Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home

Barbara Lee Vatter, longtime resident of Cadillac, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. She was 82. Barbara was born on April 20, 1943, in Oswego, New York, one of four children of Russell and Harriett (Smith) Parnell. She grew up in Fayetteville and earned her bachelor's degree from Kent State University in Ohio. From there, life took her across the Atlantic to London, through the South, and eventually to Michigan, a journey that reflected her adaptable spirit and openness to new chapters. For over a decade, Barb made her living as a caregiver and manager for Seneca Place Home, a role she embraced with patience, dignity, and genuine concern for the well-being of those...

Joan B. Morgan, longtime resident of Cadillac and formerly of Grand Rapids and Rockford, passed away at home with family by her side on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. She was 94. Joan was born on June 2, 1931, in Chester Township, Michigan to George and Altha (Pratt) Seelman. She married Richard Lee Morgan January 21, 1950, in Grand Rapids, celebrating 56 years together until his passing in 2007. Joan worked many years as a secretary for the Kent Career Technical Center in Kent County, before retiring and making her way to Cadillac. In earlier years, she would spend time knitting or singing in the Quartet. She would often be found reading a good mystery novel or creating memories with her...

Jodi Lynn Billett, age 53, of Cadillac, Michigan, passed away on January 7, 2026. Jodi was born on June 8, 1972, in Owosso, Michigan. She attended Owosso High School and went on to build a life centered on love, family, and community. Jodi worked at the pizza place that became her second home and, in many ways, her entire world. She loved her job deeply?especially her customers?and took great pride in the relationships she built there over the years. One of her greatest joys was working side by side with her husband, Charles, and her daughter, Brittney. Jodi was an extremely loving, caring, and kind-hearted woman. She had a special gift for lifting people's spirits and making sure those...

Pamela Sue (Bartz) Bredahl of Manton passed away unexpectedly as she peacefully went to sleep on Friday, December 26, 2025, while at home. She was 63. Her passing marks the loss of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend whose warmth and dedication touched many lives. Pam leaves behind a legacy rooted deeply in love, kindness, and family. Her life was defined by the people she cared for and the quiet, steady way she showed up for others every single day. Pam was born on December 16, 1962, in Traverse City, Michigan to Henry and Mary Ann (Steinebach) Bartz. Raised on the family farm alongside her siblings, Pam developed deep family roots that remained central to her...

Edson Mearl Harding, lifelong resident of Marion passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Wexford Senior Care Center. He was 84. He was born on September 8, 1941, to Mearl and Dorothy (Beagle) Harding, on 5oth Ave. in Marion. Edson lived his entire life on 50th Avenue in Marion. He was employed with CMI in Cadillac for 38 years, and retired in 2003. Edson is survived by his loving family, his three daughters, Margaret (Bill) Brower, Laura (Jeff) Haynes, and Teena Harding; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Danny; his sisters, Sally and Barb; as well as many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his young daughter, Gloria Sue; his...

Gordon Roy Falor Jr., of Cadillac, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at his home in Cadillac. He was 68. Gordon was born on September 7, 1957 to Gordon Roy and Shirley (Mongar) Falor Sr. in Cadillac, Michigan. His life was defined by dedication-to his family, to his work, and to the people fortunate enough to know him. Gordy took tremendous pride in being a father and grandfather. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he never missed an opportunity to cheer them on, offer his guidance, or simply share a warm laugh with them. His love for his family was steady, unconditional, and unmistakable. He was a hardworking man through and through, Gordon believed in giving...

Karen Rose (Eickel) Worden, of Cadillac, died on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at her home. She was 84. She was born on September 18, 1941 in Corning, Ohio. The daughter of Leonard and Lily Eickel. She graduated from TL Handy High School in Bay City, Michigan in 1959. She married the love of her life, John Worden, in Ypsilanti, Michigan on June 15, 1963 at St. John's Catholic Church. Karen and John previously lived in Hope, Indiana for 30 years before retiring to Cadillac in 2004. While in Indiana, she was a member of St. Columba Catholic Church, and a fifteen year member of the Rural Haw Creek home extension club in Hope. She worked many years at Millers Merry Manor nursing home as the...

