Eugene "Gene" George Lefief

Eugene “Gene” George Lefief of Caseville, age 74, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, September 21, 2026. Gene was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 26, 1952, to the late George and Dorothy (Seabolt) Lefief. To say he had an exciting early life would be an understatement. He was involved in the Detroit music scene, working as a stagehand for many Detroit-area musicians. He also loved racing cars and working as a bouncer at bars in the area. Gene eventually settled into a position with the Ford Motor Company, from which he retired in 2008 as a repairman. He was active in the UAW in his working years and enjoyed the outdoors. He was a wildlife enthusiast, spending time hunting and especially fishing throughout the region, and had something of a green thumb and love of botany. Gene was a loving and family-oriented man who loved his grandchildren and was fiercely proud of his sons. He was often the life of the party and jokingly referred to himself as a “mushroom” because he was such a “fun guy.”

Left to cherish Gene’s memory are his sons, Ryan (Kristina Tuzzolo) Lefief and Robert (Elizabeth) Lefief; grandchildren, Xavier Lefief, Liam Lefief, Miley Tuzzolo, and Faith Tuzzolo; brothers, Marlene (John) Grocki, Greg (Heather) Lefief, and Geoff Lefief; “bonus son,” Frank Colagiovanni; sister-in-law, Mary Lefief; and his significant other of over 25 years, Colleen Pantelis. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his brother, Gordon Lefief.

In accordance with Gene’s wishes, cremation is to take place. A memorial gathering celebrating his life will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon, 7356 West Michigan Avenue, Pigeon, MI.