John Maharg

John Maharg, age 75, of Akron, OH, formerly of Cass City, passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Akron, Ohio. He was born March 7, 1950 in Cass City to Kenneth and Maxine Maharg and was raised on his family's dairy farm where he and his three brothers learned the value of hard work and dedication.

John graduated from Cass City High School with the class of 1968 where he excelled as a student athlete. He still holds the single game basketball scoring record of forty four points and affectionately reminded friends that he achieved the record before there was a three-point line. John continued his athletic career playing baseball at Western Michigan University while earning his degree in education.

John returned to the Thumb after college and began teaching and coaching. It was there where he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Kally Pine. The pair married and built their family home themselves, settling once again in Cass City. When the opportunity arose for the young couple to purchase the Rolling Hills Golf Course, John jumped at the opportunity. Through sheer determination, John helped to make Rolling Hills what it remains today; an immaculately cared for golf course where players and guests immediately feel welcomed. John had a knack for connecting with others. Golfers could count on John loudly greeting them by name with their preferred drink of choice on ice upon arrival.

John made an impact on the Cass City community simply by investing in it. A member of the Lions Club and St. Pancratius Catholic Church, John was arguably most devoted to his unofficial coffee club at Forts Store. He and the guys could be found each morning playing cards, lamenting and celebrating the Tigers, and on occasion even making a friendly wager on their success. His greatest investment in the Cass City community, however, was in its youth. As a coach and employer, John's balance of high expectation, sense of humor, and good nature was a winning combination both on and off the playing field.

John's commitment to his family was always evident, but never more than when Kally was diagnosed with cancer. Upon Kally's death, John remained intent on supporting his children in the ways that were important to her. Together, he (and kids) kept their family traditions alive by vacationing, playing cribbage, and decorating for the Christmas holiday. He began most mornings with a phone call to his daughter Lindsay and never missed an opportunity to cheer on his son Chris on the playing field. He was their biggest fan.

John was fortunate to find love twice in his lifetime. He was introduced to Pam Jaroch at Rolling Hills. The two married in 2004 and settled in her hometown of Akron, Ohio. Pam, also no stranger to hard work, helped John build their retirement home on Pretty Lake in Mecosta, Michigan. They

enjoyed hosting friends and family for pontoon rides, golfing at Tullymore where John mowed greens in exchange for free golf, and playing many competitive card games. Pam cared for John throughout his illness until his death.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Pam Maharg; daughter, Lindsay (Jason) Bitzer; son Chris (Katie) Maharg; stepson, Thomas (Brittany) Harrison; brothers, Jeff Maharg and James Maharg; brother-in-law, Mike (Tori) Pine; sisters-in-law, Karen Maharg, Bonnie Meyer; step-siblings, Susan (Ray) Yerg, Linda (Steve) Holder, Nancy (Bob) Poynter, Jan Bruner, and Don Koepfgen; six granddaughters and one grandson; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Maxine Maharg; stepmother, Nelle Maharg; brother, Larry Maharg; and wife, Kally.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial held Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Rolling Hills Golf Course, Cass City, the place he loved most, honoring him with a time of sharing at 4:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place on June 7, 2025 in a private, family ceremony in Elkland Township Cemetery. Those wishing to contribute to his memory may choose to make a memorial donation to Cass City Athletics.