Gene H. Zettle

Gene H. Zettle, age 88 of West Branch, passed away Saturday, August 11, 2018 at his home. Gene was born on September 22, 1929 to Grover and Hazel Zettle in West Branch, MI and lived on the Ogemaw State Forest. Gene went to Pleasant Hill School until 8th grade and then went to West Branch High School. He was then drafted into the Army and served 2 years. He married Barbara E. Sauve on December 2, 1950 in West Branch, MI. Gene lived in West Branch most of his life. He had five children and one foster child. He worked as a maintenance janitor at the State Savings Bank for 25 years and was a school bus driver for 25 years. He is remembered for driving bus to sporting events and selling tickets. Gene sold tickets and volunteered at the Ogemaw County Fair since it started. He sold tickets at Ogemaw Heights for 25 years. He coached Little League, volunteered for Boy and Girl Scouts for 25 years, and also volunteered for Hospice. He loved to build things. He made 3 rocking horses for grandchildren, a lot of benches and furniture, too many bird houses, and let’s not forget the whirler things.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Barbara of West Branch, MI, children; Harold Zettle of West Branch, MI, Perri (David) Thocher of Marne, MI, Jeffery (Rebecca) Zettle of Delray, FL, Judy (Doug) Greer of West Branch, MI, Martha (Don) Henderson of TN, Shane (Ava) Zettle of Lily, KY, grandchildren; Erin (Mike), Andrea (Matt), Sarah, Brittany (Brian), Casey (Lindsey), Jessica (Thomas), Michael (Samantha), Tom (Abby), Phil, Tyler, Rylee, Tara, Jenna (Casey), and Morgan. Also surviving are great-grandchildren; Brinley, Codie, Mayla, Ronen, Hannah, Braxton, Samuel, and Royce. He is preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Hazel Zettle, siblings; Don and Beulah Zettle, Oka and Joe Gaydos, Harold Zettle, Grover and Katie Zettle, Lois and Lou Gehman, and Dick and Irene Zettle.

Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin Tuesday, August 14, 2018 from 3-9 pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 11:00 am at the funeral home. The Rev. Brian Chace will officiate.