Neil Charles Champagne

Neil Charles Champagne, born March 22, 1952, was sent on his final hunting trip on August 23, 2024 surrounded by his family. Raised on a farm near Pinnebog by his loving parents, John and Marjorie (Bills) Champagne, Neil’s hands were no stranger to hard work or being knee deep in mischief with a grin.

In 1970, he graduated from Laker High School, then went right into pulling shifts with his father at Don Brown Electric. He also worked for Gil’s TV of Pigeon, and Michigan Oven in Caseville before he married the love of his life Colleen Champagne in 1989.

Neil and Colleen navigated life’s adventures, moving across the U.S. before finally anchoring in Merritt, Michigan. There, Neil’s warm smile and bigger-than-life personality earned him a permanent spot in the hearts of everyone he met.

Always ready to lend a hand or a hammer, Neil was the unofficial handyman, hunter extraordinaire, and never-ending-joke teller. Merritt’s honey-do lists would have been far longer without Neil’s tireless efforts and sense of humor.

Neil’s memories are carried on by his wife of 35 years, Colleen Champagne, and their blended family. He leaves behind his children – Janice (Jim) Rae, Nicholas Bednorek, Matthew Bednorek, Jody (Jennifer) Champagne – along with his grandchildren: Cody Bednorek, Isabella Rae, Rosalyn Bednorek, Jaylen and Jenalise Champagne. His siblings, John Champagne, Roger Champagne, and Karen (David) Lister, will fondly remember Neil’s knack for mischief and the times their brotherly escapades landed them in hot water.  Waiting for him were his parents John and Marjorie Champagne, his son Aaron Champagne and his sister-in-law Jill Champagne.

Though Neil now hunts in heavenly forests and casts his line in the river that never runs dry, his spirit remains ever-present through the love, laughter, and countless stories shared by his family and friends. May he rest in peace, forever reminding us to work hard, play harder, and always keep one in the chamber.

There will be no public funeral services.