Cecil Vincent Zettel

Cecil Vincent Zettel, age 100, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, in West Branch, MI at his home surrounded by his family. Born on June 1, 1926, Cecil lived a life marked by dedication, resilience, and a generous spirit.

A proud native of West Branch, Cecil was known for his unwavering commitment to his craft and his community. Throughout his life, he built many homes in West Branch and the surrounding areas, leaving a lasting legacy in the very foundations of the town he cherished. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to buy Franklin Septic Tank & Service, which he later renamed Franklin Trucking & Excavating, expanding the business’s reach and impact. Even as he spent his winters in Venice, Florida, Cecil continued his passion for building and constructing homes, including one for the late, Fr. Richard Seifferly.

Cecil’s service to his country is a testament to his character. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War, embodying the values of duty and sacrifice. His military experience was a defining chapter in a life characterized by hard work and perseverance.

Beyond his professional achievements, Cecil enjoyed many hobbies that brought him joy. He was an avid gardener and took pride in maintaining his lawn with great care. His love for hunting endured well into his eighties, reflecting a lifelong connection to the outdoors. A favorite pastime was visiting the casino to play slot machines, where he found entertainment and leisure. He enjoyed pheasant hunting in Aberdene, South Dakota, during the baseball World Series, where he watched the game with his hunting buddies after the hunt. Additionally, Cecil treasured fishing trips to Canada with his good friend, the late Clifford Gildner, moments that enriched his later years.

Cecil married Mildred Dantzer in 1955, and she passed away in 1996. In 1997, he married Betty Lee in West Branch.

Cecil was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knight of Columbus #2022 both in West Branch.

Family was at the heart of Cecil’s life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Zettel. He leaves behind his son, John Zettel, daughter, Rosanne (Michael) Cox, and stepson, Ron (Teresa) Lee Jr. He also leaves behind a great grandson Preston Cruz, his brothers Jerome, Kenneth, and Wayne (Mary) Zettel, and his sister Yvonne Ostrander. Cecil’s extended family includes numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who remember him fondly and with great respect.

Cecil’s life was also marked by the memory of those who preceded him. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mildred Zettel; grandchildren Christina Lee and Candy Jo Lee; his parents, Donatus and Lucinda (Gildner) Zettel; and siblings Eugene (Arlene), Alfred (Loretta), Jenny (Al) Kruch, and Roseann (Lomer) Davis. He also preceded in death by his in-laws Anita Zettel, Kathy Zettel, and Edwin “Ozzie” Ostrander.

Cecil Vincent Zettel’s enduring contributions to his community, his unwavering commitment to his family, and his zest for life’s simple pleasures leave an indelible mark. His legacy will live on in the homes he built, the lives he touched, and the many stories of kindness and determination that will be told for generations to come. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Visitation will begin at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a K of C Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service and military honors will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Visitation at the church will start at 9:45 a.m., military honors beginning at 10:45 a.m. and the funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. Fr. Al Pillarelli will officiate.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com