Barry Michael Masten, of Mesick, passed away on Thursday, November, 25, 2025 at Munson Medical Center. He was 78 years old. Barry was born on June 4, 1947 to Sayre W. and Merle (Russell) Masten at Lima, Ohio. The family relocated to the Manton / Meauwataka area when Barry was a young boy. He was a graduate of Manton High School, Class of 1965. Barry then went on to answer the call of duty serving in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era from 1965 until 1968. Following his time in the service, he came back to civilian life and went on to achieve a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Central Michigan University in 1973. He then re-enlisted in the United States Navy in 1975,...

John Raymond Wellman, of Cadillac and formerly of the Saginaw area, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at his home with family by his side. He was 85. John was born on August 8, 1940 to Louis and Leatha (Hollingsworth) Wellman in Saginaw, Michigan. He began his career working for Giant Supermarket in Saginaw, Michigan. John and his first wife, Nancy, moved to the Cadillac area in 1969, raising their two sons, Tod and Michael. His involvement in food sales and vending lead him into Paul Inman Food Associates, where he worked for over 30 years, until his time of retirement. During his downtime, he kept busy running a Christmas Tree farm for many years. On August 6, 2005 he entered into...

Sharon Kay McGuire, of McBain formerly of Cadillac and the greater Wexford County Area passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Autumnwood of McBain. She was 82. Sharon was born on March 9, 1943, in Temple, Michigan to Donald and Annabelle (Loomis) Cobleigh. She grew up and attended school in Harrison and became a graduate of the 1961 class. She married Donald Earl McGuire on November 24, 1984, celebrating nearly 20 years together before his passing in 2004. Sharon worked hard and maintained several jobs over the many years, most notably bartending at the Amvets in Cadillac as well as some time working at Walmart. She enjoyed a good game of bingo, working out in the yard, and...

Paul William Class, of Cadillac, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at his home in Cadillac. He was 65. Paul was born on October 1, 1960 to Lee and Grace (Holcombe) Class in Port Huron, Michigan. He loyally dedicated his career to working at Pilgrim's Village for 42 years, a job he truly loved. He looked forward to catching up with his regular customers and guests at Pilgrim's Village. Paul enjoyed cooking, especially for the holidays. In his spare time, he could often be found reading. Above all, he cherished the time spent visiting with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his hard work ethic and delicious homemade meals. Paul is survived by his sisters, Sue...

Marldene Ida (Rubscha) Dunham passed away on November 12, 2025 in Cadillac surrounded by family. She was 100 years old. Marldene was born in Kankakee Illinois to Emile and Ida (Tremblay) Scheppler. She was the youngest of eight children. She lived her life in Illinois, New York and Michigan. She was a long-time member of St Ann Catholic Church of Cadillac. Marldene retired from the former Mercy Hospital of Cadillac. She was the schedule coordinator for 17 years. Marldene loved painting pictures, working with flowers and reading books. She was an avid polka dancer who was known to dance with any available partner. On February 4, 1956 she married Edward J Rubscha who died in 1973. On...

Kathleen Rae (Williams) Bodary, 75, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2025, at her home in Cadillac. Born on January 7, 1950, to Luella (Shaver) and Otto Williams, Kathy was a lifelong resident of the city she loved. She graduated from Cadillac High School in 1968 and later earned her associate degree from Baker College, demonstrating a quiet determination and commitment to personal growth. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Cadillac. Over the years, Kathy held positions at Medical Arts Group PC, Carter's Grocery store, and Avon Protection Systems. In each role, she brought warmth, reliability, and a genuine care for others that reflected the values she...

Owen H.T. Lloyd lived a life of devotion; to his family, country and community. Owen's story took flight on August 3, 1941, when he was delivered into this world to his parents Dr. Kathleen M.E. Lloyd and David P.C. Lloyd, D.Phil., ready to serve. His strength, humor, and steadfast commitment to protecting others defined him throughout his 84 years until his passing at home on November 3, 2025. Owen was a man of quiet perseverance. A Vietnam veteran, he served our country with great pride for 20 years in the United States Air Force. A graduate of Bordentown Military Institute, he earned his degree in Electronics Engineering from the Community College of the Air Force while in the service....

