Michael John Tillotson, age 81, of Manistee, MI entered eternal glory on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital.

He was born March 3, 1942 in Charlevoix, MI, son of the late John & Hazel (Pederson) Tillotson.  He was a graduate of Ellsworth High School with the class of 1960. He attended college at Northern Michigan University receiving his associate's degree and then to earn his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.  Mike proudly served our country as a member of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1961 until his honorable discharge in 1964.  He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol while living in Ellsworth.

Mike was very active in the community, known for his photography business.  He was a contributing photojournalist for the Manistee News Advocate, Ludington Daily News and Traverse City Record Eagle newspapers. He was the man behind the camera at local area events and community organizations. He was attentive to capturing memories of his daughter Kara's scholastic and singing performances. He captured countless meaningful moments as a wedding photographer.  He was a videographer for local public access T.V. where he became famous with the area kids for his public access productions of 'Fur Face" the cat.  In the 80's and 90's, he ran marathons and was a 4H leader in cycling before that.  He was a member of Manistee Camera Club, Manistee Muzzleloaders, Public T.V. Commission and Christian Motorcycle Associates, amongst many other community organizations.

Mike was devoted to Jesus and his faith.  He used his humor and talents to help strengthen faith formation and understanding in children through staging and puppeteering at church.  Mike was attentive and strict to his moral obligations and civic duties in which he took great pride, but his fun-loving jokes, magic and puppets captivated children of all ages.  He participated and worshipped with many local churches and was a member of First Baptist Church of Manistee and facilitated the walk to Emmaus as well as a member at Good Shepherd Church of Manistee where he served as Children's Sunday School Superintendent for over 20 years.

Mike married Rebecca Malek on July 16, 2005 at First Baptist Church in Manistee. He was an avid motorcyclist and enjoyed cycling adventures together with Becky.  Mike simply enjoyed being with his family, sharing a good meal of venison, smelt or even KFC.  Most of all, Mike was a beacon and proud "Pappa" to Lexi and Alex.

He is survived by his wife Rebecca; his daughter, Kara Tillotson Holcomb; granddaughter, Alexandria (Lexi) Holcomb; his first wife, Sandra Tillotson, stepchildren, Christine Malek, Nathan Malek and grandson, Alexander (Alex) Malek; sister-in-law, Sue Tillotson and nephew, Andrew (Maggie) Tillotson and sister-in-law, Sheralyn Beattie.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Thomas (Tom) Tillotson and his son-in-law, Sheriff Wayne Holcomb.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Manistee with Pastor Philip Harrell officiating.  Members of the Manistee County United Veterans Ritual Council will present Mike with military honors. A luncheon and time of continued fellowship will follow.

Memorials can be made in Mike's honor to the First Baptist Church Children's Ministry.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.