Elden Coats

Elden H. Coats, age 85, of Gladwin, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024. He was born on January 16, 1939, the son of Harley and Ruth (Hanner) Coats, in Clare County. On September 12, 1964, Elden married the love of his life Dorothy Karolewski in Sanford. Together, they shared 60 years of love and cherished memories. 

Elden was a dedicated and hardworking employee at Brown Machine, where he served as a traffic manager for many years before retiring. A lifelong resident of Gladwin, he was also a committed farmer throughout his entire life. Elden proudly served in the United States Army and was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Elden had a passion for hunting and a love for John Deere tractors. He treasured the time spent with his family, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was surrounded by many devoted friends. As the saying goes, "To know him is to love him."

He is survived by his beloved wife: Dorothy; children: Dean Coats (Jeri Miller), Darin (Anna) Coats, and Doreen (Kevin) Gould; grandchildren: Matthew (Alexa), Marina (Nate), Jonathan (Kelly), Alicia (Scott), Laken (Bob), Carson (Megan), Kyle (Savanna), Garrett, Jenna, Natalia, and Cash; great-grandchildren: Aynslee, Huxley, Kannyn, Harleigh, Asher, Ellerie, Jackson, Knox, Charlotte; special sister-in-law: Vicki (Ted) Balzer; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Harley and Ruth; in-laws: John and Katherine Karolewski; great-granddaughter: Emersyn; siblings: Delores (Infant), Wilma Newman, Carolyn Newman, Joe, and Ralph. 

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gladwin, with a luncheon directly following the service. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 2:00-8:00 P.M. at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home in Gladwin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s favorite charity in Elden’s honor. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com