Leora Mae Hoaglund, lifelong resident of the area passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City surrounded by family. She was 75. Leora was born on June 13, 1950, in Cadillac, Michigan to Merle D. and Betty (Hall) Fewless. She grew up attending Marion schools and was the Salutatorian of the Class of 1968 from Marion High School. After spending one year in nursing school at the University of Michigan, Leora entered into marriage with Elmo V. Hoaglund on May 17, 1969 in Dighton, who she met when she was a candy striper at Mercy Hospital in Cadillac. The couple celebrated 56 years together. In the early years of her marriage she was active on...

Ruth Louise Nordman, of Evart and formerly of Cadillac, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday, October 31, 2025. She was 66. Ruth was born on September 29, 1959, in Waterville, Maine, to Rev. Malcolm and Barbara (Ramsdell) Brown. She married Daniel Alan Nordman on February 14, 1987, in Boon, Michigan. Together they shared 23 years of marriage and celebrated the birth of three boys before Dan's passing in 2010. A devoted wife and mother, Ruth also poured her heart into caring for children. For many years she ran a daycare lovingly known as "Ruthie's Daycare" out of her home. After her time as a childcare provider, she worked more than 15 years in the produce department at Meijer....

Theodore Wayne Fewless, better known as "Ted" a longtime resident of Cadillac passed away at home with family by his side on Friday, October 31, 2025. He was 82. Ted was born on November 23, 1942, in Cadillac, Michigan to George "Jack" and Thelma "Sally" (Eddy) Fewless. On June 21, 1969 Ted entered into marriage with the former Agnes Marie Stayer, a union lasting nearly 51 years until her passing in 2020. Ted earned two master's from Central Michigan University and served as a teacher, coach, and a school administrator for Manistee, Cadillac, Blissfield and Pine River Schools. During his tenure in the school system, he became heavily involved in coaching. While at Cadillac, he was...

Gaetano "Tom" Talluto, age 80, of Cadillac, Michigan, formerly of Wyandotte, passed away peacefully in his home Wednesday morning, October 22, 2025. Tom was born on December 17, 1944, to Dionisio and Maria (Vitale) Talluto in Wyandotte, Michigan. He was a proud graduate of St. Francis Xavier School in Ecorse, Class of 1963. After high school, Tom answered the call of duty, serving his country honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era from 1964 to 1968. A steadfast Catholic and proud patriot, Tom lived his life grounded in faith, service, and strong values. He dedicated more than 35 years of his career to Wyandotte Chemical, now known as BASF, where he worked as a...

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Cynthia J. Mueller on October 16, 2025 at the age of 72 after a courageous and brave battle with cancer. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan on November 19, 1952, but moved to Cadillac, Michigan shortly after her graduation from Arthur Hill High School. She is now happily reunited with her daughter, Amber E. Mueller, who was her greatest joy in life. Her passion was taking care of the elderly, getting them up in the morning, telling them jokes and always leaving them with a smile on their faces. She did this for 37 years as a CNA at Samaritas Senior Living Center. It was there where she formed lifelong friendships, as well. She enjoyed going to...

Mary "Maxine" Fall ran into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday morning, October 14, 2025. She was born in Buckley, Michigan, on November 16, 1931, to Theodore and Ireta Weidenhamer. Maxine grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, where she met her husband of 48 years, Rev. David "Kenneth" Fall. Together they spent their lives in ministry, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Rev. Kenneth Fall; three sisters; and two brothers. She is survived by her children, Timothy K. Fall (Katie) and Teri L. Fall; her foster daughter, Sue (Dan) Mowat; grandchildren Barry (Beth) Fall, Cindy (Max) Lint, Jennifer Fall, Cheri (Eric) Harrison, and Kenn...

Frederick "Fred" Fleischfresser of Cadillac passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan. He was 79 years old and had spent his later years living at Pleasant Lake Lodge, Inc. Assisted Living Homes of Cadillac, where he was deeply loved by staff and residents alike. Fred was born on August 7, 1946, to Emil and Beatrice (Rulf) Fleischfresser in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating high school, he proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force in 1965. When his service ended, Fred began his career as a truck driver?an industry he loved and dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to before retiring. On...