2026 Obituaries - Page 1

Michael “Mike” Forys, 69, formerly of North Branch, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Lapeer Comfort Care Assisted Living and Memory Care. Mike was born at Marlette Community Hospital on February 23, 1956 to parent Shirley (Weiter) and Stanley Forys. He grew up in Silverwood and graduated from Mayville High School in 1974, with his high school sweetheart, Linda (Klarich) Forys. Mike and Linda lived in North Branch for 48 years; 45 years in the home they built. They were married 49 years.

After playing football in middle school and high school, Mike loved football. He was an avid Michigan Wolverines fan and attended many games at the Big House. As a die-hard Detroit Lions fan, Mike enjoyed his 12 years of season tickets at the Pontiac Silverdome and 3 years of club seats at Ford Field. Although his favorite team never made it to the Super Bowl, he was able to watch many great players and always rooted for them.

Mike’s “technical interest” was cars and trucks, or anything mechanical-he could fix almost anything. He graduated from Mott Community College’s Auto, Diesel, Truck Mechanical Program in 1975, was employed by Flint’s GMC Trucks on Dort Highway as the transmission Specialist until 1976, when he was hired into the skilled trades program at General Motors, earning his journeyman’s card in machine repair. Mike completed numerous computer classes through GM and promoted to System Administrator of the MAXIMO program (preventive and predictive computerized machine maintenance) at Flint’s GM Transmission complex. In 1998, Mike was transferred   to the International UAW implanting and training with the MAXIMO program for GM throughout North American Operations until his retirement in 2008. At home. Mike loved to be in his pole barn fixing and rebuilding just about anything.

Mike’s passion was music. He collected numerous types of music and owned all kinds of medium to play any kind of vinyl, 8-tack, tapes, reel-to-reels, cassettes-even owning a 1957 Seeburg jukebox that he reconditioned and had 45’s playing non-stop. His home basement was a musical man-cave. Mike loved his extensive collection of vinyl, especially his collection of original Beatles Albums. For many years, Mike and Linda attended Rock & Roll Concerts and enjoyed some of the best bands of their time.

Mike was an awesome cook. He loved to go grocery shopping and select items for his special menus. It was a family joke that everything in the kitchen belonged to Mike because he selected everything and was the only one that used them! Grilling was his favorite way to make meals. He’d used his outside grill all year long.

Left to cherish his memory are his three girls, which he adored and would do anything: wife, Linda of Lapeer, his daughter, Marianne (Shawn) Forys-Nolan and granddaughter, Molly Balabon, both of Attica. Mike will be missed by some special friends: Terry Everman and Bill (Janie) Pozatek, along with some special cousins, Char Lauwers, Nancy Pringle and Barb Ramseyer. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, special cousins Bob Forys, Ron Forys, friends, Tom Fowler, Gary Ihrke, Randy Tompkins, Tomm McLean and John Mallory.

Following Mike’s wishes cremation as taken place and there will be no funeral service. He also wished to donate organs to the Gift of Life of Michigan, but he was unable to. The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the caring staff of Lapeer Comfort Care Assisted Living and Memory Care (formerly known as The Pines) and the assistance of Residential Hospice Care of Lapeer. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may direct it to Lapeer Comfort Care, 1442 Suncrest Drive, Lapeer, Mi 48446.

You may share an online condolence and memories of Mike to the family at www.blackburnchapel.com

Mary Grace Davison, 76, of Caro, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at United Hospice of Marlette, surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 29, 1949, in Flint, the daughter of the late Harold Davison and Grace (Terry) Jones. Mary graduated from Mayville High School and later earned an associate degree in Office Management from Davenport University. She worked at Voplex in Vassar and then at Universal Coating for several years, before retiring from Pottery Barn.

