Phillip J. Stoddard

Phillip John Stoddard, 65, of Pewamo passed away surrounded by family on February 25, 2026. He was born on July 26,1960, to John (Jack) and Sondra (Sandy) (Starkey) Stoddard of Hubbardston.

Phil dedicated his life to family, faith, and public service. He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Cathy, their children: Kelsey (Joel) Hoffman, Joseph (Danyelle) Stoddard, Janine (Zachary) Schafer, and grandchildren: Camille and Callen Hoffman, Wrenley and Woodson Stoddard, and Eloise and Finn Schafer. Also surviving are his siblings: Larry Stoddard, Linda (Troy) Wooten, Ed (Kelly) Stoddard, sisters-in-law: Cristy Stoddard, Beverly (Gary) Fessenden, Theresa (Mike) Carr, Deb (Mike) Bowen, Jody (Rob) Hilton, brothers-in-law: Jim (Jan) Bogardus, Scott (Alona) Bogardus, aunts: Mary Caris, Shirley Stoddard, Dorothy Stoddard, Stephanie Starkey, uncle: Steve Kimball, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Steven Stoddard, mother and father- in-law Fred and Barbara Bogardus, and brother-in law Fred Bogardus.

Phil grew up in Hubbardston and graduated from Carson City High School in 1978. He received his Business Administration degree from Central Michigan University in 1982 and upon graduating, ran a competitive campaign for State Representative in Michigan’s 89 th District, worked for Right to Life, and then began his lifelong career of public service when he hired into the Department of Corrections, alongside his future wife Cathy, as an officer in 1986. In 1988, he went to work for the State of Michigan’s Office of Retirement Services. Working his way up from Departmental Analyst to Director, he spent the next 27 years proudly serving the State’s employees and retirees. He served on many national roundtables and received many accolades for his service and leadership.

Phillip married Cathy Bogardus on October 15, 1988. In addition to raising their family and building their careers, they owned and operated the Hubbardston Market alongside family from 1990-1996, served as dedicated parishioners of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (Hubbardston) and St. Joseph Catholic Church (Pewamo). Phil served these parish families in many capacities, most notably as a faithful advocate for charitable giving and the betterment of parish facilities. He also served as a member of the Pewamo-Westphalia School Board from 2005-2012.

When Phil and Cathy moved their family to Pewamo in 1998, they were blessed to find an incredible group of friends who became like family. Phil valued their time together and enjoyed frequent family gatherings, trips, and card games over the years.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to all the friends and family who have supported them throughout this journey, as well as the staff at Green Acres of Ionia for their loving care over the last 9 months.

The visitation will be held on Monday, March 2, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pewamo, with a rosary at 3:30 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Church in Hubbardston at 1:00 p.m. (visitation 1 hour before), with Father Darrel Kempf and Father Charlon Mason officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at the St. John the Baptist Cemetery, as well as a luncheon in the parish hall.

Contributions can be made to the Pewamo St. Joseph Parish “Breaking Barriers” building campaign, or to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

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