Obituaries
John Bartolacci
John Mario Bartolacci 68, a man who was truly passionate about sports, passed away June 16, 2021 at his home after a courageous 50-year battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Charlotte, MI John was born in Charlotte on August 10, 1952 to Joseph and Mary (Hemingway) Bartolacci, one of eight children in a family raised to live the Golden Rule. He married Sue Bower in 1987 and they raised their sons to love sports, almost as much as John did. As an avid sports fan (Go Blue) and athlete, John participated in golf, bowling and especially loved playing softball. He was on numerous softball league championship teams, State championship teams in 1987 and 1989, National Championship team (60 and over) in 2016, and ASA National Championship team (65 and over) in 2018. John volunteered many hours helping out the Charlotte Junior Oriole football program as well as the Charlotte High varsity football team coached by Paul Davis, and never missed a game or event when his sons were playing.
John was a Godly man, strong in his belief and kind, yet very stubborn. Always willing to help anyone, John was well liked, seemed to know everyone, and always found things in common with people he met. In addition to being a proud father, John also took a lot of pride in his lawn, he truly enjoyed doing yard work and keeping it looking beautiful. He also enjoyed working out at AL!VE, watching and participating in many different sports, and waxing his vehicles on Sundays at Bennett Park. John worked at Owens-Illinois in Charlotte until his retirement in 2012.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Bartolacci; and sister, Ann Grier. He is survived by his wife, Sue; sons, Kevin and Ryan of Charlotte; grandson, Theo; brothers, Joseph (Diana) Bartolacci of Charlotte; James (Lou) Bartolacci of Mason; Jeff Bartolacci of Riverview, Florida; sisters, Mary Jo Palmer of West Lafayette, Indiana, Nora (Anthony) Franzini and Lisa (James) Jones of Bradenton, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends are encouraged to support John’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Wednesday, June 23, 2-4:00 PM and 6-8:00 PM at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, June 24, 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on John’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Richard Otto
Richard “Rick” Otto, 57, of Palmetto, Fla. (formerly of Bellevue), passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 4, 2021. Rick was born on April 15, 1964, to Richard “Dick” and Jean (Rizor) Otto in Battle Creek. Rick graduated from Bellevue High School in 1982, then went on to graduate from Orlando Career Learning Center. He lived in Florida for 20 years with his significant other, Robin Ingram.
Rick loved to be on the water and spending time with family; boating, waterskiing, fishing and playing cards. He spent many years at the family cottage on Wall Lake in Delton. He was always busy as a handyman, building, repairing and always organizing something. He was “Uncle Rick” to everyone. He was a loving son and brother.
Rick was preceded in death by his father, Richard. He is survived by his mother, Jean (Dick) Otto; sisters, Karen (Mike) Lennon, Connie (Bob) Wagner, and Brenda (Ron) Koziol; several nieces and nephews; and many other special family members including Robin’s three sons, daughter-in law, and grandsons.
Graveside services will be held at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery on Monday, June 21 at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome. The family wishes to invite family and friends to also join them for a celebration of Rick’s life at the Bellevue Conservation Club (8484 Greenfield Hwy., Bellevue) following the graveside service.
Kelly J. Tuttle
Kelly Jo Tuttle, 58, of Charlotte, a woman with a wicked sense of humor and compassion for others, died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at home in Charlotte. Kelly was born on October 8, 1962, in Lansing. Kelly chose her own path through life, experiencing highs and lows, including the occasional struggle along the way. In the end, she found peace and happiness with her family, and her beloved pets. Recently, she worked at the Holiday Inn in Charlotte, where she developed a strong sense of family with her coworkers. Kelly’s friends will remember her sympathetic nature, penchant for living life to the fullest, and her lasting sense of humor and love.
Kelly is survived by her parents, Karen and Dean Steward; siblings, Missy (Ron) Letts, Eric Steward, Cheril Smith, Steve Steward, Alex (Tina) Steward, Journey (Dennis) Kunstman, and Jeremy (Nick Plakas) Steward; several nieces and nephews and extended family; and her beloved cat, Gabby. She was predeceased by her infant sister, Angela; and her nephew, John Palmer.
Friends are encouraged to support Kelly’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. A private family Celebration of Life will be held later this summer. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Earl Hooghouse
Earl “Butch” Cornelius Hooghouse, 81 of Charlotte, loving husband and father, died June 3, 2021. He was born in Charlotte, Michigan on May 16, 1940, the son of Lewis and Mary Irene (Maurer) Hooghouse. Butch graduated from Charlotte High School in 1952, and worked at many different places until his retirement in 1999. Some of the employers include Diamond REO, Cook Heating, Eaton County caring for the Physical Plants and Grounds, and he retired from Ingham County where he worked building maintenance, properties, and purchasing.
Earl is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Lewis Hooghouse of Bellevue, Gary Hooghouse of Charlotte, and Terry Hooghouse of Charlotte; and one grandson, Terry Lewis Hooghouse of Charlotte.
Friends are encouraged to support Butch’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 25, 1:00 PM at the American Legion in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.