Obituaries
Gary L. Mandel
Gary Lee Mandel, age 70 passed away January 25, 2020, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born November 2, 1949, to Raymond and Helen (Kieffer) Mandel in Neenah, Wisc.
Throughout his life, he was a factory worker, a social worker in Walworth County, Wisc., and a SSA federal employee retiring in 2011. He loved all Wisconsin sports and outdoor activities — including hiking, biking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, camping, golfing and playing softball.
Preceding him in death were his parents, and sons Shawn I. Mandel and Shannon McQuillin.
Surviving are his partner Lynda Norris, brother Roy (Nancy) Mandel, children Erin Shilo (Jeff Turley) Mandel, Garrett Mandel, Gina (Justin) Langholff Morgan, Shawyn (Kyle) Anderson, ErinRose McQuillin, Samatha (Len) Skar, Roy (Chrystal) Aseltine and Chet (Mandy) Norris, 21 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, special niece Teri Rae Mandel and nephew Rick Mandel and many life-long friends.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
John K. Cripe
John Kenneth Cripe, age 70, passed away on January 25, 2020, in Powell, Tenn. John was born June 18, 1949 in Jackson, Mich.
John enjoyed racing cars in his younger years, as well as mud bogging. He served in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division, where he fought in the Vietnam War. He retired from the Michigan National Guard and General Motors.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Myrtle. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; sister Lois (Terry); six children, John (Jatana), Jill, Janell (Tony), Janie (Justin), Jeremiah and Jeff (Melissa); step-children Bobbi, Scott and Stephanni; grandchildren, Jordan (Alyssa), Justin, Aleisha, Samantha, Michael, Michelle, Zach, J.J., Brandon, Rhyleigh, Gracie, Noah, Meghan, Audrey, Hazel, Maizie, Justice and several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John’s wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at the VFW Post 6056, 230 Mechanic St. in Springport, on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 1 p.m.
Jannette A. Towns
Jannette Alice Towns of Eaton Rapids passed away January 28, 2020, at the age of 80. She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of Hoyle and Mary Agnes (Winegar) McMurtrie. Jannette graduated from Springport High School in 1958 and resided in Eaton Rapids for 54 years. She worked and retired from Eaton Stamping, was a member of the First United Methodist Church in North Parma and loved working in her garden and cooking. Jannette liked to travel, when she was able, to see her grandchildren and extended family.
Jannette is survived by her son, Ted (Patrycja) Towns of Tampa; grandchildren, Maggie, Liam, Connor and Aiden Towns; brothers, Calvin McMurtrie of Parma, Wesley (Rosie) McMurtrie of Parma; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Eugene McMurtrie and Douglas McMurtrie and sister, Gloria Arnold.
Jannette will be cremated and graveside services will be held at a later date. Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Jannette’s memory to the American Heart Association. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, in Eaton Rapids. Visit www.millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Norman E. Reist
Norman Eugene Reist, age 69, of Charlotte, died on January 20, 2020. He worked as a baker at Reist’s Bakery. No funeral services are planned at this time. Arrangements were entrusted to Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Michael G. Tappen
Michael Glenn Tappen Jr., age 51, passed away on January 19, 2020. He was a hardworking man and a talented artist. Halloween was one of his favorite holidays. He expressed his artistry when he had the time to put together a great costume and was creative with Halloween makeup. He was born on May 7, 1968, in Cherry Point, N. C., to Michael and Mary (Schronce) Tappen. Mike graduated from Charlotte High School in 1986 and then earned his associates degree from Baker College. He was in the Marine Corps. A very dedicated, hard-worker, Mike loved his job on the road trucking, working for a few different companies, including Michigan Packaging and Georgia Pacific. He had currently been employed by Pam Transport. Kind and thoughtful, Mike was always reaching out and finding ways to help others and was generous with his time. He had a great sense of humor but also a stubborn streak that would drive his family crazy. The pride of his life was his three daughters and his granddaughter, and he would brag about them to everyone that would listen.
Michael is survived by his daughters, Hayley, Taylor and Sydney Tappen; granddaughter, Asyria Hill; mother, Mary Tappen; and siblings, Tammy Sherman, Karen Tappen, and Cathy Troutner; his aunt, Carol Tappen, grandma, Kathryn Tappen; and former-wife and best friend Kenda Tappen. He was predeceased by his father, Michael Glenn Tappen Sr.; grandfather, Milan Tappen; and uncle, John Tappen.
Funeral services were held January 23, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mike on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.