Kalkaska Funeral Home

10/31/2026

🎃 HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 👻

The pumpkins are glowing, the costumes are ready, and little ghosts, witches, superheroes, and monsters are preparing to take over the neighborhood!

Whether you're heading out trick-or-treating, handing out candy, watching a spooky movie, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, we hope everyone has a wonderful Halloween!

And because this is Northern Michigan, let's hope the only chills tonight come from the spooky decorations and not the weather! 🥶😂

🍫 Now for the important question: What's the ONE Halloween candy you always hoped to find in your trick-or-treat bag?

Reese's? Snickers? Kit Kats? Or something else?

Let's settle the great Halloween candy debate in the comments!

🎃 From all of us at Kalkaska Funeral Home, have a safe, fun, and spooktacular Halloween!

10/30/2026

🎃 Halloween Weekend Is Here! 🍂

There's something about Halloween in a small town that brings back childhood memories!

Remember bundling up in a winter coat over your Halloween costume because it was freezing outside? Or trying to squeeze in one more house before heading home to dump out your candy and see what you collected?

Here in Northern Michigan, we've experienced Halloween nights with beautiful fall weather, pouring rain, and even snow! But that never seemed to stop the excitement.

As families get ready for a weekend of costumes, candy, and Halloween fun, we thought we'd ask a question that might bring back a few memories.

🍬 What was your favorite Halloween costume when you were growing up?

Bonus points if you still have a picture! 📸

From all of us here at the Kalkaska Funeral Home, we wish everyone a fun and safe Halloween weekend! 🎃

10/30/2026

Donald Ray Holeman, 90, of Kalkaska, passed away peacefully at French Manor in Traverse City, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Donald was born in McPherson, Kansas on June 13, 1936 to Earl F. and Mildred I. (Bartley) Holeman and remained a Jayhawks fan long after he left Kansas. After graduating from high school, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving honorably in the role of Security Cryptographer in the Philippines and other locations. Upon discharge, Don joined his parents in McLeansboro, Illinois, where he met his future wife, Glenda Rae (Cluck) Holeman. They married and raised three children, while moving across the country to build Don’s career in oil and gas exploration. Don was highly skilled and dedicated to the work of safely extracting oil and gas, quickly rising to the position of District Manager. He worked for Baroid and McCullough Oil Field Services, which eventually brought them to Kalkaska, Michigan in the late 1970s during the “oil boom” in northern Michigan. It is here that they planted roots with their children and enjoyed all that Michigan had to offer. Don was an avid golfer and was a member of Twin Birch Golf Course for 30 years. After retirement, Don and Glenda traveled each winter to Orange Beach, Alabama to escape winter and enjoy the beach. They had several special friends that they spent time with in Alabama, including Glenda’s sister and brother-in-law Judy and Don. They were able to extend their golf season in Alabama,...

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10/29/2026

DID YOU KNOW? Choosing cremation doesn't mean you can't have a traditional funeral.

One of the most common misconceptions about cremation is that choosing it means giving up the opportunity for a visitation, funeral service, or gathering of family and friends.

But that's simply not the case!

Families who choose cremation can still have:

❤️ A traditional visitation with their loved one present.

❤️ A funeral service at a church or funeral home.

❤️ A celebration of life with family and friends.

❤️ A graveside service or burial of the cremated remains.

❤️ A meaningful gathering before or after cremation.

There is no single right way to honor a life. Every family is different, and the options are often much more flexible than people realize.

At Kalkaska Funeral Home, we believe families should understand all their options before making these important decisions.

Did you know cremation could include a traditional funeral service?

📞 (231) 258-3346

10/29/2026

Shane Arden Jenkins, 68 of Kalkaska went to be with the Lord on October 27, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family. Shane was born on May 17, 1958, in Traverse City MI, to the late Floyd Arden and Margie (Smith) Jenkins.
Shane grew up on the family farm. In his younger days, he loved to cause a little mischief in his Trans Am and Camaro. He and his friends were always working on them to make them run just a little bit better. As he got older, he bought his one and only home where he raised his son and lived until his passing. Shane worked hard on the farm his entire life and enjoyed every minute of it. He loved every aspect of the farm; from spring planting season to fall harvest, and everything in between including, teaching the younger generations, talking with customers, and making deliveries with the farm’s semi-trucks. Shane was a follower of Jesus and loved his family at the Kalkaska Church of Christ. He enjoyed hosting his high school class gatherings in his pole barn. In his retirement days, he really enjoyed going to Big Boy (aka, The Office,) every day where he was sometimes referred to as “The Mayor” by his friends. Shane loved to solve all of the world’s problems, and converse with everyone who joined him there. He has always had a love for animals and has had several loyal dogs over the years. The most recent, Reily Jo, went everywhere and did everything with him. Most importantly, Shane was a loving and faithful father,...

