had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. He loved playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, racing his Challenger, and tinkering around the house in his spare time.

A memorial service will be held on April 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon, 7356 West Michigan Avenue. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, with a luncheon following at the Infinity Event Center.

In lieu of flowers, discretionary donations may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses, with checks payable to Deb Bieri. Prayers for the family and friends are always appreciated.

View Robert "Bob" J. Bieri, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/03/2026

Patricia Althye Given

Patricia Althye Given of Caseville, age 81, passed away at home on Thursday, April 2, 2026. She was born January 16, 1945 in Pontiac, the daughter of the late James and Mary (Venos) Davis. Trisha graduated from Pontiac Northern with the Class of 1963 and went on to attend art school in Detroit. She married the love of her life, Robert Given on September 4, 1965. Their marriage was blessed with over sixty years, countless memories and adventures. One especially memorable family trip out west captured her adventurous spirit perfectly. Robert was the driver, and Trisha was the navigator, stopping anywhere that sounded interesting.

Trisha’s family always said she was born in the wrong era, she loved living off the land and doing things from scratch. Wherever Trisha lived, she made a garden. It was her pride and joy, and truly the love of her life. Her gardens were always overflowing with corn, cucumbers for pickles, berries, and every kind of vegetable imaginable, always enough to feed the whole family and then some. Each fall, she canned what she grew, continuing a tradition she took pride in. On their little farm in Lapeer, Trisha worked tirelessly caring for goats, geese, turkeys, and a milk cow. She made homemade butter, cheese, bread, and had more milk than they knew what to do with.

In 1990, Trisha and Robert bought a cottage in Caseville, a place that became especially dear to them. They loved taking the boat there and spending time fishing, something Trisha had enjoyed since she was a young girl. Later, they retired there, and even then, Trisha continued doing what she loved most, tending her garden and cooking. For over twenty-five years, she prepared and served a monthly dinner for the residents of Oakwood Senior Apartments. Trisha enjoyed bowling and treasured time spent with her family and friends. Her love, smile, and tenaciousness will always be remembered.

Trisha leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Robert; children, Trisha Marie Given (fiancé, Craig Sweeder) and Christopher (Tiffany) Given; grandchildren, Jacob (Megan) Goodroe, Brittany Wood-Wright (Dan Lilue), and Joseph Given; great-grandchildren, Johnathan, Aaron, Lorraina, Mitchell, Paisley, and Everett; sister, Debra (Tom) Taylor; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Trisha was preceded in death by her sister, Barb (Rich) Ryan.

Trisha’s funeral service will be on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Pigeon. The family will be present to receive visitors on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Thumb Animal Shelter.

View Patricia Althye Given's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/02/2026

Charles Edward Berry, Jr.

Charles Edward Berry, Jr. of Sand Point, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 with his family by his side. He was born on October 12, 1941 in Detroit, the son of the late Charles and Pauline (Luckritz) Berry. Chuck attended Pershing High School before answering the call of his country and proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1958 until 1962.

On May 2, 1964, Chuck married the love of his life, Laurette Merrill. Their marriage was blessed with nearly sixty-two years of countless, cherished memories. Chuck proudly served as a Police Officer for the City of Detroit for over twenty years before retiring. He was fond of watching classic westerns and playing cards with his friends. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons. Chuck had a goofy sense of humor and took great joy in making others laugh. Above all, Chuck was a devoted family man whose strength, love, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Chuck leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Laurette; sons, Craig Berry and Derek (Michelle) Berry; grandsons, Jacob Berry and Matthew (Alyssa Conte) Berry; sisters, Audrey Moore and Evelyn Heathcote; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by his sisters, Beverly and Diane.

Chuck’s funeral service will be on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Pigeon. The family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Laurette Berry.

View Charles Edward Berry, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/02/2026

Roger Merril Kelly

Roger Merril Kelly of Caseville, age 84, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. He was born on March 19, 1942 to the late Charles and Ellen Kelly. Roger began serving his country in 1960 on the USS Lexington and served in the Vietnam War. He was an avid reader and loved finding treasures at any antique store he came across.

Roger is survived by sister, Darlene (Jack) Pennell of Bay City; children, Scott (Trish) Kelly of Caseville and Patrick (Liz) Kelly of Caseville; grandchildren, Kaydee (Zack) Peterson, Chelsea Kelly, Bailey (Lexi Gropp) Kelly, and Michael Kelly; great-grandchildren, Paisley, Colton, Dakota, Carter, and Madelyn.

Roger was preceded in death by sister, Karen Kelly; nieces and nephew, Amy Kelly, Kelly Jo Pennell, and Timmy Pennell.

A service will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery at a later date.

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

03/31/2026

Rae L. Reiter

Rae L. Reiter of Pigeon, Michigan, formerly of Pennsylvania, was called home to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on March 30, 2026. Husband, Rod Reiter was her faithful and loving caregiver throughout her long cancer journey.

