Dell Siler

Dell was born in Saginaw, Mich., in 1943 to Dr. Delbert and Ethelyn (Hammond) Siler, graduating from Arthur Hill High School in 1961. Dell went on to earn a master’s degree in fisheries from Michigan State University, becoming an avid and vocal Spartan sports fan to the end. Go Green!

In 1969 Dell moved his family to Seattle, where he began working for the University of Washington, spending summers in Alaska researching sockeye salmon, indulging in his love of fishing and hunting, and bringing home an impressive moose rack. Dell moved his family to Crystal Falls in 1971 after hiring on with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, where he would spend the next 30 years working as a fish biologist and supervisor in the Crystal Falls and Escanaba district offices.

Dell made the most of the outdoors during his life in the U.P., enjoying any and all fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering opportunities the area had available. He also made numerous hunting and fishing trips out west and in Canada with friends and family. Dell passed his love for the outdoors onto his children and grandchildren, creating years of great memories spent in the field.

Dell also enjoyed traveling with his wife, whether they were visiting family, hiking the country’s national parks, taking a river cruise in Europe or taking an African safari — which he described as his trip of a lifetime. His travels enabled him to indulge his many interests in history, culture and varied cuisines.

Dell was a family man, often avoiding social outings, preferring to spend time with family and close friends. He took great pride in his children as they grew up and that pride grew as they came into their own as adults. He also loved his many pets over the years, which included numerous black Labs and cats, treating them as well or better than family. More than anything, Dell was a loving and supportive husband, treasuring 60 wonderful years married to the love of his life. Dell was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law.

He is survived by his wife, three children, his sister and two sisters-in-law. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Joshua (Krista) Siler, Jacob (Andee) Siler, Kayla Kowalski and Easton Siler. He was recently blessed with four great-grandchildren. There are also several nieces and nephews who survive him.

To honor Dell’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. If you care to honor his memory, please make a donation to North Woods Animal Shelter, 930 Selden Road, Iron River, MI 49935; or Iron County Medical Care Facility, 1523 U.S. 2, Crystal Falls, MI 49920.

The Siler family is profoundly grateful for the excellent, compassionate and professional care received from the staff at the Iron County Medical Care facility.

Condolences to the family of Dell Siler may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.