Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1970
DIED
2021
Michael Orpen Obituary
5/21/1970 - 4/29/2021
It is with tremendous sadness that we announce Michael William Orpen, Sr. passed away on Thursday, April 29th, 2021 after an almost three-year battle with cancer.
Michael was born on May 21st, 1970 in Camden, NJ. He was adopted as an infant by Willam and Jane Orpen. Michael was grateful his entire life for the gift of being raised by two of the most loving and nurturing people a boy could only dream.
Michael's true passions were ATV's and motorcycles. His hobby turned business, Hellbound Racing, showcased his eternal desire to help, support, and engage in the racing community.
He married his wife, Kelli (Mitchell), in 1998. Their 22-year journey together was filled with laughter, travel, family and friends. They have two amazing children, Michael Jr. and Madison.
Michael was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Erwin Orpen and Susan (Crisman), as well as his maternal grandparents L. Raymond and Ethel (Bertholf) Gunter and maternal uncle L. Raymond Gunter, Jr. Michael is survived by his parents William and Jane (Gunter) Orpen, his devoted wife Kelli, two children Michael and Madison, sister Jennifer, niece Emily, and nephews Zachary and John.
One of Michael's childhood dreams was to seek and find his birth family. In 2017, Michael realized this dream by finding his biological family. He was embraced by his biological mother, Jill, two half-sisters, Sherita and Mari, nephew Eric and nieces Ammarae and Alivia. He is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins that loved him the brief time they had together.
There will be a celebration of life for Michael in Texas at Hope Fellowship (Frisco East location) from 5-9 pm on May 21st, 2021. There will be another celebration of life and burial that will be announced at a later date in Columbia, NJ. In lieu of flowers, there has been a trust started for Michael's two children. Donations can be made payable to Kelli Orpen or Charles Schwab at 2775 S. Central Expressway, Suite 140, McKinney, TX 75070.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Orpen
Tom duffy
July 5, 2021
Hello Kelli, I am so sorry for your loss, Mike was and still is a great man, the last time I saw him was right before you went to Texas, it was like a little class reunion, it was myself, Craig Lemoncelli, Chris Wolf, and Scott Stouch, I didn't know about this until last week, Love and prayers, I hope everything is ok. God Bless.
Dave Keyser
May 12, 2021
Mike you were a good friend you will be missed my thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family. R.I.P. Mike.
Joe and Jean Iacovone
May 11, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Larry Zimmerman
May 11, 2021
I am so sorry to hear this. I have never seen a person with the will to live more than Michael had. He is a true inspiration to us all. Kelli I pray that you and your family see peace in knowing how good a man he really was and how many people he touched in his life. I and many others will miss him. God Speed Brother!
Wendy Kammer
May 5, 2021
Kelli, my sincere and deepest sympathy with the loss of your "person". My heart is heavy and I cannot imagine the overwhelming grief you are feeling. I can only send much love and support and ask for peace and reasoning. You are in my thoughts and prayers as well as the entire Orpen family. In great friendship, Wendy Kammer
Mom and Dad
May 4, 2021
Michael, you are a wonderful son and will be missed so very much. Our life will not be the same without you. You gave us a lot of good memories which we will always cherish. We know you are in heaven with God. We love you. Rest In Peace.
Kelli Orpen
May 4, 2021
You will always be my a person. Love never fails. ❤
Jim Miller
May 4, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I only had the privilege of knowing Michael for a few short years but knew he was a kind and thoughtful person immediately. He will certainly be missed by all. God bless your family in your time of grief.
Jennifer Mooney
May 4, 2021
Michael, you are the best brother and amazing person. Those that were lucky enough to know you were so blessed. You fought hard. I will miss you so much.❤❤
Patti Sears
May 4, 2021
What words can ever be found to describe a man who just made the world around him better because of his presence? Heaven is celebrating it’s newest, bright and shining Angel. We all wish we had more time with him... because no matter how near or far you were from Mike, he always made you feel like he was sitting right next to you. We will miss you dear friend! We pray for love and comfort to pour over Kelli, Madison and Michael as they mourn the loss of your presence. It was a fabulous presence. Good job faithful servant. You made us all better for knowing you. I love you all the way to heaven.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Orpen's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Orpen
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Orpen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