Rae was a graduate of Altoona High School in 1964 and married her high school sweetheart on October 10 of the same year. During their sixty-one years of marriage, they enjoyed camping with family and friends, playing card games, taking an exciting trip to Alaska and traveling out west in their RV were some of their highlights throughout the years. After Rod’s retirement, they spent winters in Florida for twenty-two years. Rae was a stay-at-home mother of her two sons until they were in high school. Deciding to help provide for her sons in their college goals, she worked mostly part-time until she was hired by Appleton Papers in the accounting department.

Rae was always active in her local church to serve her Lord and Savior. She faithfully taught Sunday School, involved in the girls’ ministry program, served as president or treasurer in the Women’s Missionary Council, and held the position of church financial secretary. Rae was also an avid reader of her Bible, Christian fiction, and biographies. She would be known to research information in the encyclopedia which helped in her enjoyment of watching Jeopardy.

Surviving are her loving husband, Rod Reiter; two sons, Scott (Dana) Reiter of Bay Port, MI, Matthew (Sharla) Reiter of Gettysburg, PA; four grandchildren, Caitlin (Corey) Buggia of Cass City, MI, Jared (Akliah) Reiter of Cannelburg, IN, Makayla Reiter of Gettysburg, PA, and Josiah Reiter in Gettysburg, PA; four great-grandchildren, Logan, Olivia, and Luella Buggia and Lucy Reiter; brother, Andy (Rhonda) Miller of Martinsburg, PA; nieces and nephews, Timothy Reiter, Michael Reiter, Karen Reiter, Jeanne Reiter, Patrick Reiter and Jessica Huntsman. Rae was proceeded in death by her parents, Raymond and Helen (Wilkins) Miller; brother-in-law, Clyde Reiter in Hillman, MI; and sister-in-law, Thelma Reiter.

Rae’s Celebration of Life will be at Calvary Baptist Church in Caseville on Saturday, April 18, 2026 with visitation at 9:30 a.m. with the service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

View Rae L. Reiter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/16/2026

Richard Henne

Richard W. Henne, age 94, of Bay Port, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Country Gardens Assisted Living in Pigeon. He was born on August 27, 1931, to the late Floyd and Kathryn Henne. Richard worked for many years as a foreman for the County Road Commission and also built several homes. He was a soft-spoken man who helped and served others daily. Richard married Alice Elftman in September 1950, and together they had five children. After fifteen years of marriage, they divorced. In February 1972, he remarried Connie Martinez. Together, they operated an adult foster care home in their residence for many years.

Richard is survived by his children, Nick Henne, Wendy Bowlin, Nina Murdoch, and Charles (Donna) Henne; grandchildren, Brian Murdoch, Jessica Kowalski, Steve Henne, Bo Murdoch, Ryan Henne, Jamie Henne, Alissa Edwards, and André Schillinger; great-grandchildren, Erin Murcdoch, Peyton Edwards, Isabella Edwards, Chris Bozich, Andrew Bozich, John Bozich, Baylor Schillinger, Barrett Schillinger, Brooks Schillinger, Beau Schillinger, Brayden Henne, Gracyn Henne, and Matt Murdoch; great-great-grandchildren, Henry Murdoch, Dawson Bozich, and Iris Bozick; sister, Roma Laffrey; special friend, Irene. Richard was preceded in death by Connie Henne, Leonard Henne, Steve Henne, Erin Schillinger, Joey Henne, and Eli Henne.

Richard’s funeral service will be on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Pigeon. Richard’s family will be present to receive visitors on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of his service. Burial will follow at New Bay Port Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to A Father’s Love (memo: Jeff Kramer) or Faithway Church.

View Richard Henne's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/14/2026

David “Dave” A. Hacker of Elkton, age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at McLaren Thumb Region in Bad Axe, Michigan. Dave was born on February 9, 1937, in Bad Axe, to the late Alexander and Minnie (Kroupa) Hacker and was a 1955 graduate of Elkton High School. He held various positions throughout his years, helping his father on the family farm in his younger years and working at several machine shops and factories throughout the region. Dave helped start Huron Tool and Engineering and retired as a machinist from the company in 2000. He met Janet Kay Andersen at a roller rink and a year later the couple would marry on September 19, 1959. She survives him.

Dave loved the outdoors and felt at peace in nature, camping with his family and teaching woodcraft to children throughout the area as a Scout Leader in the Boy Scouts. He was a deeply faithful man and lifelong member of Harvest Church in Bad Axe where he was a board member, taught Sunday School, and served as a Royal Ranger Leader. He traveled with Janet throughout the country and spent his winters in Tucson, Arizona. Dave was a laid-back man who enjoyed the simple things in life, like sitting back and watching the Tigers or spending time with his beloved family.

Dave is survived by his wife of over 66 years, Janet Hacker; children, Larry (Debi) Hacker, Denise (Jim) McLane, Jeff Hacker, Don Hacker, and Chris Hacker; fourteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Clement Heleski; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Jane Heleski.

In accordance with Dave’s wishes, cremation is to take place. A celebration of life for Dave will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Harvest Church, 1365 South Van D**e Road, Bad Axe, with Pastor Phil Hall presiding. The family will be present to share food and memories at the church’s fellowship hall following the service. Memorials may be made to Harvest Church.

View David "Dave" A. Hacker'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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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.

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