Donald Dietzel

1934 - 2025

Donald K. Dietzel of Pigeon, age 90, passed away on the morning of Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Country Gardens Assisted Living. He was born November 18, 1934 in Bad Axe, the son of the late Alvin and Lucy (Faupel) Dietzel. Don graduated from Elkton High School with the class of 1953 and then completed the Agricultural Short Course at Michigan State. He came back home to Elkton and operated the family dairy farm on Geiger Rd.

Don married the love of his life, the former Sharon Stalter, on October 13, 1962 at Michigan Ave. Mennonite Church in Pigeon. Their marriage was blessed with nearly fifty-nine years and countless memories. Sadly, Sharon passed on January 25, 2021. Don lived a life shaped by faith, family, and service. He and his wife often opened their home for dinners and shared many good years bowling, golfing, and serving with Gideons International. They were long-time members of Michigan Avenue Mennonite Church and volunteered together at the Relief Sale in Fairview and with Youth for Christ. Don was also active in a Farm Bureau group and was a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association.
He enjoyed sports of all kinds, both watching and playing. Don took part in softball and basketball, sang in the Men's Community Choir and the church choir, and never turned down a chance to join a game. He loved putting puzzles together, playing Rummikub and teaching his grandchildren, and scored the game winning point in the corn hole tournament at Country Gardens. Don liked tending his garden, especially his sweet corn, and helped make maple nut twists each year. He was usually the first to sign up for activities and brought steady energy to everything he did. Don showed his love through actions. He listened well, helped where he was needed, and cared for others in quiet, consistent ways. His family and friends always knew how much they meant to him.
Don leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters, Mischelle (Todd) Rozema of Hamilton and Melissa (David) Voelker of Tampa; grandchildren, Courtney (Dan) Lubbers, Tasha (Caleb) Malboeuf, Jordan (Ashleigh) Rozema, Taylor Rozema, Jacob Voelker, and Mitchell Voelker; great-grandchildren, Isaac, Gaberiel, Caleb, Nathaniel, Jairus, Trenton, Camden, Bryson, Koregan, and Jackson; sister, Eileen (John) Bedford of Greensburg, KY. In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Eldon (Joyce) Dietzel.
Don's funeral service will be on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Michigan Ave. Mennonite Church. The family will be present to receive visitors on Sunday at the Ransford Funeral Home in Pigeon from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Monday at the church at 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Michigan Ave. Mennonite Church and Gideons International. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon. Friends may share memories, thoughts, and prayers online at www.RansfordFuneralHome.com.