Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Stapor, Thomas "Tom" February 19, 2022 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Patricia Currigan currigan1932@comcast.net March 23, 2023, 9:40 am Ionia Shopper's Guide-Saturday March 5, 2022 STAPOR Mr. Thomas Stapor, age 59, of Hastings, MI, passed away Saturday, February 19th, at Mercy Health Saint Mary's, in Grand Rapids,MI. Tom was born inLansing,MI on March 10, 1962, a son of Charlotte (Lukins) and John Stapor. He was raised in the Grand Ledge area and attended local schools graduating from Grand Ledge High School. Tom attended Ferris State University where he received h is bachelor's degree in Automotive Technology. Tom loved automobiles, and for many years owned and operated The Village AutoSmith, in Charlotte,MI. After closing the shop, he began working with Bosch & Mitchell selling and implementing Automotive Repair Software for repair shops all over Michigan. He later joined NAPA Auto Tech as an Automotive Tech Trainer. This new position was a wonderful fit for Tom as he truly loved interacting with people. His new position offered him the opportunity to travel all over the United States training a wide range of auto mechanics on the latest technological tools related to automotive repair.During 2020 Tom was promoted to a Management position overseeing multiple regions in the United States. In 2009 Tom met the love of his life Darlene (Patterson) Stapor. After many attempts to convince Darlene to go on a first date, it was his invitation to join him for a fish fry of fresh caught Blue Gill which his dad had caught at his home on Middle Lake, in Hastings, MII. Tom and Darlene were married on New Years day, January 1, 2014 under the Mackinaw Bridge. The couple began their lives together in the St.Johns area, but in 2018 purchased Tom's parents home on Middle Lake in Hastings where they established their permanent residence. Middle Lake to become a magical place where the entire family would spend time on the pontoon, cooking out and making lifelong memories. Tom's favorite time of day was sunset and no matter where he was, or what h e was doing, he always took time to sit quietly and watch the day end. Tom and Darlene were the best of friends and did everything together. never ones to sit still very long, they loved being on the go and traveling. They loved taking their Side by Side ATV into Northern Michigan to spend time exploring favorite destinations such as Drummond Island, Silver Lake sand dunes, and the beautiful Upper Peninsula. Their favorite trip, however, was a jeep excursion which lead them to complete the circle loop around the entire Lake Superior. Time spent traveling together was not limited to Michigan however, the couple has also visited several Bahamas Island, Canada, and Most recently spent their 2019 anniversary in Hawaii. Thomas is survived by is beloved wife Darlene, his daughter Samantha (Michael) Robbe, two sons, Shane (Kayce) Nelson, Jacob (Ashleigh)Nelson, niece Olivia (Neil) Cariteser, nephews Brandon (Alisha) Stapor, niece Violet Stapor. A celebration of Tom's life with food and refreshment provided will be held from1 PM to 3 PM on Saturday, March 5th at Welcome Corners united Methodist church in Hastings MI. To honor Tom's battle with Cancer, please consider visiting __________- and purchasing a "Comfy Chemo" article of clothing, and donating it directly to Lacks Cancer Center in Grand Rapids, MI. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Hastings,MI. For further details please visit our website at _________ or scan the QR code. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/s/stapor45304nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 4.0 Kb