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OBITUARIES

Faynis Mildred Price

Sept. 25, 1930 – June 28, 2026

Faynis Mildred Price, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, surrounded by her family at her home in Prescott, at the age of 95. She was born on Sept. 25, 1930, in Fargo, N.D., to her parents, Maurice and Mildred (Evanson) Hagen.
Fay’s life was characterized by her nurturing spirit, unwavering faith, and devotion to her family and friends. A member of Faith Lutheran Church in Prescott, Fay found deep fulfillment in her faith. She was an active participant within her church community, and her involvement extended to membership in the Red Hat Society, where her warm personality and sense of camaraderie were treasured by fellow members.
In her leisure time, Fay found joy and inspiration in simple pleasures. She delighted in baking for her loved ones and sharing recipes that became family treasures. Her flower gardens were a testament to her patience and appreciation for beauty. She was devoted to Bible study, deepening her faith and wisdom while fostering meaningful relationships. Moments spent at Hardwood Lake, especially embracing the serenity of the outdoors and the fun of square dancing, filled her days with happiness. Above all, Fay cherished precious time spent surrounded by her family, creating generations of warm memories.
She is survived by her loving children, David Price, Denise Batchelor, and Duncan Price. Fay leaves behind a vibrant legacy through her grandchildren – Mary Batchelor, Brenda Batchelor, Amber Price, Amy (Yancy) Arguilez, Andrea Romero, Angela Price, Dominique Price, Dione Price, and Duncan Price Jr. She is also survived by many great-grandchildren and her sister, Gloria Ayotte.
Fay is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Albert Price; her parents; her son, Daniel Price; her grandsons, Allen and Jamie Price, and her brother, Kent Hagen.
Family and friends were invited to honor Fay’s life at Faith Lutheran Church in Prescott, where visitation was held on Thursday, July 2, with the funeral service following. Interment took place at Mills Township Cemetery in Prescott. Pastor Edward Meyer officiated.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Prescott, Mich.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, Mich. www.steuernolmclaren.com

James Burton Zambeck

March 24, 1946 – June 30, 2026

James Burton Zambeck, known to everyone as Jim, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord, Mich., at the age of 80.
Jim was born on March 24, 1946, in Taylor, Mich., to Nicholas and Dorothy (McNiven) Zambeck. Although he had made his home in Atlanta, Mich., for the past year, he spent more than 50 years in West Branch, where he built a life, raised his family, and became a familiar face throughout the community.
A proud graduate of Taylor Center High School’s Class of 1964, Jim attended Northern Michigan University for one year before answering the call to serve his country. In June 1966, he enlisted in the United States Navy Seabees, serving honorably during the Vietnam era. Following his honorable discharge in 1968, he returned to Taylor for a short time before settling in West Branch in 1975.
After moving to West Branch, Jim began working as a mechanic at Ben Hodges Chevrolet, where his love of automobiles and talent for fixing them quickly became evident. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to open his own used car dealership, Milds to Wilds. He eventually returned to retail automotive sales, building lasting friendships and earning the trust of his customers during his years at Team Hodges and Hart GMC.
Jim never met a stranger. He had an incredible memory for names, families, and hometown connections, and he could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. His quick wit, infectious laugh, and gift for storytelling made him the life of many gatherings. Whether you knew him for decades or had just met him, Jim had a way of making you feel like an old friend.
His passion for automobiles extended far beyond his career. Jim loved restoring and building cars, attending car shows, and spent many years as crew chief for Rosebrugh Racing, where he combined his mechanical talent with his love of racing. He also treasured the outdoors, feeding animals in his backyard, hunting, boating, or simply enjoying Northern Michigan.
Above all else, Jim loved his family. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his sons as they competed in youth and high school sports. He was their biggest supporter, whether standing on the sidelines, stands, or celebrating their accomplishments afterward. More than anything, he encouraged them to build lives of their own and pursue their dreams, wherever those roads would take them. In recent months, nothing brought him greater joy than becoming “Grandpa” to his cherished granddaughter, Iyla. The time he spent with his family was what he valued most.
Jim is survived by his beloved spouse, Teresa “Mary T” Schaiberger; his sons, Nicholas (Michelle) Zambeck and James W. (Ashlee) Zambeck, both of California; his cherished granddaughter, Iyla James Zambeck; his sisters, Carol Showler and Kay Roe; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Dorothy Zambeck; his brothers, Nicholas, Thomas, Joseph, and Michael; and his sister, Donna.
Jim will be remembered for his kindness, humor, generosity, unwavering loyalty, and his remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the friendships he built, and the love he shared with his family and friends.
A memorial visitation honoring Jim will be held at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Saturday, July 11, 2026, beginning at 11 a.m. until a Celebration of Life, time of sharing, starting at 1 p.m. with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America in Jim’s honor at https://vva.org/donate.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com

Dallas Wendell Wiltse

Sept. 30, 1937 – July 4, 2026

Dallas Wendell Wiltse, born on Sept. 30, 1937, in Detroit, Mich., to Roy and Vella (Rose) Wiltse. He passed away suddenly on July 4, 2026, in West Branch at the age of 88 years.
His family moved from Detroit when he was very young. He graduated from West Branch High School in 1955. He then worked for over 30 years as a dairy farmer at Wiltse Dairy Farm. He committed his hard work and time to the farm and its success. He became a respected and familiar figure in the local farming community and was a proud member of the National Farmers Organization.
Dallas found great joy in Michigan’s great outdoors. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping.
Among Dallas’s proudest accomplishments was the family he raised – a source of pride and happiness throughout his life.
Dallas is survived by his children: Darris Wiltse of Lupton, Lisa Diehl of Lupton, Eric (Leslie) Wiltse of Lupton, and Walter Wiltse of Alpena. He leaves behind seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is also fondly remembered by his brother Roy (Marlene) Wiltse of Rose City, his twin brother Dalton (Bonnie) Wiltse of Lupton and brother-in-law Bob (Carol) Grenkowitz of Romeo, Mich.
Dallas was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Vella (Rose) Wiltse, his beloved wife Barbara Wiltse, in 2021, and his son-in-law, Ron Diehl.
Those fortunate to have known Dallas will remember his commitment to his family, work and his readiness to help others. His legacy will live on in the stories he told, the friendships he built, and the love he shared with his family.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home. www.steuernolmclaren.com