Chad J. Ziel, 56, of Caro (formerly of Bad Axe) died Sunday, November 28, in his home after a 3.5 year battle with pancreatic cancer. Chad was born in South Korea on June 27, 1965, and was adopted by Henry and Jeanette Ziel in 1974. He grew up on Zielland Farm in Port Austin and acquired a degree in Marketing from Ferris State University.

Yearning to learn more about his culture of origin and family roots, Chad returned to South Korea where he met and married Su Na Ha on January 22, 1998. Chad brought his bride home to the family farm. Their daughter Hanna was born on January 3, 1999. Over the years, Chad and Su Na have owned and operated several small businesses in the thumb area: Bad Axe Super Tan, Ziel's Zoom Zone in Port Hope, Ziel's Mainstreet Liquor and Deli in Caseville, Ziel's Party Store in Elkton, and Ziel's Wine Shop in Caro.

His curious nature had his mind always working. Games, puzzles, and all things with chance, luck, and skill, he never tired from. His passion was playing pool and winning tournaments. His competitive nature and outlook on life probably helped him survive pancreatic cancer a lot longer than most. Chad was a hard worker who was honest and kind to all, he believed in treating everyone equally and will be missed by all who met him.

He is survived by his wife, Su Na Ziel of Caro and his daughter, Hanna Ziel of Warren. He is also survived by his father, Henry Ziel, his sisters Michelle (Steve) Gayari of Pigeon and Crystal Ziel of Albany, NY, and his brother Mark Ziel of Port Austin. Also surviving are his nephews, Shawn Gayari and Kyle Gayari of Pigeon. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanette Ziel of Port Austin.

Funeral services will be at St. Peters Lutheran Church 5098 Dwight St. Kinde, MI on Friday, December 3rd at 11:00 AM.  Visitation will be at Knoblock Funeral Home 5720 N Van Dyke Rd. Kinde, MI on December 2nd from 2pm-8pm and at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am.  Burial will be in Colfax Cemetery in Bad Axe.