Kenneth Michael Hodges Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Kenneth Michael Hodges, lifelong resident of Cadillac, passed away on Thursday, October 25, 2012. He died unexpectedly of a heart attack in the arms of his son Aaron doing what he loved, motocross. Mike was 56. Mr. Hodges was born October 5, 1956 to Margaret and Kenneth Hodges of Cadillac. He graduated from Cadillac Senior High School in 1974 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems from Ferris State College in 1985. On August 7, 1982 he married Jan Marie Smith also of Cadillac. They both chose Cadillac as their home where they have lived and worked for over 30 years. Mike\'s incredible work ethic and knowledge of computer information systems, made him a valuable asset to Avon, Four Winns, CMI and the place he loved most because of the kids, the Marion School District where he ran their IT Department for the last 8 years. Mike and Jan had opportunities to leave the area but chose to remain in Cadillac to be close to family and friends. Highest on Mike\'s list of priorities was spending time with Jan, Adam & Aaron. But he was also passionate about many things that extended beyond his family and employment. He had a positive affect on many young people and their families, especially during his years of coaching hockey, baseball, and soccer. He was proud of being the hockey coach of the Cadillac Comets, Ice Dogs and Northern Leafs. Mike will be remembered by his teams for giving just two simple formulas for success in life: â€œFirst rule of success - SHOW UP!â€ and, â€œIf it\'s meant to be, it\'s up to me.â€ Because Mike lived what he preached, it was no surprise when he was awarded the 2006 Michigan Hockey Coach of the Year. He was an excellent athlete and enjoyed downhill skiing, baseball, hiking and motocross. You find insight into Mike\'s character when you discover that he would start each work day sending a short e-mail to Jan and the boys expressing a passing thought or observation that he wanted to share. Mike ended each of these special messages with an expression of the love he had for each of them. Survivors include his wife Jan (of 30 years) and their two sons, Adam (23) and Aaron (17) of Cadillac, his mother Margaret (Margie) Hodges of Cadillac, sister Ketha (George) Rosingana of Virginia Beach, VA, mother-in-law Shirley Smith, sister-in-law, Kris Smith O\'Neill (Regan), brother-in-law, Pete Smith (Connie) all of Cadillac, Aunts & Uncles: Fran Peterson of Cadillac, Vivian Donner of Jackson, Mary Fox (Ray) of Mesick, David Hodges (Phyllis) of Cadillac, Katy Johnson (David) of Tampa, FL, Honey Gibbs (George) of Alma, Roma Williams (Jerry) of Cadillac, nephews and nieces: Jake Rosingana (Jamie) of Virginia Beach, VA, Ben Rosingana (Carrie) of Lansing, Meghan Rosingana of Gaylord, Kyle O\'Neill (Allison) of NYC, Devin O\'Neill of Traverse City, Maggie Smith and Alex Smith both of Cadillac. He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Hodges of Cadillac and his father-in law, Norm Smith also of Cadillac. Jan, Adam and Aaron want to give special thanks to Brandon Hill and his father, Stacy Hill, Cadillac, for their efforts to save Mike\'s life. Friends may meet the family Monday, October 29, from 4-7 p.m. at the Peterson Funeral Home in Cadillac. Following the visitation a celebration of life for friends and family will be held at 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the home of Kris & Regan O\'Neill, 155 Davidsen Rd., Cadillac. In lieu of flowers you are asked to consider a more lasting memorial to the Adam and Aaron Hodges Education Fund. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Kenneth Michael Hodges

October 5, 1956 - October 25, 2012