Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home

Kevin Jay Hoover, of Cadillac, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025 in Cadillac. He was 41. Kevin was born on January 28, 1984 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to parents, Kevin and Cathy (Mongar) Hoover. In his spare time he could almost always be found outside, whether going fishing, for a walk, or two-tracking. Kevin enjoyed going rock-hunting and looking for the most special ones, especially Petoskey stones. He would take the time to run them through his rock tumbler and make them look beautiful. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family, especially his kids. Kevin is survived by his loving family, father and step-mother, Kevin and Billy Jo Hoover of Cadillac; mother,...

Inge Shepardson, of Cadillac, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 9, 2025. She was 82. Inge was born in Konitz, Germany on June 19, 1942, immigrated with her mother, Ella Traichel on January 14, 1952 and on November 18, 1974 became a United States citizen. Inge loved big and with all she was, her love for others was returned by those she leaves behind. Inge leaves behind her loving husband, Albert Shepardson of Cadillac; her children, Diane (Tom) Connell, Hedi Whitmore, Don Whitmore, Laura Amsel, Leah (James Behne) Perez, Brandi (Roger) Bergey, Teri (Chris) Morris, and Reuben (Rose) Shepardson; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Inge loved watching...

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Arvid Johnson, a resident of Tustin, on March 7, 2025, at the age of 71 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather; a kind hearted man, a lover of Jesus, who touched the lives of many. Jim was born April 18, 1953 in Reed City, Michigan to Arvid and Laura "June" (McQuestion) Johnson, the fifth of six children. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Anne (Sprague) Johnson; their sons, Timothy of LeRoy and Michael (Amy) Johnson of Hart; and his dear grandchildren, Riley, Hazel, Addilynn, and August. He is also survived by siblings, Mike (Sally) Johnson of LeRoy; Barb (Larry)...

Shirley J VanderJagt, 97, of Cadillac passed away on Wednesday February 26, 2025 at Cadillac Senior Care Center. Shirley was born on January 21, 1928 in Irondale, Ohio to Alonzo and Margret (Bailey) Davis. She grew up in the Irondale area where she graduated from Irondale high school in 1946. After graduation Shirley moved to the Battle Creek area to live with her brother and his wife. In 1949 Shirley married Henry VanderJagt, they moved to the Cadillac area in 1955 and raised four children. The couple divorced in 1967. Shirley was employed at several local businesses. She then worked for Borg Warner for many years from which she retired. Shirley was a wonderful mother, grandmother and...

Michael Lee Stump, resident of Cadillac, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 13, 2025. He was 70. Mike was born on March 17, 1954 in Lincoln, NE and was adopted by Walter and Evelyn Stump shortly thereafter. Mike spent his early years in Holt, MI and Kalamazoo, MI graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1972. Mike relocated to the Cadillac area in 1975, where he married Sue Ann Benninger in 1980. Mike and Sue enjoyed over 40 years together while welcoming their children, Michael C. and Matthew. Mike enjoyed the outdoors and any hobbies that would keep him there. He loved to sail RC airplanes; leading multiple clubs and organizations while organizing National contests in...

Dennis Lee Harris, of Mesick, traveled to the everlasting woods, and was greeted by those he loved that have passed before him, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Although he struggled with sickness in his final days, he made a point to spend some of his last hours sharing love and laughter with his family. He was 68 years old. Dennis was born on October 5, 1956 to Robert and Joyce (Williams) Harris in Flint, Michigan. He was a graduate of Alma High School and later received a certificate of Etymology from Purdue. On April 19, 1997 he entered into marriage with the former Brenda Elmore in Nashville, Indiana. The family relocated to Michigan in 1999. The couple...

Dean Devere Cooley, Cadillac native, formerly of Texas and Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at his home. He was 74. Dean was born at Mercy Hospital on August 13, 1950, in Cadillac, to Devere Orson and Dorothy May (Olson) Cooley. He grew up and attended school in Cadillac, graduating as part of the Viking Class of 1968. After attending college in Grand Rapids, Dean proudly enlisted to serve his country in the United States Navy for seven years. His two years of active duty was aboard the USS Oklahoma City, a guided-missile cruiser. He spent a good number of years in Texas and Florida where he worked as a general manager for factories that manufactured paper...

