Leland J. Hartel of Cass City, age 81, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2015 at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community in Caro. Lee was born June 23, 1933 in Argyle, the son of the late Charles A. & Genevieve (Kramp) Hartel. He grew up on a farm outside of Argyle and graduated from Cass City High School with the Class of 1951 where he was a four sport athlete and was awarded as the top athlete in his class. His love for Cass City would remain throughout his life as one of its most avid sports fans and former Little League coach. Lee was employed as a quality control manager for the Walbro Corporation in Cass City for over twenty years. He also worked for several years in maintenance at the Tuscola County Medical Care Facility before joining his son, Scott, at Testing Services Group in Lapeer as a driver. He was an active member and leader at the Novesta Church of Christ for many years. Lee enjoyed the outdoors and would often be found in his flower garden, hunting or fishing. He was also a talented woodworker and loved traveling, proud of the fact he never took the same road twice. His favorite times were spent with grandchildren, and he loved attending any event in which they were involved.
Lee is survived by six children and their spouses, Sharon Reid of Richland, Scott & Molli Hartel of Lapeer, Sandy & Jim Schulz of Unionville, Jeff & Ann Hartel of Cass City, Libby & Paul Treiber of Unionville, Brad & Val Hartel of Caro; seventeen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. The Hartel family would like to extend a special thanks to the Tuscola County Medical Care Community for their love and care over the past few years. Their profession is truly a calling.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to Cass City Athletic Boosters. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.