Fred E. Hart

Fred Ellis Hart, 64, of South Boardman, entered eternal peace on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, with loved ones by his side. Fred was born in Flint, Michigan on May 22, 1960, the son of Fred and Ellen (Howell) Hart. He married Karen (Buckel) Hart on November 17, 2000 in South Boardman. Fred was a resident of Flushing, graduated from Flushing High School in 1978, and was employed by Halo Burger, Hamady Brothers, and Coca-Cola. Fred went on to the Michigan Institute of Technology, after which he started his own heating and cooling business in the Flint Area. He was hired by Phillips Energy and moved to Kalkaska County in the early 90s. In August of 1992 he began a career at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company (now DTE) out of Traverse City as a Service Technician. He worked directly with customers for twenty-three years, making sure his customers knew they came first, even in the middle of the night or on weekends when calls came in. In 2015 Fred transferred to DTE’s high-pressure side of the business as a Tech II and worked on transmission pipelines and at stations out of Kalkaska. His knowledge of gas and operations was greatly respected. Fred retired at the end of 2019 after a twenty-seven year career. Since he was gifted with exceptional mechanical aptitude and engineering skills, Fred joyfully assisted his family, friends, and colleagues in person and over the phone even through his last days here on earth. Fred enjoyed fishing, hunting, beekeeping, cooking, canning, driving his 4-wheeler, and watching various Michigan sports teams, especially the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and Michigan Wolverines. However, his biggest passion was for Harley Davidsons, proudly owning many models over the years. Family was a large part of Fred’s life, being the fun uncle with his outgoing personality and endless jokes. Although still maintaining that role, after the passings of his brothers, he became a father-figure to his nieces and nephews, a selfless act of kindness that will always be cherished. He loved summer cookouts at the lake, hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and welcoming his family and friends to his home anytime. Fred made an effort to know everyone, and everyone certainly seemed to know and to remember him. Surviving are his wife of 24 years Karen, mother-in-law Zenita Buckel of Traverse City, long time treasured friend Sue Seitz of Kalkaska, Uncle “Bill” William DeBruyn of Kentwood, Aunt Edna (James) Alecci of Burton, sister-in law Diane Keyton (Bob Lewis), brothers-in-law Greg (Jan) Buckel and David (Dawn) Buckel, all of Traverse City, nieces and nephews Janel (David) McGaffigan of Manistee, Deborah (the late David) Snyder of Kalkaska, Laura Hart of Gaylord, Susan Hart of Fife Lake, Scott (Mary) Hart of Lehigh Acres, FL, Aaron Fasel of Traverse City, James (Danielle) Keyton III of Raleigh, NC, Corey (Cessa) Keyton of Traverse City, Darren (Tessa) Keyton of Interlochen, Ben Buckel (Lauren Adams) of Traverse City, Kari (Tiffany) Buckel of Jordan, MN, Emily (Eric) Videan of Traverse City, and Lauren (Dex) Teen of Gross Ile, as well as numerous cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, special friends Elwin and Greta Hall of South Boardman, and Loyd and Karen Harrell of Kalkaska, along with his precious rescue cats Isabelle and Harley. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Ellen (Howell) Hart, brothers and sisters-in-law Gary (Sue) Hart and Terry (Gina) Hart, niece Lisa Hart, and father-in-law Brian Buckel, as well as his dear pets Tosha, Bennie, Maxie, and Crusher. Fred’s family extends their deepest thanks to each of his medical doctors, nurses, medical staff, and so many other friends who assisted him on his journey home. Per Fred’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Fred’s final resting place will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Kalkaska. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 27 at 11:00 am at Kalkaska Funeral Home with a visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Kidney Companions P.O. Box 325 Traverse City, MI 49685 or to Kalkaska County Animal Control 605 N. Birch Kalkaska, MI 49646. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Fred E. Hart

May 22, 1960 - February 18, 2025