Thomas Edwin Bell
Feb. 5, 2026
Thomas Edwin Bell, 89, of West Branch, and formerly of Goodrich, Mich., passed away on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at his home, with his wife, Janet, and daughter, Kim by his side. He was born in Hillman, Mich., the son of William Preston Bell and Elsie (Oming) Bell.
He met and married Janet (Hubble) Bell on April 11, 1959.
They lived in Goodrich for 44 years before moving to Fresno, Calif., in 2003 where his daughter, Kim, and her husband, Mike, lived. After 11 years in California, traveling back and forth from Fresno to their summer home in Hillman, they moved to West Branch, followed by Kimberly and Mike. Tom lived in West Branch for 11 years before his passing.
Tom grew up in Hillman on a beef cattle farm. In 1953 he and a friend decided to hire in at the Buick Plant in Flint. He worked there for two years and at a print shop near the plant. He moved to Davison where he and Janet met through her sister. In 1962, he bought a truck and hauled gravel to help build a stretch of I-75 from Grayling to Gaylord. With that experience, he bought a tractor trailer and did cross country hauling of furniture from Mayflower Van Lines. Eventually he worked at Sunoco gas station in Goodrich, purchasing the old Ford dealership in Ortonville, where he spent 22 years in the business. He retired in 2000.
Retirement wasn’t for Tom, so he got a job at Walmart in the TLE Department for one and a half years before moving to Fresno, Calif. His final job was pressing shirts at a Korean dry cleaner in Fresno.
Tom is survived by his wife, Janet (Hubble) Bell; daughter, Kimberly (Michael) Toepfer of Whittemore; nieces, Ruth (Michael) Doyle of Tawas City, and Susan (Todd) Morrison of Youngstown, OH; nephews, Robert Gamage of New York, N.Y., and Michael (Bonnie) Bell of Carlisle, Penn.; and sisters-in-law, Barbara Petitt, Bonnie Ferguson, Sue Brownson, and Dawn (Charles) Rasak.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Scott A. Bell; brothers, James (Lousie) Bell, John Bell, Allen (Nancy) Bell; sister, Betty (Mack) Gamage, and sister-in-law, Juanita (Eggleston) Pearman.
Visitation was held at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Feb. 10. Visitation was also held at Village Funeral Home in Ortonville, on Feb. 12. Pastor Autumn Howard officiated and burial followed at Ortonville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Heartland Hospice.
Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
Darrell Hull
Sept. 30, 1946 – Jan. 23, 2026
Barbara left this world surrounded by love on Jan. 8, 2026, in Zephyrhills, Fla. She was 85 years old. She was born Aug. 6, 1940, somewhere along M-55 on the way to Tolfree Memorial Hospital. Raised on the Gibbs Farm, an Ogemaw County landmark for almost a century, she continued to call it home until retiring to Florida in 1984.
Her professional career began as an LPN at Tolfree Memorial Hospital. Though later faced with physical challenges most of her adult life, Barbara managed the apple farm with her father, Frank, and single-handedly raised three head-strong children into happy, successful adults. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and loved being an AWANA leader for over 14 years.
Travel was Barbara’s passion. She traveled extensively throughout North America and Europe. She enjoyed visiting historic landmarks and seeing iconic works of art. She was also passionate about her family, fancy hats, poodles, and good chocolate.
Barbara will be remembered first and foremost for her strength. She pushed through adversity and never quit. She was always ready for adventure. She was a bit sassy, too.
She is survived by her children, Terry Marie McGuirk (Timothy), William Dale Cordova (Lily), and Christine Ann Manni; her grandson, Christopher Manni (Sharayah), and great-grandchildren, Brooklynn, Maylee, and Chase.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, W. Frank and Helen Gibbs; her brother, Donald Gibbs, and sister-in-law, Josephine Gibbs.
Interment of ashes and a memorial service will be at Brookside Cemetery, West Branch, on Oct. 22.
Marie Martha Howell
Feb. 28, 1938 – Jan. 23, 2026
Marie Martha Howell, age 87, passed away on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. She was born in Frankenmuth, Mich., on Feb. 28, 1938, the daughter of the late Herbert and Margaret Schluckebier, their fifth daughter of six. She attended St. Lorenz Lutheran School, Frankenmuth High School (9th and 10th grade), and graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw. She also attended and graduated from MSU with a teaching degree. She married Richard (Dick) Howell, of Wabash, Ind., on July 20, 1963, in Frankenmuth, Mich. He preceded her in death in 2018. They were married for 55 plus years and were blessed with two children.
