Michael A. Kathmann

Michael A. Kathmann, 76, of Caledonia, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026 after a 4 year battle with Melanoma.

Born on May 4, 1949, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mike was a proud graduate of St. Xavier High School and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Insurance and Finance from the University of Cincinnati. In 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, MaryJean, and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

In 1975, Mike relocated to Michigan to serve as a state agent for Cincinnati Insurance Company. Drawn to the independence of agency life and the beauty of Michigan summers on the lake, he joined Syrett Zeerip Weidenfeller Insurance in 1979 and spent the rest of his distinguished career as a respected independent insurance agent. A Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Mike was actively involved in multiple professional organizations and known for his integrity, expertise and always putting his clients first.

An avid sports enthusiast, Mike loved golfing, playing softball and basketball, and enjoying water sports. Ambidextrous and competitive, he brought the same energy to the field or the lake as he did to everything in life.

Deeply committed to his faith, Mike was a member of the finance and parish councils, and longtime usher at Holy Family Catholic Church in Caledonia, where he set a quiet but powerful example of service to others. He was a consummate storyteller, quick-witted with a dry sense of humor, and could light up any room. 

Above all, nothing was more important to Mike than his family. His devotion to MaryJean and their three sons was the cornerstone of his life.

Mike’s legacy of kindness, humor, faith, and selfless service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Lorraine Kathmann.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, MaryJean Kathmann; children, Patrick (Lori) Kathmann, Scott (Krista) Kathmann, Brian (Sarah) Kathmann; grandchildren, Kelly, Erin, Leo, Jackson, Lily, Molly, Abigail, Benjamin; siblings, Patricia Bertsch, Dan (Diane) Kathmann, Tim (Lisa) Kathmann; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Colleen and Bill Troehler; many nieces, nephews, friends; and three grand dogs.

Funeral services will be held 11 am Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Holy Family Church, 9669 Kraft SE, Caledonia, with Rev. Michael Cilibraise officiating.  Burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday from 4-7 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 616 E. Main St. SE, Caledonia. A Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus at 6:40 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to PreBorn.