Carole Dorothy Kulhavi

Carole Dorothy Kulhavi, age 82, of White Lake Township, Michigan, passed away on July 23, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and thoughtful devotion to family, friends, and community.

Born on January 15, 1944, in Port Huron, Michigan, Carole carried with her throughout her life the warmth, strength, and spirit that would come to define her. She was a woman who lived with grace and purpose, and she touched the lives of many through her kindness, her steady presence, and her remarkable ability to make others feel cared for and valued. Those who knew her will remember her as loving, generous, and thoughtful, qualities that were evident in every part of her life.

Carole was the devoted wife of John Kulhavi, the love of her life, whom she married on September 5, 2010, in a ceremony officiated by a Chaplain of the United States Army. Carole and John had the wedding vows blessed shortly after at The Reverend Father Leo Lulko at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Highland, Michigan. Their marriage was a true partnership built on deep affection, companionship, and mutual admiration. Carole and John were best friends and one of a kind, sharing a love that was beyond words. John relished watching her smile and shine, and together they created a life filled with joy, enterprise, and treasured memories.

Family was at the center of Carole’s world, and she was a deeply devoted stepmother to Lori Jendruko and her husband Jason, Pam Erk and her husband Tim, Debbie Reid and her husband Jim, Jason Hartman, and Rebecca Hartman and her fiancé Sean. She was a proud and loving grandmother to John Hartman, Elijah Hartman, Isabella Harrington, Dane Harrington, Emmett Harrington, Cody Jendruko, Chase Jendruko, Adam Erk, Campbell Erk, and Sage Erk. Step-grandmother of Lexy Glor and Kassandra Dunn. She also leaves behind her brother, Larry Kramer and his wife Christine, and her sister, Nadine Kramer. Carole treasured her family relationships and embraced each role with a generous heart and an unwavering sense of care.

Carole built a meaningful career as a Financial Advisor, where her professionalism and integrity were appreciated by those she served. She was also a long-time resident of White Lake Township and a dedicated member of her community. Her commitment to helping others was reflected in her volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, where she gave her time freely and with compassion. She was a woman who shined at caring for others, and she found great purpose in serving those around her.

Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was an avid parishioner at The Church of the Holy Spirit in Highland, Michigan. There, she was very actively involved in the church community and spent time packing meals for people in need. Her presence was a source of encouragement and warmth, and she lived her faith through action, service, and kindness. Her devotion to her church family was yet another reflection of the giving heart that guided her life.

Carole and John also shared in the creation and enjoyment of several ventures that brought people together and provided recreation and fellowship. Together they founded, owned, and operated The Pines at Fairview in Oscoda, Michigan, Horny Hollow Hunting Haven, a 1,000-acre recreational camp and former hunting ranch near Mio, Michigan, and Cedar Valley Golf Club, which also served as an RV park. They also enjoyed the camaraderie of the Pohl Cat Golf Club in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. These places reflected their shared energy, vision, and love of gathering with others in settings that encouraged friendship and fun.

Carole was simple and very social, and she loved being with people. She had a natural gift for connection and enjoyed the company of friends and family alike. She loved playing Euchre, and she was known as a cutthroat Go-Kart racer and a highly skilled Bocce Ball player. Her competitive spirit was matched by her joy in the game, and she brought enthusiasm and determination to everything she did. She was a woman who lived fully, laughed often, and made life more vibrant for those around her.

She is also remembered with affection by many dear friends, including Keith and Carole Charters, Skip and Judy Liberty, Wally and Linda Campbell, Bob and Nancy Stuart, Jeff and Jackie Miloff, Mike Harris, Gary and Debbie Dunbar, Jimmie and Louise Adkins, Dennis and Caroline Gable, Rick and Kelly Browning, Rick and Lisa Portt, Steve and Kim Kenfield, Peter Mott, Jeff Seeley, Mary Jo Nalezyty, Eric and Shelley Hipple, Eddie and Cindy Murray, Lomas and Wendy Brown, and The Reverend Father Wayne Ureel. Her friendships were deep and enduring, and she valued the people in her life with sincerity and gratitude.

Carole Dorothy Kulhavi will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the lives she enriched, and the example she set through her kindness, strength, and devotion. She leaves behind a family and circle of friends who will continue to cherish her memory and hold close the many ways she made their lives brighter. Her presence will be deeply missed, and her legacy of love will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

Memorial contributions in Carole's memory may be made to The Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry in Highland, Michigan.