Gary Lee Cronkhite Sr., of Manton, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at his home with family by his side. He was 78. Gary was born on February 11, 1946 in Cadillac, Michigan to Samuel and Claudia Bell (Houghton) Cronkhite. He proudly answered the call of duty, serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era on the USS Bennington. After returning to civilian life, Gary spent his career working for both Taylor Electric Services in McBain for 20 years and then another 17 years for Midland Metal Products in Chicago, until his time of retirement. Aside from his skills obtained throughout his occupation, Gary was also an incredibly talented handyman and loved helping his family...

Esther Mae Boughner, 99 years young, passed away peacefully January 29, 2025 at Curry House Assisted Living, Cadillac MI with family by her side. Esther was born to Leroy and Lucile (Darling) Thompson on August 10, 1925 in Grand Rapids, MI where she grew up with her sisters Jean and Mary. Esther was a graduate of Grand Rapids South High School, Grand Rapids Junior College and Michigan State College. She married Homer Boughner on July 19,1947, and she was his faithful, loving spouse for 67 years until his passing on December 6, 2014. Esther was a homemaker and school and church volunteer when her children were young. Later, she enjoyed working as a library aide at the Cadillac-Wexford...

Donald "Don" Wayne Person, 83 years old, of Cadillac slipped away to be with Jesus on January 27, 2025 at Munson Medical Center, Cadillac. Don was born November 8, 1941 to Victor G. and Charlet (Backstrom) Person of Reed City, MI. Don spent his childhood in Reed City and the surrounding area, graduating High School in Reed City, 1959. Don is remembered for his solid work ethics; working many years for UPS, selling cars, driving for Butternut Bread, running his own Vending and Game Machine Business and so much more. If you know Don, there is a good chance he has helped you to "find the right car." Don loves and is loved greatly by his family who will miss visiting, eating out, fishing,...

Mohamed Ashraf "Ash" Abou-El-Seoud, of Cadillac, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025 peacefully at home. He was 67. He was born on August 9, 1957 to Mohamed Osman and Seham Abou-El-Seoud in Cairo, Egypt. He would say when he was born, you could see the Nile out of one window and through the other window you could see the Pyramids. On February 17, 1980, he married Debra Turner in Lansing, Michigan. The family later relocated to Cadillac for Ash's work through K-mart where he fell in love with northern Michigan. After retirement he was a substitute teacher who found purpose connecting with his students. Ash was a loving husband, proud father, Gido, and fierce and loyal friend. He always...

Judith Anne Wing, of Cadillac, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Sunnyside Senior Living. She was 81. Judy was born on July 26, 1943 to Amos and Alberta (Greenhalge) Nixon in Cadillac, Michigan. On October 27, 1962 she entered into marriage with Donald Allen Wing at the Cherry Grove Church of the Nazarene. The couple spent 61 years together, until his time of passing on April 19, 2023. She spent her career working in human resources for over 33 years, including for GMI and later for Kettering University. At Kettering University, she specialized in the business and industry development center and set a typing standard for the hiring center. Judy was actively involved in the...

Isaiah "Zay" Donald Benavides was lovingly welcomed into the glories of Heaven on Saturday, January 18, 2025. In his mother's arms with his dad by his side, Isaiah took his final breath here on earth and his next brought him to Jesus where he was healed from cancer. He was 6 years old. Isaiah was born in Cadillac, MI to Brent and Ayla (Spaulding) Benavides on April 30, 2018. He loved all things outdoors - hunting, fishing, riding quads, bonfires, camping, fireworks, shed hunting and all of nature. He had a special love for nerf guns and nerf wars. Zay will be remembered for his beautiful smile, his laugh and gruesome battle with childhood cancer. He was an incredible inspiration to...

Kayleonna A. Ervin, of Lake City passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Munson's Cadillac Hospital. She was only 12 years old. Kayelonna was a fighter from the start, being brought into this world as a preemie at only two pounds, on March 9, 2012, to mother Sunshine (Martinez) Norman. Even with the odds stacked against her, Kayleonna created and celebrated nearly 13 wonderful years as a beautiful young lady. Kayleonna had a passion for music and her family. She could often be found singing or spending time with her friends and family playing Roblox. Kayleonna enjoyed going for walks and swimming at the lake. She will be remembered and cherished in the hearts of so many...

