Michael VanElls Obituary

Michael D. VanElls, a lifelong resident of St. Johns, Michigan, died peacefully at his home on June 23, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer that began in 2017. He was 79 years old.
Born on October 31, 1945, Mike was the youngest - "the baby" - of fifteen children born to Edgar and Eleanor (Fernholz) VanElls. He graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1963.
Following graduation, Michael was eager to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served proudly as a Military Policeman in South Korea, an experience he held in deep regard for the rest of his life. On May 22, 1971, he married Peggy Clapp at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, and together they built a beautiful life over more than fifty-four years of marriage.
After returning home, Michael began his career with Nabisco, where he worked as a sales representative for over twenty-nine years - selling cookies and crackers to stores across the region. After Nabisco, he joined Qualex, a company that produced chemicals for one-hour photo development, and later worked as a courier for Sparrow Hospital. He took great pride in his work and was honored to receive Employee of the Month while at Sparrow.
Michael had a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. He loved riding his Honda motorcycle on country roads, especially with Peggy by his side. He was a social man with a big personality, a great sense of humor, and a gift for storytelling. He was a playful teaser, a true character, and a "steak and potatoes" guy who enjoyed time at the casino and Thursdays at Main Street Café. He was a member of a local bowling league in earlier years and took great pride in being a devoted father and grandfather.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy VanElls; daughter, Kristy (Steve) Conz; son, Steve (Cindi) VanElls; and grandchildren: Alex, Hunter, and Luke Conz, Emily VanElls and Autumn Mirkle. He also leaves his siblings: Donna Mae Kuripla, James VanElls, Helen Zezza, Thelma Miller, Dorothy Witt and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his sisters: Rita Thelen, Ruth Hufnagel, Arlene Walling, Alice Gallagher, and Josephine Rogers; and by his brothers: Dale Patrick VanElls, William VanElls, Lawrence Thomas VanElls, and Richard VanElls.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Thursday, June 26, at 11AM with Fr. Anthony Brooks officiating. Friends may visit on Thursday from 9AM until the time of service. Burial and Military Honors will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery.
For further information please phone 989-224-4422.