All Obituaries

Robert “Bob” E. O’Rourke, 87, of Silverwood passed away on February 23, 2026 with his family by side at Lapeer/McLaren Region Hospital. Bob was born on August 6, 1938 in Gaylord, the son of Clement and Rosemond (Ely) O’Rourke. Bob grew up in Silverwood. He was a 1957 graduate  of North Branch High School. Bob married Joanne June Allen on July 18, 1959 in North Branch. He retired from General Motors in 1985 as a fork truck driver. Bob loved hunting, fishing, and ...

Albert “Al” Forrest Chappel, 91, of Lapeer passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Lapeer Stonegate Health Campus under hospice care.  Al was born on August 19, 1934 in Marlette, the son of Simon and Gladys (McAllister) Chappel.  He proudly served his country in both the United States Army and Navy.  Al married Nancy Rock on June 7, 1959. He owned and operated his own construction business “Beaver Builders”.  Al enjoyed fishing and the years ...

Daniel “Pa” William Haight, 78, of Columbiaville, passed away on January 24, 2026. He was born on May 11, 1947 in Port Huron, Michigan to William F. and Matilda (Tyson) Haight and was the oldest of 12 siblings. He graduated from Lakeville High School in 1964. Dan worked at Oakdale, the Lapeer State Home for over 20 years, retiring from the Home when it closed in 1991. Dan married his wife, Donna on July 9, 1977. Dan was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He loved ...

Dorothy Jean Barrett, 95, of North Branch, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 30, 2026. Dorothy was born in North Branch, Michigan on March 1, 1930, to Ernest and Edna (Brink) Peet and lived in the North Branch area her entire life. While in high school, she and Alton Barrett began a courtship. After Dorothy graduated from North Branch High in 1948, they were married on January 6, 1951. Dorothy, a devout Christian, has attended the Pilgrim Holiness Church (now North Branch ...

Lynn Edward Gates, 84, of North Branch passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Lynn was born at the family home in Deerfield Township, on August 28, 1941, the son of Emory and Annie (Mitchell) Gates. Lynn grew up in North Branch and was a 1959 graduate of North Branch High School. Lynn proudly served his country in the United States Air Force mostly stationed in Japan. He married Donna Caldwell on June 4, 1966 at the Lutheran Church in North Branch. Lynn retired from the ...

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 parents Shirley (Weiler) 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 ...

James Charles Osborne, 78, of North Branch passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on January 22, 2026. James was born on January 7, 1948, in Paris Ontario, the son of Alvin and Eunice (Thomson) Osborne. He was one of 8 children. He married the love of his life, Loraine Caldwell in October of 1970. They had 2 children, Jennifer and Dennis. James was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Loraine; brothers, John and Billy; sisters, Elaine and Bonnie; best ...

Marcus Martin Lucas Martinez, 70, of Lapeer passed away on December 12, 2025 at Apache Junction, Arizona. Marcus was born on December 26, 1954 in Bad Axe, MI, the son of Guandalupe and Gervasia (Rodriguez) Martinez. Marcus grew up in Bad Axe and graduated from Bad Axe High School. He attended Mott Community College for GM Skilled Trades, where he won many awards. He worked for General Motors for 38 years and retired in April 2023. Marcus was an avid pool player, a watch collector ...

Edward “Ed” Sloan, 53, of Brown City passed away on Saturday December 27, 2025 at his home with his family by his side. Ed was born on July 7, 1972 in Lapeer, the son of Douglas Sloan and Darlene Mejia-Gonzalez. Ed grew up in Lapeer and attended Lapeer East High School.  On October 27, 1995, Ed married Rachel Freeland at the court house in Lapeer. Ed owned and operated Sloan Home Improvement. Ed was a true outdoorsman, who loved hunting. He enjoyed morel hunting, watching ...

Jeffrey Willson, 56, of Clifford passed away on December 19, 2025. Jeff was born on December 28, 1968, the son of William “Bud” and Ruthann (Potter) Willson. Jeff attended North Branch High School and was a 1988 graduate. Jeff grew up and farmed the family farm and was close with the neighboring farmers. He loved the outdoors.  He loved to hunt, fish, ice fish, snowmobiling and going up north camping. He was so loved and will be missed by all. Jeff is survived by his ...