Carolyn Irene Dantes, 82, of Coldwater passed away peacefully November 5, 2025 at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility in Coldwater, MI.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Coldwater, MI with Rev. Barrett Lee officiating. A private burial of ashes will be held at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 10, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater, MI.
Carolyn was born November 23, 1942, in West Allis, WI, to Marvin and Vivian (Bevers) Skalmusky. August 12, 1997, Carolyn married the love of her life, Neal J. Dantes, in Coldwater, MI and he survives. Together they shared many wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
Carolyn dedicated over 40 years of her career to the Coldwater Hospital Lab Department, where she was known for her hard work, professionalism, and kindness toward both colleagues and patients. Following her well-earned retirement, she continued to give back to her community as a devoted member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Coldwater.
Carolyn had a passion for life and an adventurous spirit, traveling extensively she visited many lighthouses and places of interest, always embracing each new experience with enthusiasm.
She held a special place in her heart for animals and was quite the collector of bears. Carolyn also enjoyed quiet moments spent reading, playing games on her electronics, and cherishing time with her family; but above all, she treasured her role as a grandmother, her grandchildren were truly the light of her life.
Carolyn will be remembered for her warm heart, loving smile, and steadfast faith. Her love and generosity will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
In addition to her husband Neal Dantes of Quincy, MI, Carolyn leaves behind her children Larry “Bud” Pothoof, Jr. of Coldwater, MI, Brett (Jennifer) Pothoof of Holland, MI, Erik (Jenny) Dantes of Kalamazoo, MI, Wendy (Gary) of OH; her siblings Marva (Chuck) Ohman of Kaukauna, WI, Linda (Bill) Mavrinac of Tucson, AZ, Gary (Chan) Skalmusky of Kaukauna, WI; her 8 grandchildren Jayden (Gena Mack) Pothoof, Ryan Pothoof, Brenna (Aaron Holstege) Pothoof, Tyler (Elisia) Pothoof, Justin Pothoof, Abby (Anthony) Dantes, Lydia Dantes, Jillian Dantes; 3 great grandchildren Cerys, Sunni Bo, Pine Pothoof; and her many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Greg Pothoof, her stepson Toby Dantes, and her sister Mary.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church or to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
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