2026 Obituaries - Page 1

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.

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