W. Tapani

Obituary of W. Tapani Hancock, Michigan W. Arthur "Art" Tapani, 80, a resident of Hancock and former Chassell resident passed away Sunday afternoon June 22, 2008, at his home. He was born on March 27, 1928, in Detroit, MI, a son of the late Jacob and Anna (Pikku) Tapani. As a child, he moved with his family to the Klingville area where he attended the local schools and graduated from Chassell High School. Art received a Certificate of Bookkeeping from Suomi College. He married the former Phyllis Marks on May 29, 1954, in Hancock. Together they made their home for 48 years on North Entry Road in Chassell and for the past few years in Hancock. Art was employed as a bookkeeper for Superior Oil Company in Ripley. He later worked for Anderson & Jarvi Lumber Company of Chassell. Art sat on the Board of Directors for the Chassell Co-op and was an active member of SS Peter & Paul Lutheran Church in Hancock for over 50 years. Art loved gardening, cross-country skiing, refinishing furniture and spending time with his grandchildren. He was often found taking pictures of his grandchildren, flowers from his garden and the autumn leaves. Preceding him in death were his parents and his sister, Elvie. Survivors include: His wife: Phyllis Tapani of Hancock His children: Carolyn (Mike) Heinrich of Lake Mary, Fl Jim (Joyce) Tapani of Colorado Springs, CO Don Tapani of Dallas, TX Joan Tapani of Hancock His grandchildren: Braden Tapani, Kristopher Tapani, Whitney Tapani, Nathan Heinrich, Staci Heinrich, Quincy Lorenzetti, Paul Lorenzetti, and Maria Lorenzetti His brother: Allen Tapani of Chassell Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins A memorial service for Art will be held 11 a.m. Thursday June 26, 2008, at SS Peter & Paul Lutheran Church of Hancock with Rev. David Weber to officiate. Burial will be in the Chassell Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday June 26, 2008, from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy the family suggests that memorials be given to SS Peter & Paul Lutheran Church Building Fund or the American Cancer Society. To view Art's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of W. Tapani, please visit Tribute Store