Charles Frederick Holzworth

Charles Frederick Holzworth of Caro, age 91, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Tuscola County Medical Care Community surrounded by the love of his family. He was born September 1, 1934 in Caro, the son of the late Jacob and Winifred (Hickey) Holzworth. Charles graduated from Caro High School with the class of 1953, and later that same year he married the love of his life, the former Patricia Conner, on September 26th.

Charles began working at Kroger at the age of 17 and dedicated thirty-three years there, retiring in 1984 as a senior grocery clerk. During that time, he endured a serious battle with renal tuberculosis, spending two years in the hospital fighting a disease he was not expected to survive. True to his hardworking nature, Charles also drove a school bus from 1967 until 2007. He loved driving students and was always willing to volunteer for away games.

A lifelong lover of horses, Charles raced at rodeos and participated in harness racing, working alongside Howard Putnam to train and groom many horses over the years. He was a charter member of the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Posse Mounted Division, serving for many years alongside his brother, Elwood Sharp. Charles looked forward to providing security for the county fair each year, where he enjoyed seeing the horses and reconnecting with familiar faces. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and had a deep love for animals. He shared his life with dogs at every stage, first as trusted hunting companions and later as devoted friends. His most recent companion, Sudie the Dachshund, held an especially cherished place in his heart.

Charles had quite a sweet tooth, a love he inherited from his mother’s baking. He was known as the “Bingo King” at Tuscola County Medical Care Community, winning countless prizes that he happily passed along to his great-grandchildren. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren, teasing them, giving playful “horse bites,” and sharing special moments like staying home on school days to watch The Price Is Right, where he seemed to guess every price correctly. He also shared his love of horses with them, always eager to take anyone willing for a ride.

Known for his quiet demeanor, Charles was a man of few words, but his sense of humor and playful nature spoke volumes. If he was teasing you, you knew you were on his good side. His loving warmth, work ethic, and gentle presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Charles leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of seventy-two years, Patricia Holzworth of Caro; children, Charles (Barbara) Holzworth, David (Ronda) Holzworth, both of Caro, Tamara (Eric) Hugger of Ada, and Lori (Douglas) Block of Weidman; grandchildren, Jennifer (Matthew) Hostetler, Steven (Chelsea) Holzworth of Traverse City, David Holzworth of Bonita Spring, FL, Casey Nachtweih of Clarkston, Jessica (Marshall) Harvey of North Pole, AK, Jacob (Diane) Brown of Lake Orion, Zachary Mis of Lansing, Kyle (Heidi) Brohm of Shipshewana, IN, and Caitlin Brohm of Rittman, OH; fourteen great-grandchildren; brother, Konrad (Kathleen) Holzworth of LaGrange, IN; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Hazel Grace Brohm; and siblings, Elwood (Onalee) Sharp, Charlotte (Dale) Tomlinson, and George Holzworth. The family would like to thank the Tuscola County Medical Care Community for the excellent care they provided to Charles.

In keeping with Charles’ wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Caro First Baptist Church with Rev. Marc Herron officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Caro First Baptist Church or the Parkinson’s Foundation.