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10/28/2026

There's just something special about fall in Northern Michigan!

The beautiful colors along our backroads, the smell of a woodstove on a chilly morning, apple c***r and fresh donuts, hunting season, and those last few afternoons outside before the snow begins to fall.

For many of us, fall brings traditions we've enjoyed since childhood and memories we're now making with the next generation.

Some traditions change over the years, but others never seem to get old. ❤️

🍁 What's one Northern Michigan fall tradition you look forward to every year?

We'd love to hear yours in the comments!

10/27/2026

Sometimes, it's the smallest things that bring back the biggest memories. ❤️

The sound of Grandpa's laughter. Mom's favorite recipe. The smell of fresh coffee in Grandma's kitchen. Or that one saying someone in your family always used.

Long after someone is gone, it's often these little things that stay with us the most.

What's one little thing that instantly reminds you of someone you miss?

We'd love to hear your memories. ❤️

10/26/2026

Thinking About a Headstone? Don't Wait Until Spring! 🌷

Here's something many families don't realize when it comes to purchasing a headstone…

Every spring, as the snow melts and the weather warms up, families begin thinking about purchasing a headstone for their loved one. It makes sense! The ground is thawing, cemeteries are opening back up, and everyone's ready to get things done.

But here's what most people don't know…

A headstone isn't something you simply order today and have installed next week.

Each monument takes time to design, personalize, engrave, and prepare for delivery. Depending on the stone and design, this process typically takes 2–3 months.

That means families who wait until April or May to place their order may not see their loved one's headstone installed until the middle or end of summer.

That's why fall and winter are actually some of the BEST times to order a headstone!

By beginning the process now, your monument can be designed, ordered, and prepared during the winter months, putting you in a great position for delivery and installation when cemetery conditions allow in the spring.

🌷 Imagine having your loved one's headstone ready to be placed as soon as spring arrives, rather than just beginning the ordering process.

At Kalkaska Funeral Home, we're here to make the entire process easier. From choosing the granite color and creating a personalized design to ordering and coordinating delivery, we'll walk you through every step.

❤️ Whether you're selecting a memorial for someone you've lost or planning ahead for yourself, there's no need to wait for warmer weather.

📞 Give us a call at (231) 258-3346 or stop in and see us! We'd be happy to sit down, answer your questions, and help you create a lasting tribute.

Order during the colder months. Be ready when spring arrives. 🌷

10/26/2026

Cass Michael Howard, 70, of Kalkaska, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. He was born on September 11, 1956, in Farmington, Michigan, to the late Cass E. and Mary (Marcella) Howard. Cass enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He appreciated all four seasons and the beauty each one brought. Cass had many lifelong friends and was especially close to his parents and his longtime life partner, Dawn Palchak. Family and friendships were an important part of his life. Cass will be lovingly remembered by his life partner, Dawn Palchak; daughters Alicia Howard and Melissa Schreiber; sons Cass Zielinski. and Brian (Emily) Howard; grandchildren Sawyer, Aria, and Ivy; nieces Lauren and Megan (Pat) Patin and their sons Benjamin and Nathan; and sister-in-law Colleen. He was preceded in death by his parents Cass E. and Mary Howard, and his brother Gregory Howard. A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

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10/25/2026

🍁 YOU KNOW YOU GREW UP IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN WHEN… 😂

Maybe it's knowing someone who hit a deer on the way to work. 🦌

Maybe it's wearing shorts when it's 45 degrees outside. 🥶

Or maybe it's giving someone directions by saying, "Turn where the old gas station USED to be!" 😂

We all have those little things that make life up here special.

👇 Finish this sentence in the comments:

"You know you're from Northern Michigan when __________."

Let's see who comes up with the best answer! 😂🍂