Pam K. Hodge

Pam Kae Hodge, 54

Pam Kae Hodge passed from this life, surrounded by her family and friends in the morning hours of Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Hiland Cottage. 

A memorial gathering is planned for Sunday, July 16, 2017 from 4:00-6:00 p.m., at Foster’s Pond, 2089 Greenwood Rd., Petoskey, A remembrance service will take place at 5:06 p.m. and will be led by Pastor Kathy Snedeker.

Pam’s life began in Waco, Texas on December 6, 1962 when she was born to Thomas and Janie (Crites) Carpenter.  She grew up primarily in Saginaw and was a graduate of Douglas MacArthur High School.  Pam went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University. 

Pam has worked for many years as a Regional Sale Representative for ALP/Bill Brown Sales, formerly Lexalite. 

To say that Pam was active in Amateur Softball would be an immense understatement.  Her love of softball began with her days playing for Douglas MacArthur High School, where she led her team to victory in the Class B State Championships in 1981.  As a member of the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals, her team participated in at least three of her four college years nationally in NAIA national competition.  She achieved 1st Team High School All American status in 1981 and was named to College All American 1st Team status in 1983.  For more than three decades Pam has never seen a spring or summer pass in which a bat or glove has not been in her hand.   She participated in no less than 17 Amateur Softball Association National Championships and played on two separate title teams.  She was Junior Varsity Coach for both Boyne City High School and Petoskey High School, and for her dedication to the sport she was inducted into the Michigan Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame on January 17, 2009.  

Pam gave of herself freely and her dedication to others knew no bounds.  She had an incredible work ethic and a can do spirit that helped to inspire those around her.  In her free time she enjoyed our beautiful Northern Michigan sunsets, and nature walks with her dog Kirby, daughter and best friend Meghan and her boyfriend Mike.

As mentioned above Pam is survived by her loving daughter Meghan Friske and her boyfriend Mike Daniel. Pam is also survived by her mom Janie Carpenter, her brothers Thomas (Deb) Carpenter and Randy (Maria) Carpenter, nieces Alissa and Erin Carpenter and nephew Kyle Carpenter and her grandniece Melanie.  She is also survived by former husband and longtime friend Paul Friske.  Pam was preceded in death by her father Thomas in 1995 and by her nephew David Carpenter in 2014. 

Friends wishing to honor Pam’s memory may make contributions in care of her daughter Meghan Friske, this money will be used to establish a fund to assist local amateur softball, 4 Front Credit Union, 1633 S US Highway 131, Petoskey, MI

 Service Information