Michael A. Cathcart

Sergeant 1st Class Michael A. Cathcart passed away unexpectedly November 14, 2014 in Kunduz Province Afghanistan of wounds received from small arms fire while on dismounted combat operations. Age 31 years. He was born July 26, 1983 in Bay City, Michigan. While living in Bay City Michael attended the former Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church. He was a 2001 graduate of Bay City Central High School. Following High School he enlisted in the United State Army, he was currently assigned to the 3rd Battalion,3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) (Green Berets), Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. During his time in the military he received several awards; four Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, a Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, four Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three bronze service stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars, Global War on Terrorism Medal, three Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Nato Medal, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Military Master Freefall Parachutist Jump Master Badge, Master Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge. In his free time he enjoyed skydiving, craft beers, playing poker and his greatest passion was hockey. Left behind to cherish his memory are his fiancée; Heather Oliver, his sister and brother-in-law; Trishia and Michael Watson, three very special nieces; Nellie, Sonia and Wren, his mother; Jeanne Cathcart, his grandparents; Michael and Patricia Cathcart, his aunts and uncles; Linda Cathcart, Steve (Chris) Cathcart, and Ed Cathcart, and the 1st Special Forces Regiment. He was preceded in death by his great grandmother; Nellie Peplinski and his faithful companion; Adele. The Funeral Liturgy will take place Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at All Saints Parish-St. Boniface Campus (501 N. Lincoln St. Bay City, Michigan 48708). The celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Stephen J. Fillion with interment following in Green Ridge Cemetery. Full Military Honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army. The family will be present at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Tuesday to receive family and friends from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Vigil for the Deceased will take place Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Michael will be taken to the church on Wednesday to lie in state from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to the Special Forces Charitable Trust or the Wounded Warrior Project in Michael's memory. www.gephartfuneralhome.com