Mary was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Millington and the Caro Moose Lodge. She loved listening to live music and playing music herself, always encouraging others to join in. Mary also enjoyed traveling with her family, especially throughout Michigan, taking in and appreciating the beauty of every season. She loved playing trivia and treasured any time she could spend with her children and grandchildren. Mary will be forever remembered for her independence, her problem-solving spirit, and her ability to face life without complaint.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters, Susan Doud and Laura & TJ (Oliver) Heinlein; grandchildren, Kelsey (Anthony) Kanel, Katie Doud, Kyle Brow, and Mikayla Brow; brother, Keith Davison; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her siblings, Bonnie Vaughan, Patricia Naugle, and Ricky Davison and the love of her life, Jerry Westhaus.

Mary’s funeral service will be on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Caro with the burial following at Almer Twp. Cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to United Hospice Service.

Harold Lloyd Leach, 94, beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to so many, departed this world on January 13, 2026, to meet his Lord and Savior and reunite with his one true love, wife Dorothy.

Harold was the devoted son of the late George Guy and Gladys (O’Briant) Leach. He was born in the early hours of September 10, 1931, on a farm near Mayville, Michigan. One of eight siblings, he was raised in Mayville and Vassar as part of a large loving family. Growing up during the Great Depression, Harold was no stranger to hard work and, from an early age, demonstrated a strong work ethic. While in high school, his first paid job was operating the soda fountain at Gilchrist Drug Store in Vassar. Harold graduated from Mayville High School in 1948 at the age of sixteen. He then began pursuing a career in the supermarket business, starting out as a grocery cashier for A&P. In time, he was promoted to a supervisor and began traveling to various A&P supermarkets in Michigan, monitoring meat and produce departments. Soon after, Harold chose to receive training in meat cutting, which served him well with future career endeavors.

Harold met the love of his life, Dorothy Lou Chatters, at a community dance. Shortly after, Harold left to proudly serve two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was assigned to the 7th Army Headquarters Message Center in Stuttgart, Germany where he processed classified messages up to and including top secret. Countless letters were exchanged with Dorothy during Harold’s time away. Upon returning home, Harold and Dorothy were united in marriage on June 25, 1955. In 1966, Harold and Dorothy moved their family from Millington, MI to Caseville, MI to become co-owners of the Caseville IGA Foodliner. They valued this close-knit community, where they lovingly raised their four children. Harold and Dorothy built a wonderful life together. They were exceptional examples of caring and committed love. Over the years, they were blessed with many adventures. Trips to Michigan’s upper peninsula, Hawaii, the East Coast and Caribbean cruises were amongst their favorites.

Harold valued his family deeply. He shared an unbreakable bond with his loved ones and made each one feel special and appreciated. He taught by example the importance of living with integrity and a generous spirit, and blessed his family with the greatest pancakes, bean soup, peanut brittle, and fudge — and, most especially, his unforgettable “bear hugs”. Harold taught everyone how to play euchre, his favorite card game. He was a force to be reckoned with during a euchre game! Harold’s family will never forget the sound of his voice saying, “Get your children off the street!” and “Don’t send a boy to do a man’s job!”, as he slapped down a winning card. Harold also instilled in his family a love for nature. He can be credited with beginning the long-standing family tradition of camping at Sawmill Point on the back waters of the Au Sable River. Many Sawmill Point fish fries have been enjoyed and memories made that will live on in family stories for years to come!

Harold was passionate about his hobbies and interests, especially his love of the out-of-doors. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, gardening, feeding “his” birds, taking daily walks and tinkering in his “fully equipped” garage. Harold could fix or fabricate about anything! Harold was most passionate about deer hunting, having traveled to deer camp in Bergland, MI in the upper peninsula for almost five decades. Hunting buddies gave him the nickname “Ridge Runner” because of his ability to track and stalk big bucks. Harold also found pleasure in the simple things in life such as sitting on his front porch watching nature, sipping on a “cold one” and listening to instrumental music, especially songs from the 40’s and 50’s. We can still hear him say, “It doesn’t get any better than this!”

