Charlie Kelly

Charlie Kelly, of Cadillac, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. He was 36.

Charlie is survived by his loving family; his mother, Jan Kelly; sister, Katy Beebe and her kids, Quin, Paige and Tyler Beebe; sister, Dani Evans and her husband, Lucas, and their kids Isaiah, Ethan and Zach Evans. 

He was preceded in death by his dad, Chuck Kelly.

Some people leave their mark on the world through titles, achievements, or recognition; Charlie did all those things. He served as a Marine, earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, and successfully managed Kelgraphics: but that is not how those who loved him will remember him.

He will be remembered by his family for always being there. He showed up for every event he was invited to whether a bonfire at the lake, a canoe trip down the Manistee, or being the fireworks master on the 4th of July. Charlie was readily willing to figure out handyman projects his mom and sisters needed help with; if he didn’t know how, he would figure it out! Many holidays and long weekends were spent at his parents’ house with family. He loved to join in a game of croquet or badminton with his nephews and niece. Family was Charlie’s priority. He was always there.

The memories of Charlie poking at the fire while on camping or snowmobile trips will live on in our stories. His fascination with the outdoors ran deep and he hiked to many gorgeous destinations. He loved photography and captured nature’s beauty and wildlife while on his adventures. He also became the family photographer at his sister’s insistence. 

Charlie shared a deep and special bond with his parents. He and his mom read the same book series from the time he was a young boy, and those stories led to many meaningful conversations over the years.

With his dad, Charlie shared a lifelong love of the Manistee River, creating treasured memories that remained close to his heart.

Family was everything to Charlie. He loved hearing about the lives of Isaiah, Quin, Ethan, Paige, Zach, and Tyler and watching them grow into remarkable young people. He was proud of each one of them and never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments.

He was also blessed with a lifelong friendship with Travis Butkovich. For years, Wednesdays were known as "Charlie Night". Charlie and Travis would get together, play games, catch up on life, and by the end of the night solve all the world's problems. It became such a tradition that Travis's children would ask is Charlie Night at our house or his.

Charlie lived life differently than many people, but he lived it fully and on his own terms. He loved and showed up consistently for the people who mattered most.

His passing leaves a hole in our hearts and in our world that will never be filled. While we grieve the loss of his physical presence, we hold tightly to our memories and the love shared. His legacy lives on in the stories we tell, the traditions we continue, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

Charlie will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

A service will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 5 p.m. with light refreshments to follow at Lifehouse Assembly of God, 1120 W. Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Lung Association.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com.

The family is being served by Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charlie Kelly, please visit our floral store.