Marie is survived by her children, Terri (Mike) Durfee and Gary Howell; her grandsons, Brian Durfee and Matthew Durfee, and her sister, Barbara O’Neil, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Awaiting her in heaven are her parents, her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mike and Esther Ortner, Herbert and Margaret Grueber, Frank and Ruth Rittmueller, Dorothy Schmitzer and Dorothy’s husbands, Bob Jorgensen, Floyd Schmitzer; Wayne Weston, and Bernie O’Neil.
After graduating from MSU, Marie taught kindergarten and first grade at Clarksville School, where she helped guide many students with her loving care. She taught for over 30 years and enjoyed all the joys that came with teaching our younger generations. After retirement, she enjoyed many trips around the country and purchasing her favorite home, the cottage as it was affectionally known, where she eventually moved to full time after selling the house in Portland. She enjoyed going on trips to the casino with her son and grandsons, who called her the luckiest person ever.
Those who knew Marie will remember her for her infectious smile and overwhelming laughter, her deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and her unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered. She had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path. Marie was affectionately known as a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She spread love, compassion, and her unwavering faith in God. Marie was a person, that no matter who you were, either friend or stranger, she would sit down and talk to you and make you feel good about yourself. You would always leave with a smile on your face. She had a gift to make everyone feel better just by being near her. She was the historian of the Schluckebier family. She would recall bits and pieces of history that nobody could remember. If you had a question about anything or anyone, mom would know. We all are going to miss talking with mom and the blessings that she would give when you did.
Although Marie may no longer grace our lives, her memory will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you continue to remember her, may her light forever shine brightly in our hearts. We ask that you remember her for the way she lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful help and care provided by the staff at Trish and Toni House in Auburn, Mich., and to Heartland Hospice of Michigan for the compassionate care that they both provided during the last few days of her incredible life. Everyone loved on her as if she was their own mother. It was such a blessing to our family.
The family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 30, at the Ogemaw Hills Church, 3480 W. M-76, West Branch, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, when there will be a celebration of life. Marie will be buried next to her loving husband Richard at the Danby Township Cemetery, Sunfield, Mich., at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Toni and Trish House or to the Bible Quizzers of Ogemaw Hills Church.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com
Alan Clifford Gildner
March 1, 1948 – Feb. 8, 2026
Alan Clifford Gildner passed away on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at his home in West Branch, at the age of 77. He was born on March 1, 1948, in West Branch to Clifford and Doris (Cool) Gildner.
Alan’s journey began in West Branch, where he graduated from West Branch High School as part of the Class of 1966. His upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work and camaraderie that would shine throughout his life. While attending college, he proudly enlisted and served his country as a Seabee in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, a testament to his dedication and patriotism.
In his professional life, Alan worked diligently at West Branch Concrete, ultimately becoming a co-owner in the later years of his career. His contributions to the business were marked by integrity and loyalty, serving the community’s needs. Beyond his work, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus No. 2022 in West Branch.
A passionate sports fan, Alan cherished attending University of Michigan football games with his best friend, the late Dale Wangler. He found joy not only in the excitement of the games but also in the bonds formed through shared experiences. He also enjoyed golfing and his weekly golf leagues in the summer.
Alan cherished his cottage on Higgins Lake, where countless memories were made with family and friends, each visit filled with laughter and warmth. When he wasn’t at the lake, he could be found back at deer camp at the Hillcrest Hunting Lodge where he enjoyed hunting and riding through the property.
His daily ritual included mornings spent at Mac’s Place and Buck’s Country Cookin’, where he enjoyed coffee with the regulars. These moments were a reflection of his friendly nature and desire for connection with those around him.
Alan was devoted to his family, and his love for them was evident in everything he did. He leaves behind his significant other, Marianne Bartlett, and his cherished children, Amy (Dan) Fransee, Allison (Brian) Pugh, Terri (Greg) Habig, Jeff (Jenny) Bartlett, and Brian (Jessica) Bartlett. Alan was a proud grandfather to Marlee, Owen, Oliver, Alexa (Logan), Isabella, Andrew, Laken (Ryse), Nolan, Brett, Jacob, Grant, Breigan, Brenna (Hunter), Brock, and Branton, as well as a great-grandfather to Braylon, Sutton, Briar, Adeline, Lenleigh and Blaire. Each grandchild and great-grandchild held a special place in his heart, and he took immense joy in attending their sporting events, cheering from the stands.
Alan is also survived by his brother, Roger (Linda) Gildner, along with many nieces, nephews, cousin, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Clifford and Doris (Cool) Gildner; his sister, Joyce Alley, and his nephew, Michael Alley. Their memories continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved Alan, reminding us all of the importance of family and connection.
His legacy will endure through the stories shared by his family and friends, each one a testament to a life well-lived and the joy he brought to others. He will be deeply missed but cherished in the memories of all who knew him.
Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, Feb.15, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a rosary starting at 2 p.m. The funeral service, with military honors, will on Monday, Feb. 16, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch at 11a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Father Al Pillarelli will officiate, and burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
William L. Smith
June 14, 1955 – Feb. 3, 2026
William L. Smith, known fondly as Bill, was born on June 14, 1955, in Flint, Mich. He passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at Lakeview Manor in Tawas City, Mich., leaving behind a legacy of kindness and joy.
Bill worked at Wellvance, which many may know as AuSable Valley.
Bill had simple yet delightful interests. He enjoyed baby animals and found peace in going for walks. These activities brought him happiness.
Bill is survived by his brothers, Clifford and Danny; his sisters, Betty, Dorothy, and Rose; his half-sisters, Betty and Shirley; as well as many nieces and nephews who cherished their uncle deeply.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mary (Boone) Smith.
Bill will be remembered for his warm heart, his love for family, and his cheerful demeanor.
Cremation has taken place and no service is scheduled.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. MI. www.steuernolmclaren.com
Savannah Nichole Oswald
Nov. 23, 2006 – Jan. 31, 2026
Our beautiful and talented Savannah Nichole Oswald, whose bright light shone upon each of us, especially those most close, passed away Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, age 19. Savannah was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, 2006, in Bay City, Mich., to her loving parents, Mandie Hall and James Oswald.
Growing up as a young girl, Savannah used her musical talents and played the bass clarinet in the school band at Surline and Ogemaw Heights. Savannah was a very gifted ballet and jazz dancer, and she enjoyed practicing and rehearsing her expressive talents at Carol Ann’s Dance Studio in West Branch.
Savannah was an active member of Michigan 4-H, especially participating in raising and showing rabbits. She received the Outstanding Achievement Award twice, as well as earning the Champion Market Rabbit at the Ogemaw County Fair. Savannah had a true love for all animals, especially her cat, Smokey, and her chocolate lab, Ollie. All of her mom’s dogs, which she considered to be like her own, held a warm place in her heart too.
Savannah’s boisterous and proud spirit allowed her to excel at cheerleading for the Ogemaw Browns, Ogemaw Heights High School, and Corunna High School. Her favorite was cheering on Friday nights at the football game. When she wasn’t cheerleading, Savannah participated in track and field, cross country and the high school musical.
Savannah had a heart full of love for everyone in her life. She was truly blessed beyond measure with so many unique skills, talents, and traits. Another such beautiful talent was her artistic ability to paint scenes, animals, and people on canvas backdrops. She took great pride in creating these portraits and gifting them to family and friends who will cherish these precious gifts from Savannah for a lifetime. Savannah was a giver; a giver of hope, friendship, compassion, and generosity. She was always a true supporter and an includer to all her friends and family.
Savannah’s precious and beautiful legacy will forever remain with each of her family members and friends as she is led home to the arms of Jesus where she will have eternal peace.
Savannah is survived by her mother, and step-father, Mandie and Jeff Klatt; father, James Oswald; siblings, Jacob Geer and Mariah Hall; grandparents, Debra Cook and Joseph Cook and Patricia O’Rourke; close cousins Andrew Oswald, Alex Oswald, Bella, Chevella and Noah Cook; her most special feline friend, Smokey; numerous aunts, uncles and friends. Savannah was preceded in death by her Uncle Joey Cook; grandparents, Bill Richmond, Jerome and Jacqueline Oswald.
The funeral service was held on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at the Holy Family Catholic Church in West Branch with visitation preceding. Father Al Pillarelli officiated.
Memorial contributions can be made to www.save-a-turtle.org
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com
Kathleen Carol Zettel
Dec. 3, 1944 – Jan. 20, 2026
Kathleen Carol Zettel, affectionately known as Kathy, was born on Dec. 3, 1944, in Selkirk, Mich., to Kenneth and Anne (Houston) Blum. She passed away peacefully at her home in West Branch, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and service to her community.
Kathy married Kenneth Zettel in Klacking Creek on April 20, 1963.
Kathy was a dedicated individual who wore many hats throughout her career. From an early age, she began working at Kenyon’s Resort, assisting her mother in the kitchen, where her passion for cooking blossomed. Her journey continued as she became an integral part of the West Branch Library as an assistant librarian, instilling a love for reading in the hearts of many. Her creative talents were visible in numerous bulletin boards and craft projects at St. Joseph Catholic School. Kathy’s career also spanned roles in clerical work at Hasty Clinic and in the kitchens at West Branch Country Club and the Harvest Grill. Most notably, she served for 25 years at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home, where her compassionate nature brought comfort to grieving families.