Harold was a devoted member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pigeon, MI and took great pleasure in serving as a greeter each Sunday. He found a home among the faithful friends he met there and strived to be a model of Christ’s servant love. Harold also enjoyed volunteering for Helping Hands Resale & Thrift Store in Caseville, being sure to stop and break down their cardboard boxes while out on his daily walk.

Surviving to celebrate Harold’s life and cherish his memory are his children, Greg Leach, Sherry (Brian) Watts, Kelly (TL) Bushey, and Scott Leach; grandchildren, Alan (Casey) Leach, Nathaniel (Katie) Watts, Alexander (Haley Duvall) Watts, Jed (Rebecca) Bushey, Jake (Megan) Bushey, Austin Leach, Wyatt Leach and Waylen Leach; great-grandchildren, Isaiah Watts, Eliza Watts, Josiah Watts, Elijah Bushey, Claire Bushey and Emmett Bushey; sister, Nancy Major, sisters-in-law, Colleen Davis, Mary Leach, Muriel Mohr and Doris Meier; “daughters”, Colleen (Col) Poisson and Tricia Harder and many dear nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, parents, George Guy and Gladys Leach, and parents-in-law, Oliver and Irene Chatters; siblings, Byron Leach, Willard Leach and wife Betty, Dorothy and husband William (Bud) Pine, Clarice and husband William (Bill) Fox, LaVerne (Vern) Leach, Guy Leach, and Arnold Leach and wife Janice; siblings-in-law, Aubrey (Aub) and Annie Chatters, Arthur (Gene) and Sally Chatters, Howard Davis, Ralph and Margaret Koch, Gerald (Jerry) Major, Kurt Meier, Henry (Hank) Mohr, and Norma and John Rozinski.

Harold’s family will receive family and friends on Monday, January 19th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ransford Funeral Home - Pigeon, 7356 Michigan Avenue, Pigeon and one hour prior to Harold’s memorial service. Harold’s memorial service with take place on Tuesday, January 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7899 Crescent Beach Road, Pigeon, with Pastor Christopher Suggitt officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow Harold’s service at Caseville Township Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at Harold’s church immediately following.

Harold’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to A&D Hospice and Country Gardens Assisted Living, Pigeon for the loving care, guidance and support they provided during Harold’s time with them. In lieu of flowers, for those wishing, memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s honor to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold Lloyd Leach, please visit our flower store.  

Susan Lynne Maciag Gabalis

July 28, 1948 - January 7, 2026

Susan requested that there be no funeral service and no obituary listing.

Susan is survived by her husband Harry and son Alan.   

It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of Alicia Mary (Palmer) Meyer, born April 28, 1985, passed away on December 9, 2025 after a battle with breast cancer. Her memory will forever remain a beacon of joy and resilience in our lives. Anyone who knows Alicia describes her the same way: Loving. Gentle. Compassionate and kind. Alicia the beloved wife to Josh Meyer and dedicated mother to Lou (4) and Avi (2). Known for her compassionate spirit and unwavering determination, Alicia left a profound impact on everyone she met. Her radiating warmth and vibrant love will indelibly linger in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her. Alicia was a 2003 graduate of Mayville High School. She earned a Bachelor of Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master's at Illinois State University. She got her licensing as a social worker and previously worked at the VA hospital in Chicago with homeless veterans and after care planning for the elderly. Most recently she was the operations director of her family business. Some would say while her life was short, she didn't waste a minute of it. Alicia was lucky to visit places such as France, China, Norway and Costa Rica. She enjoyed hiking and climbing mountains, including several within the United States at our beloved National Parks. Her most memorable being the many trips to the Appalachian trail where she hiked several sections in several different states with her father. She loved family gatherings, camping, kayaking, the smell of a campfire, and a good beer. In addition to her husband and sons, she is survived by her parents, Michael and Rita Palmer, and her siblings, Natalie (Barry) Hoffman, Robert (Gina) Palmer, Edward Palmer, Jason (Marte) Palmer and many Nieces and Nephews, Jarrod, Lauren, Kaylee, Ben, Alison, Nicholas, Emali.