Michael Paul Hettinger, Sr.

     Michael Paul "Mike" Hettinger, Sr., age 82, of Grayling, Michigan, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Medilodge of Capital Area, Lansing, Michigan.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Michigan. Visitation will be held 4-7 P.M. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the funeral home.
     Michael was born in St. Johns, Michigan on March 29, 1943, the son of Paul J. and Dorothy Mae (Splane) Hettinger. After graduating from Rodney B. Wilson High School, St. Johns in 1961, he then moved to Washington, D.C. where he earned his Associates Degree in accounting, and worked for the FBI. In 1967, Mike joined the U.S. Navy as a Disbursing Clerk serving honorably during the Vietnam War, until his discharge in 1971. He then settled in the Grayling area where he established an accounting business and lived for over 50 years.
     Mike was an avid supporter of Veterans programs and dedicated his life to fundraising and charitable works in support of Veterans in need throughout Michigan. During his life, he operated a non-profit veteran's charity and served as the President of AMVETS Post 13 in Higgins Lake, MI. He was a lifelong and active member of the Eagles, Moose, AMVETS, VFW and American Legion organizations.
     He is survived by his son Michael (Monica) Hettinger, Jr.; four grandchildren: Nicholas (Kayla) Anthony, Matthew Anthony, Alexander Hettinger, and Mikayla Hettinger; stepdaughter Dawn (Greg) Warner; stepson Adam Jameson; his brother Thomas Hettinger; his sister Patty (Budd) Sutliff; his niece Tara Sutliff; and his nephew Jason (Usha) Sutliff. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his life partner Pati Newton.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to support Veterans organizations. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.