On December 25, 2025, our loving husband, father and grandfather went to be with the Lord at the age of 81 years.

Chico was born on September 6, 1944, in Saginaw, Michigan, son of the late John H. and Evelyn K. (Willis) Siler. Many have asked how he came to be called “Chico.” His mother, seeing something feisty in her son, named him after the famous 1950’s boxer Chico Vejar. In so many ways, the name proved prophetic. Chico lived his life with grit, heart, and determination, qualities most evident in his greatest fight of all. Over the past 25 years, Chico faced multiple cancer diagnoses. Each time, he stood back up, met the challenge head-on, and beat it. Embodying the fighter spirit he carried throughout his life.

Chico graduated from Merrill High School in 1963, where he played football, ran track and met the love of his life, Mary McQueen. He proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany where he was able to see all the beauty Europe has to offer until his discharge in 1966. Upon returning home to Merrill, Chico and Mary were married on November 5, 1966, beginning a love that spanned 59 years.

Chico worked alongside his family at Siler’s Chevrolet & Oldsmobile, where his lifelong passion for cars allowed him to provide for his family and build lasting relationships in the community. He started a second career working for Wolohan Lumber, where he was able to work in the store he loved the most and tinker with wood and tools. He was a faithful member of Saint John Vianney Catholic Church, a past President of the Merrill Lion’s Club, a member of the JayCee’s, and most prominently, a proud and die-hard Detroit Lions fan.

Chico was blessed with a wide circle of friends and family and cherished the memories he made with them. He loved traveling wherever the whim would take him. He loved the outdoors and having fun—whether in a camper, on the annual hunting trip (despite never shooting a deer), snowmobiling through the Michigan woods, cross-country skiing, water skiing at Eight Point Lake, enjoying an occasional round of golf, restoring one of his loves, his 1963 Chevy affectionately named “Molly”, and fishing for salmon, trout, bluegills or anything that would bite. Despite all of this, Chico’s greatest love of all was his family.

Chico is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary Siler; their three daughters, Kari Hoffmann, Lisa (Aaron) Krauss, and Julie (John) Carnes; and his five grandsons and their significant others: Blake Behnke (Kelsey Clark), Bridg Behnke (Jazmyne), Trent Lutzke (Maddy Hallstrom), Kellar Carnes, and Drew Hoffmann. He is also survived by his seven siblings, Gary, Richard, Geraldine, Mike, Tom, Christine and Patrick; his brother and sisters-in-law, Dave and Pam McQueen and Carla McQueen; many nieces and nephews, as well as many dear lifelong friends who stood by Chico and Mary until the very end.

In addition to his parents, Chico was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Bruce and Patricia McQueen, his brother-in-law, Joe McQueen, his sisters-in-law, Patsy Siler and Ilene Siler and the world’s greatest fishing partner, Joey the dachshund.

Chico will be remembered for his strength, loyalty, humor, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. His fighting spirit and generous heart will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.

The Siler family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Bartnik and the Covenant Healthcare Transfusion Center, for their exceptional care for Chico.

Memorial mass will take place at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 2, 2026, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 6400 McCarty Road. Rev. Fr. TJ Fleming will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Covenant Healthcare Cancer Care Center, 5400 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603.