Jan Pape

Jan Henry Pape was a good-hearted man with a special commitment to his family. He was an adventurous outdoorsman who was truly at home in the forests and streams. He lent his sense of humor and compassion to everyone around him and in doing so, brightened many lives. Jan Henry began his life on January 27, 1954, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the fourth of five children born to Henry and Maxine (Selbee) Pape. His father worked as a machinist at Comstock General Motors. As a baby, Jan Henry was nicknamed "poose" (short for papoose) by his family and later in his adulthood, his friends started calling him "J.Fats." Jan Henry's childhood took place mostly within the comforts of the idyllic 1950's and was pretty normal in most aspects. He loved to go outdoors as a child; he could always be found fishing at three ponds on Crosstown Parkway and Rose Street or just hanging out with his brother, Rick. They were both real practical jokers as youngsters and one of their favorite tricks was tying a purse to the line of a fishing pole and tossing it into the street. When unsuspecting motorists stopped to retrieve the purse, they would start reeling it in. This did not go over well with some motorists and they would report it to the police. Jan Henry's mother would get the call at the police station, since this was where she worked as a switchboard operator. If there was one regret he had as a child, it would have been when he was playing with fireworks and one exploded by his brother's ear, leaving him deaf in that ear. Jan Henry also loved Elvis and would use his sister's tennis racket as a guitar and perform many of his favorite hits. He attended Kalamazoo Central. Jan Henry learned early on that he could fix just about anything from cars to trucks and even computers. He had a talent for seeing how something worked, repair the broken part and put it together again. His friends would often ask him to repair their computers or consult with him before purchasing new ones. Jan Henry met and married his former wife, Sandy, when he was about 30. They spent 15 years together and in that time were delighted with the birth of their daughter, Olivia. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce. Jan Henry worked for Welch's for several years as an excellent mechanic and good employee. It was here that he met and fell in love with Deanne Devantier in 1994. Their love flourished over the next several years and they were wed on June 20, 1997. They were thrilled by the birth of their daughter, Shana. He loved his family deeply with a large and benevolent heart. Jan Henry's love for the outdoors would stay with him throughout his life and provided him with some of his favorite pursuits. He enjoyed deer hunting, especially when they camped out in a tent and had a roaring fire. One of his favorite places to deer hunt and camp was in the Upper Peninsula, though he dreamed of one day going to Alaska to see the last frontier. There were many fond memories of family camping trips to Cold Brook Park in Climax where they would lake fish, golf and enjoyed cooking on the fire. Jan Henry enjoyed cooking and baking and was inspired by his Grandma Ethel May Selbee. Her delicious meals with ham, pot roast and homemade pies made wonderful memories for him. He also enjoyed his mother's pot roast and chop suey and grilling in his backyard. He eventually taught himself how to play the guitar so he wouldn't have to use a tennis racket to enjoy his Elvis music. As a young adult, Jan Henry's parents divorced and in this trying time, he became very close with Harold and Sandy Bennett, their older neighbors. They would spend the time with Jan Henry taking him fishing and doing other things a father would normally do. They maintained a special relationship their entire life and they drew ever closer on that sad day when Harold died a few years ago. Harold left cherished footprints on Jan Henry's heart. Sandy continued to foster their time together and helped fulfill Jan Henry's life long dream when in 2002 they traveled to Alaska to explore the last frontier. Jan Henry saw his dream as they flew over Mt. McKinley, golfed and experienced the grandeur of the "Last Frontier" by traveling much of the roads in a motor home. It truly was a dream come true! Jan Henry knew that true joy and happiness came from being surrounded by family and friends. He also found that you are not here by chance, but by God's choosing. This helped nurture his faith which also played a part in his life in recent years when he became a Christian being baptized this past September at the Glendale Baptist Church, where he was a member. Jan Henry died on Thursday, November 13, 2003, at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents; and special friend, Harold Bennett, who treated him as a son. He is survived by his wife, Deanne; daughters: Olivia Pape of Kalamazoo, Shana Pape at home, Audra and Jodie Ottney, both at home; granddaughter, Chloe; three sisters: Sandra (Robert) Swarms of Hickory Corners, Pamela (Ronald) Harness of Portage, and Stacey (Dominic) Cotugno of Naples, FL; a brother, Rick (Debra) Pape of Plainwell; Aunt Beulah Pape; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may spend time with the family Sunday, November 16, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM at the Betzler & Thompson Funeral Homes, M-40 South of I-94, Paw Paw, (269) 657-3870. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, November 17, at 2:00 PM at the Glendale Baptist Church, Pastor Richard Fenner officiating. Interment will be at Wildey Cemetery. To read Jan Henry's life story, share a memory, send flowers or make a memorial contribution to Loaves and Fishes, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com. When you lose a loved one, memories of your times together become treasures of the heart. Jan Henry Pape will be greatly missed by those who knew him.