Education was always important to Kathy. She attended Withey School and proudly graduated from West Branch High School in 1962. Her values of lifelong learning and community service were deeply rooted in her upbringing and continued to guide her throughout her life.
Kathy was an active member of both the Holy Family Klacking Creek Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church, where her faith shone through her many contributions. As a Eucharistic minister and lecturer, Kathy shared her devotion and love for her faith with others. Her involvement extended to serving on the Edwards Township Election Board and dedicating countless hours volunteering for various committees at St. Joseph Catholic Church and School. Her spirit of service reflected her deep-seated belief in supporting her community and nurturing the values of charity and kindness.
Beyond her professional commitments, Kathy was known for her nurturing personality, characterized by her kindness and care for others. She found joy in simple pleasures, such as gardening, making rag rugs and quilts, crocheting and knitting, and canning the fruits of her labor. Many will cherish the handwritten letters she crafted to stay connected with the people in her life. Kathy’s hobbies were a reflection of her creativity and love for her family, and she made it a point to share that love through every stitch and handcrafted gift.
Her generosity, active spirit, and genuine kindness created ripples of positivity in her community. While her physical presence may be gone, the memories she built and the love she spread will continue to live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.
Kathy is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth; her children, James (April) Zettel, Susanna (Mark) Mier, Dominic (Terry) Zettel, Daniel (Melinda) Zettel, Theodore (Melissa) Zettel, Eric (Angela) Zettel, Samuel (Laci) Zettel and Andrew (Sarah) Zettel; grandchildren, Steven (Sara) Zettel, Sara (Mike) Deyarmond, Emily (Kyle) Wangler, Seth Mier, Gabrielle (Evan) Alderton, Cameron Zettel, Dillon Zettel, Breanna (Jonathan) Moody, Adam Zettel, Aaron Zettel, Alec Zettel, Adrian Zettel, Alexis (Jon) Nemchak, Jacob (Phoenix) Zettel, Allison Zettel, Rebecca Zettel, Thomas Pruner, Cassandra Marshall, Tessa Marshall, Daniel Marshall, Abigail Marshall, Peyton Zettel, Kenzie Zettel, Sophie Zettel, and Grant Zettel; great-grandchildren, Percy, Jerimiha, Annabelle, Faye, Jacob, Landyn, Emmerson, Kameryn, Lyla, Lillian, Lane, Atlas, Saphira, and Aurora.
She is also survived by her sisters, Vicky and Virginia, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Terry; her children, Susan, Steven, Baby Zettel, and Joseph, and great-grandson, Skyler Nemchak.
A visitation was held on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, with a rosary. The funeral service was held on Jan. 27, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch with visitation preceding the service. Fr. Al Pillarelli officiated and burial followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
Mark Leighton Lawnichak
Oct. 8, 1961 – Jan. 27, 2026
Mark Leighton Lawnichak, age 64, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Saginaw, Mich., surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Oct. 8, 1961, in Trenton, Mich., to Anthony and Donna Lawnichak. Mark’s warm spirit and love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
Mark graduated from Ogemaw Heights High School in 1979.
Mark is remembered fondly by his daughters, Heather (Aric) Basilius and Toni Wuolukka, and by his grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to his life: Hailey Wuolukka, Brieann Basilius, Isabelle Basilius, Braylen Wuolukka, Zoey Basilius, and Stella Basilius. His passion for life was evident in his diverse interests, which included all types of hunting, fishing, working on cars, boating, and gun collecting. These hobbies not only brought him pleasure but also served as means to bond with his family and friends in countless cherished moments.
He is also survived by his mother and step-father, Donna and Dave Broman; his brother, Brian (Marcy) Lawnichak, and sisters, Lori (Brian) Curley and Dawn (Dan) Bardo. Mark was a caring uncle to his nieces and nephews, Brandi (Jeremy) Jacobs, Courtney Curley, Zachary Bardo, Travis Bardo, Shantel (Carl) Roney, and Rebecca (Colt) Simrau, who will miss his guidance and affection. Mark is also leaving behind lifelong friendships with Randall Jennings, John Ballew, and John Davis.
Mark was preceded in death by his father, Anthony “Tony” Lawnichak, as well as his grandparents, Clyde and Edith Cannon and Anthony and Mary Lawnichak, and his uncle, Bill Cannon.
The funeral service was held at Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, with visitation preceding. Justin Bedtelyon officiated. Burial followed at Lane Heights Cemetery in Lupton, Mich. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in Rose City. www.steuernolmclaren.com
As we remember Mark, we celebrate a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication. His legacy will live on through the memories he created, the lessons he imparted, and the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.