Henry J. “Hank” Couillard Jr., age 63, of 8311 Co. 416 J. Road, Cornell, went to his heavenly home, Monday July 14, 2008, following a lengthy illness.

Hank was born April 14, 1945, in Gladstone, the son of Henry and Prudence (Guindon) Couillard Sr.  He was raised in Gladstone and attended the All Saints Catholic School until the 8th grade.  Hank then continued on to attend and graduate from the Gladstone Senior High School , class of 1964.   Following high school, Hank moved to Chicago where he worked for approximately one year before relocating back to the Delta County area to acquire a position at American Timber Homes.  Hank eventually gained employment for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).  On July 2, 1966, he was united in marriage to the former Patsy Ketcham, at the All Saints Catholic Church.  Together Hank and Patsy resided in Gladstone for 10 years before moving to their current residence in Cornell.  In addition to working at MDOT, Hank enjoyed doing automobile bodywork and working on his family hobby farm.  Hank continued to work for MDOT finally retiring after 32 years of employment.  Hank was the past commander of the Sons of American Legion Post #71.  His many interests included collecting knives, guns and coins.  He was also FFI certified as a gun collector and dealer.  He enjoyed going four wheeling with his retiree friends, relaxing with his family dogs, Bo and Taz and spending quality time with his loving family and grandchildren.  Hank will be fondly remembered for his warm sense of humor, pranks and jokes.  In his earlier years, Hank enjoyed going to hunting camp and spending time in his garden.

In addition to his wife of 42 years, Patsy, Hank is survived by:

1 Son:  Mark (Jess Hannah) Couillard of Gladstone , MI

2 Daughters:  Donna (Fred Cavill) Couillard of Escanaba , MI; Helen (Matt) Thomma of DePere, WI

3 Brothers:  Dale (Cathy) Couillard of Perkins , MI; Donald (Darlene) Couillard of Gladstone; Harland (Lynn) Couillard of Gladstone , MI

2 Sisters:  Florence Kalishek of Gladstone , MI; Gladys Krokstad of Gladstone , MI

2 Step Brothers:  John (Pam) VanMill of Chicago , IL; Larry (Kay) VanMill of Florida

1 Step Sister:  Patsy (Gene) Specht of California

4 Grandchildren:  Dylan and Dustin Couillard, Kyle Thomma and Mara Couillard
Many nieces, nephews and cousins

Hank was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Sr. and Prudence, step father, Henry “Hank” VanMill, brother in law, Jim Kalishek and his maternal and paternal grandparents. 

The Couillard family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00AM to 12:00PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone .  Funeral services celebrating the life of Henry J. Couillard will follow visitation, at 12:00PM, on Friday, with Rev. Fr. Emmett Norden of the St. Francis Hospital officiating.  Luncheon will follow at the Gladstone American Legion Post #71 Hall.  Committal rites and Sons of American Legion services will be conducted at the Fernwood Cemetery .  The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Couillard family with arrangements.