Claude Leo Holland

Claude Leo Holland, Jr. of Kalkaska, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in Detroit on November 24, 1939, Claude lived a full and deeply meaningful life marked by love for family, friends, service to his country, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors spending his happiest days surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Claude was the beloved son of Claude Leo Holland, Sr. and Emily Rosalie (Nelson) Holland. A proud Detroiter, Claude followed in his father's footsteps, beginning his career as a tool designer at Detroit Design Service—a company founded by his father in the late 1940s. He rose to the position of Vice President, demonstrating his drive, talent, and dedication at a young age. He went on to learn engineering skills at Albion Corporation. He retired from Ford Motor Company in 2001 after a long successful career as an engineer. Trading stocks was his passion and hobby after retirement.

In 1963, Claude answered the call to serve his country, completing six months of active duty at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, followed by three and a half years in the United States Army Reserves.

Claude’s life was one filled with outdoor adventures and deep friendships. He met the love of his life, Sharon Marie, while they were both active in a local bowling league. After a few years of dating, they were married on September 12, 1964, a partnership that would last until Sharon’s passing in 2011. They made their home in Livonia, where they raised their two children. As fate would have it, Claude has reunited with her in time for what would have been their 61st wedding anniversary.

Claude is survived by his loving children, Amber Marie DesJardin and Claude Adam (Ginny) Holland and his cherished grandchildren: Ryan, Neo, Brooke, Gillian, and C. Wyatt and his great-grandchildren Elizabeth and Jakob, sister in law Deborah (Gary) Kaiser and many nieces, nephews, close friends and hunting buddies whose lives he touched over the years and meant so much to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sharon, his son-in-law Tony DesJardin, and his sisters Lynn Galway, Dolores Gaudreau, and Louise Donaldson and also by his nephews Chuck Donaldson and Doug Kaiser.

A true outdoorsman, Claude found joy and peace in the great outdoors, he was an avid and skilled hunter. He found joy in rabbit, pheasant, deer, bear and elk hunting. He was also quite a fisherman; he especially loved salmon fishing. He was a simple man who loved the beauty of being Up North, in nature watching the wildlife, particularly the bald eagles. He found delight in planting apple trees and picking wild mushrooms on his property, enjoying the peace of the woods. He was truly one of a kind with his great sense of humor that we will always hold dear to our hearts. He built a beloved retirement home Up North, next to his sister Louise on Bear Lake, where family gathered and lifelong memories were made and will be forever cherished.

Claude enjoyed family cruises, especially a breathtaking Alaskan cruise in 2023 with his two children. He loved being a snowbird spending time in Florida with friends in the winter. These moments brought him immense joy and were a source of storytelling for years to come.

He was a proud member of both the American Legion Livonia Post and the Kalkaska Eagle’s Club. Claude held a special place in his heart for the hunting camp in Hillman, where countless stories, friendships, good times and traditions were shared.

In accordance with Claude’s wishes, cremation will take place. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 4th from 12pm-3pm at One Under Banquet Center 35780 Five Mile Rd in Livonia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Kalkaska Eagles Club Post 4496, 15854 W. M-72 Hwy - Grayling, MI 49738.