Judith Bulock, longtime Mesick resident passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025 at the Maple Ridge Living Center in Cadillac. She was 83. Judy was born one of five children to Gerald and Norma (Bowling) Beckelic, on September 1, 1941, in Cadillac. Judy grew up in Wexford County and in 1959 became a graduate of Mesick High School. She spent many years working in banking at Old Kent Bank and eventually retiring from Members Credit Union. She was a longtime member and supporter of the Mesick AmVets as well as the Mesick Museum Board. However, Judy's greatest role was that of "Grandma", not only to her own family but as a grandma to children at Mesick Public Schools. Judy loved to walk and...

Richard C. "Dick" Maury, of Cadillac, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024 in Ocala, Florida. He was 88. Dick was born on July 2, 1936 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Charles White Maury and Rosella Borgia (Steele) Maury. He was a graduate of St. Augustine High School in Kalamazoo, where he met the love of his life Barbara. He entered into marriage with Barbara J. Fries on September 3, 1954 in Kalamazoo. The couple spent 52 years together, until her time of passing on February 27, 2006. Dick owned and operated the Cadillac Party Lounge for many years, working alongside his wife and children. He enjoyed serving the Cadillac community and made countless friends throughout the years. He loved...

Renee Y. Tolgo, age 73, passed away on December 14, 2024 at Curry House in Cadillac, Michigan. She was born on September 26, 1951, the second of four children of Robert and Madonna (Brown) Phipps. After graduating from Clio High School in 1969, she was employed at the Secretary of State Office, then became a teller for Citizens Bank in Flushing for several years. In 1982, she married Joe Tolgo, a teacher in Marion, and moved north to the Marion / Tustin area. She worked as a teacher aide at Marion Elementary school for over twenty years, and played a key role in developing the art room segment of the "choice" program at the school. Playing in the Clio Creek with friends in the summer, near...

Harry Joseph Engels, of Cadillac, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024 at his home with his family by his side. He was 84. Harry was born on October 5, 1940 to Joseph and Helen (Williams) Engels in Saginaw, Michigan. He attended Arthur Hill High School (Class of 1958) where he met the love of his life Jo Ann Whalin in science class. Jo Ann and Harry married on January 27, 1962 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Saginaw, MI. Harry completed his Master's Degree in Education from Central Michigan University and got his first full-time teaching job in Pinconning as a History teacher, where he also taught drivers ed, and served as Justice of the peace, officiating 33 marriages in...

Patricia "Pat" Zergoski of Cadillac passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was 95 years old. Pat was born on October 24, 1929, to Anna and Walter Horowski in Ludington, Michigan. Her father died soon after her birth. Her mother would go on to marry Rinhold Budde, who adopted her and her older brother Ray and helped raise them along with her two younger sisters, Bernadine, and Betty Ann. Pat grew up on a farm during the Great Depression. She worked helping with the chores that came with life on a farm, growing food and helping to raise her youngest sister. She was a graduate of Manistee High School with the class of 1949. During her high...

Arlene Grace Parks, of Cadillac, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Green Acres Living Center in Cadillac. She was 90. Arlene was born on October 29, 1934 to Clarence and Gwenola (Serven) Siebert in Flint, Michigan. On December 1, 1951, she entered into marriage with Harold D. Parks in Flint. Arlene spent her career working for the State of Michigan for over 18 years. Arlene is survived by her loving daughter, Maureen (Brad) Kindt of Shelton, WA; her son, Christopher Parks of Mesick; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; as well as many other loving family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Parks in 2014; two sons, Steven Parks in...

Mark Alan Armstrong, of Cadillac, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at his home. He was 60. Mark was born on April 11, 1964 to Don Smiley Armstrong and Barbara (Strasser) Armstrong in Cadillac, Michigan. He was a graduate of Cadillac High School, Class of 1982. After graduation Mark attended Western Michigan University. Mark dedicated his career to running his flooring contracting business. Mark was a lifelong Cadillac resident. Mark was involved in the NASF snow festival. He was a passionate Michigan fan and enjoyed playing golf. He loved dogs and was the go-to for dog sitting. He was a loving "uncle Mark". Mark is survived by mother, Barbara Armstrong of Clearwater, FL;...