Michael E. "Mike" Pappa

Michael E. "Mike" Pappa, 66, of Baroda passed away, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Deacon Jim McFarland officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in Mike's name may be made to Hanson Hospice Center.

Those wishing to sign Mike's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Mike was born Nov. 4, 1957, in Chicago to Russell & Maryrose (Steeves) Pappa. He graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois, Class of 1975 and attended the American Institute of Engineering and Technology in Chicago.

Mike moved to Three Oaks in 1977, where he began working at Lakeshore Body Shop. On April 22, 1978, he married the former Carrie Lynn Grolla in Dolton. In 1993, Mike left to operate Dan's Body Shop in Michigan City and later purchased it in 1995. In 2000, while owning Dan's, Mike also purchased and operated Lakeshore Body Shop. In 2019, Mike purchased P&R Service and merged the two into Lakeshore Body Shop/P&R Service & Towing along with Dan's Body Shop, which his family continues to operate.

Mike was a long-time coach and served as president for many years for the Chikaming Little League in Harbert coaching all three kids. Mike was a devoted family man, working side by side with his sons, which was a dream come true for him. He was always working on home projects and fixing things; giving his own "Mike's special touch." Mike cherished the time spent at his cottage with his family and friends. In 2020, Mike and Carrie purchased their dream home since they were 17, a log cabin, in Baroda. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mike is survived by his wife, Carrie; his children, John (Bobbie Cantrell) Pappa and Danny (Annalise) Pappa, both of Sawyer, Katie Pappa of Fredericksburg, Virginia; two grandchildren, Austin Salisbury and Deziree Coleman; five brothers, Stephen (Pamela) Pappa of Florida, Thomas (Laura) Pappa of Three Oaks, Johnny (Sheila) Pappa of Kentucky, David (Jill) Pappa of Iowa, and Joseph (Kristine) Pappa of Wisconsin; numerous nieces and nephews; and a lifelong friend, John McFarland of New Buffalo. Mike was preceded in death by his parents.