Phillip S. Kuhtic, age 69 of Wayland, died at home Saturday, Nov. 16.

Phil was a Wayland High School graduate, class of 1968, and received a associate degree from Ferris State College. He went on to a career as a tool and die maker and licensed builder. Phil was a girl’s track coach, and 20-year “starter” for local high school track and cross-country programs.

He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, conservationist, and a longtime National Wild Turkey Federation volunteer (state and local board).

He was lifetime member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church and a founding family. Phil’s family emigrated from Croatia and purchased the family farm in 1917.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jan; their son Micah Kuhtic and special friend Alicia Thorpe; grandson Lucian Kuhtic and granddaughter Samara Kuhtic; brother, Milan (Sue) Kuhtic; sister, Susan (David) Wurl; in-laws Wilma (Charles) DeRidder, David (Debra) Brink, Mary Dykstra, Sally (Peter) Mulder, Laura (Scott) Visser, and Dennis (Cindy) Brink; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Stephan and Mary Kuhtic, and infant daughter, Stephanie.

The family will receive relatives and friends Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home in Wayland, 312 N. Main St. with Rosary at 7:45 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to mass at church Saturday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday Nov. 23, at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 159 131st Ave. Wayland, with Fr. Alphonse Savarimuthu officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hunt for a Cure, 2687 44th St. SE, Kentwood, MI 49512.