Kenneth "Dutch" F. Holland, born at home in Redford Twp, Michigan on August 10, 1949, passed away at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan, on December 17, 2022.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Rose, and brother Norm.

Dutch is survived by: his children Keith, Karl, and Erica; his chosen family, Johnny, Randi, Torry, Krista, Troy, and Jared, and their mother, Trish; the grandchildren who he was caregiver for close and away; his sisters Gloria, Judith, and Cynthia; and his nieces and nephews.

Dutch attended St. James Episcopal Church and Redford Union Schools as a child in Redford Twp.  A life-long giver, he served as a young Marine honorably serving his country in Vietnam and the Marine Corps Reserve.  Once discharged from his military service, Dutch joined General Motors where he built many friendships at plants in Flint (where he retired) and most of his years at the Fisher Body Plant in Detroit.  He moved to Pinckney, Michigan, where he opened his home to care for his children, friends, and their children all is life. Dutch was a well-liked guy to everyone who knew him. Dutch was a stable presence in some of the hardest moments of others' lives, giving them they opportunities they didn't get anywhere else.

Dutch read his newspaper every day with a cup of coffee, liked his sports (Go Blue!), and managed lots of kids' and grandkids' daily school and after school activities his whole life, almost always with a big smile on his face (even when he was sleeping).  He had built some of the best memories with his old friends and comrades playing softball, horseshoes, canoeing, boating, and kibitzing at card-games.  Although there were years of hardship for him, the last four living in Kingsley, Michigan, have been transformative for Dutch.  He became a new man.  These recent years were some of the bests of his life having experienced a length of recovery, strengthening bonds with his friends and family, and living a full life of meaning and purpose in service to others.  His legacy is one of acceptance, sacrifice, inclusiveness, and above all, the ultimate giver's story.

Dutch's immediate, close family held a good-bye gathering on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell- Traverse City Chapel.  The family will receive friends during a Celebration of Life event shortly after the new year.

In remembrance of Dutch's life, the family asks that friends pray for the young ones Dutch has left behind, those who are in their recovery journey, and the Veterans who may feel alone this season.  You may reach out to his daughter, Erica, at ekarfont@umich.edu for more information about Dutch's Celebration of Life event.

Please share a condolence or memory with Dutch's family at https://www.beaconfh.com/obituary/kenneth-dutch-holland

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Kingsley Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com